Now in her second term, the two-year-old JamRock Radio Control Car Club (JRRCCC) has put their faith in president Denise Clarke to expand and lead the small club into the future.

“The JRRCCC exists to provide a home for the radio-controlled car hobbyist, to meet, exchange ideas and assist however we can,” Clarke told Auto.

A seasoned radio-controlled car racer, she was introduced to the sport by her husband seven years ago and a sponsored driver. She has also competed overseas. This has shaped the direction Clarke believes the club should take in the coming years with the ultimate aim to have a permanent home and circuit that can facilitate international competition.

Currently, the JRRCCC meets once a month, hosts practice and race meets at their temporary track in the Michi Super Centre parking lot on Washington Boulevard in St Andrew.

Clarke heads the four-person executive consisting of Noel Chang, vice president; Sandra Thomas, treasurer; and Lascelles Ellis, secretary. Club membership stands at 24, but she hopes to push through perceived barriers to increase membership. Those barriers start with age.

“A lot of people unfortunately have a stereotype that RC cars are just for kids. The truth is the hobby is for all ages. What brought me to it in the first place is the joy of seeing families at event together whether competing or just supporting which ever member is racing,” she explained.

The other is cost. RC cars are big business elsewhere and is generally geared towards an older market, so the club provides rentals. It can also source lower cost packages. The final major barrier is just exposure, people just aren’t aware that there is a club that shares their interest.

“The club has been working on promoting itself with exhibitions at businesses, schools and the other two RC clubs that specialise in aircraft. Long term, I’m looking at a school mentorship programme to start kids young or help those who don’t think they could get into the hobby,” she added.

JRRCCC membership is open to everyone as long as they abide by the club rules and only costs $500 a month. This entitles members to discounted race entry fees and access to the knowledge base the club offers.

Apart from the camaraderie, the JRRCCC hosts a competitive race series twice a month, with the third event happening on Sunday.