Jason Futch
reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com
Get ready, racers! The Scott Peterson Memorial Race is coming to Live Oak this Saturday, April 5. The event will showcase radio-controlled (RC) cars throughout the local area while honoring a local figure who paved the way for those who enjoy RC racing.
"He (Peterson) was the nicest guy you could have met," Jason Carroll, owner of Suwannee Valley RC Speedway, said. Peterson, who passed away in 2020, was the owner of the Branford RC Speedway. According to Carroll, Peterson created a place where kids could stay out of trouble and build a hobby that would last a lifetime.
Carroll recalled the times spent at the speedway with his father, sharing how Peterson was a mentor who helped build battery packs for the RC cars and would teach how to solder iron.
Carroll's father came up with the idea for the memorial race. It was a way to showcase the track he and Carroll built, a replica of the Branford RC Speedway track, while also honoring Peterson's memory and contribution to RC racing in Suwannee County.
"We want to honor Scott for this race, as he did so much for the RC community," Carroll said.
The event will be held on Saturday, April 5, at the Suwannee Valley RC Speedway. The festivities will begin at 10 a.m., with races beginning around 1 p.m. Carroll said he expects the event to go on until 6 p.m. or later.
There is no entry fee to race, and there will be prizes awarded to the winners. Some of the awards include a Losi NASCAR RC car and a 1RC Dirt Late Model car. There will also be a 50/50 raffle up for grabs, with a lucky winner taking home half of the cash. Peach's Place will also be selling food and drinks at the event and will be donating meal vouchers to all the winners.
The Suwannee Valley RC Speedway is located at 9874 121st Rd., in Live Oak.