Back to the future for RC cars

This weekend vintage radio controlled cars are racing at New Zealand’s newest permanent 1/10th scale dirt track designed for electric-powered cars.

And it’s not just the cars that are vintage — the track design is deemed an old-school “flat track”.

The track is owned and operated by Julian Hardy who says the flat track is different to the current overseas trend of massive jumps, which resemble a supercross track.

Julian is the promoter for the Manawatu¯ radio controlled car club whose previous tracks have included the first permanent one at Bunnythorpe on the old Panther BMX test track, before they moved to the Esplanade in the late 1980s and remained there until the late 1990s.

“This track was iconic as it was easily the highest profile track in New Zealand during this time.”

The latest track is based at Hardy’s own property which took a year to assemble, but the finishing touches have only just been completed.

The 2018 Vintage Open was confirmed by the NZRCA at their September AGM.

“It’s been hard at times, knowing what we want, but when you are dealing with other organisations, you need to conform to their systems and procedures, but likewise you just want to get on and get it done.

“It’s a done deal now and we are aiming to put on quite a show for our drivers at our little track,” Hardy said.

Entry to the NZ Vintage RC open and under 17 open is signposted off Raukawa Rd near Ashhurst and is free to come and have a look.

■ Julian Hardy Raukawa International Raceway, 027 4434343, rc@rir.nz FB: Raukawa International Raceway. www.rir.nz