Name: Kyle Ward-McBride (Usually just call myself Kyle McBride)
Age: 22 Years Old
Nationality: Australian
Current Sponsors: Team Associated, Reedy Electronics, Proline Tires, Novarossi Engines, JK Racing Designs, Upgrade RC
AKRC: So what was your first hobby grade RC Car?
Kyle: Losi Mini T when I was 10 years old.
AKRC: When did you start racing RC cars and for how long as a professional?
Kyle: I started racing on and off when I was 11 years old. I became professional after attending my first World Championship in Thailand in 2010, where I managed to finish 4th.
AKRC: What do you usually do when setting up for a track you have never been to before? Please elaborate.
Kyle: Before attending a track that I've never been too, I like to try find out as much information as I can. Talk with people who may run there or have been there before and see what type of tires work there and how the track changes over the course of racing. I also like to get ahold of pictures of the track so I can study the layout (if it is already built) before I even get there.
Now on to something more personal...
AKRC: Where did you grow up?
Kyle: I grew up in Brisbane, Australia and have been living here my whole life so far.
AKRC: What were you like in high school?
Kyle: Hard to say :) I liked to do a lot of things not just racing. I was into sport and of course hanging with my friends. But my focus has always been on racing, I never thought about doing anything else apart from it :D
AKRC: Who’s your favourite band or singer?
Kyle: I'm very much intro rap, always have been. Some of my favourite's are 50 cent, russ, Migos, Nas. I also like some Hilltop Hoods and Bliss N Eso. But for the most part I enjoy all types of music.
AKRC: What is on your music playlist now?
Kyle: At this very time I have all of the above but have been listening to a lot of Travis Scott. Gets me pumped up :)
AKRC: What car do you drive (actual car)?
Kyle: I own a Mitsubishi Triton 2015 model. Perfect car to get me to the track and back whenever I need!
AKRC: What do you think about when you’re alone in your car?
Kyle: I think about a lot all the time, I think about my future and I think about my next races and what I can do different to better myself. But of course I blast my music at the same time. I enjoy spending my alone time whenever I'm driving.
AKRC: Who is your idol? In RC and outside of RC
Kyle: My idol in RC would have to be Ryan Maifield and Ryan Cavalieiri, they both have such tenacity at races and I love how much effort they put in and they are always there at the top at each race! Not to mention they are both really cool guys at the track and away from the track. Outside of RC my idol would have to be my dad. Without him I wouldn't be doing any of this and he's the reason I am where I am so far to this day.
AKRC: Apart from RC, what do you do in your free time?
Kyle: I like to get to the gym as much as I can, as a sharp body means a sharp mind and that is important in RC. I enjoy playing basketball and golf just for fun with my friends. And of course spending time with my family as they mean the world to me. If I'm not too tired after a day I do enjoy jumping on my PlayStation 4 and play some games :)
AKRC: What is the funniest thing that has happened to you recently?
Kyle: Very random but the funniest thing for me is my RC shed getting raided by Toads over the last few weeks haha. It's very hot here in Australia at the moment and somehow they've been creeping into my shed and I hate it haha.
AKRC: Who would win a fight between Spiderman and Batman?
Kyle: Obviously Spiderman.
AKRC: What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever done for you?
Kyle: I haven't had anything that weird, I've signed a lot of different things but I absolutely love it. Feeling that support from other people that look up to you is a blessing.
AKRC: Do you have a bad habit? What is it?
Kyle: I would say one of my bad habits is over thinking too much. It's easy to overthink when there is so much going on during racing sometimes but I have things to keep myself focused.
AKRC: Name 3 other drivers that you would want to see answer these questions..
Kyle:
1. Ryan Maifield
2. Ryan Cavalieri
3. Robert Battle
AKRC: Say something to your fans
Kyle: Thank you to all of those that follow me and support me at races, without you guys I wouldn't be doing what I am doing either. I can't wait to see any one of you at the track and to also meet new people around the world :)
Thank you Kyle McBride for this interview. I wish you all the best in your RC Racing career!
