Thrills, Speed, and Camaraderie: The Alsace-Lorraine Mini-Z Championship Delivers Big
On a crisp Sunday morning, the Cosec d’Hirsingue transformed into a high-octane arena as 36 drivers, aged 6 to 77, gathered for the second round of the Alsace-Lorraine Mini-Z Championship. Organized by the Sundgau Mini-Z Club, this annual event showcased the perfect blend of adrenaline, precision, and community spirit, captivating both participants and spectators alike.
miniature Sport, Maximum Sensations
The Mini-Z, remote-controlled cars weighing a mere 170 grams, zipped across the modular RCP track at breathtaking speeds. The competition featured three categories:
- Stock: Basic models reaching 25-28 km/h.
- Pro-stock: Enhanced with more powerful engines,hitting up to 32 km/h.
- Open: No limits on power or weight, with cars capable of reaching 50 km/h or even 80 km/h in optimal conditions.
Races unfolded in eight-minute heats, with eight cars on the track at a time. Fair play was paramount, with “collectors” ensuring cars were swiftly returned to the race after rollovers.
Technical Mastery Meets Community Spirit
The Sundgau Mini-Z Club, led by President Stéphane Wolff, boasts 25 members, including five children. Weekly training sessions are a cornerstone of the club, with the track set up and dismantled in just 20 minutes. Founded 13 years ago, the club is part of a network that includes Colmar, Erstein, Reding, and Hirsingue, each hosting one race annually.
“We are here to have fun and share our passion, even if it is indeed also very technical,” says Gilles Arnould, a member for two years. Entry-level cars start at €200, though enthusiasts frequently enough invest up to €500 for advanced models.
A Hobby for All Ages
The event highlighted the universal appeal of Mini-Z racing, bringing together participants from all walks of life.despite the competitive edge, the atmosphere remained lighthearted and marked by exemplary sportsmanship.“These are big children playing,” Arnould quipped.
Beyond racing, the club engages in community events like the Game Festival in Wittersdorf, where visitors can try their hand at Mini-Z with speed-limited cars. Wolff also hopes to expand the network by welcoming clubs from Belfort, further fostering this unique passion.
Key Highlights of the Event
| Category | Speed Range | Participants |
|————–|—————–|——————|
| Stock | 25-28 km/h | Beginners |
| Pro-stock | Up to 32 km/h | Intermediate |
| Open | 50-80 km/h | Advanced |
The Alsace-Lorraine Mini-Z Championship is more than just a competition; it’s a party of skill, camaraderie, and the joy of shared passion. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this event proves that big thrills come in small packages.
for those inspired to join the action, the Sundgau Mini-Z Club welcomes new members year-round. Who knows? You might just find yourself hooked on the exhilarating world of Mini-Z racing.
Thrills, Speed, and Camaraderie: Inside the Alsace-Lorraine Mini-Z Championship
On a crisp Sunday morning, the Cosec d’Hirsingue came alive with the roar of miniature engines as 36 drivers, aged 6 to 77, gathered for the Alsace-Lorraine Mini-Z Championship. Organized by the Sundgau Mini-Z Club, this event showcased the perfect blend of adrenaline, precision, and community spirit. We sat down with Pierre Laurent, a longtime Mini-Z enthusiast and event coordinator, to dive deeper into the world of miniature racing and what makes this championship so special.
The Allure of Mini-Z Racing
Senior Editor: Pierre, Mini-Z racing seems like a niche hobby, but it’s clearly thriving in Alsace-Lorraine. What makes these events so captivating?
Pierre Laurent: Mini-Z racing is one of those rare hobbies that combines technical skill with pure fun. These cars may be small,but they pack a punch—some can reach speeds of up to 80 km/h! What’s truly special,though,is the sense of community. We have participants ranging from kids to retirees, all coming together to share their passion. It’s not just about the competition; it’s about the camaraderie and the joy of seeing these tiny cars zip around the track.
The Three Categories: Stock, Pro-stock, and Open
Senior Editor: The championship features three categories—Stock, Pro-stock, and Open. Can you walk us through the differences and what makes each one unique?
pierre Laurent: Absolutely! The Stock category is perfect for beginners. These are basic models with speeds between 25 and 28 km/h, designed to help new drivers get a feel for the sport. Pro-stock steps it up a notch—these cars are enhanced with more powerful engines, reaching speeds of up to 32 km/h, and are great for intermediate racers.Then there’s the open category, which is where things get really exciting. there are no limits on power or weight, so cars can hit speeds of 50 to 80 km/h. It’s a playground for advanced enthusiasts who love pushing the limits of what these mini machines can do.
The Technical Side of Mini-Z Racing
Senior Editor: I’ve heard that Mini-Z racing is as much about technical skill as it is about driving. What goes into preparing these cars for the track?
Pierre Laurent: Oh, absolutely.While it might look like just remote-controlled cars zipping around, there’s a lot of precision involved.Drivers need to fine-tune their cars’ suspension, adjust the tires for different track conditions, and sometimes even customize the chassis for better performance. It’s a blend of engineering and driving skill. Entry-level cars start around €200, but serious enthusiasts often invest €500 or more to build the ultimate racing machine.
A Sport for All Ages
Senior Editor: One of the most striking things about the championship is the age range of participants—from 6 to 77. How does Mini-Z racing bring together such a diverse group of people?
Pierre Laurent: That’s been one of the most rewarding aspects of this hobby. mini-Z racing is incredibly inclusive.It’s not just about physical strength or endurance, so it’s accessible to people of all ages. We’ve got kids who are just starting out and retirees who’ve been racing for years.It’s a level playing field where everyone can compete and have fun. Plus, it’s a great way for families to bond—we frequently enough see parents and kids racing together, and that’s something really special.
Building a Community Around Mini-Z
Senior Editor: The Sundgau Mini-Z Club seems to be at the heart of this event. How critically important is the club in fostering this community?
Pierre Laurent: The club is absolutely essential. We’re a tight-knit group of 25 members, and we host weekly training sessions to help new drivers get up to speed. We also organise events like the championship to bring people together and showcase the sport.It’s not just about competition—it’s about sharing the passion. We’re also part of a larger network that includes clubs in Colmar, Erstein, Reding, and Hirsingue, and we’re always looking to expand. Actually, we’re hoping to welcome clubs from Belfort soon to further grow this amazing community.
Advice for Aspiring Mini-Z Racers
Senior Editor: For someone inspired to try Mini-Z racing, what advice woudl you give?
Pierre Laurent: My advice is simple: just give it a try! It’s an incredibly rewarding hobby, and you don’t need to be an expert to get started.The Stock category is a great entry point, and you’ll find plenty of support from the community. If you’re in the Alsace-Lorraine region, the Sundgau Mini-Z Club welcomes new members year-round. Who knows? You might just find yourself hooked on the exhilarating world of Mini-Z racing.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Pierre, for giving us an inside look at the Alsace-Lorraine Mini-Z Championship. It’s clearly more than just a competition—it’s a celebration of skill, passion, and community.
Pierre Laurent: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure sharing the excitement of Mini-Z racing with your readers. We hope to see more faces at our next event and continue to grow this amazing community.
