Tucked away in the eastern stretches of Hong Kong, beyond the dense high-rises and the buzz of the city, lies a sprawling green canvas with a secret pulse: Jordan Valley Park. Known to most for its peaceful gardens, barbecue pits, and panoramic views, the park holds a different kind of allure for a dedicated tribe. Here, on its network of paved pathways, broad concrete plazas, and open spaces, the thrilling, improvised world of RC car racing comes to life.
This isn’t about manicured, banked turns or official timing systems. The fun of RC racing in Jordan Valley Park is organic, adaptive, and born from the landscape itself. It’s the joy of discovering a perfect, natural circuit in the heart of a public park.
The Joy of the Found Circuit
The first layer of fun is pure exploration. Racers don’t arrive to a pre-painted track; they arrive with a vision. A wide, smooth service road becomes a blistering main straight. A circular plaza with a decorative pattern transforms into a technical hairpin. A gentle slope near the rainwater harvesting garden offers a natural chicane. Racers walk the grounds, eyes seeing not just footpaths, but apexes, braking zones, and overtaking opportunities. Each session can be a new course layout, dictated by the day’s mood, the number of drivers, or a desire to master a particular challenging section. The park itself becomes a co-conspirator in the fun.
The Grassroots Gathering
The community here is informal but passionate. Word spreads through WhatsApp groups and online forums: “Good weather tomorrow. Jordan Valley, 3 PM, near the big pavilion.” People arrive with backpacks and carry-cases, unfolding camp chairs and setting up makeshift pit tables on any available bench or wall.
You’ll see the full spectrum of the hobby: seasoned veterans tuning the suspension on their 1/10 scale touring cars with laptop-like precision, kids gleefully chasing each other with monster trucks over the grassy knolls, and beginners getting patient coaching on throttle control. The atmosphere is laid-back and inclusive. The shared laughter after a spectacular crash into a planter box is as common as the applause for a perfectly executed drift through a tight corner.
The Challenge of the “Real World” Track
Racing on a purpose-built track is one thing. Racing on a public park pathway is a unique and thrilling challenge. This is where the fun gets technical and unforgiving.
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The Surface: The park’s concrete isn’t homogenous. You learn to read the changes in grip between smooth patches and rougher aggregate, adjusting your line to find the fast, clean asphalt.
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The “Track Limits”: Here, the limits are defined by grass verges, curbs, drainage grates, and the occasional surprised pedestrian. Precision is paramount. Cutting a corner too tight means a punishing jump onto the grass. It teaches incredible discipline and car control.
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The Obstacles: A stray leaf, a pebble, a slight crack in the pavement—these become major hazards at speed. It’s a constant, dynamic test of reaction and adaptability that a sterile track can never replicate.
The Spectacle and the Sanctuary
There’s a delightful contrast that makes racing here so special. One moment, you’re fully immersed in the high-frequency whine of motors and the intense focus of a close battle. The next, you look up and take in the stunning, peaceful backdrop of the park’s rolling hills, the iconic Lion Rock in the distance, and families enjoying a quiet picnic. It’s adrenaline and serenity, side-by-side.
This public setting also turns every race into a subtle performance. Curious onlookers, especially children, often stop to watch, mesmerized by the speed and agility of the tiny cars. The racers become ambassadors for the hobby, often stopping to explain what they’re doing and even letting a thrilled kid take the controller for a moment. This shared, public joy adds a wonderful layer of community connection.