History and where we came from

The History of Rochdale Radio Control Car Club

 

From Park Bashing to Organised Racing

 

Rochdale Radio Control Car Club began with a passion for RC racing and a desire to bring local enthusiasts together.

 

Back in the 1990s, Gary Eaton was an active racer, starting off in Oldham and then competing at several regional events with his Kyosho Optima Mid Turbo. Eventually, family life took priority, and Gary parked up his car, stepping away from competitive racing for many years.

 

Meanwhile, Dave and Alex continued to race at Whitworth. When that venue eventually closed, they took the initiative to establish a club based in Milnrow, keeping their passion for the hobby alive. This sadly ended in the 1998.

 

A New Beginning in 2025

 

Towards the end of 2025, Gary decided it was time to return to the RC community. He joined Paul and Alex for informal Sunday morning park bashing, bringing together a small group of local enthusiasts. As word spread, more drivers joined in, and what began as a casual get-together soon developed into something much bigger.

 

The enthusiasm and growing numbers created the foundations for a new club.

 

Establishing the Club in 2026

 

In early 2026, Rochdale Radio Control Car Club was officially formed. After searching for a suitable location, the club secured an outdoor venue at Falinge Park. We became affiliated by the BRCA in 2026

 

The tarmac track became the home of organised racing throughout the summer. With regular race meetings, a formal membership system and an expanding community of drivers, the club quickly began to grow from strength to strength.

 

It was an exciting time for everyone involved, as the club developed from a small group of friends into an organised racing community welcoming drivers of different ages and abilities.

 

Moving Indoors – September 2026

 

As the summer season drew to a close, Alex found a suitable indoor venue at Champness Hall, opening up a new chapter for the club.

 

The move indoors allowed racing to continue throughout the year, regardless of the weather. The club sourced indoor racing carpet and purchased track barriers, creating the foundations for a dedicated indoor racing circuit.

 

By September 2026, Rochdale Radio Control Car Club had taken another major step forward, establishing a regular indoor racing venue and building on the success of its first outdoor season.

 

Looking to the Future

 

From Gary’s return to racing, a few Sunday morning sessions in the park, and the determination of a handful of enthusiasts, Rochdale Radio Control Car Club has developed into a growing and organised RC racing community.

 

The club’s success is built on the dedication of its members, volunteers and committee, all working together to make racing accessible, enjoyable and welcoming.

 

The journey has only just begun. Our aim is to keep growing, encourage new drivers into the hobby, support our junior racers and make Rochdale Radio Control Car Club a great place to race, learn and make friends.