Which Celebrities Have Tried RC Racing?
This week, we're diving into celebrities who have taken an interest in RC racing. While many professional drivers got their start in RC, this list focuses on well-known figures whose fame comes from outside of motorsport. If you're curious about racing drivers who started with RC, stay tuned for a future Pit Post article.
A big thank you to our followers on Reddit, Facebook, and Instagram for helping us compile this list! Here are some of the biggest names we could verify as RC racers.
Chris Harris – Presenter & Race Driver
Chris Harris is a British automotive journalist, racing driver, and television presenter, best known for his role on Top Gear. Renowned for his expert car reviews and high-performance driving skills, he also runs the popular Chris Harris on Cars YouTube channel.
Although he doesn’t appear to have raced RC extensively, he did feature RC cars in a Top Gear episode where he drift-raced fellow presenter Rory Reid. Harris has a particular passion for Tamiya RC models, and in his book Variable Valve Timings – Memoir of a Car Tragic, he credits Tamiya as his gateway into cars. His first RC kit was an Audi Quattro, and his love for the brand was so strong that he even featured it on his race helmets.
Photo Credit: Tamiya Model Magazine
Ben Sturnham – Rugby Union Player
A surprising name on this list, Ben Sturnham is a former Rugby Union player, having represented Saracens and Bath, as well as earning three England caps at the international level. He later served as Head Coach for Newbury Blues and now works in real estate.
Despite his rugby career, Sturnham had major success in RC racing, competing at the highest level. His RC achievements include reaching the Worlds and European A-finals racing for Schumacher. He finished 5th at the 1992 Euros in Denmark and 10th at the 1993 Worlds in Basildon.
Photo Credit: Ben Sturnham Facebook
Nicolas Vouilloz – Downhill Mountain Biker & Rally Driver
One of the greatest downhill mountain bikers of all time, Nicolas Vouilloz is a 10-time UCI Mountain Bike World Champion (1992–2002). After retiring from biking, he transitioned to rally racing, winning the 2002 French Rally Championship and earning a reputation for his mastery of vehicle dynamics.
Though his RC career is less documented, we know he raced 1/10th scale buggies in the late 2000s, piloting a JConcepts BJ4WE. Recent images also show him practicing with 3x European Champion Reno Savoya, proving he's still an avid RC racer.
Photo Credit: Nicolas Vouilloz Facebook & RedRC.net
Kristen Bell & Dax Shepard – Movie Stars
While Kristen Bell isn't an RC racer herself, her husband, Dax Shepard, has a passion for the hobby. In fact, Bell had an RC track built at their home as a gift for him, which she proudly showcased on Instagram.
As a Hollywood power couple, Kristen Bell is known for roles in Veronica Mars, Frozen, and The Good Place, while Dax Shepard is an actor, comedian, and podcast host of Armchair Expert. Their humorous and down-to-earth personalities have made them fan favorites, with Dax's love for RC adding another fun dimension to their dynamic.
Photo Credit: Kristen Bell Instagram
Dude Perfect – YouTube Sensations
Dude Perfect is a globally popular YouTube group known for trick shots, stunts, and crazy challenges. Founded by five friends—Coby & Cory Cotton, Tyler Toney, Garrett Hilbert, and Cody Jones—their high-energy videos have earned them a massive fanbase.
They’ve featured RC cars in multiple videos, using them for off-road races, obstacle courses, and extreme trick shots. Their "RC Battle" videos highlight the excitement of the hobby, introducing it to a wider audience and proving that RC racing can be just as thrilling as full-scale motorsports.
Photo Credit: Dude Perfect Facebook
Next weeks Hot Topic will be:
Is RC Racing Declining or Growing?
RC racing has changed a lot over the years—but is it heading in the right direction? 🔄 Some say social media and YouTube have helped the hobby grow, while others feel rising costs and fewer tracks are making it harder to get into.
What do you think?
We want to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/rcclubhub.
- Is RC racing more or less popular than it was 10 years ago?
- What does the future of RC racing look like?
- Does the hobby need more support to keep growing?
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