Radio control racers go ‘bananas’ at Douglas Mitchell

BANANA County hosted the third leg of the Radio Control Car Racing KwaZulu-Natal Championships at Douglas Mitchell Sports Ground last weekend.

It was the 1/10 and 1/12 Electric On-Road Championships, the third leg for 2014, and the local drivers did very well.

There were 67 entries, from as far afield at Richards Bay, Eshowe, Durban and Pietermaritzburg.

On the Saturday there was welcome rain, but it dampened the spirit of some competitors as they were unable to practise.

There were five local drivers taking part for the first time.

They arrived early on Sunday, nervous but excited.

John Nunes settled very quickly and took top qualifier position after two rounds in Tamiya Touring Stock Class.

He went on to win both the finals.

Jan Eloff raced consistently and finished in second place with Jacques du Plooy finishing in third.

They were very proud to receive their first KZN medals.

Nimrod Maritz was the local driver of the event, racing consistently in M-Chassis.

Some of the other drivers were faster, but Nimrod’s driving skill saw him take honours.

Garth Scott just missed out on his 15th lap to finish in third.

Nimrod also raced in Superstock (1/10 Touring with stock motor) and GT Modified (Touring cars with modified motor).

These two classes were exciting as the lead changed on each lap.

Nimrod drove very well until he was side-shafted by another car and had to be happy with a second place in Superstock and third in GT Modified.

Tristan Baxter did well in 1/10 Pan and finished in second, with Garth in third.

Jeff De Winnaar qualified tops in Tamiya Touring Modified. He had a bit of bad luck in both finals, and had to be happy with third place, while Sean Baxter raced consistently to finish in second place.

Banana County finished second overall.

The next club race will take place at Douglas Mitchell on Sunday, September 7 at 2.30pm.

The last round of provincials will take place in Durban on November 2.