The Highway 81 RC Track's history began in September 2024 when Jayden Shuman and Jaden Freesmeyer set out to build a small hobby track for local RC enthusiasts. What started as a simple idea quickly became reality, with the original layout taking just three weeks to complete. Despite its modest beginnings, the track immediately attracted interest from racers in the area and hosted three competitive events during its inaugural season in 2024. Those first races were dominated by Chasten Griesbaum, who captured victory in all three events and became the track's first standout champion.
As interest in the facility continued to grow, March 2025 marked the beginning of the track's first major transformation. The original hobby layout was expanded into a full-size RC racing facility, featuring protective walls, properly banked corners, and improvements designed to support organized competition. The upgrades elevated the quality of racing and allowed the venue to host a complete season of events throughout 2025. The highlight of that season came in September with the inaugural Mid-America RC Nationals, the largest event ever held at the facility. In front of a strong field of competitors, co-founder Jayden Shuman secured the championship victory, adding a memorable chapter to the track's growing legacy.
Following the success of the 2025 season, work immediately began on an even more ambitious project. In October 2025, the track entered its second major renovation phase, focused on creating a faster, wider, and more challenging racing experience. The racing surface was expanded to nearly double its previous size, allowing for longer straightaways, higher cornering speeds, and more passing opportunities. The redesign dramatically changed the character of the circuit, increasing overall speeds by nearly three times while maintaining the technical sections that racers had come to enjoy. After months of construction and improvements, the renovation was completed in March 2026, ushering in a new era for the Highway 81 RC Track and beginning preparations for the highly anticipated 2026 racing season. What began as a small backyard-style hobby project had, in less than two years, evolved into the region's premier RC racing destinations.
Below is the pictures taken over construction: