This is real track racing, just smaller

• Remote control car racing
• A variety of different racing classes to participate in
• Welcoming of all ages and skill levels

Race cars line up as the countdown begins. With a quick signal, they’re off, accelerating through the winding course. Enter a corner too quickly, and you'll roll, but get the timing right and you’ll leave your competitors in the dust.

These aren’t your typical race cars though, the drivers are using remote controls.

Kelowna RC racing has been around for eight years, and hosts events for enthusiasts of all skill levels, and emphasizes a core philosophy: it’s for everyone.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re just beginning out, first time having a controller in your hand, or you’re an expert, you’re always welcome here,” President of Kelowna RC, Aaron Gleboff told Kelowna10.

The club ranges in age, anywhere from five years old, to people in their 70’s.

“It gets kids off their games, you’re doing something in real life,” Gleboff said.

Gleboff likes that during RC racing, you’re actually taking on other drivers.

“This is the best thing that I can do, that I can afford to race, and it’s easily set up,” Gleboff said.

He added in the afternoon you’re done, and you don’t have to haul a car home in a trailer.

COVID-19 has had an effect on the club’s participation, causing them to shut down at the end of arguably the best year they’ve had.

“It really affected our outdoor program - it didn’t really happen… some people don’t want to come out during COVID,” Gleboff said.

Michael Tomasz, an almost 20 year enthusiast of the RC hobby, said he comes out to enjoy time with his friends, wrench on the cars, and get some laps in.

“You couldn’t find a better way to kill off a winter season,” Tomasz said.

He added they’re a very friendly club, and invited people to come hang out for the day.

“This is a great way to get out of the house, get off the electronic devices, and put some tools in the kids hands, and teach them how to work on stuff and wrench,” Tomasz said.

“Now it’s almost 20 years for me that I’ve been enjoying it, and I’m not slowing down anytime soon.”