1-on-1 With: Deaconz, Friendly Neighborhood Pancake

[Miss StarStrukk]

1-on-1 With:

PANCAKEMUFFIN. Wait no... l Panny l. I though it was Pancacky. Definitely is lPancake. Wait, hold on... Deaconz! There we go!

Your Friendly Neighborhood Pancake.

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Hello everyone! This is Miss StarStrukk bringing you the first 1-on-1 Driver Interview this season. I got to sit down with one of our veteran drivers and ask several questions relating to his accomplishments on the track so far this season. Even after just a week, he's gone undefeated across two races picking up two wins, not to mention his victories in the heats of said races. This guy won't take defeat easily in a race. Here's some words from our own Pancake.

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So we can get to know who you are, describe your ORL career and how you joined the league.

I joined the league way back in Season 4, which was the first season on Halo 4. I joined up through talking with XreignZ and after watching some videos on the old ORL YouTube channel. It's crazy to think that I've been racing for over two years already and it's been a blast every step of the way. There were two motocross divisions in that season and I got put in the one with CRF150R REBEL. He was one of—if not the—top dogs in that time so it was pretty intimidating. I did my first race (in which I got third) and immediately knew this was something I wanted to devote my time to and become the best at. Season 4 was the most fun I've ever had racing and I finished off that season by winning the MX overall championship. I was a major underdog going in as I was racing the likes of Rebel, Jake Bobius, and the Unknown twins. This led to another overall MX championship in Season 5 and an MT championship in Season 6. I came back in Season 7 only to come up just short on the MX championship, finishing second to Sodapop. Soda and I go way back in our racing rivalry and he is by far my favorite person to go head-to-head against. I ended up getting the better of him in the Season 8 Arenacross series, but he is unfortunately not racing with us in Season X. Despite this, I think the season will be super fun!

You picked up two big wins to start the season. How do you feel about being undefeated across both races?

It feels pretty good to start out the season with two wins. I didn't expect any less of myself, but it's always good to start out with an edge over the competition. It'll be a challenge to keep the undefeated streak going with the amount of good racers there are in both the MT and MX divisions, but it'll be fun regardless!

Which of your two victories stands out to you the most?

I was in first from the beginning in the MX race, so I would say the MT race stands out a tad bit more to me. Jabbleston and I had a great battle towards the middle of the race after he made a mistake and I just tried to lay down consistent laps after I got by him. I found a better line for the triple towards the end of the race which definitely helped out.

How important is it to carry this type of momentum through the rest of the season?

Momentum is a huge part of any kind of racing series. If you're confident and your head's in the right place, you can start to rack up the wins for sure. Once I knew I could win in Season 4, I ended the season off with a 5-win streak against one of the best racers of that time.

What do you like to do with your spare time off the track?

Away from videogames in general, I take pride in doing well in my studies. I also sing, play piano, and write songs in my spare time as well as the usual hanging out with friends and such.

Before we adjourn, are there any tips, tricks, or pieces of advice you would like to give out to your ORL companions?

The only advice I would give to newer drivers in this league is to have fun with it! If you really want to do well, put in the effort to do so, but don't forget that the league is all about having fun! It's important to not lose sight of what's important and in terms of this league, that's to enjoy being able to race with all your buds in a competitive, but friendly environment. Don't be afraid to have a laugh, even in official races!

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You heard from the man himself. Hope you enjoyed the read, and stay tuned for the next 1-on-1 interview coming soon!

Miss StarStrukk
ORL Journalist & Statistician