originally published October 2017

Guest Post by James of the local Hampton Roads Radio Control group. Hampton Roads Radio Control members are always happy to see people trying to learn about flying with a remote-controlled vehicle. For us it is more than a hobby, it’s a passion and we welcome everyone to try it!  

Radio Controlled racing competitions are a ton of fun, but the best part is that they are open for anyone. Whether you are a child or an adult, man or woman, parent or grandparent, RC racing is a great hobby and there are lots of options to try!

In Hampton Roads there is a large community passionate about flying RC vehicles, but this doesn’t mean you can’t try car or boat racing. The RC community is large and welcoming towards newcomers. Find a list of local RC clubs/organizations at the end of this post!

While the RC market is wide and diversified, it may look scary to a beginner. So, if you want to start your RC racing career, let’s take a look at the first steps you need to take.

Most beginners are surprised by how exciting RC vehicles actually are! Many of today’s designs are intricate and involve advanced technologies so don’t let technical terms scare you. As I already said, the RC community is ready to help, so reach out!

1. Choosing the Vehicle

The most critical element in your RC racing career is the vehicle. For instance, if you want to become a member of the Hampton Roads Radio Control Club and participate in events, you will need a helicopter or a plane. We are focused on helping and collaborating with people who enjoy radio controlled model aviation.

However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t get other vehicles! There are many locations, all over the country, where car racing is the most popular RC event.

If you’re not decided on the type of vehicle to choose, it’s best to do a bit of research, and I believe John from RC rank can be of great help. In any case, the more you know about RC vehicles, the better you’ll know which one is best for you.

2. Kit or Ready to Ride (RTR)

For beginners, I recommend the RTR (Ready to Ride) version. These products come fully mounted and, in most cases, with battery and controller. The kit version requires some assembly and some skills and knowledge.

3. Be aware of the Costs

Now that you know what you want to purchase, I have to specify the RC racing is a high-end hobby. It is fun and challenging, but it will dig deep into your pockets. Vehicles that participate in competitions are usually improved for extra-speed and the maintenance costs can be pretty high. Still, if you’re prepared for this, you’ll end up with a fantastic hobby!

4. Try It Out

Local options for flying RC racing:

Hampton Roads Radio Control

Tidewater Radio Control

Newport News Park Radio Control Club

Local options for car/truck RC racing:

No Limit R/C of Virginia

757 Lot Boyz Racing

Local options for Drone Racing

Prop-Bustas-of-Norfolk