Remote control car enthusiasts flock to Edenvale for nationals (VIDEO)
“The event was a great success. We wanted to make sure we organised a well-planned professional event.”
Remote control car enthusiasts flocked to Edenvale’s Remote Control (RC) Drift Circuit for the 2019 Yokomo SA RC Drift Nationals.
The nationals had three categories, rear-wheel drive (RWD), all-wheel drive (AWD) and concourse (body shell competition).
Out of the 40 drivers, the top nine were:
• Rear-wheel drive category’s top drivers were Vivian Grobler (first), Richard Shih (second) and Dirk Reinecke (third).
• The all-wheel-drive category’s top drivers were Vivian Grobler (first), Francesco Stemmet (second) and Llewellyn Royan (third).
• The concourse category’s top drivers were Francois Gerber (first), Kevin Scrooby (second) and Wayde Gerber (third).
“The event was a great success. We wanted to make sure we organised a well-planned professional event,” said Richard Shih, one of the founders of Edenvale Drift Circuit.
Shih, who has been involved in the sport since 2013, said the main objective was to have fun.
The inspiration for a dedicated drift track came to its founding member while attending a national RC drift event held at the Durban drift track (Ryujin track).
Ryujin track was built on the grounds of a bowling club.
“At the time we did not have a dedicated RC drift track in Johannesburg.
“After that event, we decided to approach one of our local bowls club to try the same.”
EDC approached Edenvale Bowling Club and after the idea was proposed, discussed and planned, EDC started construction after finding sponsors.
All in all, the track surface took four months to build while the layout and addition of barriers took another two months.
Some of the major challenges Shih identified included finding sponsors, money and delays during the building process.
The track was officially opened at the start of last year.
“What I enjoy most about RC is the sport is a combination of engineering, art, math, science and fun.”
Community members interested in joining the EDC can visit its Facebook page RC Drifting JHB, RSA – EDC: Edenvale RC Drift Circuit
“As long as you have a 1/10th scale RC drift car with the right tires you are more than welcome to join us,” said Shih.
EDC thanked Edenvale Bowling club, RPS Accounting, Stefanutti Stocks Civils, RC Antics and Donsday.co.za for their support.
“Without the help of the bowling club or these sponsors, our dreams of a Johnnesburg track would not have been possible,” said Shih.
