RC car racing has become one of the most unique and exciting hobbies within the community at Sunrise RV Resort. What started years ago as a small dirt oval track built by a handful of residents has grown into the Sunrise RC Club, a thriving group of racers who gather weekly for practice, friendly competition, and social connection. In this beginner’s guide, we share how RC racing works, what equipment beginners need, and insights from Brian, the point of contact for RC racing at Sunrise RV Resort and President of the Sunrise RC Club, about why this hobby continues to attract new members every season.

How RC Car Racing Became Part of Life at Sunrise RV Resort

At Sunrise RV Resort, one of the most rewarding aspects of our community is the way residents bring their passions with them and build something meaningful together. Over time, hobbies turn into clubs, and clubs become traditions that new residents quickly discover.

RC car racing is one of those traditions.

Located within the resort is a dedicated dirt oval RC track where residents gather throughout the winter season to race, practice, and socialize. What began years ago with a small group of enthusiasts has evolved into a well-organized club that continues to grow each season.

To give a deeper look into the hobby, we spoke with Brian, who helps maintain the Sunrise RC Club and serves as the primary point of contact for the RC racing program at Sunrise RV Resort.

Meet Brian, Sunrise RC Club President

Brian and his wife are longtime members of the Sunrise community. Their involvement in RC racing played a major role in their decision to become homeowners at the resort.

“This is our fourth winter here at Sunrise RV Resort,” Brian explains. “We started with our fifth wheel, and last year we bought a park model. One of the main reasons we decided to purchase here was because of the RC track.”

Brian has been involved with RC racing for many years.

“I’ve been racing RC cars since my boys were little,” he says. “Earlier this year I was elected President of the Sunrise RC Club, and I’ll be serving in that role until March of 2027.”

Today, Brian helps organize club activities, support members, and maintain the racing program that has become a beloved part of life at Sunrise RV Resort.

What Exactly Is RC Car Racing

RC racing is a hobby that covers a wide variety of styles and vehicle types. Many people are surprised to learn how diverse the RC world actually is.

Brian explains that there are several types of RC racing.

“RCing means different things to different people. There are a lot of styles in the hobby. There is oval dirt racing, which is what we do here. There is also off-road racing with jumps and turns, rock crawling, drag racing, and something called bashing.”

Bashing is actually how many RC enthusiasts begin.

“Bashing is really where the hobby started for a lot of people,” Brian says. “That’s how I introduced RC cars to my boys. We would just go outside and race in front of the house or out in a dirt field. No rules. Just fun.”

At Sunrise RV Resort, the club focuses specifically on dirt oval racing.

Understanding Dirt Oval RC Racing

Dirt oval racing is inspired by real-world oval track motorsports. Drivers guide their cars around a dirt track in a continuous loop.

“The easy part is that you are always turning left,” Brian says with a smile.

The challenge lies in controlling the car precisely.

“The tricky part is the hand and eye coordination when using the handheld radio controller. The radio has a throttle trigger and a small steering wheel. You’re constantly adjusting speed and direction.”

Like any hobby or sport, skill improves with experience.

“The more laps you run, the better you get,” Brian explains.

For beginners, practice sessions are the best way to develop comfort and control before joining races.

Inside the Sunrise RC Club

The Sunrise RC Club is structured as a membership-based organization within the resort.

“Our club is a membership club,” Brian explains. “Members pay $30 per season to race at the track, and everyone gets to vote on decisions that come up.”

This structure allows members to help guide improvements, rules, and event planning.

Over the years, the club has grown considerably.

“Our club originally started with about four to six men who approached the park years ago and asked if they could build a dirt oval race track,” Brian says. “Now we have over 30 members.”

As the membership grew, the track also improved.

“There have been tremendous improvements made at the track since those early days.”

The Social Side of RC Racing

One of the most rewarding aspects of the Sunrise RC Club is the sense of community it creates.

Brian says the friendships formed around the track are just as important as the racing itself.

“We have a great group of men and women in the club,” he explains. “My wife and I purchased here primarily because of the track, and over the years we’ve built some great friendships.”

Race days bring friendly competition, laughter, and plenty of encouragement among racers.

While members enjoy improving their lap times and tuning their vehicles, the environment remains welcoming to newcomers and hobbyists of all skill levels.

What Beginners Need to Get Started

Getting started in RC racing requires some basic equipment, but the barrier to entry is fairly manageable.

At Sunrise RC Club, racers use standardized vehicles to keep competition fair.

“We require what’s called a 1/10 scale car,” Brian explains. “These cars are roughly about 30 inches long and about 12 inches wide.”

Battery requirements are also standardized.

“One of the few rules we have is that everyone uses a 2S LiPo battery. That keeps things fair so no one has significantly more speed or power than anyone else.”

This allows driver skill and practice to be the biggest factors in performance.

Different Classes of RC Cars

Another interesting aspect of the Sunrise RC Club is the variety of racing classes.

“We usually run about six or seven different classes of cars on Sundays,” Brian explains.

Different classes allow racers with different vehicles and experience levels to compete fairly.

For beginners, this structure makes it easier to enter races without feeling intimidated.

Experienced members are also happy to help new racers choose a vehicle that fits their class and skill level.

How Much Does RC Racing Cost

Like many hobbies, RC racing can vary in cost depending on the equipment selected.

Brian estimates that beginners typically spend between $300 and $1,000 to get started.

“That usually includes the car, batteries, charger, tools, and other basic equipment,” he says.

He adds with a laugh that many experienced racers prefer not to calculate their total investment.

“I’d rather not reveal what I’ve spent on my RC cars.”

Fortunately, beginners can start with a more modest setup and gradually upgrade as they become more involved in the hobby.

When the Sunrise RC Club Races

The RC racing season at Sunrise aligns with the winter residency schedule of many residents.

“Our season runs from about October through April,” Brian explains.

Most races take place on Sundays.

“We race on Sundays at noon, and we hold practice and training sessions on Thursdays at one in the afternoon.”

Practice sessions are especially helpful for new racers learning how to control their cars and navigate the track.

Outside of official events, the track is accessible to Sunrise residents.

“The track is generally open to anyone in the park at any time, except when maintenance or weather conditions require it to close.”

Why RC Racing Fits the Sunrise Lifestyle

RC racing fits naturally within the active and social environment at Sunrise RV Resort.

Residents here enjoy hobbies that bring people together, encourage friendly competition, and create opportunities to connect with neighbors.

RC racing offers all of those benefits. It combines mechanical curiosity, driving skill, and shared experiences around the track.

Many residents first discover the hobby simply by watching a race or attending a practice session. From there, curiosity often turns into participation.

Why New Racers Are Always Welcome

Brian emphasizes that the Sunrise RC Club welcomes newcomers every season.

“You should definitely come out and race with us if you enjoy cars, competition, or just having fun,” he says.

Many members started with little to no experience. With encouragement and support from fellow racers, beginners quickly develop confidence.

The club’s welcoming culture ensures that the hobby continues to grow each year.

Key Takeaways

• RC car racing is a popular and social hobby at Sunrise RV Resort.

• The Sunrise RC Club began with a handful of racers and now includes more than 30 members.

• Dirt oval racing is the primary racing style at the Sunrise RC track.

• Club membership costs $30 per season and includes voting rights on club decisions.

• Beginners typically race 1/10 scale cars using standardized 2S LiPo batteries.

• Races take place Sundays at noon, with practice sessions Thursdays at 1 PM.

• Equipment costs generally range from $300 to $1,000 depending on setup.

FAQ

What is RC car racing
RC car racing involves radio-controlled vehicles that are driven using handheld transmitters to control speed and steering.

Do I need experience to join the Sunrise RC Club
No experience is required. Many members begin as beginners and learn through practice sessions and support from other racers.

How much does it cost to get started
Most beginners spend between $300 and $1,000 on a car, batteries, charger, and tools.

When does the racing season run
The Sunrise RC Club season typically runs from October through April.

When are races held
Races are held Sundays at noon, and practice sessions take place Thursdays at 1 PM.

Can residents use the RC track outside of race days
Yes. The track is generally open for residents to use except during maintenance or poor weather conditions.

Final Thoughts

RC racing at Sunrise RV Resort is more than just a hobby. It is a community built around shared interests, friendly competition, and meaningful connections.

What began years ago with a small group of residents has grown into a thriving club where members gather weekly to race, learn, and spend time together.

For anyone curious about RC cars, the Sunrise RC Club offers an approachable and welcoming way to get involved. Whether you are an experienced racer or simply interested in trying something new, the track at Sunrise RV Resort is a place where fun, skill, and friendship come together.