Jeff Hotaling introduced us to Tom Neave. He is a fellow Putnam driver. Tom recently had a big win at the last US Open Wheel in the 13.5 EDM class. He gave us some background info about how he started really young, and was sponsored by Custom Works back in the day. He took something like an 11 year break between being really into it in his early teens, and getting back into it 2 years ago. He took some time out of his night at Victory to tell us a little more about himself.

Name: Tom Neave

Hometown: Liverpool, NY

Sponsors: Pemberton Raceworks, Putnam Propulsion

Day Job: IT Manager @ Sysco Foods

What’s your most memorable moment in R/C? Winning the 2011 US Open Wheel in 13.5 EDM Class.

How long have you been into R/C? 10 Years. 8 year from when I was 7-15, then I got out of it for a while, and got back into it 2 years ago.

How did you get involved in RC Racing?  My father bought me an original RC10 Tub Chassis car, and I raced it.

Do you prefer Electric or Nitro? Electric.

Any tips for new RC racers? Don’t start with the fastest class. Ask the guys who have been doing it a long time for advice.

What is your favorite racing class? Modified EDM (Eastern Dirt Modified), because it’s a challenge to drive. It’s really fast.

Do you do any R/C besides Oval Racing? I sometimes race Off-Road. I also have an r/c helicopter I like to fly.

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