TALK IT UP TUESDAY: World champions Spencer Rivkin and Bruno Coelho
Before last week’s IFMAR World Championships, Spencer Rivkin had won two ROAR stock-class national championship and a Reedy Race Open 4WD title, and Bruno Coelho was a multi-time Portuguese national champion in several different on- and off-road disciplines. Of course, earning an IFMAR title was certainly the biggest triumph for each of them, so I sent them both a few questions over Facebook to find out how each of them have reacted to their big wins.
2WD World Champion Spencer Rivkin
Aaron Waldron: Has the reality of your big win sunk in yet?
Spencer Rivkin: Yeah, I think so. Coming home and seeing everyone and taking pictures it made me realize I really had won.
AW: Who was the first person you called or texted after crossing the finish line?
SR: I didn't text anyone when I won, but I think Tommy Hinz was the first to text me. The first person I called at dinner was Brian Kinwald.
Photos: Tommy Hinz via Instagram and Martin Johnson via Facebook
AW: How did you get your trophy home? Did you have to rearrange your luggage?
SR: I brought it on the plane as a carry-on.
AW: What kind of questions did you get in the airport and on the airplane about your trophy?
SR: What did you win? What is that?
AW: Do you have any plans for your winning car?
SR: Yeah - I want to put in a case in my hobby room.
AW: What are some of the ways that friends and family have welcomed you home?
SR: The Hinz family had a cake for me and everyone at SRS had a surprise party for me when I landed. Also, the Ayers family gave me some pictures of the worlds of my dad and me.
Photo: Bruce Rivkin, via Facebook
AW: Have you done anything special to celebrate?
SR: Other than the day I got back from traveling, I went to SRS for that party. I'll be celebrating this week.
AW: What is the next big race you’re attending?
SR: My next big race is the Horizon Off-Road Championships at Trackside Hobbies.
4WD World Champion Bruno Coelho
Aaron Waldron: Has the reality of your big win sunk in yet?
Bruno Coelho: Yes, I think everything is already clear for me, but in the beginning it was a surprise. My goal before the worlds was to make the A-Main but after my second practice I realized I was able to do better than that. It was like a dream for me when I was fighting for the win.
AW: Who was the first person you called or texted after crossing the finish line?
BC: Of course it was my father. Everyone knows my relationship with my father and how strong it is. We grow up together in RC - I started at 8 years old, and he spent all his time, money and patience to help me get to the top of the RC world.
Photo: Youzoh Furudate, via Facebook
AW: How did you get your trophy home? Did you have to rearrange your luggage?
BC: I brought it in its own box. It was easy, but expensive.
AW: Do you have any plans for your winning car?
BC: For sure, this car goes to my room close to the other historic cars. In my room I have all my biggest trophies and all cars that have marked big moments in my RC journey.
AW: What are some of the ways that friends and family have welcomed you home?
BC: My family and friends waited for me at airport and we celebrated like crazy guys in the middle of the airport. It was a surprise for me - it was not the first time, but I’ve never had so many people waiting for me with a big Portuguese flag.
Photo: Bruno Coelho, via Facebook
AW: Have you done anything special to celebrate?
BC: To be honest, I was not able to do it in that day. I had a super long trip back home and I was very tired. But we are planning something for the next few days.
Photo: Rui Rodrigues, via Facebook
AW: What is the next big race you’re attending?
BC: Next week I have the ENS Finale in Fiorano and I´m one of the guys who can win it. So this week, it´s time to prepare everything.
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