The talk of "The Fisch Bowl"
The Story of Santa Rosa Speedway: The "Fisch Bowl" Phenomenon
In the heart of Santa Rosa, California, lies a world of RC racing: Santa Rosa Speedway, affectionately known as the "Fisch Bowl." What began as a humble backyard track for one man's practice sessions has blossomed into a bustling hub of RC activity.
Todd, the track's creator, started with a simple goal—to improve his driving skills. With a self-deprecating claim that "he sucked" and a humble approach, he set out to build a practice track in his backyard. Initially private, open only to a small group of friends, the track quickly grew in popularity, attracting around 30 entries as of late.
The track's evolution is nothing short of remarkable. Built between January and February 2023, it began as a "soda-pop" track on loose dirt. By March, it opened for public test and tune sessions, though it saw slow initial turnout. Still, Todd's unwavering hope and dedication transformed it into something special. He brought in fresh dirt, sealed the surface, and added the name 1RC—a nod to the company known for small-scale hobby-grade RC cars. This change led to what felt like an overnight success, with drivers racing to experience the new and improved track.
The arrival of racers the Losi Mini-B/T marked another milestone in the track's history, and its popularity has been on the rise ever since. Not satisfied with the stock Losi Minis, Todd took it upon himself to mimic a custom sprint body after falling in love with a discontinued 5-star design. He developed the SRS Sprints, featuring a full cage, panels, and chassis, which provide a lower center of gravity and a superior racing experience.
Despite setbacks with outsourcing the manufacturing process, Todd persevered. He learned the ropes of manufacturing and eventually set up a fully owned operation to produce SRS Sprints. Now entering his third year, Todd and the Fisch Bowl are stronger than ever.
The backyard track hosts an array of mini-scale classes, including Sprints, Late Models, Bomber Cars, Nastrucks, Modifieds, and occasionally Midget Wingless Sprints. Currently, Todd is working on a unique "Dwarf" body based on the popular Mini-T car, adding yet another exciting class to the lineup.
While the Fisch Bowl thrives in clear weather, SRS has expanded to a hobby shop in Rohnert Park. The new location features a large foam track oval, where 1RC cars race, ensuring that the excitement continues year-round.
The Santa Rosa Speedway, or the "Fisch Bowl," is more than just a track—it's a testament to perseverance, community, and the unrelenting passion for RC racing. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newcomer, this track offers an experience like no other. So come down to Santa Rosa, California, and join the action at the Fisch Bowl. 🏎️🏁