National Organization for Racing Radio Controlled Autos

National Organization for Racing Radio Controlled Autos (NORRCA) was one of two premier sanctioning bodies for radio-controlled racing in North America along with Remotely Operated Auto Racers (ROAR)[1][2] and at the time, the largest[3] boasting of 14,000 members according to the Los Angeles Times in 1994, despite a decline in participation by 40%.[4] In 2002, The New York Times claimed membership at 17,000.[1]

The sanctioning body was established in September 1987 by J. R. Sitman of California, who created the organization with the emphasis on the racers as in contrast to the well-off equipment manufacturers;[5] unlike ROAR, NORRCA also organized races.[6] ROAR members were offered first-year discount membership.[2]

NORRCA was known for many innovations brought into racing such as its creation of racing classes that kept professional drivers away from the less well-off amateur racers and introduced tire limits at major events to keep costs down. Despite its national championship being not as prestigious as that of ROAR's, largely as the latter is an International Federation of Model Auto Racing (IFMAR) member bloc, which earns entry rights to its World Championships, major factory teams compete in both regardless.[5]

  1. ^ a b "For These Racecars, It's 50 Laps Around the Living Room". The New York Times. 25 April 2002. Retrieved 3 January 2016.
  2. ^ a b Shelby, R (2013). Getting Started In the RC Car Hobby. Lulu. ISBN 9781304552471.
  3. ^ Sanders, Jack (1999). The Internet Outdoor Family Fun Yellow Pages: The Online Guide to the Best Outdoor Family Sites. Ragged Mountain Press/McGraw-Hill. p. 217. ISBN 9780071347334.
  4. ^ "Burning Rubber by Remote Control: Radio cars are enjoying a resurgence, among novices and experts alike. The high-tech hobby has a strong following in the Valley". Los Angeles Times. 10 June 1994. Retrieved 3 January 2016.
  5. ^ a b Filip M. Gieszczykiewicz. "FAQ for R/C electric off-road racing". Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 3 January 2016.
  6. ^ A Beginner's Guide to Buying and Racing Radio Control (RC) Cars (PDF).