Dakotah Phend

“I have always enjoyed racing and competing where you have to push yourself.”

WHAT HORIZON HOBBY BRAND DO YOU ASSOCIATE YOURSELF WITH?

TLR.

WHAT ARE THE THREE MOST ESSENTIAL THINGS YOU NEED FOR YOUR HOBBY?

Radio, car, and battery.

WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO ENJOY YOUR HOBBY?

I enjoy racing on the west coast for the different styles of dirt and seeing friends I don’t get to see as often.

WHAT DOES THE HOBBY MEAN TO YOU?

It started as something fun to do with my family, and I was fortunate enough to be able to turn it into a career. I have been involved in RC for most of my life and have had to adapt and sacrifice a lot to turn my passion into a career.

WHAT IS THE RC PRODUCT YOU CANNOT DO WITHOUT?

I always travel with my cars in my carry-on because everything else you can borrow at the event if your checked bags get lost.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT RC?

I enjoy traveling to different places and catching up with friends from all over the country and world! I have also always enjoyed racing and competing, where you have to push yourself.

WHO ARE YOUR HEROES? WHO DO YOU LOOK UP TO?

My parents have been a huge part of my success with their dedication to helping me get to where I want to be. Todd Hodge has also been a part of my career for a long time, and I know I can always turn to him for solid advice and honesty.

IF THERE IS ANY LOVE-HATE RELATIONSHIP WITH ANY ASPECT OF WHAT YOU DO, CAN YOU DESCRIBE WHAT THAT IS?

I enjoy traveling, but it can definitely get tiring having to pack and lug all of my baggage everywhere. Spending time away from home every year with my family is also tough and draining.

DO YOU HAVE ANY RECENT RACES, COMPETITIONS, TOURNAMENTS, ACCOMPLISHMENTS, ETC., THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO MENTION?

I have had a very successful year with TLR managing to capture seven modified/pro-National Titles. 26x modified/pro National champion, 9x stock/super stock National Champion, and 2016 Reedy Race Champion