439 Raceway presents family entertainment

Monday, 12 November 2012 by Jennifer John

439 Raceway opened Oct. 13 in Belton, offering R/C rock crawling obstacle course demonstrations, up to six races in the afternoon, BBQ and family fun. 439 Raceyway is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Texas' newest family outdoor entertainment center, 439 Remote Control Raceway and Hobby, celebrated their grand opening with a bang on Oct. 13 at their new grounds, 10835 FM 439 in Belton.

Featured hobbies include live radio, R/C rock crawling obstacle course demonstrations, up to six different R/C races in the afternoon, BBQ and family fun. 439 is open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. highlighting a large off-road race track, with lit up races ongoing into the night.

439 Raceway is family owned and operated by Ken Bugman of Bell County Pest Control as a fun hobby on the weekends. Bugman was introduced to the hobby by his daughter and son-in-law of Katy where the hobby is up and coming with state finals held in Houston.

439 Raceway has a hobby shop for R/C sales and rentals on the grounds, a restaurant called the Gila Grill and a play area for kids.

"There is not a lot of outdoor recreation in Central Texas where adults and children can both participate at the same time," Bugman said. "R/C racing is an up and coming sport and offers high quality, digital and durable race cars competing at point races all over Texas on regional, statewide, national and even international levels."

The hobby shop is onsite to sell R/C trucks, planes, boats, cars and helicopters that range from $300 to $1,200 for purchase. R/C rentals are $10 an hour with a $10 track fee for owners and renters. Admission is free for all and welcomes spectators with stands to watch and cheer the racers on.

The Gila Grill restaurant serves BBQ, ham, hotdogs, sausage and nachos all day. Bugman cooks for the Grill among the many other festivities of the day. A 55-inch screen TV is playing all day at the Grill for football fans to keep up with the college games.

The race track is open for practice on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. Contestants sign up and race on Saturdays in categories including electric, nitro, 4-wheel, 2-wheel and buggie truck and bucket (of all kinds) races.

The play area for kids offers a big sand box with toys for hours of amusement. Children can also race with their parents at Father and son competitions or just for fun. 439 Raceway is available to rent for birthdays and special occasions upon reservation.

439 Raceway will be hosting a "Toys for Tots" benefit race on Dec. 1. Spectators donating a new toy to the charity will be included in a raffle for a brand new R/C truck.

"R/C racing started off as a hobby that has become a sport similar to Nascar with sponsors, official licenses and racing gear," Bugman said. "The R/C area pro series are headed up by David Lovett in Temple with more than 30 years of experience."

For more information call (254) 319-5990 or for advertised races visit www.rcfiles.com and www.439rcraceway.com.