History
Racing at Urmston started in November 1979
...
... shortly after the 1/12th scale electric cars became generally
available. At first the only cars were race cars, then in
1980 electric stock cars came on the scene, and they became
so popular at Urmston, that a purpose built oval track was
made.
Ministocks and Buggies came on the scene in 1982, and a fly-over
bridge and ramp were made making this type of racing more
exciting. Our club also ran an outside series for Buggies
at a Scout Hut for several years. The bridge lasted for ten
years. In the early days all cars raced on wood or lino floors,
but now most clubs race on carpet.
Race meetings are held on three Saturday mornings(9.30am), plus some Bank Holidays(
afternoons), and also on Wednesdays
at 7.30pm.
Once a year a National Stock Car meeting is held, when drivers
come from all over the country take part in a full days
racing.
Our Club is a member of the BRCA (British Radio Car Association)
of which the membership fee is £14 per annum. This membership
fee covers third party insurance, and allows members to race
at any national meeting in the country. Club membereship is
£3, and racing fees are
£4 for seniors, and £3 for juniors under 16...
but on Wednesday eveings £3 seniors, £1 juniors. We currently race Stockcars, Bangers,
and 3WD occasionally
on an oval track. Drivers are graded according to their performance
by different coloured roofs. Beginners have a white roof and
start at the front, then come better drivers with a yellow
roof, then come those with blue roofs, and the best drivers
have a red roof and start right at the back of the grid.
Trophies are awarded at certain meetings, and drivers also get
points for their positions, which add together after each
meeting and count towards a track championship. Traffic lights
control the racing, and an automatic lap counting system keeps
track of the results, with monitors for anyone to see who
is in what position during the races. There is also an LED
display sign in use at meetings, which advertises the club
and also shows which race is on.
Track records, points tables, and other information is
listed on special notice boards, and also on our website:-
www. urccc.co.uk Spectators are welcome, and there is a
canteen selling tea, minerals, sweets chocolates, sausage or
bacon barm, burgers, toast.
On race days the Club has its own Spares Shop, selling parts
for the cars, in fact selling all the parts sufficient to
build a Stockcar, or Banger.
Several items available for members to use are soldering
iron, drill, and fast fan. There are 36 power
points available for use in the main hall.
In 2011, the latest automatic lap counting system was introduced where
drivers could purchase their own personal transponder, which could also be used
at other tracks.
In January 2013, after just over 33 years, a committee was formed to run the
club, doing away with the position of club promoter.
Introduction of a shorter track for the last meeting of the
month started in 2014.
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