MODEL CAR RACING - MENDIP Model Motor Racing Club revved up for the first of its 18 events of the 2010 season last Sunday at its circuit in Accommodation Road, Bleadon.

MENDIP Model Motor Racing Club revved up for the first of its 18 events of the 2010 season last Sunday at its circuit in Accommodation Road, Bleadon.

The weekend saw the start of its eight-round club championship series with an influx of national championship competitors, who were using the event as testing for the first round of the BRCA National 1/8 scale championship at the circuit in April.

In 1/8 scale, top UK Shepherd Velox team driver Neil Diver took the overall honours with Weston's Rob McKenna taking first place in the group B final.

This was his debut drive with the Shepherd Velox car, having swapped from the Serpent 966 that took him to 19th in the 2009 British Championships. In 1/10 scale, another Weston driver Kevin Taylor took the honours.

Radio control racing cars have been lapping this popular circuit near Bleadon, since 1977, which back then was officially opened by John Button (father of reigning Formula 1 world champion Jenson).

Mendip is highly regarded as one of the best facilities of its kind in this country and the calendar of events includes many national championship rounds as well as the clubs own domestic championships.

Currently three scales are catered for - 1/10 nitro on road, powered by 1.2cc nitro methane and methanol fuelled engines. These cars boast four-wheel drive and two-speed gearboxes attaining speed of around 65mph on Mendip's long back straight.

1/8 nitro on road, powered by 3.5cc nitro fuelled engines. These cars are the pinnacle of technology, the F1 of the RC racing world with similar transmissions as the 1/10 scale, they accelerate faster than a full-size Ferrari and achieve speeds in excess of 80mph, lapping Mendips circuit in around 13 seconds.

1/5 largescale, powered by 23cc two-stroke petrol engines. These giants of the race track are perhaps the most popular with the spectators as they look and handle similar to the real thing. Although still fast the power to weight ratio's mean they often come in slightly slower overall than the two other scales.

The higher cost of this class of racing has seen it decline in recent years, however it seems to be on its way back again with the MCD four-wheel drive chassis proving a popular choice. Bodyshells are highly recognisable replicas of WRC Subaru's, Mitsubishi Evo's and Ford Focus.

The next event at Mendip is round two of the club championship which takes place on April 11, with the BRCA National Championships on April 24-25.

Spectators are welcome at the circuit which is free admission and onsite facilities include a cafe where both hot and cold snacks are served.

New members are always welcome. For further information please see the club's website at www.MMMRC.org