Growing up, many people collect various items ranging from baseball cards to dolls and practically everything else in between. Some of those habits become life-long pursuits. It gives them the chance to connect with other people who enjoy the same hobby. They also get to learn more about their field of interest. This can create other ways of enhancing their experience.
That includes collecting race cars. There so many makes, models, colors, formats, and other categories for collectors to select from that it can take decades for them to fully realize their own universe. Some people love to display their collection, while others live to race them, and still more who would love to either purchase more cars or perhaps, sell them to other buyers for a nice profit.
One of the state’s clubs that enables all of this to happen and invites a new generation to discover the joy of miniature cars is the Lincoln Johnny Lightning Racing Club. Formed in 2009
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The Club meets on the second Sunday of each month at Lonsdale Elementary School, located on 270 River Road in Lincoln. Admission to the event is free. While they often mention that month’s race theme on Facebook and Instagram, those who arrive on race day may purchase up to 10 cars with the vendors present at the event. Each race costs 50 cents with the winner in each race category receiving a medal and has their photo taken for social media purposes.
LJLRC Founder and President Jeremy Morin said the event draws a diverse crowd. You can see the older collectors match their cars with those who are just beginning their own journey. Jeremy’s came from a passion that began at an early age and never burned out.
“When I began this club nearly two decades ago, I did it from my house,” he said. “It was a half-dozen of my friends who would set up a 20-foot track and race our cars for fun. After some time, I wanted to open it up to the community and connect other people to the club. It has prospered over time, and the relationships forged from the group have endured over the years.”
After establishing the Club in 2009—roughly two years after their first initial meeting and races—Jeremy moved their operations to MacColl YMCA on Breakneck Hill Road (Rte. 123). It was there the group grew as word spread about them. Races were competitive, relationships were being formed, and friendships were generated from a unifying passion. Jeremy said some events would have between 50 and 60 attendees in a given month. The YMCA stayed their home for nearly 15 years until they moved into their new home at the school this past January.
Jeremy is also involved with the community. His group is about helping those in need. Two organizations they help out are Operation Stand Down in Johnston and A Wish Come True in Coventry. OSDRI helps area veterans with support, assistance and programs to make their self-sustaining. A Wish Come True is the oldest wish-granting organization in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Eastern Connecticut. They have granted over 1,900 wishes to kids ages 3-18 who are battling life-threatening illnesses.
Both charities will be on hand for the Club’s upcoming Diecast Jam 11 2026 held at The MacColl YMCA on July 25-26. This event runs from 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM on both days and admission is free.
Morin said it should be a well-attended event.
“We expect between 300 and 400 people over the two-day event,” he said. “There will be live and silent auctions to benefit these two wonderful organizations. We are also hosting a 50/50 Gravity Race and vendor tables to check out the new and vintage models available for purchase. It will be a fun, family-friendly event.”
To raise even more awareness, the Club recently held a fundraiser at Public House on Front Street in Lincoln. A portion of proceeds from that event went towards funding Diecast Jam 11.
Morin encourages the community to come down to the big event in July and to their upcoming races at the school. Their next several events are scheduled for July 12, August, 9, and September 13.
Rounding out the Club’s Executive Committee with Morin are Vice President Ken Dorr (serving since 2014—the longest tenured VP) and Consultant/Liaison Dave Antonelli
Morin acknowledged the work of his Race Committee, which includes Tim Logan, Zachary Dorr, Bill Hicks, Jerry Morelle, Jeff Nicoloro, Andrew Nicoloro, Ray Baek, Brenden Palmquist, Jaxon Kilduff and Ken Spaziano.
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Anyone interested in learning more about the Club may subscribe to their newsletter. For a $10 Basic Membership, those who join receive a monthly e-mail newsletter and membership card.
Additional details about these events can be found either by contacting Jeremy Morin at 401-248-1625 or jeremymorinljlrc@gmail.com. Or, please visit their website at www.ljlrc.com. Also, check out their respective Facebook and Instagram pages.
