Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
34 Achievements
36-44h
Just Like the Real Thing
Win the RC Bandit Race.
2.6%
How to unlock the Just Like the Real Thing achievement in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City - Definitive Guide
The RC Bandit Race is a side mission that requires you to win a race with a remote control car. The mission can be started by entering the Top Fun van south of the sand racing track at the northern end of the Vice City Beach on the first island. The van will be parked on the southern side of the track opposite the Jocksport advertisement billboard. Sometimes the van will not be there so drive around the block or go and save your game and return for it to spawn. If it still doesn't spawn, go and get the one at the top of the carpark at North Point Mall and drive it back to the location on the beach (see the video below for the exact location).
Once the mission starts you will need to race three other competitors. The race involves passing through a series of checkpoints as you complete two laps of the course. The remote control car can be difficult to control so try and take it easy on the sharp bends and stay in the middle of the track, because the steep edges can quickly flip you or spin you out. There isn't much room for error and you will likely need a few attempts in order to win. You can press to self destruct and start again.
The following video shows the location of the Top Fun van at North Point Mall, as well as where to park it to start the RC Bandit race and how to win the race:
There are only three such missions in the game. They start after you board the Top Fun minibus.
The minibus is located near the Dirtbike Track on the first island. You need to win a 2-lap race against three opponents. You control a radio-controlled car, RC Bandit. For winning you get $100. If at the same time the previous best time was beaten, then there will be an additional $100 on top. 2. RC Baron Checkpoint Race
The minibus is located on the roof of the parking lot, which can be accessed from the second floor of North Point Mall, which is located on the first island in the Vice Point area. You control a radio-controlled airplane, RC Baron. Mission goal: fly through all checkpoints faster than your opponents. For winning you get $100. 3. RC Raider Checkpoint Pickup
The minibus is parked near the southeast entrance to the airport, near 8 Ball's Bomb Shop. Mission goal: fly a radio-controlled helicopter RC Raider through 20 checkpoints scattered around the airport in hard-to-reach places. There is as much time as you want. For winning you get $100.
How I dealt with the problem
I took the Top Fun van from another mission, brought it there, left it with the door open (this is mandatory), went for a run and returned, got into the van, the mission began