By CHRIS RANDAZZO
Special to The Gazette
After a 10-year hiatus, racing is back in Stevens Point. The roar of the engines (well, actually, it's more of a whine).
The cheers of the masses (OK, so it's more like a few interested onlookers).
The thrill and danger of the crashes (all right, they may be thrilling, but it's not so dangerous when you can just flip the cars back over). All the fun that comes with organized racing is back in Stevens Point.
It's not NASCAR, CART or IRL. It's radio-controlled car racing (RC car). RC car racing used to be popular in central Wisconsin, with tracks at Skipp's Bowling Center, Galaxy Hobby, Hobby Town in Wisconsin Rapids and Polk's Hobby in Wausau. But those tracks all closed about 10 years ago.
"RC car popularity has always been cyclical, it comes and goes," said enthusiast Tom Byrnes.
Now it's back, with races taking place, weather permitting, on alternate Sundays and Mondays at Galaxy Hobby in Point, and at The Game Exchange in Plover. Scott Shurpit, the owner of both businesses, runs the races.
"We thought it would be something fun for the kids to do in the summer, and it's a lot more fun racing against other people than to run them up and down the driveway at home by yourself, " said Shurpit.
RC car racing appeals to more than just kids too. At a recent event participants ranged from 14 to 40 years old.
For $6 entrants get to participate in two qualifying races and, if they qualify, the main event for their class. Body style and the type of engine the vehicle has determine which class it will run in. Gas- and battery-powered cars race separately, as do cars, monster trucks and stadium trucks.
Whichever car finishes the most laps on the 60-by-40-foot oval track in five minutes is declared the winner. Winners of the main events receive Galaxy Hobby gift certificates, and points are also awarded based on placement in the qualifying and main races. The points are kept from week to week and whoever has the most points at the end of the summer will receive Galaxy Hobby gift certificates as well.
According to Byrnes, who has been racing RC cars on and off for about 10 years, it's not really important whether you win or lose.
"I like the racing, but it's also a great chance to talk with the other guys who are into it, and to pick up tips," said Byrnes.
Other racers seem to share that attitude as well. Robert Newby, who has been racing for about six months and is also a Galaxy employee, not only gave tips, but helped out with minor repairs and modifications that were necessary during the afternoon.
"It's more about having fun than winning and losing. I help the other racers in any way I can," said Newby.
Newby also said that RC racing is a pretty easy hobby to get started in as both ready-to-race or ready-to-assemble kits are available. He suggests the ready-to-assemble kits as they allow beginners the opportunity to become familiar with how the vehicles work, and they are relatively simple to put together.
The cars do require a somewhat significant monetary investment. Entry level electric cars range from $200-$300, and entry level gas cars from $350-$400.
However, after the initial investment upkeep is minimal, with most repairs and modifications in the $2-$20 range.
Gas-powered cars are usually faster, and can achieve speeds up to 50 mph. Electric cars, while slower, are easier to maintain and repair, according to Newby.