Super cars burn up the tar in Hillary
Top drivers will be coming from all over the country to compete.
KWAZULU-NATAL radio control model car clubs unite in one for one of the biggest events in the province, the South African National RC Championships, and they are happening in our back yard.
Some of the fastest electric on-road radio control model cars in the country will be in Hillary this weekend, 12 and 13 July. It is the third round of the South African National Championships and will be run at the Durban Model Car Club. The track is on the eastern end of the Southway Mall on Edwin Swales Drive near the Rossburgh testing grounds.
All cars are 1/10 scale models and 6 different classes of car compete in the national competition. This depends on the type of motor, chassis and also whether they are two or four wheel drive. The “entry level” class runs a 21.5 turn brushless motor with a four wheel drive chassis. In between there are combinations of motor and chassis types with the top end class being Touring Modified where there are no restrictions on motors or chassis. These cars are capable of speeds of up to 100km/hr and could reach this speed from standstill in 2 seconds -faster than most supercars on the planet!
Top drivers will be coming from all over the country to compete, including some who have just returned from the final Euro Touring Series held last weekend in Slovakia, such as Andre Greeff who took first place last year and don’t forget about the RC battle between Michael Wiseman, Jason Hillcoat and Michael Gibson.
For the first time in 20 years there is a lady competing in the electric on-road racing nationals. A large contingent of Durban drivers will be pitting their skills against the rest of the country as well.
Racing will start at about 8.30am on both days. Saturday is the qualifying events and they will finish around mid-afternoon. Sunday sees the finals taking place and these are expected to finish at around midday to allow drivers sufficient time to get back to their home towns.
Spectators are welcome on both days. Entrance is totally free and food and drinks will be on sale at the event. Catering will be done by the Escombe Scout Group from the Stainbank District. The Group is approximately 103 years old.
Take a chair to sit on. Anyone who is interested in getting involved in the sport is welcome to chat to any of the Durban drivers over the weekend.
