Have you ever wondered what it’s like to race RC cars? Whether you’re a complete beginner or curious about the hobby, the Forest of Dean RC Club offers a welcoming, friendly environment to try racing without spending a penny on your own car first.

We cater exclusively to 10th scale and smaller electric RC cars — nitro vehicles are not permitted.

🏁 Why Talk to Us First

RC racing can be expensive if you jump in without guidance. That’s why we recommend coming to the track and speaking with a committee member or experienced racer before making any purchases. Seeing the cars in action will help you understand:

• The different classes of racing and car handling
• How qualifying heats and finals are structured
• Which class suits your skill level and goals

Our experienced members are happy to give advice, recommend beginner-friendly cars, and answer all your questions.

🚗 Try Before You Buy – Club Cars

If you don’t yet have a car, our club cars are available for newcomers to use. Fully set up and competitive, they’re ready to race indoors and outdoors.

• Perfect for trying out the hobby before investing
• Includes batteries, charger, controller, and car
• Club members can use club cars for free on race nights if their own car breaks
• Breakages happen — don’t worry! We keep plenty of spare parts to keep you racing

Club cars are ideal for learning the track, practising car control, and gaining confidence before buying your own vehicle.

🏠 Indoor Racing – Tuesdays at Miners Welfare Hall

• Doors Open: 17:30 | Racing Starts: ~19:00
• Booking via Membership Portal required to organise heat lists efficiently
• Track: 15x10m carpet with robust track barriers
• Pit Tables: Set up only after track is laid out; chairs are provided, with a small number of extra “handout” tables available

Race Format:

• Qualifying heats: 4–5 minutes, racing the clock
• Finals: 5 minutes, seeded by Fastest Time of the Day (FTD)
• Marshalling rotates after each heat; assist cars safely and stay alert
• Timing uses electronic transponders (loan units available; MRT units via group buys)

Practice Opportunities:

• Open practice once the track is laid out
• Pay & Play night every 6 weeks — perfect for newcomers to explore setups and gain track experience

Indoor racing is fast-paced and safe, with plenty of support from experienced racers and the club committee.

🌳 Outdoor Racing – Thursdays at Steam Mills

• Gate Opens: 17:30 | First Heat: ~18:30
• Racing continues until dark, weather permitting
• Booking via Google Form required

Classes:

• 2WD Buggies
• 4WD Buggies
• Trucks
• Vintage Buggies

Race Format:

• Qualifying heats: 5 minutes
• Finals: 5 minutes, seeded by FTD
• Marshalling rotates with drivers — assist cars safely and stay alert

Pit & Setup:

• Track is off-grid — bring a generator or leisure batteries for charging
• Gazebo/tent recommended for hot or wet weather
• No track setup required; robust track barriers are in place for safety

Outdoor racing offers faster straights, loose surfaces, and a chance to practise car control in real-world conditions.

💡 Tips for First-Time Racers

• Arrive early and watch a few heats before racing
• Try a club car before purchasing your own
• Chat with committee members or experienced racers — they are there to help
• Focus on learning the track and having fun
• Respect track etiquette: move offline when lapped, marshal responsibly
• Keep your car and gear organised on your pit table
• Don’t panic if you break something — we have plenty of spares

At Forest of Dean RC Club, our goal is simple: to provide a welcoming, safe, and fun environment for electric RC racing. Whether indoors on Tuesdays or outdoors on Thursdays, you’ll find friendly faces, helpful advice, and plenty of excitement.

Come along, try a club car, have a chat, watch the racing, and see why so many drivers keep coming back week after week!