What was Your Best RC Car for Club Racing?
It’s a simple question but one that sparks a lot of discussion and floods people with happy memories. When we asked, "What was the best RC car for club racing?" we knew it would stir up nostalgia—and it didn’t disappoint!
We took this question to Reddit and a few popular RC Facebook groups, and the response was overwhelming. Over 100 people shared their thoughts, fond memories, and experiences, making it clear that this was a topic close to many hearts.
The Vintage RC Favourites for Club Racing
One of the biggest surprises was how many people named vintage RC cars, often released 20 or more years ago, as their favourites. This led us to wonder—have modern RC cars become less robust, or perhaps too complicated for the average racer to handle? It’s a hot topic we’ll definitely explore further in future articles.
HPI was a standout among older models. These cars were clearly well-loved by racers, offering solid performance and reliability at club level. Despite not dominating world titles, they’ve left a lasting impression as dependable and enjoyable vehicles to race.
When it came to off-road racing, Losi was the brand people cherished most. Their cars were praised for their innovative designs and performance on rough terrain. It’s interesting, though, that Losi’s popularity in club racing seems to have waned in recent years.
The best Modern RC Car for Club Racing
For those who favour more recent models, Awesomatix came out on top. Their innovative designs and impressive durability were praised by many. It’s easy to see why racers admire them—they’ve redefined what a competitive RC car can be while remaining reliable for club use.
The Best Club Racing RC Cars by Category
Here are the rest of the results grouped into the categories that made them great: 
Durability
Many cars were celebrated for their ability to withstand tough racing conditions:
- HPI Pro 2: Frequently praised as “indestructible” and durable, making it a reliable choice for club racers.
- Durango DEX410 V1: Nicknamed "a tank" for its robust design.
- Corally C4 and C4.1: Noted for being extremely tough and long-lasting.
Performance on the Track
Cars were chosen for their speed, handling, and consistency in various conditions:
- Awesomatix Models (A800R, MMX): Praised for their innovative design and smooth handling, ideal for competitive racing.
- Associated TC3: A game-changer of its era, known for exceptional track performance.
- Yokomo MR4TC SD SSG: Considered a pioneer for its time, delivering unmatched driving performance when it debuted.
- Losi XXCR and XX4 Worlds Edition: Highlighted for their ability to perform exceptionally straight out of the box with minimal adjustments.
- Corally SP12G2: Easy to set up and consistently competitive on the track, making it a favorite in 12th-scale racing.
Adaptability Across Tracks
Several cars excelled due to their versatility and minimal need for setup changes:
- Yokomo B-Max4 V3: Performed well on various tracks with little to no adjustments.
- Schumacher Cat 2000ec: Delivered consistently good handling on different surfaces.
- Neo Maximum Type M: (Honorable mention with humor) Acknowledged for adapting to club racing demands.
Ease of Maintenance
Cars with simpler maintenance or durable components were preferred:
- Losi XX4 Worlds Edition: Minimal breakages and straightforward design made maintenance hassle-free.
- Corally Models (SP12M, C4): Easy to work on, with durable parts reducing the frequency of repairs.
Innovation and Engineering
Some models were appreciated for pushing the boundaries of RC car design:
- Awesomatix Models: Lauded for their forward-thinking engineering.
- Tamiya TRF501X: Admired for its beautiful design and competitive edge in 1/10 off-road racing.
- Yokomo YR4-M2 Type J: A standout in its time for its class-leading innovations.
Nostalgia and Emotional Connection
Many racers had strong sentimental attachments to specific models due to memorable experiences:
- HPI Pro 2: Stories of track domination and personal memories were frequent.
- Kyosho Ultima: Fondly remembered as a classic in RC history.
- Yokomo YZ-10 and AXIS EX: Represented a golden era of RC racing for many.
- Associated B3 and B4: Enjoyed for their fun factor and widespread use during their peak.
Notable Mentions
Some cars were appreciated for their dominance in specific classes or eras:
- Corally F1: Dominated its class to the extent of reshaping competition.
- Hot Bodies Cyclone Hara Edition: A beloved model for its aesthetics and smooth handling.
- Team Losi Street Weapon: Valued for its performance and reliability.
What Does This Say About RC Club Racing?
The discussion revealed some interesting trends. It seems many racers have a deep connection to the cars they started with, and for a lot of people, those were the simpler, more robust models from years ago. Modern cars may be faster and more advanced, but they also come with complexity that can intimidate some club racers.
This question wasn’t just about finding the “best” RC car—it was about rekindling the passion and memories that make RC racing so special. Whether your favourite is a cutting-edge Awesomatix or XRAY, a trusty Corelly, or a legendary Yokomo or Team Associated, the joy of RC racing is something that connects us all.
Next weeks Hot Topic will be:
What Skills Make a Dominating Club Racer?
Every club has one – that racer who seems to win effortlessly. But what’s their secret? This week, we’re diving into this hot topic::
- Is it all about having a bigger budget?
- Does car prep and setup hold the key?
- Or is it their skills with the transmitter that make the difference?
Share your thoughts and let’s uncover what it really takes to dominate at the club level. Whether you’re a seasoned racer or just starting out, we’d love to hear your opinions! Please join in with the hot topic on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/rcclubhub
RC Pit Talk:
BTCC Champion Jake Hill visits Tamiya UK
British Touring Car Champion Jake Hill isn’t just a master on the track – he’s also a skilled RC racer and a huge Tamiya collector! Last week, Jake paid a visit to the Tamiya UK offices to check out some of their RC kits, further proving his love for the hobby.
Jake’s personal Tamiya collection is nothing short of impressive. It includes a variety of rare models, many of which are still pristine in their boxes. His favourites are the Skyline kits – a fitting choice, as he owns a road-going version of the iconic car in real life. Among the highlights of his collection are two BTCC-themed cars, signed by racing legends Paul Radisich and Steve Soper, which we couldn’t help but admire.
Jake shared a feature of his collection on his YouTube channel. One standout from the video was a rare Nissan Primera JTCC kit that Jake promised to build only if he won the BTCC title. Now, as the 2024 BTCC Champion, we’re eagerly waiting to see the final build of this iconic model!
When he’s not behind the wheel of his real-life touring car, Jake is a keen on-road RC racer with the Eastbourne Club. Judging by his results in the Frontie class, it’s clear he’s just as skilled with a transmitter as he is in top-tier motorsport.
It’s always inspiring to see professional drivers share their passion for RC racing. Jake’s enthusiasm for the hobby has made us even bigger fans, and we’re wishing him all the best as he defends his BTCC title next season!
To view his Tamiya collection and RC Race cars, check out his YouTube video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9j3spZAVjoY
Photo credit: Tamiya UK
If you have a Pit Talk News you would like announcing, please email it to
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
RC World News:
Big Wins and Jumps at the Florida Carpet Championships 2024
This weekend saw the Annual Florida Carpet Championships take place at the Beachline RC Raceway, and what an event it was! Known for its fantastic atmosphere and top-tier coverage, the championship didn’t disappoint.
With 7 different classes and over 25 entries in each, the competition was fierce. In the premier classes, big names like Michal Orlowski, Bruno Coelho, Daniel Kobbevik, Spencer Rivkin, David Ronnefalk, and Joona Haatanen were in attendance, adding extra excitement to the weekend.
The practice sessions were wide open, with racers mastering the huge jumps and fast layout. Early on, Broc Champlin (Schumacher) stood out as the racer to beat. Champlin dominated the MOD 2WD class, securing TQ after winning the first three rounds. In MOD 4WD, his Schumacher teammate Michal Orlowski achieved a similar feat, clinching TQ in impressive fashion.
The finals were as thrilling as expected:
- MOD 2WD: Champlin faced tough battles against Orlowski and Coelho, but his pace proved unbeatable, earning him the overall win.
- MOD 4WD: The results don’t tell the full story of the close competition. Orlowski battled his way through three intense finals, especially against Coelho, to secure the top spot for Schumacher.
For an in-depth look at the action, including amazing battles and dramatic finishes, check out the finals on Elite Productions’ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ELITEPRCRODUCTIONSPhoto Credit: https://www.facebook.com/floridacarpetchamps
Featured Events
GT12 2024 National Series Round 3 @ Tamworth Radio Racing Auto Club
Sunday 24 November 2024
For information and updates visit the sections Facebook Page here: https://www.facebook.com/brcaGTcircuit
M-TC National Series 2024 Round 8 @ Horsham RC
Sunday 24 November 2024
For information and updates visit the sections Facebook Page here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2608841489402461
12th Oval F1 Stockcars World Final @ Horsham RC
Saturday 23 November 2024
For information and updates visit the sections Facebook Page here: https://www.brca.org/events/12th-oval/12th-oval-f1-stockcars-national-championship
Cool Wall Submissions
Chris Adams - The Watermelon
Verdict: Amazing paint job, great angle, but it needs to be on a chassis to qualify for the cool wall. Such a shame, great effort though Chris.
Alister Walker - SC-63 TRF421 Endurance
Verdict: Alister has created this beauty in early anticipation of the BRCA Endurance Series. The Livery looks great and it's a good example on how to present a body shell. Welcome to the cool wall.
Paul Martin Mellor - Pink, Green and Chequers
Verdict: This is another example of a great body spoiled by the photo. It's just the wrong angle for the cool wall, it goes well with the yellow wheels though.
Submit your body designs via our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/rcclubhub
|
ClubHub Steve