Remote-control car enthusiasts in Saint John gathered at Lakewood Heights School gym over the weekend to showcase their racing skills. The event, organized by Gregg Lawton, a longtime racer and director at the Saint John R/C Racing Club, featured approximately a dozen participants who set up a track inside the gym.
Lawton, who has been involved in racing since 1989, highlighted the club’s indoor and outdoor racing activities, with outdoor races taking place on dirt tracks that present different challenges compared to the flat carpet track in the gym.
The Saint John R/C Racing Club also hosts a monthly trophy race that attracts competitors from the Maritimes, providing a platform for local racers to enhance their skills and potentially compete at a national level.
Lawton emphasized the club’s commitment to offering diverse track layouts each week to help racers practice and adapt to new racing environments, preparing them for higher-level competitions. He encouraged individuals to join local racing clubs to engage in the sport.
Veteran racer Kyle McKinnon, with over 40 years of hobbyist experience, discussed the costs associated with remote-control car racing, noting that a full collection of cars for multiple classes could amount to $10,000. Entry-level cars were priced at around $310, while premium models could range from $300 to $1,000 for just the chassis.
McKinnon pointed out that as racers progress and customize their cars, expenses for equipment and modifications escalate. He mentioned that some racers spend up to $3,000 to compete in a single class, with others racing in multiple classes with costly vehicles.
Despite the expenses, McKinnon expressed his passion for the sport, having participated in races across Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes. He highlighted the appeal of remote-control car racing, noting the similarities to real car racing without the risk of injury in case of crashes.
Additionally, McKinnon highlighted the technical aspects of maintaining remote-controlled vehicles, such as oil changes and tire adjustments, attracting individuals with mechanical backgrounds to the hobby.
