Take control, remote control
With batteries charged, and remote control (RC) cars cleaned he is prepared for race day.
Jannie Hattingh is one of a few RC racing fanatics. His son and daughter, Kevin and Aimee, share his passion for tearing up the track with their RC cars.
“I still can’t sleep the night before our race days, and I wake up long before my alarm even goes off, eager to get to the track and compete against brothers and sisters that share the same passion,” said Jannie.
The night before, he prepares himself and his cars for the next day’s races. He checks every screw, every wire, everything must be to standard, charges his batteries.
It’s much easier than you think to find yourself involved in the radio control car hobby.
“As children, many people have RC cars but give up the hobby as they get older. Now’s the time to remember just how much fun it was,” he continues.
Of all the radio control models, cars are definitely the most popular. These cars range from a number of different types and models, mostly found at toy and electronics stores, you can even find off-road buggies, trucks and monster trucks.
“We race 1/10 and 1/12 scale electric and 1/10 and 1/8 scale gas on-road model racing cars, and I find this a perfect way to spend time with my family, who happen to race and compete as I do,” adds Jannie.
Jannie competes at RC Zone Middelburg, a track built by passionate individuals in 2009. The track covers an area of about 30 metres by 50 metres and has various configuration possibilities, with a total length of up to 230 metres.
“It boasts a straight section of 25 metres and is about six metres at its widest and two metres in it width at its narrow sections, with a 15 metre pit lane,” Jannie explains.
RC Zone Middelburg hosts electronic and gas car events, catering for new and old cars, and racers both young and old.
Events are held in accordance with South African Radio Driver’s Association (SARDA) and Tamiya Cup rules, and what’s more is that RC racing is held at divisional and national levels just on our doorstep.
“If you think RC racing is the hobby and sport for you then you should head out to the track and have a chat with the racers, take some time to understand the sport before buying your first car,” he added.
For more information on RC racing contact Henry Mostert, Jaco Smit, Lance Constable, Jannie Hattingh or Pieter van der Merwe on the R/C Zone website.
