Meet Mark Smyka, Connecticut native and one of the fastest guys at RC Madness. Due to the rain out at the Short Course Nationals, the A Main of 4×4 SCT was awarded by how drivers qualified, meaning Smyka took home 5th place with his T-RCE Slash 4×4! Mark was also part of the track crew for the race.

Name: Mark Smyka

Hometown: Broadbrook, CT

Sponsors: RC America, X-Ray, Pro-Line, Futaba, X Factory, Viper, T-RCE

Day Job: Water Treatment Operator

Most memorable moment in R/C? That would be the 2003 Snow Birds. I TQ’d both 1/12 Stock and TC Stock. I won 1/12 and got 2nd in TC.

How long have you been in R/C? 25 Years.

How did he get involved in RC Racing?  One day my neighbor was going up and down the street with a Tamiya Grasshopper. I thought it was the coolest thing ever.

Do you prefer Electric or Nitro? I like them both equally. I enjoy running nitro in the summer. I like switching back and forth so I don’t get burnt out on one or the other.

Any tips for new RC racers? Don’t get in above your head. What I mean by that is buying the most expensive stuff out there and think you will be a super star your first time on the track.

What is your favorite racing class? 1/8 Nitro Buggy & 1/12 on road.

Do you do any R/C besides Off-Road Racing? On road.

What is your favorite type of soup? Home made Chicken Noodle.