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Small cars, big fun
Nevada, Mo. -- Go fast. Turn left. Race fans everywhere are familiar with those famous words, but at Candle Creek radio-controlled car race track on Sunday, each racer had two more words that ruled the day -- have fun.
The racers all came with hopes of bringing home first-place honors. Well, not everyone went home with that honor, but all of them went home with the unique experience of having been part of the track's first-ever race aimed at a national field of entrants, a little more racing experience and a day of fun with fellow racers.
The racers came from all over the Midwest and from all walks of life, ranging in age from 6 to 76, with 1/10th-scale and 1/18th-scale radio-controlled race cars designed to look like sprint cars, late models, modifieds and more. Some entered just one vehicle; two racers entered five classes. Races lasted four minutes; the car that completes the most laps during that time wins.
The pit area -- rows of tables covered with parts, battery chargers, tiny customized tools and the cars themselves -- were filled with racers making adjustments to car setup and fixing broken parts along the way.
"I'm going to try these new tires," a voice said.
"Better use these," said another voice, as a veteran racer offered advice to another on how to deal with the increasingly slick track conditions.
"Here, I've got just what you need," said a third racer to another who'd broken a part in the last race.
In a corner of the pits, Denny Crooks, 76, of Gladstone, Mo., quickly made a suspension adjustment and switched out a battery pack for one of the five cars he'd brought to the race. He heard about the race in Nevada from family members who live in the area, and couldn't wait to sign up.
"I do this all spring, summer and fall. I can't wait for the big races," Crooks said.
Racing radio-controlled cars can get expensive, but Crooks asserts it's no more so than other hobbies. "I don't play golf. I don't do lots of things. I just like to do this," Crooks said. His reason for doing so was echoed by most of the racers attending. "It's a lot of fun," he said.
Besides, he added, you can have the excitement and challenges of racing, and the driver doesn't get hurt if the car overturns or crashes.
"You don't get hurt doing this -- unless, of course, you fall off the drivers' stand. I did that last week," he said, the right corner of his mouth turning upward in a half smile.
The injury was obviously minor -- Crooks, 76, had no trouble navigating the track -- or the drivers stand -- on Sunday.
Other family members race the radio-controlled cars as well, he said, so it's something he can share with some of them.
In fact, there were many family "teams" present at Sunday's race.
Fathers and sons, brothers, uncles and nephews, moms and children all joined in the fun.
Neta Leonard said she came from Pleasanton, Kan., to race, "because I'm addicted to the fun of it."
Several said they'd made a weekend of it, bringing recreational vehicles to Candle Creek's RV park the day before the race.
Steve Eaves came from Tulsa, Okla., with his teammates. He'd heard about the race from an Internet message board, rctech.net.
"I really like doing this. I've been all over the country. You meet a lot of great people doing this," Eaves said.
Race track owner Mike Conway hasn't scheduled any future national or regional events, although many in attendance Sunday said they wish he would.
Nevertheless, racers can compete twice weekly at Candle Creek Raceway on North Osage, Nevada. Races are held on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Contact Candle Creek RV Park, (417) 667-2267 for more information.