There’s something magical about the Reedy Race of Champions. Sure it’s located at one of the finest 1/10th indoor tracks in America. Yes, it’s got some crazy international competition and yah… it’s filled with world champions, national champions, and even future champions, but what’s really special about this race is that it celebrates an influential man who has forever changed this hobby…. Mike Reedy. Check out the 2019 Heritage video to really get the feel of what this race is all about.
This gathering of the best racers from around the world was his wish and it was the way he wanted to celebrate his birthday. Now, it’s become the hardest race to win.
The energy was high from day 1 as it always is at the Reedy. Lines formed every morning to enter the building right when the track opened as many wanted to get on the track as soon as possible. The only way to race in the Open class at the Reedy is to actually enter the lottery and cross your fingers. It’s not a race you can just go to and be a part of. There’s a waiting list that goes on forever and once in, it’s a race unlike any other.
Pit walking and talking
Posted by JConcepts Inc on Thursday, January 24, 2019
Check out the early Pit Walk as you can catch some of the buzz and excitment of the Reedy!!
The Reedy layout isn’t made to be easy, but to be challenging while providing a great racing circuit for the spectators and in that aspect, provided some of the best racing action for the year. It’s not often you see a full-length straightaway at OCRC, but when you do, expect to see some drama going into the first turn. The small doubles leading up to the elevated 180 was undersized requiring trigger control to not overshoot. Blast down the steps and next up were the rhythm doubles which were actually more difficult than they appeared because of the slight bend. Without a doubt, the hardest part of the track was the step on, step off triple. Not easy to set up and execute perfectly and each lap made you pucker as the price you paid was not just a damaged car, but ego, confidence, and grid position. Overall, when the grip came up, the track was a lot of fun and made for an excellent show bringing out the ‘oooooh’ and ‘aaaaahs’ from the audience at hand. Amazing job by the OCRC crew and Team Associated’s Brent Thielke for the track layout and design!
After 25 years, the Reedy Race is just as important as it was from day 1. This race encapsulates what is so beautiful and true to RC racing. The comradery amongst racers and friends from all over the world because of our common unique bond of RC cars is absolutely unreal. Indeed, the race is held in high regards and the competitors carry high expectations for themselves, but at the end of the day, the experience and memories are ones that last a lifetime. The 2019 Reedy Race saw the most competitive field in many years and looks like the event will carry on the tradition as originally intended by Mike Reedy.