If you look around and can’t find an active RC club in your area, you’re not alone and that might actually be an opportunity. Starting an RC club is more straightforward than most people think, and it can turn a solo hobby into a community that grows well beyond yourself. Here’s everything you need to know.
Why Start a Club?
More people to race and bash with better sessions for everyone.
A reason to access better facilities (parks, parking lots, indoor venues) that are more willing to deal with an organized group than with individuals.
Group buying power for track materials, tires, and event entry fees.
A platform to introduce new people to the hobby and grow it locally.
rc car club how to start one
Step 1: Find Even a Few Core Members First
You don’t need 20 people to start a club. You need 3–5 committed enthusiasts who will show up consistently. These are your core group.
How to find them:
- Post in local Facebook groups (“RC car hobbyists in [your city]”)
- Visit your local hobby shop and ask if they know of any local RC drivers
- Post on RCTech.net’s regional forum with your location
- Check Meetup.com for any existing RC groups
If you find even three people who want to meet regularly, you have the foundation of a club.
Step 2: Define What Kind of Club You Want to Be
RC clubs take different forms:
Racing club: Focused on formal racing events with classes, qualifying, and timed mains. Requires a proper track.
Bashing club: Informal group that meets to bash (drive recreationally) at various locations. No track needed.
Mixed club: A club that does both bashing sessions for fun and organized races periodically.
Scale/crawler club: Focused on realistic scale RC crawlers, trail courses, and obstacle challenges.
Most beginner clubs start as bashing clubs and evolve into racing clubs as interest grows.
Step 3: Find a Location to Meet
Your meeting location depends on your club type:
For bashing: Large empty parking lots (ask the business that owns it), parks with open areas, school grounds (get permission), or industrial areas on weekends.
For racing: You’ll eventually want a proper track. Options:
- Build your own temporary track with cones/tape in a parking lot
- Rent a parking lot or indoor space for weekend events
- Partner with a hobby shop that has space for a permanent track
Always get written permission before using any private or public space regularly.
Step 4: Set Up a Simple Online Presence
You don’t need a complex website to start:
Facebook Group: Easiest to set up and where most hobby activity happens. Create a group named “[City] RC Car Club” and invite your founding members.
WhatsApp or Signal Group Chat: For quick communication between members.
Email list: For formal announcements and event scheduling.
A simple online presence lets new people find you and gives the club a home base.
Step 5: Establish a Few Basic Rules
Even a casual club benefits from a few rules to prevent conflicts:
- Safety rules (no running cars near pedestrians, always check area before driving)
- Respect for meeting locations (leave it cleaner than you found it)
- Meeting time and frequency (even just “last Saturday of every month”)
Write these down and share them with new members.
Step 6: Run Your First Event
Keep the first event simple a casual bashing session or “meet and drive” at a suitable location. Announce it through your Facebook group and WhatsApp chat.
For a first event:
- Announce the date 2–3 weeks in advance
- Provide clear location information
- Bring extra batteries and a few spare parts to help newcomers
- Have a casual atmosphere this is about fun, not competition
Even if only 4 people show up, it’s a successful first event.
Step 7: Grow the Club
Once you have a regular meeting cadence, focus on growth:
Partner with your local hobby shop: Many hobby shops will promote local clubs, offer club discounts, or even co-host events.
Run beginner days: Host occasional “intro to RC cars” sessions where curious people can try driving before committing to buying.
Organize charity events: An RC car demo or charity race is a great way to get local press coverage and community goodwill.
Join ROAR (Remotely Operated Auto Racers): If you want to run official sanctioned racing events, ROAR membership gives you access to resources, insurance, and official race formats.
Step 8: Handle Money Transparently
Even small clubs deal with money eventually entry fees, track maintenance, club equipment. Keep it simple:
- Collect small event fees ($5–$10 per meeting) to cover location costs
- Use a shared club PayPal or Venmo for transparency
- Keep records of income and expenses
- Vote on significant spending decisions as a group
How many members do you need to be a real club?
There’s no minimum. Three dedicated members who meet regularly is a real club. A hundred members who never meet is not.
Do we need insurance to run RC races?
For informal bashing sessions, no. For formal events with spectators, ROAR membership includes event liability insurance. Check local regulations.
Can I start a club without a permanent track?
Absolutely. Many successful clubs run for years using temporary track setups or rotating bashing locations.
How do I get a hobby shop to partner with my club?
Approach the shop owner with a clear value proposition you’ll bring customers to them through the club and promote their store at events.
What’s the biggest challenge in running a club?
Consistency. Getting people to commit to meeting regularly is the hardest part. A fixed monthly or biweekly schedule helps.
Is there a fee to join ROAR?
ROAR membership for individuals is approximately $20–$40 per year. Club membership is also available.
Can a club for both electric and nitro cars work?
Yes, but nitro cars add complexity (fuel access, more noise, more maintenance). Many clubs run mixed sessions but often separate electric and nitro racing for safety and practicality.