This Week in RC Car History: The April Fools Classic - Where Tradition Meets Competition

When most folks think of April Fools' Day jokes and pranks, they're probably not picturing several hundred highly skilled RC car racers converging on the high desert near Salt Lake City to battle for podium honors. But that's precisely what happens every year around April 1st at the legendary April Fools Classic, a race event that has become woven into the fabric of hobby-grade RC car culture for nearly four decades. The April Fools Classic traces its roots back to 1988 when the race got its name from being held around April Fools day at the first event in Magna, Utah. What started as a regional gathering has evolved into one of North America's most prestigious 1/10 scale indoor off-road competitions. The event is the second longest-running RC car race in the country, a distinction that speaks to its enduring appeal and the dedicated hobbyists who return year after year. The tradition moved to its current home at Intermountain R/C Raceway (IRCR), which has become synonymous with the event's success. The track is beloved by drivers like Team Associated's Brian Kinwald and, while it may lack exposure due to its geographic location, consistently provides competitive racing and great traction year after year. In fact, the track's distinctive clay surface has earned such respect that when ownership changed hands, the owner took great measures to move the dark dirt/clay to the new facility. The April Fools Classic has atracted representation from every major manufacturer in the hobby, from Team Associated and Reedy Power to Team Losi Racing, Pro-Line Racing, and beyond. The event draws racers from across North America and even internationally, with competitors typically numbering in the hundreds and entry counts often exceeding 300-400 cars across multiple classes. The event expects to attract more than 100 competitors competing in 14 different classifications of remote control cars. What makes the April Fools Classic particularly notable is how it has maintained relevance across generations of RC car evolution. From nitro-powered buggies to modern brushless systems, from 2WD buggies to 4WD trucks and short course trucks, the race accommodates the full spectrum of competition. The venue itself has proven equally adaptable, growing from the original Magna location to a modern 16,000-square-foot facility that rivals any dedicated RC racing venue in the country. For serious hobbyists, winning at the April Fools Classic carries genuine prestige. The field includes world champions, factory drivers, and the local legends who call Utah home. It's one of those rare events where the prestige comes not from prize money but from the bragging rights of having conquered one of the sport's great traditions. That's the mark of a truly legendary event in the hobby.