Pole position
Fans of model racing cars put off by a ride to private, fee-charging tracks in the New Territories will find a newly opened circuit in Kowloon just the place to go. Not only is it free, it is equipped with all the facilities for serious racers.
The racing track at Jordan Valley Park in Kwun Tong opened early last month, and is the first in Hong Kong to meet international standards.
It has two main circuits: one for larger, faster racing cars, and the other a training course for non-racing models, such as trucks and buses.
The 190-metre-long outdoor racing track is built on a wide and level terrain, and is ideal for large-scale model car races.
The drivers' skills will be put to the ultimate test at the venue, with a series of sharp bends and a breathtaking 40-metre straight section built for pure speed.
The circuit, which can be used by people aged older than 12, provides a covered stand for both drivers and spectators. There is also a pit lane beside the main track for racers to start and fine-tune their cars during a race.
Next to the racing track, there is a covered maintenance area where drivers can repair or charge their cars.
The course is designed for radio-controlled model cars between the scales of 1:8 and 1:12. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department, which runs the park, said it had already received applications for large-scale races later this year.
The smaller-scale second track is 41 metres long and covers about 1,900 square feet. People of all ages can use battery-operated model cars between the scales of 1:10 and 1:64 on this circuit.
Two other tracks - in Causeway Bay and Tin Shui Wai - have been open to the public for some years, but they don't meet international standards for model car racing.
Carson Kwong Tsz-chun is a long-time model car fan. Kwong, who has taken part in races in Southeast Asia, says the new circuit is the city's best in terms of track conditions, equipment and support facilities.
'In international-scale races, there must be a pit area for racers to start and maintain cars,' he says.
'The [Jordan Valley Park] track design is also balanced. It has a variety of bends plus a long straight section. This can help players hone a wide range of skills.'
The Jordan Valley circuit is open daily from 9am to 9.30pm. Individuals can use its facilities without a booking. However, organisations planning to hold model car races at the venue should make reservations at the Jordan Valley Park office three months in advance.
Jordan Valley Park is located at No 71, New Clear Water Bay Road, next to the Shun Lee Disciplined Services Quarters. The park is accessible by public transport (bus routes 23, 23M, 26, 26M, 27, 29M, 42, 91, 91M, 92 and 95; green minibus routes 12, 47, 48, 49, 54, 54S, 60 and 104).
