High-speed RC Racing takes the track in Gladstone

On this Galesburg’s Morning News episode, Russell and Drake Decker previewed their third annual RC racing event, Midwest Mayhem 2025, set for August 7-9, 2025, at Sebastian Speedway in Gladstone. The free-to-watch event features 1/5-scale RC cars—2 feet wide, 4 feet long, powered by 2-stroke gas engines hitting over 60 mph—competing for a $10,000 payout, drawing top racers nationwide. The Deckers highlighted the event’s growth, community spirit, and plans for a Midwest series. Key Discussion Points Event Overview: Held Thursday through Saturday at Sebastian Speedway, the event includes a practice day on Thursday, with racing starting at 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, potentially running late with 30-lap races and over 100 expected entries. Car Specifications: These high-performance RC cars, built from 5B buggy platforms with custom bodies and shock adjustments, range from $1,000 basic models to $5,000 competitive builds, outperforming some go-kart classes. Competition: Attracting talent from across the U.S., the event pits driver skill against sophisticated setups, with notable racers like Chris Wall and Troy Conrad, and aims to rival southern circuits like the Gator Nationals. Future Outlook: The Deckers plan to expand annually, promoting a Midwest series, with updates via Facebook’s “309 RC buy, sell, trade” page and YouTube/TikTok videos.   [caption id="attachment_682911" align="aligncenter" width="1056"] Drake, left, and Russell Decker. (WGIL)[/caption]