Also while at the RC Pro Series, we caught up with Mark Calandra of CRC to get one of our Meet the Pros interviews. Mark is no stranger to big races. He’s been all over and is usually an A-main contender.

Name: Mark Calandra

Hometown: Rome, NY

Sponsors: CRC, Losi, Horizon Hobby, Tekin, AKA, Tornado Fuels, Spektrum, JB Paint

Day Job: Network/Telecommunications Engineer @ local hospital

How many years have you been racing? Since 1984. I haven’t missed the US Indoor Championships in Cleveland, OH since 1986. That’s dedication right there.

Most memorable moment in RC Racing? Making my first A Main in Cleveland.

How did he get involved in RC Racing? Back in ’79 my brother Frank had a Tamiya Rough Rider he played with and I always thought was cool. In 1981, Frank and I were both into Motocross. I remember looking t a Tower Hobbies catalog and saving my pennies to buy a Tamiya Grasshopper. I sold that within a week of building it because I was offered more than I paid for it, so I turned around and upgraded to the Tamiya Hornet. Frank and I both wound up injured from Motocross and started racing r/c more.

Do you prefer Electric or Nitro? Likes both

Any tips for new RC racers? Practice. A lot. Really all you need to do to get better is practice.

What is your favorite racing class? 1/8 Nitro Buggy… It’s the most like Motocross.

Do you do any R/C besides Off-Road Racing? Has done all types of on and off-road racing.

What is your favorite type of soup? New England Clam Chowder