The International Federation of Model Auto Racing (IFMAR) is the world governing body of professional radio controlled car racing.
The organization was created in 1979 by professional racer and RC model entrepreneur Ted Longshaw. At that time, many different governing bodies operated under their own rules throughout the world. IFMAR was conceived as a way to bring the different, fragmented organizations under a single, governing body. IFMAR's constitution also promotes international friendship and sportsmanship.
Each of the member blocs organises the IFMAR World Championship event on behalf of IFMAR.
Masami Hirosaka is perhaps the world's most distinguished racer. He has a record of 14 IFMAR World Championships, followed by Lamberto Collari with 9 titles, all within a single category and in nitro powered cars.
Governing bodies
IFMAR governs RC racing through four international governing bodies, or "blocs" representing 45 member nations and with full voting rights:
European Federation of Radio Operated Model Automobiles (EFRA) – Oversees racing in Europe. Far East Model Car Association (FEMCA) – Governs Australasia and Asia. Remotely Operated Auto Racers (ROAR) – Oversees and promotes races in Canada and the United States of America and is credited with producing more world champion drivers than any other bloc. Fourth Association of Model Auto Racing (FAMAR) – The newest IFMAR bloc and oversees Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, South Africa, Uruguay, Chile and Venezuela.
Secretariat
Presidents # Name Nationality Term1.Ted Longshaw 1979–19952John D. Grant 1995–20053Erhard "Dallas" Mathiesen 2005–20184Jeff Parker 2018–20235Eric Anderson 2023–
Eligibility to IFMAR World Championship event To be allowed to compete in an IFMAR World Championship event, the competitor has to be a member of a national body (such as ROAR of North America, SARDA from South Africa, BRCA from the United Kingdom, etc.). The competitor has to contact a representative of the body who will determine if they are competent enough to compete in the world championship round. The driver does not specifically have to have qualified in that discipline in which they choose to race (e.g. a driver who is competent in 1:10 on road racing wishes to qualify for 1:8 off-road).
IFMAR World Championships The following Worlds are held bi annually by IFMAR.
Power Surface Scale Drive Class 1st Held Title Electric Track 1:12 Modified Track 1:12 Stock Track 1:10 2WD Touring Car Offroad 1:10 2WD Buggy 1985 IFMAR 1:10 Electric Off-Road World Championship(s) Offroad 1:10 4WD Buggy 1985 Offroad 1:8 4WD Buggy 2025 IC Off Road 1:8 4WD Buggy 1986 IFMAR 1:8 IC Off-Road World Championship Track GT Track 200mm Nitro Touring
IFMAR World Championship Winners