A radio-controlled (RC) enthusiast car show is coming to Dos Palos on July 27. The event takes place in O’Banion Park at Center Avenue and Lorraine Street.
RC racing has taken the area by storm. Radio-controlled auto racing was first known as remote-controlled auto racing. Kingpin RC, 360 Products, Chip Dog RC and Team Bad Influence of Dos Palos host the local show.
All RC racers and spectators are welcome. Preregistration is required for planning purposes, and no fee is necessary to preregister. A $30 cash-only racing fee will be collected for each racing class on the show day.
On July 27, testing begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 9 a.m. There will be a drivers’ meeting at 9:30 a.m. The show starts at 10 a.m. and lasts as long as is necessary.
Ready-to-run (RTR) RCs are perfect cars for beginners, and they compete in their own class. These models are designed for anyone who wants the fun of racing but is not into building a competition model.
The RTR class is like a box stock class. Anyone interested can go to a hobby store and buy an RC car and race.
The 2.2 class requires more work, as the racer puts time into perfecting the car. The limitation is that it cannot run faster than 2.2 seconds in 132 feet.
For the Outlaw competition category, RC cars mimic vehicles that can be seen driving down roads: Outlaw RC miniatures must convey realism.
The Outlaw class is the fast class. In this open class, the car speed is unlimited: the point is to be the first to finish.
VXL (short for Velineon) is a unique competition category. These cars have brushless motors lacking carbon brushes.
They use specialized magnets instead. Friction and heat are reduced so the vehicle can run longer on a single battery charge.
The RC drag race is for one-tenth-scale vehicles. It makes the track 132 feet, representing a one-tenth-scale quarter-mile track.
Competitions with RC vehicles are no-contact: the drivers with their controllers are sequestered in a safe area.
The RC vehicles are protected from damage by carefully designed rules. When a vehicle has a spinout or other problem, the driver must sacrifice a potential victory to keep other vehicles safe.
The July 27 competition will be a double-elimination event. In short, competitors get two chances to win before being eliminated.
Cruz Garcia is a local RC racing enthusiast. He says, “Drag racing is more than just fast cars. It’s about the friendships made along the way.”
The RC enthusiast show is not only drag racing. All RCs are welcome. There is an RC lowrider car show and hop-off. Spectators will see RC crawlers, nitro cars, airplanes and more.
Food and beverages will be available for purchase. The event promises to be a fun family outing.
The Dos Palos Lions Club maintains the facility and will provide it for this community event.
David “DJ” Azevedo is a 31-year-old Dos Palos native who produced the idea of Team Bad Influence in 2021.
He started a little RC racing club in Dos Palos to participate in fundraisers locally. The goal is for youth and adults to participate in a wholesome hobby together.
One purpose of the show is to generate interest for the RC hobby to grow in the community. Azevedo hopes to see everyone on July 27.
For registration, email kingpin.custom.models@gmail.com, and for information, call 209-743-0407.
Janet Miller’s e-book, Family Prayers and Activities: Weekly Guides, is for families or prayer groups. Janet is the creator of Friends on the Way, an e-resource for churches to teach families about the Bible and discipleship. Find it at www.TeamRCIA.com.
