In an unassuming warehouse sits of all things a race track, albeit on a small scale.
“We say here we provide the most smiles per mile,” says Island RC Raceway and Hobbies founder Dan Pudwell.
For years Island remote control car racers have had to utilize temporary indoor and outdoor facilities. That’s why Island RC Raceway and Hobbies was born. It’s the Island’s first dedicated year-round facility for remote control car racing.
“Racing is fun and it’s great but there’s a lot more to it, practice, setting up your car, things like that,” says Pudwell. “This facility will give you the chance to sit back, take the time, and kind of figure all that out.”
Just like in full-sized motorsports there are several different classes of vehicles that racers can compete in.
“We offer on-road racing. We have an off-road layout as well, so that will have jumps and ramps,” says Pudwell. “Also drifting, drifting is kind of the new extension of the hobby and a lot of people are finding it a great challenge and a lot of fun to do.”
The raceway has already hosted several events, with strong competitor turnouts and plenty of appreciative racers.
“A lot of people have come out here [and] they’ve had a great time, I don’t think anyone’s left here unhappy,” says Pudwell.
“I think once anyone comes out here and sees what we have to offer they’ll leave with a smile on their face wanting to come back for more,” he adds.
It’s not just for experienced enthusiasts. Anyone wanting to get into the hobby is welcome to try their hand at racing as well.
“We have a lot of rental cars for the different types of racing,” says Pudwell. “So, you can come in and rent one and try it out before you have to spend all that money to get into it.”
To learn more about upcoming events and practice nights visit the Island RC Raceway website.
Island RC Raceway and Hobbies in Sooke is Vancouver Island’s first year-round remote control car racing facility. (Cole Sorenson/CHEK News)
Cole Sorenson
