In our new site we usually report the latest news about our Merlin Racing Team Members, who are successful in European or National championships.
However, today we would like to write a short article about 2 different drivers. Together they sum up more than 80 years and 30 years racing.. Anonymous or semi anonymous drivers with a wide experience whose first goal in RC Racing is to enjoy their hobby.
Their opinion and point of view is very important for our company, since they represent all the people who support the RC hobby. People who take part in races just for the fun, to enjoy the atmosphere and to share experiences and their passion.
Roberto «Coyote» Díez and Toño Landa are two Drivers from La Rioja, who usually race the Spanish National Championship in 1:8 off road.
We have wanted to write this article about this two racers, who represent thousands of drivers all over the world, racing for fun, but without forgetting the necessary competitive spirit of races..
Roberto «Coyote» has been racing over 18 years, mainly 1:8 Buggy. recently he has participated in some 1:10 200mm. class.
Merlin News: When and how did you start the RC Hobby?
Roberto Coyote : It was 1993, Christmas. My wife asked The Three Wise Men (Spanish traditional celebration on Jan 6th), to bring me a «Dominator» RC electric car. I was so happy that we opend a Champagne bottle to celebrate it. We like to remember it. That was the beginning.
MN: What do you like the most in your hobby?
RC: The atmosphere created in races and companionship
MN: Please tell us any negative point or anything you would change
RC: I would like brands and/or importers to give a bigger support to clubs organizing races like National Championships.
MN: Your best remind in racing?
RC: The first time I raced a 1:8 Buggy National Championship.
MN: And the worst?
RC: When we remember all this friends that are no longer with us and we keep a minute of silence in their memory.
MN: What is your objective for next season?
RC: Health for everyone and meet everybody in the circuits!!
Driver Information
1:8th Buggy
Trofeo Ibérico (Spain Portugal): 3rd classified 2003
Spanish Nat. Championship +40: 3rd – Orihuela (2.007); 2nd – Albacete (2.006); 3rd – Ripio (2.005); 3rd – Logroño (2.003); 1st– Orihuela (2.003)
Spanish Nat. Championship Endurance: 5th making team with Raúl Sánchez and Antonio Landa.
La Rioja Regional Champion 2005/2006
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Antonio Landa started RC hobby 16 years ago. He left for some years and 7 years ago he started again.
Merlin News: When and how did you start the RC Hobby?
Toño Landa: I used to practise Motocross. Seven years ago an injury made me stop motocross and I took up my old hobby.
MN: What do you like the most in your hobby?
TL: To travel all around the country and meeting people.
MN: Please tell us any negative point or anything you would change
TL: The rhythm in races. We do not have time even for having lunch. We should take it easier….
MN: Your best remind in racing?
TL: The season 2004. I won Navarra and Basque Country Regional Championship and I finished second in La Rioja Regional Championship.
MN: And the worst?
TL: Was in Magadouro, Portugal in 2003. After reaching the final in «Trofeo Ibérico» I broke a servo in the first lap. I could not enjoy such a wonderful circuit.
MN: What is your objective for next season?
TL: Just to keep enjoying RC Cars with my friends. Just like now.
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Driver Information
1:8th Buggy
Navarra and Basque Country Regional Chamipon: 2004 & 2007
Notrh «Inter-regional» Champion 2004
Spanish Nat. Championship Endurance: 5th making team with Raúl Sánchez and Roberto Díez
La Rioja Regional Champion 2007