Talk-It-Up Tuesday with Ryan Maifield

 
This coming weekend is the one and only Reedy Offroad Race of Champions. Yet another heavy hitter coming into this year's event is Team Associated's Ryan Maifield. Maifield dominated the field in all three modified classes at the recent CRCRC Midwest Electric Championships, and is looking to do it again at this year's Reedy Race. We sat down with RM for this edition of "Talk-It-Up Tuesday!"
 

  
 

LiveRC: Welcome Ryan to "Talk-It-Up Tuesday!" Let's jump right in talking about your stunning performance at CRCRC. You definitely looked on top of your game. Tell us a little about the race.

Ryan: Thanks Mike. The event went better then I could of expected, I always expect to be competitive but not to have a weekend like that. My cars and tires were amazing so it made my job a little easier. Thanks to "CRCRC" and "The Ohio R/C Factory" crew and staff, they always put on a great race.

LiveRC: Coming into the event did you feel confident that you would dominate all three classes?

Ryan: I don't ever expect to dominate any race I attend, with the competition level these days all you can do is go as prepared as you can, try your hardest, and hopefully it will go good for you.

LiveRC: The Reedy Race is coming up fast. What sort of things have you been doing to prepare for it?

Ryan: I'm not doing anything out of the ordinary, the Reedy Race is very prestigious and exciting event, but I try to treat it like any other event and go as prepared as possible. To prepare for any event I just typically make sure my equipment is fresh, my attitude is positive, and just go race.

LiveRC: Who do you think your biggest competition heading into the event will be and why?

Ryan: The obvious people are always my biggest competition, Ryan Cavalieri and Jared Tebo, but with the race format the way it is at Reedy anyone has a chance. Throw some international flavor and drivers in the mix, and you never know what can happen.
 
 
LiveRC: What are your thoughts on the new location of the event?

Ryan: I don't really have any thoughts. I liked West Coast R/C, and it's sad that it's gone, but OCRC is great replacement location. At the end of the day, the Reedy Race could be anywhere and be a awesome event, as racers we are just lucky it's in beautiful Southern California. 
 
 
LiveRC: Will you be running the new B5?

Ryan: We will not be running the new buggy at the Reedy Race, mainly because they don't exist yet, and because we don't have a lot of time with the vehicles. The Reedy Race is not a race that you can go un-prepared and be successful. Just like any new vehicle, we will need some wheel time to get the setups where each driver wants them to be and get the feel we are looking for.

LiveRC: What are your first impressions of the new buggies?

Ryan: I'm not gonna say anything specifically, lets just say I'm extremely excited and anxious for the new car and you guys should be too.

LiveRC: You seem to be a mid-motor guy, why mid over rear motor?

Ryan: The mid-motor platform seems to produce more corner speed on almost every surface compared to a rear-motor car. It's not for everyone, however, as sometimes it is difficult to find the right shock package for the track you are at. For your average racer a rear motor car is a lot more versatile then a mid motor, and less sensitive to tire and setup.
 
 
LiveRC: Rumor has it there may be a new 1:8 scale buggy in the works as well. Can you give us any details of the new buggy, or where we might see its debut?

Ryan: I can't give any details other then it will be a whole new platform and hopefully we will be debuting it at the Nitro Challenge coming up next month. I can't wait!
 
 
LiveRC: You just signed on once again with JConcepts for 2014. You guys have a pretty strong bond together. When, where, how, and why did you become a part of the JC team?

Ryan: Jason Ruona and I have always been friends since the 90's, and once he started making bodies he asked if I wanted to run for him. Of course I did, and then when he started doing tires I jumped all the way on board. It's been fun and exciting watching JConcepts grow, and it's been an awesome experience working with the JC team and especially with Jason. He's crazy smart, and great to work with developing new products. I can't thank him and the whole crew enough for all the opportunities, and for making my racing go a lot smoother over the years with their help and incite.
 
 
LiveRC: All of the tire companies, including JConcepts, have developed a HUGE variety in tires. Is there a certain "go to" tire of choice for you in most situations?

Ryan: Usually any event I go to JConcepts and Associated has some great local talent, so I try and pick their brains and get an idea of what works there. Whatever they say, that's my "go to tire" for that event. Other then that not really, I race at so many different tracks I have to keep an open mind on what may or may not work at that track.

LiveRC: As the nitro season approaches, will you once again be running LRP Engines?

Ryan: We have to wait and see on that topic. I'm working on what I'm gonna do for 2014 and I can't yet say what's going to happen, so stay tuned.
 
 
LiveRC: Which do you prefer, 1:10 or 1:8 racing? Why?

Ryan: I don't have a preference. I love racing R/C regardless what it is. I always have a good time, even if the results don't show it. After all a bad day at the R/C track is better then a good day at a real job, and I'm lucky enough to race R/C for a living. In the past, I may not have shown that attitude and perspective, but now I'm a little older and wiser, and I really appreciate my job and the people who allow me to to what I do everyday.
 

LiveRC: What event are you most looking forward to in 2014?

Ryan: Probably the 1:8 Worlds in Italy. I always get excited for another opportunity to compete at a World Championship event, and it's definitely a bonus to get to go to a beautiful country like Italy to race and experience the culture.

LiveRC: This year's Cactus Classic will be at the new SRS facility, correct? Being your "home track" are you excited to see a new facility, or sad to see the old one go?

Ryan: Yes apparently it will be at a new indoor facility. I am excited for a new track in Phoenix to race at, it is a little sad to see the old SRS go as I've been racing at that location since they moved there in the early 90's, but a new indoor facility with AC for the hot summer months will be a nice replacement.
 

LiveRC: One thing most people don't know about Ryan Maifield?

Ryan: I don't think there's much people don't know. I'm pretty honest and open, and I don't have anything to hide. I don't usually hold anything back as most of you know (laughs). I guess if there is anything it's that I'm not a tough guy. I may put off that vibe, but it's not the case and especially when I'm home with my girlfriend. I'm usually just cuddling on the couch with her and our cat that has to jam all the time (laughs).
 
 
LiveRC: Ryan, thank you for joining us today, and we wish you the best of luck at the upcoming Reedy Race. Is there anything you would like to add before we go?

Ryan: Thanks for letting me be on "Talk-It-Up Tuesday" Mike and thanks to LiveRC for their coverage of all our events and races. Of course I want to thank all the companies who make my racing possible as well!

 

 

 

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