MOUNT VERNON — Remote control car racers will soon have what Larry Juergens, co-owner of Big Dogs RC Raceway, describes as “hog heaven.”
Juergens, along with his business partner Justin White has opened an outdoor racetrack and is in the process of building an indoor RC car racetrack.
“I have an outdoor RC raceway and an indoor RC raceway that will be completed by the middle of October,” Juergens said. “The indoor track will be ready for indoor, heated racing when winter comes.”
In addition to this, Juergens has opened a hobby shop on the premises. Although this will mostly cater to the remote control enthusiast, it does offer more.
“We sell hobby shop supplies,” Juergens explained. “Basically, RC parts. We also carry novelties and I also sell self-defense weaponry and surveillance systems.”
Racing can be done on a pay-as-you-go basis or by joining a club offered by Big Dogs. The membership will offer discounts on track time and/or renting cars from Big Dogs. Individual and family memberships are available.
When the indoor track is complete, he said cars will be available for rent.
Juergens said the indoor facility is suitable for parties and other gatherings. He said he is working with local food establishments to offer deals on food and catering for events; and hotels and motels for people who want to come in from out of town.
“This (RC cars) is something I’ve been into since I was a child,” Juergens said. “I started this project a year ago. I see how our teenagers and young children have nothing they can do with their parents. It’s not just for boys. It’s for girls and boys and parents. It’s something you can do with your child. I think it can teach them a lot of things; competitiveness and cooperation skills. Most of all it can keep them out of trouble. It gives them something to do with their mother or father and it’s cool. It’s something they can have in common. It’s something that is as exciting to an adult as it is to a child.”
Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult, Juergens said.
Big Dogs RC Raceway is at 13240 Old Mansfield Road. Hours are noon to 6 p.m. everyday except Saturday which is noon to 8 p.m.
For more information, call (740) 507-8543.
