Group gathers at North Jefferson City track for radio-controlled fun

George Carter, right, practices his radio-controlled car on the track in North Jefferson City on Sunday. Above him, Ryan Heislen races an unseen car on the track.
George Carter, right, practices his radio-controlled car on the track in North Jefferson City on Sunday. Above him, Ryan Heislen races an unseen car on the track.

Ryan Heislen has always been intrigued by racing, but it's not the kind of sport you can jump into without experience or a substantial amount of money.

So about a year ago when he discovered radio controlled (R/C) racing, a version that's more accessible and affordable than the real thing, he was hooked. "It's a cheap way to race," he said.

Now, Heislen joins an informal group of area residents who practice and race their R/C vehicles at a track in North Jefferson City.

The 25-year-old is expecting his first child, a son, in December. Already, he's looking forward to bonding with his firstborn over R/C racing. "I've still got a kid in me even though I've got a kid on the way," he said.

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