Radio daze: Mark Wolfenden with son Austin, Paul Davis, radio car club president Stephen Hoadley and a selection of their racers.
JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
MOTOR racing is so horrendously expensive that most enthusiasts end up watchers rather than racers.
Even the lower level competitions require $100,000 annual budgets.
But not for the members of West Coast Radio Control Model Car Club – their races are just as competitive but only cost an initial investment of around $200.
The model cars are capable of speeds topping 75km/h over the short distance of the back straight and can lap the entire track in around 14 seconds.
The club has been racing since the early 1990s, beginning appropriately enough in an old car park next to the former Road Traffic Authority in South Geelong.
Club secretary Paul Davis said the club eventually needed to find a dedicated track.
“We moved to the Bell Park Sports Club grounds in Batesford. We all put in to construct a permanent driver’s stand and paint the track,” Paul remembered.
“We race twice a month, weather permitting.
“The track is around 220 metres long with a 60-metre main straight. Cars are timed using a computer controlled timing system, the same as full-sized race cars.
“A small transponder is put in the car to count its laps and lap times.
“Races last for five minutes, with two qualifying rounds against the clock to determine starting positions for the three finals.”
Paul said club members also adopted roles as marshals when not piloting their racers.
“Most of our members get into racing simply because they love cars and racing, although some just love playing with toy cars,” he laughed.
“Our members are from all walks of life. Some have been playing with radio controls since childhood, while others discovered a passion for it later in life.”
Paul said club members competed all over the country at state and national events.
“It doesn’t matter if you have never raced before or if you just want to have a go on the track. For as little as $10 you can have a full days racing with full lap timing.
“We also have a barbecue lunch at every meet.”
Paul said the club had cars to suit every age and skill level, starting with a basic Mini for as little as a couple of hundred dollars.
“Or you can go all out with a top-of-the line touring car and spend a few thousand,” Paul said
“The competition is fierce but friendly and there’s always someone there to offer assistance and advice should you need it.”
As well as the entry level Mini, Paul said the club raced electric and “nitro” touring cars.
“But we’re open to racing anything with wheels,” he chuckled.
Paul said the club’s next race meeting would start 10.30am on March 18.
More information was available at the club website, westcoastrccarracing.asn.au.
