Radio-controlled car racing: It’s like Formula 1 but at a fraction of the size

Some call it mini Formula 1 racing, but the On-Road Circuit Association (Orca) was founded in 1997 to promote radio-controlled car racing in Ireland. Some members have been involved in model car racing since the late 1980s, when they used University College Dublin’s car park.

During the 1990s, Orca found a new home on a custom-made circuit in St Anne’s Park, Raheny, where it has been ever since. The club races two types of one-eighth-scale nitro on-road cars, the 1/8 GP and the 1/8 GT. Both offer high-speed racing with the thrills and spills that are part of all motor racing.

Both scale cars are four-wheel drive with clutch and two-speed gearboxes. The cars are fully adjustable, with ride height, castor and camber, shocks, and various spring and tyre choices all part of the drivers’ and mechanics’ strategies on race day. The club is very welcoming of all new members and to people of all abilities interested in cars or car racing. Newcomers can try their hand and see if they would like to get involved. Orca has a full race schedule that can be found on its Facebook page or website.

Model car racing can be both a rewarding hobby and a sport. Some senior members race in Europe in the Italian championships and at the World and European Grand Prix. Some drivers are professional, with a team of mechanics from different car manufacturers, and get paid to drive these cars, which have top speeds of up to 80mph. The sport is growing in popularity in Europe, Japan, the US and in many countries in Asia.