The Tasmanian RC Scene: A Statewide Community

Tasmania might be a small island, but its radio-controlled (RC) racing scene is remarkably diverse and deeply rooted in a history of local dedication. For decades, enthusiasts across the state have built and maintained tracks, organised competitive events, and fostered a community that punches well above its weight in terms of participation and technical skill. Understanding where Tassie Mini-Z Club fits into this broader landscape requires a look at the clubs and cultures that have paved the way.

A Collaborative Tradition

One of the most defining characteristics of RC racing in Tasmania is its collaborative nature. While many sports are defined by intense regional rivalries—often a “North vs. South” divide—the Tasmanian RC community is characterized by a shared commitment to the hobby. Racers frequently travel between Hobart, Launceston, and the Northwest to support each other’s events, ensuring that even smaller meets have competitive fields and a great atmosphere.

This statewide connection is best exemplified by major events like the Tasmanian State Titles. In March 2022, the Southern Tasmania Model Car Club (STMCC) hosted the titles in Goodwood, drawing drivers from all corners of the state. The event was praised not just for the high-level racing, but for the hospitality and smooth operation provided by the southern club. This spirit of cooperation ensures that the technical knowledge and passion for the sport are shared, rather than isolated in regional pockets.

The Southern Stronghold

In the south, the scene is anchored by the Southern Tasmania Model Car Club (STMCC). Located in the Hobart suburb of Goodwood, the STMCC has been operating for over 30 years. It holds a unique position as the only club in Tasmania dedicated to 1/10 Electric Power (EP) On-road racing. Their track, featuring a Boral-coated surface with medium grip levels, has hosted numerous state and local championships, providing a consistent home for those who prefer the precision of on-road racing.

Nearby, the Hobart Radio Control Car Club (HRCCC) caters to those with a taste for larger scales. The HRCCC boasts Tasmania’s only purpose-built 1/5 scale RC track. Racing these large, petrol-powered machines requires significant space and specialized facilities, and the HRCCC provides a venue where both novices and experienced drivers can push these massive cars to their limits.

Racing in the North and Northwest

Moving north, the Launceston R/C Inc club is a central hub for off-road enthusiasts. Unlike the outdoor tracks often found in the south, Launceston R/C operates an indoor circuit, which is crucial for maintaining a consistent racing schedule in the Tasmanian climate. They focus on 1/10 scale off-road buggies, short course trucks, and stadium trucks.

A significant moment in the club’s history was the 2014 Chilli FM Launceston R/C Cup. Held at the Quercus Rural Youth Park in Carrick, the event featured a fully carpeted off-road layout and set a club record with 105 entries. This event highlighted the reach of the Northern scene, with competitors traveling from off-road clubs across the state to compete. Notable winners from that era, such as Andrew MacKenzie, Marcel Jenni, Justin Strickland, and Tim Parsons, remain respected names in the community.

Further west, the Northwest Remote Control Car Club (NWRCCC) provides a dedicated clay off-road track. Situated in the state’s northwest, this facility caters to both electric and nitro vehicles. Clay tracks offer a distinct driving experience compared to the carpet or Boral surfaces found elsewhere, requiring specific tyre choices and setup adjustments that keep the technical side of the hobby engaging.

Allied Clubs and Diverse Interests

Beyond car racing, Tasmania has a strong tradition in other RC disciplines. The Launceston Model Aero Club (LMAC), based at Symmons Plains south of Launceston, has supported fixed-wing aviation for decades. Their facilities, including a 150-meter strip and a comfortable clubhouse, serve as a reminder that the RC hobby in Tasmania extends far beyond the ground.

These clubs are not just places to race; they are technical communities. Whether it’s discussing the merits of the Goodwood Cup or the Latrobe Cup, or debating the best tyre for a clay surface versus a carpeted one, the conversations that happen in the pits are what drive the sport forward.

Where Tassie Mini-Z Club Fits

Tassie Mini-Z Club enters this established landscape as a specialized branch of the hobby. While 1/10 and 1/5 scales dominate the larger tracks, Mini-Z racing brings the same level of technical depth and competitive intensity to a smaller scale. Our focus is on the Kyosho MR-04 Mini-Z line (1/27–1/28 scale), which allows for high-speed, precision racing on indoor surfaces like RCP foam or low-pile carpet.

In many ways, Mini-Z is the perfect fit for the Tasmanian scene. It addresses the challenges of our climate by being an inherently indoor pursuit, and it appeals to the technical mindset that defines Tasmanian racers. Just as the STMCC provides a home for 1/10 on-road and Launceston R/C for indoor off-road, Tassie Mini-Z Club provides a space for those who appreciate the unique engineering and “big car” feel of the Kyosho Mini-Z platform.

We see ourselves as part of this broader Tasmanian RC story. We aren’t here to replace the larger scales, but to complement them. Many of our members are long-time racers from other clubs who have discovered the convenience and depth of Mini-Z. By maintaining the same standards of respect, technical honesty, and community focus that have defined Tasmanian RC for the last thirty years, we aim to ensure that the next chapter of the state’s racing history is as vibrant as the last.

Whether you are a veteran of the Goodwood track or a newcomer looking to start in your garage, the Tasmanian RC scene has a place for you. At Tassie Mini-Z Club, we’re proud to be the newest addition to this statewide community, bringing small-scale racing to an island with a very big passion for RC.