If you race Scalextric or similar type slot cars at home why not bring them along to our open day and run them on our four lane 100ft computer timed track? Visitors can bring their own cars to race on the track and there will be club cars and controllers available if you just want to have a go. Towards the end of the day there will be the chance to take part in a fastest lap session, with the chance to win prizes kindly donated by Scalextric. We enjoy racing all types of cars at our club nights which are held every Wednesday from 7.30pm onwards.
Those wanting to book a place for the Open Day should contact us through our facebook site, search, Oaklands Park Model Car Club or email us on oaklandsmccracing@gmail.com. Places will be restricted due to the size of the clubroom and to make sure everyone has the opportunity to race on the track, so make sure and book in early. Come and see what club racing is all about. We promise you a warm and friendly welcome.
About the same time as Sir Alec Issigonis was designing the original Mini back in the late 1950’s which was built in Birmingham, Oaklands Park Model Slot Car Club was being born in the garage of Stan and Ve Whitbread, in, you guessed it, Oaklands Avenue, Birmingham. The slot cars in those days were raced on a guided single rail and the club became part of ECRA (Electric Car Racing Association).
In 1962 Ve became the first lady National Champion. The club grew in numbers and in 1968 the club found a home for the next 44 years in the Harry Mitchell Centre in Smethwick where various track combinations were built over the years and National events were held. Unfortunately, in 2012, the Local Council condemned the Nissan hut where they were based and evicted them at short notice. It was at this point that one of the members stepped in with a generous offer of two rooms above his factory, Steel Spinnings, in near-by Ladywood. Club members rallied around and a new track was built under the guidance of master track builder Lee Parsons. Along with club members, they constructed the 100ft 4 lane track that is still used today.
The current membership boasts two National BSCRA (British Slot Car Racing Association) Champions, Club Chairman Mick Metcalfe, along with Sandy Parker, who continues the legacy started all those years ago by Ve Whitbread of being a fast lady driver.
