It's pretty uncommon to see a Tamiya model car race track being set up under a neighbourhood block these days.

But for Yishunites who spent their childhoods their mini four-wheel-drive (4WD) model cars though, it was a treat last Saturday.

Netizen Mohamad Jumail sparked off an outburst of nostalgia when he posted this photo on Facebook.

In case you're not a fan of the hype or these cars, here's a quick rundown on their popularity.

Tamiya cars are small model racing cars that are assembled from kits.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="517"] Image via Tamiya.com[/caption]

They first appeared in the 1980s, but their popularity soared in the 90s thanks to anime and manga, particularly of Bakusou Kyoudai Retsu and Go (Literally "The Racing Brothers Retsu and Go", a play on the phrase Let's Go), and to a lesser extent, Dash! Yonkuro. 

You know, the usual merchandise-driven cartoons.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="252"] Bakusou Kyoudai Retsu and Go. Source: Wikipedia[/caption]

Many Singaporean kids grew up wanting their very own mini 4WD.

Resurgence of model car racing

While the 90s were a rather long time ago, there has been a small resurgence of interest in this hobby of racing mini 4WDs in recent times.

Stargek, a hobby shop at Paya Lebar might have played a part in restarting this Tamiya car craze in Singapore.

They've been stocking up on cars and parts, which allowed adult hobbyists and kids alike to once again make their car-owning dreams a reality without the COE.

Further adding to the Tamiya car resurgence here is the group behind that race in Yishun -- Mini 4WD Singapore.

They are a small local hobby group that started in 2010, and they regularly organise races where you can bring your trump car(d) to the races

They are also on Youtube, where past races organised by them are featured.

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Locations of races

While Mini 4WD Singapore organises races and provides the race track, the locations where the races are held are not fixed.

The group tells Mothership.sg that the location is determined by their vendor, who ensures that the appropriate permits have been obtained to use the space for their races.

They usually post details about their upcoming races on Facebook one week in advance.

Nevertheless, plenty of races are also held at Stargek too, so you'll likely have a good chance to get involved in one.

 So if you'd like to relive your childhood or actually pick up a new hobby, you might want to join this humble racing community -- we're certain it'll get your adrenaline pumping.

Or at least, some fun for old times' sake.

 

Top image via Cool Beat (Mini 4WD Singapore)'s Youtube channel

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