What does creating your own fun in Covid-lockdown look like?
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Just ask Lithgow's James Gilbert and Cooper Anderson, founders of Lithgow Underground RC (L.U.RC).
These two race-heads have been hosting regular remote control car events in local public spaces after Covid put a halt on their trips to Sydney venues.
"The idea came about as Cooper and I often visit a similar community in Sydney known as 'Sydney Secret Base," Gilbert said.
"Due to Covid restrictions we refrained from our weekly trip and decided in July, while packing groceries in the Woolworths underground car park, why not do it here?."
Gilbert said the primary drive style was drifting and to achieve that, the surface of the concrete had to be non abrasive.
"With the Woolworths car park we find that the space is a well lit, safe and monitored environment," he said.
"It also provides ample room, shelter and parking for anyone looking to join in."
He said meetings weren't always hosted in the same place and they liked to mix it up.
"We like to mix it up and instead host casual RC drag racing and circuit events around other public spaces in Lithgow that provide the safest environment and necessary terrain," he said.
Public venues include the old racetrack at Tony Luchetti Showground, the concrete surface at Zig Zag Brewery and behind the old Sam's Warehouse at Pottery Plaza.
Gilbert brings the safety equipment to meets and Anderson brings the scale track.
"We set up together, talk to the participants about what they want to see and then at the end of the night we each go home to draw up designs and then build them the following week," Gilbert said.
Coming together through RC cars
He said RC road vehicles were a popular hobby worldwide and he was proud to be able to host a regular community event.
"Cooper and I are glad to host a regular event that people are interested in and we find it very rewarding to be able to give back to our community," he said.
He said he continued to see growth in attendance every week and RC enthusiasts connecting.
"Our events provide participants an opportunity to connect with local enthusiasts and test their RC build's capacity," he said.
Gilbert said meets gave the people of Lithgow something fun to watch while getting their shopping done or strolling by.
"The events we host can be attended while still maintaining social distancing laws.
"Our commitment to safety is paramount," he said.
Gilbert said anyone was welcome to come along with their RC vehicles as long as they were electric.
"We mainly design tracks to cater for 1/10th scale size drift cars however we've seen participants bring everything from the bigger 1/7th scale to the smaller 1/18th models," he said.
"Participants are welcome to enter any size RC within this range."
He said L.U.RC also host drift competitions once a month where the winning vehicle is featured as the Facebook cover photo.
"That entitles them to bragging rights for the whole month. At the end of the day we're all just here to have fun," he said.
How to get involved
To get involved with L.U.RC you can find them on Facebook where every Monday they announced what drive styles they'll be hosting and where.
"Cooper and I meet every Monday at 6pm to set up for anyone looking to join in, our venue can change depending on what drive style and terrain we're offering, so for all updates be sure to join the group on Facebook," Gilbert said.
It's a free casual meeting open to spectators and enthusiasts alike.
- Lithgow Underground RC would like to extend thanks to all that continue to show up every Monday and also to local businesses Cuddle Cakes and Panorama Security Services for their ongoing support, sponsoring us with safety equipment, security and COVID safe practices.