RACERS are enjoying all the excitement of a day out at a stock car meeting - only on a much smaller scale.

RACERS are enjoying all the excitement of a day out at a stock car meeting - only on a much smaller scale.

While the cars go crash, bang, wallop into each other, no-one gets hurt and they are back on track after a few running repairs.

This is radio-controlled model car racing and a new club has just been launched in Trimley St Martin for people wanting to take up a new hobby and current enthusiasts who want somewhere new to race their mean machines.

For the next few weeks the group - called Trimley Oval Racing Club - will be holding open nights to give people a chance to go along and find out more before the serious racing and championships begin in the spring.

Race controller Barry Bates said: “We want to start gradually and really encourage people to get involved - it's great fun and is already a very big hobby in the area.

“The nice thing about the next few weeks is that it will be a chance for people to find out more but also people who race to visit us and try out our 32 feet track and help us overcome any teething problems so we are set up properly.

“We will be having a loan car scheme so for a �10 deposit to cover any damage people can have a go, accompanied by a mechanic, with a top of the range model and get a feel for it.”

Mr Bates said there were two other clubs in the area - meeting at Ransomes social club in Sidegate Avenue, Ipswich, and Foxhall Stadium - who focus on bangers, so the Trimley club would also have saloon stock cars, mini stox, hot rods and Reliant Robins.

“We will also be having races for drifters which slide round the corners. There are three categories where cars are allowed to touch and bump and three where they are not allowed to,” he said.

People could buy a car to start racing for as little as �60, while for serious racers the costs can be as high as the budget permits.

Anyone who would like to find out more is invited to pop along to Trimley Sports and Social Club in High Road, Trimley St Martin, on a Tuesday evening - set up is at 6pm with practice 6.45pm and first race at 7pm.