THE only permanent slot car racing track in the county is pushing for new members after 40 years in the business. 

Pinewood Raceway - which has been based at Pinewood Activity Centre in Old Wokingham Road between Crowthorne and Wokingham for around 15 years - is urging fresh new faces to turn their attention to the sport.

Events coordinator for the club, Steve Clark, said: "Anyone can turn up, it not a members only club and we will provide them with the equipment to race.

"We are the only track in the area yet it is a strange situation, there are over 20 clubs at the centre and at the weekend the car park is chock-a-block yet people still don't seem to know that we exist.

"We are seeing a decline nationally in the sport though it is a bit better in the North East. We have a regular members night on a Friday but it is always the same faces and we can't encourage them to come along if we are charging them so I run events and parties throughout the year to cover costs.

"We have got to see the membership up and running as it is the parties that are keeping the club open, if anything should happen to me, God forbid, I would like the club to be sustainable enough off the back of memberships to keep going."

He went on: "From the social aspect to the competitive to some of the life skills in preparing cars, we offer it. We are a part of the community and we want to encourage people to come along and not forget about us.

"My heart and soul is in the club."

As well it its regular member's race meetings. the club hosts junior and senior national and international championship events and offers technical advice, as well as a small shop with complete cars and spares for sale.

Cars and controllers are provided but real enthusiasts can bring their own cars, subject to class rules and scrutineering.  For more information visit www.pinewoodraceway.com