RC racing comes to BP
Left to right: Dru, Nada, Justin and Sam Dokken stand in the hobby shop portion of the Southern Minnesota RC Raceway in Blooming Prairie. The Dokken family runs and operates the raceway which features Minnesota’s only complex with an indoor and outdoor clay track. Staff photo by Johnnie Phillips
Steele County remote-controlled racing fans can rejoice in the fact that a new racing complex – the only one with an indoor and outdoor clay track in all of Minnesota to boot – has officially opened for business off of Highway 218 in Blooming Prairie.
Southern Minnesota RC Raceway officially opened its doors in March 2022, and has been off to a fast start in town.
“We just want to give people a place where they can go and have fun with their families. We’re a family-run business and we’re just trying to share our love for racing with the community,” said owner Justin Dokken.
Those looking for some fast and furious fun can make their way to 16153 U.S. Highway 218 S. in Blooming Prairie to find Dokken’s two-track complex featuring both an indoor and outdoor clay track for year-round racing.
Patrons looking to participate in the sport can either bring their own cars or borrow equipment from the track, which also features a hobby store in the grounds where patrons can buy and trade parts.
According to Dokken, his plan for including the hobby shop with his track was to give people a place to find a surplus of items that they may have to search far and wide for if they were not made available in his shop.
As a former motocross athlete and an avid fan of racing his whole life, Dokken’s dream was to bring his love for the sport with him into Steele County – a place with a strong racing community.
Those looking to race at Southern Minnesota RC Raceway can expect affordable prices to compete no matter their skill level.
“We have club races every week, which are typically just local races for whoever wants to show up. The fees are relatively cheap: It’s $15 for your first class, $10 for your second and $5 for your third.”
However, the affordable racing and passionate atmosphere are not the only reasons to step through the doors at Southern Minnesota RC Raceway.
Along with the tracks and hobby shop are multiple repair rooms where competitors can tune up their cars, a kitchen with food and beverage, and even an MC booth where Dokken announces the races as they occur live.
On top of that, Dokken’s complex is a family-run operation where his wife, Nada, and their two sons, Dru and Sam, all work as well.
“The last time I was at an RC track was probably 20 years ago. My buddy bought a car though and I’ve come here with him a couple times now and it’s really reminded me of how much I liked it when I was a kid. This place is always a good time,” said Chris Amick, a local racer from Hayfield.
Southern Minnesota RC Raceway will also be the host of a leg of the Minnesota Offroad Racing Series Kick-Off event – Minnesota’s premier remote-controlled racing series.
Spectators looking to join the action can make their way to Southern Minnesota RC Raceway on May 21 for the two-day series.
“It took me seven years to get this race, and we were really excited to hear that we got it. We can’t wait to host it and see whom all comes out,” said Dokken.