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Radio-controlled car fans are revving up for a weekend of competition at Skagit River Park in Burlington, where drivers spent Friday afternoon fine-tuning their machines on the oval track. The event, set for March 21 through March 23, 2025, brings together hobbyists from across the Pacific Northwest for a series of timed races and freestyle heats.
“This is more than just a hobby – it’s a sport that demands precision, patience, and constant tweaking,” said Mark Henson, a veteran racer from Bellingham who has been competing for over a decade. “You can spend hours adjusting the suspension or gearing, and then one wrong bump can send you to the back of the pack.”
The track at Skagit River Park, a dedicated facility known for its smooth asphalt surface and challenging layout, will host multiple classes of vehicles, from 1/10-scale touring cars to small 1/16-scale buggies. Organizers expect at least 50 registered drivers, with some traveling from as far as Oregon and Idaho. Registration remains open through Saturday morning.
Beyond the competition, the weekend serves as a gathering for the local RC community. Vendors will set up booths selling spare parts, tires, and electronics, while beginner workshops offer hands-on guidance for newcomers. “We want to show people that RC racing is accessible – you don’t need a $1,000 car to have fun,” said event coordinator Lisa Tran. “Our entry-level classes are open to anyone with a stock vehicle.”
The event also highlights a growing trend: the integration of live telemetry and video feeds in RC racing. Several drivers will use onboard cameras and real-time data links to monitor battery voltage, motor temperature, and lap times from their handheld controllers. “It’s like Formula 1, but in miniature,” noted tech enthusiast David Kim, who helped design a custom telemetry module for his car.
Local businesses are also benefiting from the influx of visitors. Hotels near the park report strong bookings, and restaurants in downtown Burlington expect a busy weekend. “This is a great community event that brings energy and spending to our town,” said Burlington Chamber of Commerce representative Jenna Ortiz.
On the safety front, park officials have set up barriers and designated spectator zones to keep watchers at a safe distance from the high-speed mini cars. The track will be closed to other uses during racing hours, which run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, with a shorter session on Friday.
For those who can’t attend in person, the event will be livestreamed on the club’s YouTube channel, with commentary from seasoned racers. Organizers hope the coverage will inspire more people to take up the hobby.
As the sun set Friday, drivers were still swapping tires and tweaking suspension settings, their cars glowing under the track lights. The weekend promises a mix of adrenaline, camaraderie, and the unmistakable buzz of tiny engines.
