Interview with Rob Lootens

From Two Wheels to Four: How RC Crawlers Helped Rob Lootens Manage Parkinson’s and Reclaim His Passion

Imagine being an avid racer your entire life, from bicycles to motorcycles, thriving on speed, precision, and balance. Then, in your early 50s, you’re diagnosed with Parkinson’s, a condition that chips away at the very skills that defined you. This was Rob Lootens’ reality. But instead of letting the diagnosis control his life, Rob found an unexpected lifeline in the RC (Radio-Controlled) crawling community.

A Lifelong Passion for Racing

Rob Lootens, 58, grew up in a world of movement. Born in Hazard, Kentucky, he was the epitome of a Gen X latchkey kid, exploring BMX racing and skateboarding. For Rob, bicycles and boards were symbols of freedom. He reminisces, "In '78, I talked my mom into taking me to a real bike shop because I wanted a 'real' BMX bike like the ones I read about in magazines." After months of payments, he finally got his dream bike—a Raleigh Rampar. From that moment on, Rob was hooked on racing.

As he grew older, his love for speed evolved into motorcycle racing. "I started racing hare scrambles and then got into the GNCC Cross Country series. I wasn’t very successful, but I had a lot of fun—and injuries," Rob recalls with a chuckle. Eventually, he found himself competing in Trials motorcycle events, which focused on balance and line choice, a discipline that would come full circle years later. Racing was Rob’s identity, but all of that changed with one diagnosis.

The Pain of Parkinson’s

In his early 50s, Rob’s life took an unexpected turn when he started experiencing tremors in his right hand. It was during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, making access to medical care challenging. After a misdiagnosis of essential tremors, an in-person evaluation confirmed what Rob feared: he had Parkinson’s disease.

"It was frustrating. My hand shook, I couldn’t hold an airbrush or a pinstripe brush, and all the plans I had with my wife and kids suddenly felt uncertain," Rob explains. Parkinson’s, often referred to as a “snowflake disease” because it affects everyone differently, took away much of Rob’s independence. Everyday tasks like hiking or riding a bike became difficult. "We were hiking a trail we’d done many times, but I froze with anxiety. I’d never been afraid of heights before."

As the disease progressed, simple tasks like holding a cup or using utensils became daily challenges. "My wife, who’s been amazing throughout, found me cups with straws and silverware with large handles. We laughed, calling them my ‘adult sippy cups,’ but it was a tough adjustment," Rob admits.

However, it was Rob’s unyielding spirit that led him to explore new ways to manage his condition. In December of 2022, he underwent deep brain stimulation surgery. While the procedure helped reduce his reliance on medication, it wasn’t a cure. Still, Rob’s determination to keep moving forward never wavered.

Discovering RC Crawling: A New Path Forward

Rob’s introduction to the world of RC crawlers came about almost by accident. About six months ago, he saw an event advertised at Red Rocks Elementary. Excited to participate, he showed up with his 1/10 scale Redcat Ascent Fusion, only to realize it was a micro crawler event—and he had forgotten his smaller Deadbolt at home.

Just as Rob was walking back to his truck, a few competitors approached him and offered their spare trucks for him to try. "In 2.5 hours, I was hooked," Rob says with a grin. "It’s helping with my balance, and I love the building aspect—even though it probably takes me three times as long to complete a build as a 12-year-old!"

The RC crawling community reminded Rob of his days in Trials competitions, where pros and beginners competed together and shared tips. "The greatest thing about both sports is the camaraderie. Everyone helps each other, no cockiness, just genuine support."

How RC Crawling Transformed Rob's Life

For Rob, RC crawling has become more than just a hobby—it’s a form of therapy. The precision required to navigate the tiny vehicles through challenging courses has had a positive impact on his balance, hand-eye coordination, and even his mental health. "I have to stop and think, 'Stand up straight, take long steps,' which has been great for my balance. Driving the crawler forces me to look ahead instead of down at my feet," Rob explains. He also believes the repetitive movements involved in RC crawling have retrained his body to respond faster. "It’s like my brain is rewiring itself."

Rob is also passionate about the building process. "Holding the small parts and tools, figuring out how to make small improvements—it’s fantastic. Last year, I couldn’t even pick up a dime, and now I’m building RC crawlers."

In just six months, Rob has acquired multiple rigs, each with its own set of modifications and upgrades. One of his favorites is a build using a Gladiator body he bought on eBay. "It’s my cleanest and best-performing rig so far. It handles lines my Ascent Fusion struggles with," he proudly shares.

Finding Support in the RC Community

Beyond the physical benefits, the social aspect of RC crawling has been a major boost for Rob. "The community is incredible. Ben Lowe, who runs the 5280 Micro Crawler comps, was great when I first showed up. Everyone offered help, loaned me their trucks, and made me feel welcome. It’s not about beating anyone—it’s about hanging out and seeing if I can do a little better than the last time."

Rob has also found support online through YouTube channels and Facebook groups, where seasoned hobbyists share advice on building and modifying RC trucks. "Ken Pilcher, from a YouTube channel named The Shop – Mini RC, helped me with my first build. He even messaged me to check my progress. It really made me feel like I was part of the group."

Looking to the Future: P.D.RC

Rob’s journey with RC crawling is far from over. He plans to keep competing in events, improving his builds, and continuing to work on his balance and dexterity. But he has an even bigger goal in mind: "I want to start a YouTube channel and call it P.D.RC. My hope is to inspire others with mental or physical disabilities. I believe everyone still has some kid inside them, and it’s just a matter of letting that kid out."

As Rob reflects on his journey, he credits his family, friends, and the RC community for helping him rediscover the joy of competition and creation. "I’m just grateful to have found something that not only brings me happiness but also helps me manage my Parkinson’s."

Conclusion: Discover the Power of the RC Community

Rob Lootens’ story is a powerful reminder that no matter the obstacles, there’s always a way to find joy and meaning. Whether you’re a lifelong racer or someone looking for a new hobby, the RC community welcomes all with open arms.

If you’re curious about getting started in RC, reach out to us, join a group, or just show up at an event—you never know who might offer you a spare truck and a new passion.