Some call it mini Formula 1 racing, but the On-Road Circuit Association (Orca) was founded in 1997 to promote radio-controlled car racing in Ireland. Some members have been involved in model car racing since the late 1980s, when they used University College Dublin’s car park.

During the 1990s, Orca found a new home on a custom-made circuit in St Anne’s Park, Raheny, where it has been ever since. The club races two types of one-eighth-scale nitro on-road cars, the 1/8 GP and the 1/8 GT. Both offer high-speed racing with the thrills and spills that are part of all motor racing.

Both scale cars are four-wheel drive with clutch and two-speed gearboxes. The cars are fully adjustable, with ride height, castor and camber, shocks, and various spring and tyre choices all part of the drivers’ and mechanics’ strategies on race day. The club is very welcoming of all new members and to people of all abilities interested in cars or car racing. Newcomers can try their hand and see if they would like to get involved. Orca has a full race schedule that can be found on its Facebook page or website.

Model car racing can be both a rewarding hobby and a sport. Some senior members race in Europe in the Italian championships and at the World and European Grand Prix. Some drivers are professional, with a team of mechanics from different car manufacturers, and get paid to drive these cars, which have top speeds of up to 80mph. The sport is growing in popularity in Europe, Japan, the US and in many countries in Asia.

Race controller Denis Fox check all cars after they race
Bruno Barbosa
Radio Controlled Car Association of Ireland GT & GP Irish Nationals Round 4
A final tune-up while preparing to race
Graeme Lougheed’s GT car takes a bend
Preparing cars to race
Jason Noonan
Kyle O’Toole
Spectator sport
Eugen Adrian
Pit-stop tyre change
Irish Nationals Round 4 at St Anne’s Park, Raheny, Dublin
Hot wheels
Repairs
Race controller Denis Fox checking lap times
Liam Elliott
Denis Fox hands out car numbers to the drivers
Dylan Noonan, marshal at the race
Back on track
Spectators in St Anne’s Park
Denis Fox starts a race
Mean green machine
Adam Mathews preparing his car
In control
Austin Elliott
Graeme Lougheed prepares his car
A GP car