RC is one of those activities that allows us all the most amazing opportunity to travel to places we may never visit in everyday life and meet new and exciting people who we may never know in our 'normal' circles of friends, family and colleagues. When you speak with Kevin Lee he reminds you why we all love this sport. He is relaxed, humble, forward thinking, and vastly knowledgeable about his chosen subject matter. His rich and dynamic racing career has allowed him to establish himself as a strong contender within the National 1/10th off-road racing scene. His achievements and continual efforts for development both on the track and off have given Kevin a great basis that he now utilises to run Inside Line Racing, Kevin's own On-line RC supplies store that specialise in everything Team Xtreme and much much more.
I was recently blessed with the great opportunity of interviewing Kev hot off the back of his recent signing for RC global giant Kyosho. What a great discussion we had...over to you Kev....
I was recently blessed with the great opportunity of interviewing Kev hot off the back of his recent signing for RC global giant Kyosho. What a great discussion we had...over to you Kev....
ORRC - What do you consider to be your best race performance so far during your career?
Kev - I would say it has to be the Stotfold National at the end of 2010. I tq'd and won both the 2wd and 4wd days. It was just one of those rare times that everything goes to plan, and that’s a very special memory for me.
ORRC - What goes through your mind as the 10 seconds count down starts before the start of a high profile A final?
Kev - Don't crash!......well, sometimes the more you think about that the more likely you are going to!
I always try and calm myself and focus; that’s all you can do really, as it’s only once the race starts that you can make decisions based on what others are doing.
ORRC - What's your favourite tyre for out door off-road 4wd?
Kev - It really just depends on the track but generally in the UK our outdoor tracks are either Astro turf or Grass, and the two main choices are Schumacher mini spikes and Ballistic Buggy spike. I like to get onto yellow Mini Spikes as soon as possible as you feel a lot more “connected” than with the other compounds.
ORRC - How often do you attack a corner 'on-line' and realise its not the correct line?
Kev - It can happen quite a lot at nationals where you only get a few minutes to learn a layout. Once you've put yourself in that position though, all you can do is salvage it the best you can.
ORRC - Who do you consider your favourite off-road racer of all time?
Kev - I was going to say Massami Hirosaka, but that’s a fairly obvious answer and in truth it's hard to pick just one person. I've been Involved in RC since my first car, a Tamyia Grasshopper, that I got for Christmas in 1984, and back then I remember reading the magazines and Masami was a regular feature in them. I only started racing in 1990, at Stotfold Model car club, with my trusty Kyosho Lazer ZX, and at that point I remember the drivers I looked up to were names like Ben Strurnham and Craig Drescher. I was purely a club racer back then so never saw them race, but followed them avidly in the magazines. I started regionals around 1992/3, and remember back then it was drivers like Richard Barton and Andy Shaw that were the ones to beat.
I've been involved in this hobby/sport for a long time and so have been influenced by loads of different drivers over the years, but these days its people like Neil Cragg and Lee Martin amongst others that I have a lot of respect for. The commitment these guys show is what sets them apart (coupled with a fair share of talent), and I suppose you always aspire to be as good the guys that are beating you (that’s what makes you better). So, I'd say that I don't have one single favourite racer; there has been a whole host that have inspired me to try that little bit harder over the years (and you never stop working at it)
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| Where it all began, Kev with his first race buggy in 1985 |
ORRC - How often do you work on your race gear during a week?
Kev - Its hard to find so much time these days with two kids under the age of 2, and Inside Line Racing to look after, but I still manage to sneak out into the workshop a couple of times a week. I always get the important things done first in case I run out of time, and I have to admit that sometimes my tool box is not the most organised….
ORRC - What's your favourite race buggy of all time?
Kev - The RB5 WC Vega Long. It looks fantastic with combination Kyosho quality and machined aluminium from Vega. On the track it’s the best 2wd I've driven - fast, precise and strong.
ORRC - Do you prefer fast flowing tracks or tight and technical?
Kev - Can I go for a combination of both? I like technical sections but I also like some flow that enables you to race.
ORRC - What makes a good club meeting for you?
Kev - Friends, banter and good racing. I also like to use club meetings to try new things out, and that is all part of the interest for me.
Kev - Friends, banter and good racing. I also like to use club meetings to try new things out, and that is all part of the interest for me.
ORRC - Describe how you prepare mentally for a big race meeting?
Kev - I find myself thinking about it for a few days before. I'll make sure the cars are prepared well in advance, as I find that the process of doing that helps me think about it all. I really don't like turning up to a meeting knowing I have to repair or maintain something before I can even get on the track.
ORRC - Do you think winning is what keeps you motivated or is it more about long term development?
Kev - I think that anybody that races seriously would say they want to win. However, to be in with a chance of winning, development of the cars, whether it be setup or new parts, is something that needs to to be done otherwise you will be left behind. So, I'd say they go hand in hand.
Kevin has developed his racing skills over the last 26 years to allow him to compete at the very highest level. It is clear that his commitment and hard work are largely responsible for his wonderful achievements that include 4 National off-road wins, 2 European A final placings, and the amazing racers resource Inside Line Racing. Alongside his peers Kev is obviously highly respected, and his recent signing for Kyosho further cements his solid position in the very elite realms of off-road 1/10th history. Kev Lee, racer, entrepreneur, family guy, and racing benchmark.Long may his positive mentality and legendary track performances continue.
To find out more about Inside Line Racing visit www.insidelineracing.co.uk
To view the full range of Kyosho products visit www.kyoshoeurope.com
Kevin has developed his racing skills over the last 26 years to allow him to compete at the very highest level. It is clear that his commitment and hard work are largely responsible for his wonderful achievements that include 4 National off-road wins, 2 European A final placings, and the amazing racers resource Inside Line Racing. Alongside his peers Kev is obviously highly respected, and his recent signing for Kyosho further cements his solid position in the very elite realms of off-road 1/10th history. Kev Lee, racer, entrepreneur, family guy, and racing benchmark.Long may his positive mentality and legendary track performances continue.
To find out more about Inside Line Racing visit www.insidelineracing.co.uk
To view the full range of Kyosho products visit www.kyoshoeurope.com
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