RC drivers soon to be back on track

Yuma's radio controlled car drivers will soon be back on the track.

A new raceway for radio controlled vehicles is being built adjacent to the Valley Aquatic Center at 4381 W. 18th St. It is expected to be completed and opened to the public by October.

The new park will replace the Kiwanis Park Radio Controlled Raceway, once located at 855 S. Magnolia Ave. That raceway was demolished in April.

Since then, the city of Yuma has been working closely with the Radio Control Enthusiasts of Yuma club to build a new track.

“When the old track was plowed under during the county's flood rezoning project at its former location, the city worked closely with RCE of Yuma to locate a suitable alternate location to relocate the track,” said Mike Mendivil, a member of the club.

“They designated the area next to the Valley Aquatic Center as the Yuma RC Raceway's new home. The city has provided a larger area for the new track and erected a larger fence to protect the track complex.”

The new track is about 9,600 square feet.

“The new track has a smaller footprint than the old track, but with more efficient use of the space it actually feels larger than the old track,” Mendivil said.

New features include a rhythm section and a wagon-wheel, as well as step-up and step-down sections.

“This new setup incorporates a long straightaway and sweeping turns to appeal to the faster, drifting style of driving and also has a more technical side of the track that offers more challenges,” Mendivil said.

And the pipe used to mark the boundaries are smaller than the previous track, “and has more flexibility, which in turn will minimize parts breakage,” he added.

The track was designed by Jeff Pfeifer, a veteran RC racer from Missouri who has been a car enthusiast since about 1987.

“He has helped design and build several other RC tracks so he was a great candidate for our track designer,” Mendivil said. “Not only does he do this as a hobby, but work's in an RC-related industry as a UAV pilot instructor. His theme for this track was to both make it approachable for beginners while also making it technical for the more experienced hobbyist.”

On Aug. 25, a team of about 30 volunteers and employees with the city of Yuma gathered together at the park to build the track.

“Everyone volunteered and donated not only their time, but equipment, tools, and food for the crews,” Mendivil said.

Funding for the track is being provided by the city of Yuma, RCE of Yuma and from donations from area businesses such as Team Ramco Transmission and Reliable Auto Parts.

The new location was chosen because it has several features the old location did not, Mendivil said.

“Some of these include bathrooms, better parking and a larger footprint of land that will allow a secondary track to eventually be added to the RC complex. Plans to add a dirt oval track are in the works. The track will have a lot more visibility to the public than the previous location and should prove to be a more family friendly location.”

It is the hope of RCE of Yuma club members to attract RC hobbyists from throughout Arizona and California with the new track, Mendivil said.

RCE of Yuma is grateful to all those who have supported the building of the new track.

“Thanks to everyone who has contributed both in donations and hard work during the track build,” Mendivil said. “Special Thanks to the City Parks and Recreation team who has been incredibly helpful in offering assistance with bringing the Yuma RC Raceway back to us. We look forward to opening this facility for all of Yuma.”

For more information about RCE of Yuma, log onto www.rceofyuma.com.

Chris McDaniel can be reached at cmcdaniel@yumasun.com or 539-6849.