And, to prepare for the national event, the local organisation conducted the two-day 2016 Hunter Valley Cup at its Ravensworth circuit, between Muswellbrook and Singleton, at the weekend.

More than 30 competitors took advantage of the hit-out, with a close eye on the titles, which will be held at the same location from October 13 to 16.

“It’s a warm up for the Australian Championships – and everyone is treating it like that,” UHROC president Jake Herbert said.

“We’ve got drivers from Queensland, Victoria and Sydney, as well as Maitland, Singleton and Muswellbrook.

“We had open practice this morning, followed by two rounds.

“Then, on Sunday, we’ll run another three [rounds] and the finals.

“We’d like to thank event sponsors – Mentality, Toyriffic, MCD Racing Australia and All Sizes Lawns & Gardens – for supporting us this weekend.”

More than 100 drivers will converge on the track next month, including overseas participants.

“We’re capped at 120 for 2016 AARCMCC 1/5 Scale Off Road Australian Championships,” Herbert said.

“But, we’ve received interest from Europe, the United States and New Zealand.

“Spectators are welcome; and entry is free.

“There’ll also be a canteen operational, with cold drinks, a barbecue, sandwiches and snacks.”

Four classes – two-wheel outlaw, two-wheel EFRA, four-wheel outlaw and four-wheel AARCMCC – will be contested at the nationals, with practice sessions from Thursday, October 13.

Friday (October 14) kicks off the start of the qualifying rounds, which continue on Saturday (October 15).

The action will then heat up on the Sunday (October 16) with the finals.