Who is the RC Racing GOAT?
In every sport, there are those rare individuals who rise above the rest, delivering moments of brilliance that seem almost impossible. Among fans, there’s always the age old debate: who is the greatest of all time, the GOAT? In most sports, the title of GOAT is often awarded to the individual with the most world championships. But there are exceptions, moments of raw talent and emotional brilliance can sometimes overshadow the stats.
A great example of this is Formula 1's Ayrton Senna. Despite Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton having far superior records, many fans still see Senna as the GOAT. His unmatched skill, combined with unforgettable races, created a legacy that continues to inspire.
This made me wonder, who is the GOAT of RC racing? From my years of experience, the answer felt obvious, but I decided to pose the question to the RC community and explore it from both statistical and fan-based perspectives.
The Fans’ Favourite: Masami Hirosaka
When I asked on social media, one name dominated the responses: Masami Hirosaka. Another racer frequently mentioned was the late Brian Kinwald (1973-2019), whose remarkable skills left a lasting impression despite his record of two world titles. Many fans were passionate in their responses, with some even shocked that I would question Hirosaka’s place at the top.
Who is RC Racings Masami Hirosaka?
For those new to RC racing, here’s a quick introduction to Masami Hirosaka, the man many call "Master Masami".
- A retired Japanese RC car racer known for his mastery of both on-road and off-road electric classes.
- Holds the record for the most IFMAR World RC titles with 14 championships across 1/12th Scale, Touring Car, 2WD Buggy, and 4WD Buggy.
- Achieved his first world title while guest racing for Schumacher, also marking the brand’s first world championship win.
- Dominated the sport with teams like Yokomo and Team Associated, two of the most successful brands in RC racing.
- Retired from worlds racing in 2009 but continued to influence the sport by mentoring Naoto Matsukura to world title success.
Why is Masami Hirosaka Considered the GOAT?
With 14 world championships to his name, Masami Hirosaka's record speaks for itself, cementing his status as the ultimate measure of greatness in RC racing. His association with iconic brands like Yokomo and Team Associated not only brought him personal success but also elevated the reputation of these brands, which continue to thrive under his legacy. Excelling in electric classes, often the most accessible and competitive, this also made him a popular racer to follow. His consistent smile and approachable persona made him a fan favourite. Masami’s dominance, versatility, and impact on RC racing solidify him as a true legend of the sport, leaving little doubt in the minds of fans that he is the greatest of all time.
Who is statistically the best RC Racing World Champion?
When looking at the statistical favourites in RC racing, it’s clear why Masami Hirosaka is often regarded as the greatest. However, digging deeper into the numbers reveals fascinating insights into the careers of other champions and how they compare to Masami’s incredible legacy. Let’s break down the achievements of some of the sport’s finest.
Masami Hirosaka – First title 1987 - Retired 2009
Masami’s dominance in RC racing spanned over two decades, with his first world title in 1987 and he retired in 2009. Averaging a title every 1.6 years, his consistency and longevity are unmatched. If he had retired after his final championship in 2004, his strike rate would have been nearly a title every year!
Lamberto Collari – First title 1989 – Retired 2013
Known as the GOAT of IC 1/8th racing, Lamberto Collari’s achievements are unparalleled in his class. Winning nine titles over 23 years, he boasts an impressive title every 2.5 years, a strong record in a class where the world championship is held biennially.
Naoto Matsukura – First title 2008 - Current Racer
As a protégé of Masami, Naoto started his career with promise, securing six world titles in 9 years. However, his performance has slowed in recent years, with no world wins in the last eight. At a rate of one title every 2.6 years, it seems unlikely he will surpass his mentor’s record.
Marc Rheinard – First title 2004 – Current Racer
Marc Rheinard is a consistent force in RC racing, with five titles over his 21-year career. While his steady pace has kept him relevant, his current rate of a title every 4.2 years makes it unlikely he’ll challenge Masami’s record. That said, his enduring speed and skill make him a legend in his own right.
Bruno Coelho – First title 2015 - Current Racer
Bruno Coelho burst onto the scene a decade ago, quickly becoming one of the most versatile racers in the sport. His ability to master both on-road and off-road racing mirrors Masami’s versatility, and with a title every two years, he remains a strong contender. If he ventured into 12th scale racing, his stats might improve further.
Who are the Rising World Champion Stars of RC Racing
While current champions have set incredible benchmarks, the future of RC racing may lie in the hands of younger talents like Davide Ongaro and Michal Orlowski.
Davide Ongaro: Still in his early twenties, he already has three world titles under his belt, all in off-road racing. His early start mirrors Masami’s, and with a focus on his speciality, he could have the potential to reach even greater heights.
Michal Orlowski: Michal has shown incredible versatility, competing across multiple electric classes. Although he has only one iFMAR world title so far, his consistent near-wins suggest he’s on the cusp of more success. At a slightly older world title starting point than Masami, his ambition and adaptability could still make him a serious contender for the GOAT status.
While the stats highlight the dominance of current and past champions, it’s clear that the next generation has the drive and potential to keep the dream of becoming the greatest alive.
Is RC Racing Getting Harder at the World Level?
Since Masami Hirosaka set an almost untouchable standard, no one has come close to matching his incredible record. This begs the question: is RC racing now more competitive, or was Masami truly a one-of-a-kind talent?
In my view, the sport has evolved in ways that make achieving such dominance nearly impossible. While RC racing may not be as widely popular as it once was, advancements in technology and the rise of online resources have levelled the playing field. Today, technical advantages that racers like Masami once had are more accessible, with performance-winning designs quickly copied and setup advice readily available. As a result, the sport has shifted to focus more on individual skill. While this ensures tighter competition, it also means legends like Masami, who were light years ahead of their peers, are rare and remain revered figures in the sport's history.
Who is My GOAT of RC Racing?
After this deep dive into the history and stats of RC racing’s greatest champions, my personal favourite remains Marc Rheinard. While I’ve always had a soft spot for Yokomo racers like Masami Hirosaka and Ronald Völker due to my preference for their cars, Marc has consistently stood out to me.
Watching his performances in events like the Worlds and the ETS/EOS series on YouTube, Marc’s ability to deliver incredible results, regardless of where he starts, never fails to amaze me. His versatility across classes, including buggies and 12th scale, showcases his adaptability and raw talent. What truly impresses me, though, is his success with Tamiya in Touring Car racing. While Tamiya makes excellent cars, they’ve rarely been considered the cutting edge of development. For Marc to win three world titles with them speaks volumes about his skill. It’s a shame he hasn’t won more titles, as his racing ability deserves even greater recognition.
A Final Thought
That’s all for this week’s article! While Masami Hirosaka remains the GOAT in the eyes of most, exploring the achievements of other world champions reminds us of the incredible talent in RC racing. Every world title is an accomplishment, representing years of hard work and dedication.
As we look to the future, I can’t wait to see who rises to the challenge and what new legends will emerge. The unpredictability of the sport is what makes it so exciting, and the legacy of champions like Masami, Marc, and others ensures RC racing’s magic will continue to inspire.
Photo Credits: Masami Hirosaka, Lamberto Collari, Naoto Matsukura, Marc Rheinard, Davide Ongaro and Michal Orlowski
Next weeks Hot Topic will be:
What Is the Greatest RC Track Ever Created?
This week at RC Club Hub, we’re diving into an epic debate: Which RC track deserves the title of the greatest ever?
We’re on the hunt for the most iconic track that’s hosted world-class racing. It can be on-road or off-road, as long as it’s truly legendary. Think about tracks with:
Unforgettable layouts
Amazing surfaces
Top-notch facilitiesWhether it’s a classic track from the past or a modern marvel, we want to hear from you! Drop the name of your all-time favorite track in the comments and let us know why it’s so special.
Drop your pick and what you think are their greatest moments in the comments on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/rcclubhub.
RC Pit Talk: Fun RC News
Neon New Year’s Race Party at Hayden RC Raceway!
This week’s news had us all fluorescent green with envy here at Club Hub HQ! The incredible Hayden RC Raceway in Hayden, Idaho, USA, kicked off 2025 in spectacular style with their Neon New Year’s Eve Race Party!
What made this race so special? The club added a glowing twist to their track by using black lights and fluorescent tape. The result was a jaw-dropping nightclub style RC track that looked absolutely amazing! Full credit to the Hayden RC team for their creativity and effort.
This innovative idea has us wondering – could glowing tracks be the future of world-class RC racing? We think iFMAR should seriously consider this for their events! It’s definitely something we’ll be suggesting at our own club soon.
Want to see more of Hayden RC Raceway and their fantastic setup? Check out their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/472376780940907
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RC World Racing News:
Sorry there is no RC World News this week
Cool Wall Submissions
Tom and Joseph - Prize Racing Truck
Verdict: This a prize that was won by Tom and Joseph at Rotherham RC's Halloween meeting. We think the pair have done an amazing job and it looks great racing on the road. It might just want those body posts trimming a little.
Michael Royston - Sunset GT1
Verdict: We have been told this Montech GT1 was styled to fit in perfect with a holiday sunset picture from KOS. It really is a perfect shot and a fantastic job on the bodyshell. We just hope it doesn't melt some of our cool wall.
Peter Sandström Watz - Old School Schumacher
Verdict: We really love this old school livery on Peter's Schumacher. The angle is perfect for a buggy. Welcome to the cool wall.
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