Remote Control Midwest Meltdown Race draws competition from a distance
Lane Paige makes racing debut

 

[August 14, 2021] 

Saturday was a very warm day for the Midwest Meltdown Race at RJD Hobbies and Raceway across from Lincoln Christian University in Lincoln. About 70 to 80 people showed up to race remote cars and trucks and they came from everywhere; Springfield, Peoria, Chicago and beyond. The last race that was scheduled had been rained out earlier so racers were more than ready to test their skills, be with friends and do what they love to do.

Lorrie and Darrell Paige own the racetrack and have been all over the place racing with their sons. But Saturday was another first for them. Their 11-year-old grandson Lane was racing for the first time.

When Lane was asked why he wasn't out there working the course while other drivers were out practicing, he said he doesn't like to practice much the day of a race because he thinks he needs to clear his head and prepare mentally for what is to come. Asking his father, Daniel, if he had taught him that and he said no. I don't know where he got that...maybe his mother.
 

Grandpa, Darrell, was on hand to help get Lane's car body change to a flashy neon yellow; which could be seen easily flying over the course. Lane had to stand on a crate to be able to look over the railing in order to see the whole course.

Lane won first place in his first race! When asked how he felt, he said, "I feel amazing!"

You could tell this was just the beginning of a wonderful hobby and sport for him. Secretly, he may be eyeing all his uncle Michael's trophies and hopes he can do the same or better. At any rate, this starts the next generation of racers in the Paige family.

Congratulations Lane!

[Karen Hargis]