It may not be a conventional sport, but remote-controlled car racing is no longer just a hobby.

The high-octane, nerve-racking activity has made its way to the National Games this year, and participants hope the recognition can help catapult the niche recreation into the mainstream of society.

RC car racing -- under the classification of modelling -- is one of 23 mass participation events for the 15th National Games, alongside dragon boating, Chinese chess and so on.

The modelling competition, which also includes sailing, roared off on Saturday with around 370 participants from 18 provinces duking it out in Shenzhen's Bao'an district.

Hong Kong is sending six athletes to compete in the vehicle modelling event, where teams race three different classes of battery-powered miniature vehicles on-road, off-road and rally tracks.

The rules are simple: whoever completes the most laps within five minutes wins.

For veteran racer Hung Chiu-ming, a 20-year fixture in the RC world, this is a lifetime opportunity.

"It's the National Games! How many chances do you get in a lifetime to compete? I never thought remote-controlled cars could make it to the National Games. This will greatly boost the interest of those who want to pick up the activity in the future," he said.

"I never expected this hobby to make it to such a large-scale sports event. I really want to win a medal because it would be a recognition for the entire industry."

Hung says the competition requires serious strategy, and he spends countless nights studying the cars and experimenting with modifications just to shave a little time off each lap.

He believes the sport embodies true sportsmanship, just like table tennis or badminton.

Kit Chau, executive director of Hong Kong Model Sport Association, described having official recognition at such a large-scale sporting event as a game-changer.

"In the past, participants were just called drivers, same as you would refer to a real driver. But now it feels more regulated, with an officially recognised title as athlete," he said.

"There will also be referees and coaches, completely changing the ecosystem of the sport. Since the National Games, I've noticed that inquiries from schools have become much more widespread. I feel... parents have become much more accepting of it."

The five-day competition lasts until Wednesday, while aviation modelling, which features drone and plane races, are scheduled next month in Shenzhen.