One of Penrith’s longest running annual sporting events will return to the P3 car park of the Sydney International Regatta Centre this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Penrith District Nitro Racing (PDNR) will once again host their popular Winter Champs event, which will see more than 180 people, including Australia’s best RC drivers, take part.
The Winter Champs has been an annual event since 1997, with PDNR enjoying the hosting duties for the past 17 years.
Speaking with the Weekender, PDNR Competition Secretary Tony Firth said the 2025 Winter Champs will be a “nice balance” of fun and competition.
“The Winter Champs is one of the longest running RC events in the country and has grown to be the pinnacle non-sanctioned RC event,” he said.
“We have a whopping 13 race classes on offer this weekend, so a whole variety of RC people are invited to take part no matter if they’re racing Electric or Nitro cars.”
Starting in the late 1990s, the Winter Champs has a rich history and legacy in Australia and is widely considered the “big daddy” of radio control events.
This year’s Winter Champs is expected to be no different with plenty on offer for both participants and spectators to enjoy.
“This year’s event will be like past years. The world’s best commentator and announcer, Scotty Ernst from the USA will once again be there, as will Australia’s best RC commentator, Perth’s Chris Mitchell,” Firth said.
“Saturday will be Family Fun Day with plenty happening including a display from Little Big Rigs Sydney, who specialise in radio control semi-trailer trucks and excavators.
“We’ll also have a massive raffle that people can enter with over $8000 in prizes up for grabs thanks to our amazing sponsors.”
Firth has been involved at PDNR since 1999 and loves every aspect of the sport including the mental challenge of building and tinkering with the cars as well as the thrill of racing and competing.
“When you race, you get an absolute adrenaline rush! Your hands start to shake with adrenaline and sometimes your leg starts to shake as well. You physically feel the same things as if you were in a go-kart or a proper race car – you’re both exhilarated and exhausted,” Firth said.
“I also love doing it with my son, and my kids have been involved. The family side and bonding with your kids is another special part for me.”
The 2025 PDNR Winter Champs will be held from 8am-5pm on July 11-13 at the Sydney International Regatta Centre in Penrith. Entry is free for spectators.
For more information, visit http://www.pdnr.org.au/winterchamps.
Nathan Taylor
Nathan Taylor is the Weekender's Deputy Editor and Senior Sports Writer. He also compiles the weekly Chatter on the Box TV column. Nathan is an award-winning journalist, who has worked at the Weekender for a decade.