Dan Jones has been racing around the UK and Europe in the 1/8 and 1/10 Track categories, and built interest in the GT8 class across the UK during IC Track Nationals. This led to Dan being voted in to be the Chairman of the newly created GT8 Section. EFRA sat down with him to learn more about him and his thoughts on GT8 racing and where he’d like to see this section go in the future!
EFRA: Hi there, how are you?
Dan: I’m very good thanks! Looking forward to the challenge!
EFRA: Can you tell us in no more than 5 words the job you do for EFRA…?
Dan: EFRA Chairman for the newly formed GT8 section (OK, that’s more than 5 words!)
EFRA: And what’s the longer version of your EFRA role?
Dan: That’s a difficult one to answer right now as I am new to this type of role. I can see the role developing as I listen to what the drivers want from our section in both GP and EP and we continue to develop this very exciting and fun class!
EFRA: What is your favourite class of RC racing?
Dan: GT8 of course! I also really enjoy 1/10 IC Track.
EFRA: So are you any good at racing?
Dan: Well I used to be but lets just say that the 2022 season has not been too kind to me!
EFRA: What is your proudest moment in RC?
Dan: Making the A Main final at the 2019 GT8 Nitro Euros in Leipzeig, Germany.
EFRA: And what is your favourite sport outside of RC?
Dan: Full size motorsport & road cycling.
EFRA: What was the last music you heard?
Dan: I enjoy all sorts of music – depends on the mood! I’m actually listening to Lewis Capaldi while completing this interview!
EFRA: What else do you do to relax?
Dan: Sleep 😊 when I’m not tinkering with R/C stuff or on my bike!
EFRA: What advice would you give someone wanting to compete in an EFRA Euros for the first time?
Dan: Just enjoy it! Don’t worry about anything as there are always people on hand to help you out if you get stuck or need help with rules etc. If you can’t find anyone then seek me out and I will do anything possible to help and ensure that you have an enjoyable first experience at racing at European level. Honestly its awesome!
EFRA: How did you become involved in EFRA?
Dan: My first European Championship event under EFRA was in Apeldorn with 1/8 GP Track back in the late 90’s. Since then I have moved around between 1/8 track, 1/10 track and most recently the GT8 class which I started in the UK with some demonstrations of my converted Serpent Cobra buggy at the 1/8 and 1/10 Nationals during the lunch breaks. I can’t even remember when this was but somewhere around 2015/2016 I guess. The rest is history!
EFRA: What is the number one thing you would like to see in RC in Europe in the future?
Dan: Cost effectiveness which I feel is a major factor for people attending European level race events as well as integrity of the rules. We must listen to the drivers and understand everyone’s point of view from both the professional/top level drivers as well as the regular drivers (like myself!). We also need to seriously look into how we attract young drivers into our sport, without the kids there is no future. I do look forward to getting stuck in to see how we can drive our class forwards and grow!
