When I was talking to Matt Chambers at Motorama, I sat in the empty chair next to him at his table. We talked for just a few minutes before someone tapped me on the shoulder, needing his seat back. Low and behold, Phillip Atondo, in the flesh! Phillip is no stranger to Motorama. He won the Nitro 1/8 Buggy Expert class in 2010. This year, he TQ’ed 2wd mod buggy, and qualified 4th overall in mod stadium truck. He would finish 2wd buggy 5th overall, and mod stadium truck 3rd overall.

Name: Phillip Atondo

Hometown: Yuba City, CA

Sponsors: TLR, Spektrum, Horizon Hobbies, Tekin, Xceleron, A Main Hobbies, Protek, Lunsford Racing, Fastlane Graphics

Day Job: Telecommunications, Business Telephone Systems

How did he get started in RC Racing: Phillip was racing Motocross in 1996 when he crashed and hurt his ankle. It was at that time that his girlfriend (now wife) bought him an RC Car.

Do you prefer Nitro or Electric: Nitro

Are you bummed that there was no Nitro at Motorama this year: Absolutely, I won the 2010 Expert 1/8 Nitro Buggy class.

Any tips for new RC Racers? Just get out there and have fun.

What is your favorite class? 1/8 Nitro Buggy