We Vorarlbergers are generally considered somewhat reserved when it comes to making new friends, BUT we are also very active and passionate about our clubs, volunteer work, and hobbies. Enthusiasm for a cause brings people together, SO here are a few suggestions on how you can get to know us better:
Malcolm Schneider is the treasurer and a board member of EFAC Hohenems and provides insights into an exciting hobby:
What does your club do?
The EFAC – “Electro Funk Auto Club” in Hohenems is a club for RC (Radio Controlled) off-road vehicles in the 1/10 scale. Near the Rheinauen recreation center in Hohenems, we operate our own 250m long race track and a children’s track that can be used with any vehicle (1/18-1/10).
We are happy to make these tracks available to non-club members as well, for example, for birthday parties, company events, and Aktiv Sommer. For this purpose, we have eight rental vehicles that can be used.
Brand new is our Crawler Park, where skill is more important than speed.
How often do you meet?
On weekends in good weather and on weekdays in the late afternoon, there is usually always someone at the track to train, test vehicles and settings, or simply to chat with like-minded people.
We also have a few members who work night shifts and like to use the morning to train or unwind.
For this, we have set up a WhatsApp training group where people can announce when they are going to the track.
Why are you in this club?
I am a motorsport fan and I like the technology. Vehicles are constantly being tweaked and adjusted to improve lap times and the driving behavior of one’s buggy. A lot of knowledge and experience goes into this.
Furthermore, it requires a steady hand, quick reactions, and good concentration.
In the 2.5 years that I have been in the club, I have been able to make some new, great friendships.
What is special about it?
With 100 members of all ages, we are quite a large club.
- 40 youth drivers aged 8-15 years,
- 55 drivers between 20-55 years,
- and a few 60+ drivers.
We have a great clubhouse with snacks and drinks, as well as meals at events, or we enjoy grilling at the freely accessible fire pit.
In addition to the five club races a year, we also host series such as the Alpencup or the Swiss Offroad Series (CH, AUT, DE). We have a great group of about 20 drivers at away races, where the results are not the only focus.
How did you come to join the club?
I got into this hobby through my 11-year-old son when we were cycling towards the Rheinauen swimming pool and saw the track in action.
We arranged an appointment for a trial training session and a week later my son was already participating in his first race.
Do you accept new members? If so, what should they bring?
Yes, everyone who is interested in RC vehicles and model building technology is welcome.
For a trial training session, you don’t even need your own vehicle. You can arrange an appointment at info@efac-hohenems.at or just stop by the track (Rheinfähre 41, 6845 Hohenems).
Where do you work and what is your role?
I work at Fink Zeitsysteme GmbH in Altach and am the branch manager for our Swiss location in Oberriet SG.
How do you balance club and job?
Club members can drive anytime as everyone gets a key to open the driver’s stand.
With the floodlights on the track and the electric drive, driving can basically be done 24/7. This makes it very easy, as everyone can come and go whenever it suits them best.
Photo (c)provided by EFAC Hohenems
Are you also enthusiastic about fast cars and technology?
Find out more about the club on the EFAC website: EFAC Hohenems.
What other ways are there to actively spend your free time?
In this blog post, you will find more ideas.
