By Jared Curtis

Racers focus on the finish line during the Hobby Haven Off-Road Shootout. (Photo2) A RC car flies through the course.

The 2012 Hobby Haven Off-Road Shootout takes place Aug. 31 through Sept. 2 at Hobby Haven, 2575 86th St., Urbandale. Interested racers can preregister at rcsignup.com or Hobby Haven, or register the day of at the event. PHOTOS courtesy of Trevor “Chilly” Duncan

Big race features small cars

For almost two decades, Hobby Haven has provided a home for radio-controlled (RC) racing with their weekly races on Wednesday and Sunday. During Labor Day weekend, they up their game with the annual Hobby Haven Off-Road Shootout, a racing event that usually features around 200 entrees.

“We have always ran races, but as the season winds down, we wanted to offer a bigger, end-of-the-season race,” said Rick Marble, owner of Hobby Haven. “It’s become a great event, and people travel from out of state to participate. During the week we’ll have anywhere from 20 to 50 entrees, but for this event we’ll draw closer to 200.”

Racers involved in all styles of hobby racing are welcome. Classes include novice, Stock 2WD Buggy, Stock 2WD SCT, Mod Stadium Truck, Mod 2WD SCT, MOD 2WD Buggy, MOD 4WD Buggy, MOD 4WD SCT and 1/8 Electic Buggy.

“The last few years, the short course truck (SCT) has really been catching on. They look fairly realistic, and they have better body coverage,” Marble said. “Stadium trucks have always been a staple, and although there is a subtle difference on the outside, compared to the short course truck, they handle quite different.”

Racers can participate in one class for $25, and if they want to race in other classes the cost is $15. There are drawings throughout the weekend offering a wide variety of prizes including complete RC cars, gift certificates, tires and tools.”

“The majority of people will run two or three classes,” Marble said. “These cars are like their set of golf clubs, and they can’t wait to spend the weekend racing.”

On Friday, participants get a chance to practice on the course. Qualifying races take place on Saturday, with the winners advancing to the main event on Sunday.

“Qualifying is a timed event. Everyone runs five-minute heats where they try to turn as many laps as they can. After the five minutes, their laps are compared to the other laps to find the fastest lap,” Marble said. “During qualifying you’re racing the clock, but once you get to the main event, you’re racing more head-to-head.”

Marble sees regular drivers returning every year, but he also enjoys the new faces in the crowd.

“We always have a staple of racers who have been participating for years, but there are plenty of new faces as well,” Marble said. “It’s great to see the younger kids getting started, because their interest will keep the event growing. Regardless if you’re a kid or an adult, you’re going to have a lot of fun.”

Prizes and trophies are awarded to the victors.

“All of the finishers in the main event receive prizes,” Marble said. “We used to give out trophies, but we have gone to plaques. Most of the racers prefer those because once you have so many trophies, you run out of space to display them. But with a plaque, you can hang it on the wall and it’s going to take up less space.”

Although the Hobby Haven Off-Road Shootout takes place over a holiday weekend, Marble encourages everyone to stop out and enjoy the fast-paced action.

“A lot of these guys race all around the state, so when they get here the competition comes out, and there is a lot of pride on the line,” he said. “It’s a great way to experience a lot of quality racing, and if you’re interested in getting involved in the sport, you’ll get some great exposure and be able see what it’s all about.” CV