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A GROUP of Radio Controlled (RC) car fanatics shifted their boyhood dreams into gear as they took part in an electrifying drag race at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) … car park.
Every weekend, a group of 40 passionate RC car enthusiasts meet up at different locations around the kingdom to challenge one another to a drag race that proves size doesn’t matter when it comes to motor sports.
The Hobby Corner, a shop in Salmabad which offers tiny roadsters, sponsored the end-of-year drag race competition at the BIC car park for its motoring enthusiasts and members.
The store is run by brothers Mohammed and Hassan Al Haddad, 31, who took the reins from their older siblings.
Mohammed, 20, a public relations officer at Bahrain Credit, from A’ali, said: “We don’t tend to hold many competitions but we do get together quite frequently to share tips and advice on our vehicles, from modifying it to the challenges with racing it.
“We started staging competitions last year to further support our beloved hobby. We have many members at Hobby Corner and we wanted to support them as well as provide an outlet for them to share their thoughts and give them a chance to race.
“We have a track at our shop but are always looking for other venues. We truly appreciate the BIC lending us their car park for our final racing event. We have had five competitions last year alone and perhaps this will be the start for more this year.”
The RC Drag Race saw more than 18 competitors taking part. Two cars were pitted against each other and the first vehicle to cross the finish line made it to the final.
The group of guys geared up for the race with a hearty traditional Bahraini breakfast on site. While some men feasted, others worked on their cars to get them race-ready.
Bader BuQais, 48, a Bahrain Defence Force Officer, from Hamad Town, was tweaking one of his seven cars displayed in the back of his truck.
Bader used to be a real drag racer in the 80s but switched to RC racing after the sport got expensive.
He said: “My hobby originally started with real car racing but I decided to switch to the RC’s as they are smaller, more fun and much safer. I go with other members of the group every weekend to find locations to race the cars or just hang out and talk shop.
“We spend most of our time upgrading our cars and then come the weekend we want to see how well our cars perform.”
Although the term ‘RC car’ conjurors up images of a children’s toy, these micro-machines are anything but and can cost up to 400 dinars.
Abdulla Al Bloushi, 31, a branch manager in Arab Bank, from Riffa, said: “I find that certain vehicles are suitable for kids, depending on the power. At Hobby Corner you can find models for children and for adults.
“But these are not toys. It’s a lot more complicated than a toy and it feels like you are actually driving a car. I have been taking part in RC racing for a year-and-a-half. It started as a hobby but then I got hooked. We also have track racing, drag racing and drifting.
“It’s a shame that in Bahrain not many people know what RC is. That’s why we started a Bahrain RC Masters group to share our passion with others interested in knowing more or joining us. We can also start racing against others around the Gulf one day.
“We also want to start being a part of events. We were at the Bahrain Motor Show and our next step is, perhaps, to race and show our driving skills in malls.
“For now, we want to thank the BIC for giving us this space.”
As the race started, the competitors were eager to beat the old off-road record of 191kmph, which was achieved by the Kuwait RC members with a speed of 199kmph.
Fawaz Matar took first place winning a new RC car kit. Second place went to Bader BuQais who received a brushless motor and servo. Bader Al Ansari came third and won a digital radio control system.
For more details, contact Hobby Corner on 17664496.
