Low Turnout Scuttles Club Race, But Drivers Turn It Into Productive Practice
Des Moines, IA – January 16, 2026 – In the tight-knit world of 1/28th scale on-road RC racing, flexibility and enthusiasm often win the day. That was certainly the case last night at Wolfram RC Raceway, where a planned club race fell through due to insufficient driver turnout. With only 5 participants showing up—far short of the numbers needed for a full competitive event—the evening pivoted into an impromptu yet highly effective testing session. Undeterred, the racers made the most of it, clocking laps and honing their skills in a relaxed, collaborative atmosphere.
The session unfolded on January 15, starting in the mid-afternoon and stretching into the evening hours. Racers tackled a variety of classes, including Box Stock Mini-Z, Nimh Open, Lipo Stock (2500), and 3500 Gt Lipo, among others. While the lack of a quorum prevented official heats and podium finishes, the track buzzed with activity as drivers focused on setup tweaks, endurance runs, and friendly rivalries. This adaptability highlights the resilience of Iowa’s RC community, where even a “busted” race night turns into valuable track time.
Spotlighting the action were key participants: an enigmatic Jason Euchner, Chris Sin l, Brian Godwin, and top performer Jake Tuel. Their collective efforts underscored the session’s success, proving that quality practice can rival the thrill of competition.
Jake Tuel, a standout in multiple classes, stole the show with the day’s fastest lap—a scorching 6.600 seconds in 3500 Gt Lipo. Logging an impressive 343 laps across sessions like Modified Gt and Lipo Stock, Tuel’s consistent sub-8-second bests and tight averages (as low as 7.771 seconds) demonstrated race-ready prowess. As a familiar face at the track, Tuel’s performance could foreshadow strong showings in upcoming events.
Chris S brought endurance to the forefront, amassing around 236 laps primarily in Nimh Open. With best laps under 8 seconds and a notable 77-lap marathon, his runs emphasized stamina and precision, turning the non-race into a personal training ground. Brian Godwin wasn’t far behind, contributing 112 laps in Box Stock Mini-Z and Nimh Open. His low-7-second bests and reliable averages under 10 seconds positioned him as a steady force, ideal for building confidence amid the lighter crowd.
Jason Euchner added a layer of consistency, completing 56 laps in Nimh Open and Box Stock Mini-Z with averages around 11-12 seconds—perfect for simulating race scenarios without the pressure. The “Unknown Driver,” meanwhile, injected variety with 264 laps over nine sessions, though their wider averages (10-36 seconds) suggested experimental tweaks or newcomer vibes.
As the RC season ramps up, nights like this remind us that the hobby’s heart lies in the drive to improve, race or no race. For locals like Jake Tuel and his fellow racers, Wolfram RC Raceway remains a beacon of passion. If you’re in the area, check their schedule—the next club night might just need one more driver to make it official.
For more on the local RC scene, visit Wolfram RC Raceway’s updates. Who knows? Your participation could tip the scales for the next event.