Thefts cast a cloud over Whanganui miniature race car event

Zac Reid at the Wanganui Radio Control Car Club track where equipment had been stolen from a locked container. Photo / Bevan Conley

The theft of equipment belonging to a Whanganui sports club has been deeply upsetting as it plans for its biggest event of the year.

Wanganui Radio Control Car Club (WRCCC) treasurer Zac Reid said "a couple of thousand dollars worth" of gear was recently stolen from a locked container at the club's track in Airport Rd.

"They cut off the lock tab and the padlock was still attached when we found it," said Reid.

"There was a generator, sound gear, leaf blowers, a water pump, gazebos and watering equipment in there. Almost all of it had been donated by local businesses, so we're gutted for them as well. We don't have insurance - we're quite a small, niche club so it just wasn't in our budget."

WRCCC is planning for the championship event set to take place from November 12 to 14 when visitors from clubs around the country will come to compete in Whanganui.

Reid said Harrisons HireMaster Whanganui has been the club's main supporter, donating most of the equipment that was stolen.

"Drainworld and Plumber Dan have also been great supporters, and the container where the gear was stored was donated by Jurgens Demolition," he said.

"Harrisons are great and they will help us out by lending us the equipment we need for the championship event."

WRCCC has around 40 members who each pay a $60 annual subscription as well as race fees at meetings.

The club has an indoor venue in Bedford Ave and established its outdoor track on Airport Rd last year.

"We had just finished making the track before the 2020 lockdown," said Reid.

"Last weekend we had a working bee to oil and roll the track. We need to keep it weeded and clear any rubbish off the surface."

Reid said radio-controlled car racing was a niche sport that is growing in popularity because it is a motorsport that is affordable and fun, with no age barriers.

Radio controlled car racing is a growing niche sport accessible to racers of all ages. Photo / Lewis Gardner

The Whanganui club is part of the New Zealand Radio Car Association (NZRCA) network and was formed around three years ago.

Radio-controlled cars were either electric or Nitro-powered, Reid said, and were eighth or 10th scale.

"We have competitors aged eight to 60 and over, and everyone is welcome to enjoy the track.

"We just want to keep growing. There seem to be more and more people each time we hold a race day."

Reid said a club member had replaced the lock on the container with a strong, box-locking system.

The club put the word out that the stolen gear could be returned with no questions asked.

Reid added the thief, or thieves, could keep the gear and live with the knowledge that they were "worthless humans".