The JAMROCK Remote Control Car Club (JRRCCC) started its fourth season of the Island Electric Series (IES) at the Sovereign Centre on the Boulevard, Washington Boulevard in St Andrew, on Sunday.

The event saw the introduction of a new racing classification, 1:10 scale Formula 1.

“This is a relatively a new class that is on the rise worldwide and we’re seeking to take advantage of the opportunity. Also, there is more than normal demand by the local competitors to compete in this class,” Franklin Thomas, JRRCCC director of promotions, told the Jamaica Observer‘s weekly Auto magazine.

The 1:10 scale F1 cars are electronically powered as per the series rules. However, they only have the rear-wheel driven and use an electronic speed controller.

“It’s basically a spec series,” Michael Clarke, winner of the first race, explained.

Clarke was happy with his victory in the inaugural race, citing the level playing field the new cars have created and how close the racing was.

“Nobody knows how these cars work, so there was a lot of searching on the Internet and trial and error to find a set-up,” he said.

He said the F1 cars require a different driving style to the other three classes.

“They’re more challenging since they’re only two-wheel drive and it’s the rear wheels. You have to be smooth on the throttle or you’ll spin.”

Clarke also took home the Electric Touring class win. Lascelles Ellis and Gary Sailsman were winners in the Mini and RCGT classes, respectively.

— Rory Daley