Frequently Asked Questions About Racing With RCDC Club

You’re welcome to bring your own model, but it isn’t compulsory. Many newcomers arrive car-free and simply observe, ask questions, or borrow one of the club’s practice vehicles. Owning a car does, however, let you fine-tune, modify, and race whenever you like. If you’re thinking of buying, our volunteers can point you towards reliable beginner kits and advise on batteries, tools, and safe set-up procedures.

Every ability level is celebrated at RCDC Racing. Our meets mix absolute beginners with seasoned national-series competitors, creating a supportive environment where everyone learns from everyone else. You’ll find starter heats at a slower pace, informal coaching between runs, and plenty of bench space for tinkering. Because timing systems record laps individually, you’re really competing against yourself, so improving by a single second can feel like a win, no matter your experience.

Taking part is intentionally affordable. Your first taster session is completely free, giving you a chance to meet the crew and try the track. After that, standard race entry is £5 per driver, with discounted family bundles and under-16 rates. Annual membership, currently £30, secures priority booking, insurance cover, and use of club transponders. All fees are reinvested directly into track hire, timing equipment maintenance, and our outreach workshops in local schools.

Our home circuit rotates between the Prudhoe Community Centre sports hall and our outdoor pop-up track at Eastwoods Park. Indoor meetings run every other Wednesday evening from 6.30 pm, while outdoor events usually fall on the first Saturday of the month, weather permitting. Special endurance races and charity shoot-outs are advertised on our website calendar. Wherever we race, clear signage, tables, and mains power are provided so you can pit comfortably.

Absolutely. Remote control racing is one of the few motorsports the whole family can share without breaking the bank. Parents, grandparents, and children often run in the same heat, cheering each other on between corners. Our marshals keep sessions safe, and we offer smaller-scale 1/18 models for younger drivers whose hands might struggle with a full-size transmitter. Spectator areas are pushchair friendly, and there’s always tea, coffee, and biscuits on the go.

We maintain a small fleet of club cars equipped with standard brushless systems, LiPo batteries, and handsets. Hire costs just £3 per meeting, which covers wear, tear, and battery charging. Book in advance via email to guarantee availability. If something breaks while you’re driving reasonably, don’t panic; the club absorbs the cost, although donations of spare parts are appreciated. Hiring is a perfect way to test the waters before purchasing your own kit.

Yes. Both of our regular venues include step-free entrances, wide doors, accessible toilets, and dedicated parking bays. The indoor track area provides smooth flooring and lowered rostrum sections so wheelchair users can marshal or drive comfortably. Our volunteers are trained to offer assistance with loading equipment, setting up tables, and carrying batteries. If you have specific access requirements, let us know beforehand and we’ll make whatever adjustments we can to ensure you’re included.

Registration is simple. View the fixtures list on our website, click the event you fancy, and complete the short booking form. You’ll receive an automated confirmation email followed by a reminder 24 hours before race day. We accept payments online via PayPal or card, or in cash upon arrival. Late entries are sometimes accepted at the track, but pre-booking guarantees transponder allocation and helps us plan heat listings and refreshments.

A bit of drizzle rarely stops play, thanks to waterproof electrics and marquees over the pit tables. If conditions become unsafe—standing water, high winds, or lightning—we’ll postpone the outdoor meeting and notify participants by text, email, and social media at least two hours beforehand. Your entry fee is automatically carried over to the rearranged date or refunded on request. Indoor rounds run as scheduled whatever the North-East weather is doing outside.

We thrive on community spirit, so extra hands and resources are always welcome. Volunteers help with track layout, timekeeping, coaching juniors, and serving refreshments. Whether you can spare a whole season or a single afternoon, we’ll match tasks to your interests. Monetary donations go directly into new ramps, timing loops, and subsidised youth sessions; we publish annual accounts for transparency. Email us to discuss how you or your organisation can get involved.