Thanks for your interest in our club. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions:
When do you race?
The club currently conducts races on Saturdays each week from 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. Currently the first and third Saturdays of the month we drag race and the second and fourth Saturdays we oval race. The official points season runs from September to April. Informal racing during the summer months is scheduled by member demand.
What classes of cars do you race?
We currently have nine oval classes and five designated drag classes. We have written the specifications to allow your beginner vehicles in our three entry level classes to be upgraded and modified for use in other classes once you gain experience and wish to move up to a higher performance, higher driving skill class. This approach offers a natural migration and cost saving for the member. Class specifications are reviewed and updated on a regular basis by the rules committee and the Board.
Download the latest Rules document here to see all the oval and drag racing classes we race.
Beyond offering new to RC racing car classes and more advanced car classes in oval racing, our racing and scoring software uses a driver rating to match you up with drivers of similar abilities. Assuming enough drivers shows up for each class, the drivers will be flighted by skill level into the qualifier Heat races. During the Heat races, drivers race against the clock, competing as many laps as they can in two minutes while avoiding accidents. During an intermission, the software helps setup the featured Main races by using that day’s qualifying Heat race results. The Mains are traditional racing with drivers racing against each other to complete the 15 to 25 laps (determined by car class).
For beginners we recommend the Stock class.
These cars are basically run out-of-the-box with minimal changes allowed to minimize your entry level costs. Additionally for new members we conduct RC 101 sessions to assist you in learning about the hobby and to help you better understand all aspects of RC cars and equipment. These sessions are normally conducted on Friday afternoons in a member’s garage and we are open to answering all of your questions. Notifications of these sessions are sent via club emails.
Our Oval racing is tracked and recorded by an electronic lap counting system which counts laps, lap times and speed records. All that is required for your car is the addition of a transponder that the club maintains a supply of for sale at our cost.
The RC Car Club uses a scoring program that also features web-based live race tracking, upcoming race groupings, lots of detailed individual race results plus a history of our recent racing event results:
The clubs drag races are run on a 66 foot drag strip (scale 1/8 mile) at the Everglades race track. The club has a mini pro-tree set up just like a real NHRA type Christmas Tree to start the races. Races are electronically monitored with the member receiving a printed slip with both ET (elapsed time) and reaction time. Currently we have five designated drag car class however any car used to race in any of our oval class can be used to drag race within their respective class.
Any recommendations for new drivers?
Again, for new members we recommend to begin with the Stock class. These cars come fully assembled. Any and all approved changes are noted in each of the class specifications and are very minimal. In addition to the car/truck purchase the other equipment you need will include a LiPo battery, a LiPo battery charger, and a transponder.
If you choose to build your own car or are looking to purchase, please contact a member to be sure it is compatible with our class rules. Members are always willing to assist with any questions. The only dumb question is the one you don’t ask. We have already made mistakes in this hobby learning it and don’t want you to follow in our footsteps.
How much do the cars cost?
The Stock chassis is $200 plus approximately $200 for the LiPo battery, charger, and transponder. Sample here.
Occasionally, members sell old cars and gear at a great price on our Facebook page.
Drivers pay a $5 registration fee on race day that covers any cars they brought to race.
Where can I get a car?
The closest hobby shop is Let’s Race (1714 Citrus Blvd, Leesburg, FL 34748).
And Graves Hobbies in Orlando (4814 N Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32810).
Online sources include:
How long has the club been around?
The Villages RC Model Car Racing Club was formed in 2011 to bring Village residence together that have a common interest in racing 1/10 scale electric RC model cars. The club is governed by a set of written by-laws and all racing classes are controlled through written rules for each class.
In 2019 The Villages built a dedicated RC race track at the Everglades Recreation center. The track was designed with our members input and includes a large outer speedway oval and a smaller inner short course oval. The outer oval is about a ½ mile scale with the inner oval being close to ¼ mile in scale.
Sounds great! What do I do next?
To join the club, download and fill out the Member Application. Bring it and a check for $65 to the track on race day or a club meeting. This covers a one-time initiation fee of $40 dollars in addition to the annual dues of $25. Once you join you are assigned a car number from our list and then begin your racing hobby. You can then visit our Facebook page at The Villages RC Car Racing Club.
The Club also conducts a business meeting monthly. This meeting is held on the third Tuesday of each month starting at 7 P.M. at the Canal Street Recreation Center. Non-members are welcome to attend.