Best Electric Slot Car Race Track
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Getting Started In 1/32nd Scale Slot Cars
Choosing your 1st Track
If there is a question that is asked more frequently than any other in our hobby, it is: “What is the best track for me to start with?” There are many different opinions out there in our hobby, but below are our personal recommendations.
I am going to list the most popular systems available today, however, there are systems that I feel stand out above the rest. Which brings me to mention again that this article is based solely on my personal preference, so take this into consideration. What I might feel is the ideal track, may not be the best system for you.
As stated, there are quite a few choices one could make today in choosing your first track. However, before you choose, take some time and ask yourself a few basic questions:
How much money do you want to spend?
- Some of you are on tighter budgets than others and this can be the biggest factor when choosing a set.
How much room do you have?
- The amount of space you have certainly plays a role in your design, and even the track you choose.
Do you want to build a permanent layout?
- Perhaps you only want a smaller layout, or one that is portable and/or that you can change frequently.
These are just 3 of the many questions that determine what track might be best for you. Thankfully, our hobby has a vast selection of track systems to fit just about any need. With all that is currently available today, you can find the track system that’s just right for you, and with a price you can afford.
Artin, Carrera, Ninco, and Scalextric Sport are the major brands I recommend that are available to you today. Other/older track systems are still available as well, but the above mentioned brands will provide you with all you need to enjoy the hobby, and are easier to find parts and accessories for. One other thing to keep in mind when purchasing your first set is the cars. Even the best track system will not please you if the cars you have included in it do not. All the below systems offer the newcomer an excellent choice of high quality slot cars in their sets. Artin cars are also decent quality, but they lack the scale detail and performance found in some of the other manufacturers today.
This doesn't make them bad, in fact it makes them almost perfect for the beginning enthusiast and for our younger racers.
Also, depending on your budget, if you KNOW what brand you want and that this is the hobby for you, try and purchase the largest set you can afford. It is a lot cheaper in the long run when you do this as the extra track pieces, borders, etc, included in the larger sets are less expensive when purchased in a set, than if you purchased these separately.
If you know what track you want, but not sure of your design, I can safely suggest Tracker 2000 layout design software. I have used this program many times even after I have designed my own and is well worth the small cost. Also, many enthusiasts use this software themselves and have posted many layout suggestions throughout the world wide web.
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The Artin track system has had one major advantage over the years: Price. If money is the bottom line, you might want to take a look at what they have to offer. Slot Car World has recently acquired access to the full line of track, accessories and parts and is the U.S. distributor. It is an easy track to assemble and disassemble, a hard plastic instead of flexible one, and being almost exactly the size of Scalextric you can fit a 4 lane track in smaller spaces quite nicely. As mentioned above the quality of the cars available are not as detailed or perform like the cars found in Scalextric, Ninco and Carrera sets. But these cars make great beginner cars for younger (and older) racers to bang around and learn to drive. I like the system as an inexpensive way to see if you really like the hobby, but if you end up catching a bad case of slot car fever, you’re going to need some upgrades, most importantly power, to get the most of the system.
Click here to read my recent review of the Artin 4 lane system, or the 2 Lane System and see if it is right for you.
I try and cover the pro's and con's of this system, so if you have the time, give it a read.
ARTIN UPDATE!
I have come to the conclusion after racing with this system for a while that it is one of the best tracks to get started with. And to be honest, one that can grow with your interest in the hobby. The track surface is smooth, and I prefer the hard plastic track for almost all track designs. Many enthusiasts like utilizing crossovers and elevating their track, and here is where the harder track systems like Artin and Carrera are ideal.
If you ask most 'veteran' slot racers, they will tell you that upgrading power and control is needed on ALL track systems. I don't really think this is the case, however if you are going to upgrade in the future then the controller and power supply included in these sets mean nothing. So when you look at the price of Artin, it becomes an even greater value if you are just going to replace the power and control components in the future.
New track pieces are now available to help this track system have more design flexibility. However you can still design a fun, challenging course with this track. In our new store we just built a very challenging and fun layout using only the track pieces included in two 4 Lane Sets.
There are a lot of misconceptions about the Artin system. Most of what you hear that is negative about the system is either untrue or unimportant. It is the best system to not only start your hobby, but one that can grow over time. We have chosen this system for THREE layouts in our store to show how versatile it is, and that it CAN accommodate the enthusiast at different levels of interest.
The first track is simply a 2 lane layout built with only the track found in the 2 lane set. There is enough track in this entry level set to create a very fun and challenging layout in a small space. The venerable 4 X 8 sheet of plywood is the most common table utilized by enthusiasts in not only our hobby, but others as well. Having a track design that fits this space is VERY important to those who decide they enjoy this hobby enough to build a more permanent and dedicated raceway.
Our Second track is the 4 Lane Show-Me Speedway Oval. This 24 foot track is perfect for both the beginner and for the advanced enthusiast. Oval racing is some of the most fun in the hobby and you owe it to yourself to build and race on one before dismissing them. Construction is simple and is again based on the 4 X 8 series of tables. Our track uses 3 of these tables set end to end. If you do not have room, you can always shorten it to 16 feet.
The third track system is based on utilizing only 2 of the Artin 4 lane sets and is ideal for any enthusiast. This is our signature track and has become some of the most fun we have had in this hobby. This shows that the Artin system can be utilized to build a layout for the advanced enthusiast and also how easy it is to add items such as banking and painting the track for added realism.
All 3 of these layouts have 2 things in common:
1. NONE of these layouts utilize more than 3 different track pieces:
The Standard R1 curve, the Outer R2 curve and standard 11 inch straight.
This proves you DO NOT need to have additional specialty track to design a fun layout.
2. All of these track systems are inexpensive.
The 2 lane set can be built from the ground up for under $200.00 and even the advanced Dixon Hills Speedway was constructed under $800 and that includes the computer and custom timing track.
In the end, this is the track system I have chosen for my personal use and I must recommend it to anyone starting in our hobby today. It combines high quality with a price that anyone can afford.
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Carrera track sets itself apart from the rest as actually being 1/24th scale (188mm roughly 7 3/4 inches wide) track. If your thinking you might like to run this scale, as well as 1/32nd, this is most likely your track. Like Artin, Carrera track is of a harder plastic design than that of the flexible plastic designs of Scalextric, SCX and Ninco. This system has long been the racing surface of choice for many in the hobby, and it still is today. If you have the room, you can certainly create some fantasticlayouts. The track rails are a low grade stainless steel and while it may have less magnetic attraction it promotes good electrical connections and prevents rust/corrosion which is good for harsh environments (damp basements, Garages, etc.) The harder plastic track also is ideal for these areas where humidity and temperature changes are present.However, you will need more space than you would with other systems, so if space is an issue, you may want to look elsewhere.
I sometimes think of Carrera as being the 'Cadillac' of track systems. It has a wonderfully smooth surface, durable rails, deep slot and the added room for larger scale models. We have built several layouts using this system over the years and we enjoyed every one of them. This track is ideal for those who have a larger budget, and also a larger amount of space to work with.
You might hear that Carrera track is difficult to assemble or take apart. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but I don't think it is difficult at all to assemble. It does take a little more TIME...but that doesn't mean it is more DIFFICULT. Carrera utilizes small plastic clips underneath to secure the track together. Once installed, you have simply the smoothest track connection in the plastic track arena.
Carrera has a great selection of systems including some very nice models that are simply beautiful, to go with them. I have to recommend the Carrera track, as it has provided many hours of trouble-free racing.
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NINCO track is a fine system in its own right. It is a flexible track system and is slightly wider (7') than conventional 1/32nd scale track. The main reason I didn't prefer this track was the racing surface is not smooth. The surface of the track is almost abrasive in nature, and I just didn't care for it. That certainly doesn't mean you won't and this is not to say it isn't a good system to start with. On the plus side, NINCO produces some of the nicest 1/32nd scale models available today, and usually the prices are just right for some budgets. The transformer supplied in the sets is outstanding, and I have used these transformers for years on my home layout before recently upgrading. The controllers than come with this system are also some of the best you can find in stock form. The OHM rating for these controllers are better suited for a wider variety of models and we found the throttle response to be the best out of 'set' controllers. The NINCO system has a nice selection of accessories and track components, making it a decent choice to get started.
Check theREVIEW ARCHIVESsection for a look at some of the fine models they offer. Ninco accomplished a great balance of scale detail and smooth performance that has made their models favorites on our track.
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This brings us to the Scalextric Sport. At roughly 6 1/8 inches wide, this track has plenty of room for 1/32nd scale racing. Improved over their older classic track system, it addressed some of the problems of the classic system that enthusiasts wanted changed, which shows their commitment to the hobby. It now has a deeper groove, recessed flush rails, and best of all a smoother surface.
The track system is a flexible plastic design and offers a wide variety of specialty track sections. However I want to amplify something about the models in these sets. Scalextric makes some truly wonderful slot cars that fill the 'need for speed' for almost anyone. Utilizing a stronger bar magnet allows these models to stay on the track easier and provides very fast racing. Many of these cars are lighted and have a very good level of scale appeal. To sum it up, they make some of the best models available in our hobby and this makes choosing Scalextric to get started a good choice.
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Sometimes analysis leads to paralysis. Don't let this happen to you, because in the end it really doesn't matter what brand you choose, just get started in the hobby!
Regardless of what system you begin with ,once you DO get started, you will find what style you enjoy the best, and you can begin to upgrade and custom tailor your track to those styles. I know many of people that started out with one brand, and after a while, they change to something different. I am one of those people myself, and honestly, with set prices being what they are, you are certainly not locked in to one brand if you decide you don't like what you have.
So don't wait to begin one of the most satisfying hobbies the world has to offer. Grab a set and get racing, and remember its all about having FUN!
Then you will know that the best track is the one YOU own!
Harry
If you have any other question regarding track systems, feel free toemail meor drop me a line in the
Slot car racing is an exciting, interactive hobby for automobile fans and anyone who likes speed and competition. Slot cars make a great alternative to video games because they tap into similar skill sets—hand-eye coordination, risk-reward thinking, competition, manual dexterity—yet remain physical, i.e. hands-on, three-dimensional and face-to-face.
We carry two high quality slot car brands: Carrera, which tends to appeal to younger racers, and Scalextric Sport, which attracts an older audience and enthusiasts. In other words, Carrera is a little bit “toy,” while Scalextric is much more “hobby.” In this post, I’ll explain some of the features of each brand to help you make a better purchase.
Digital vs. analog
Both Carrera and Scalextric offer analog and digital formats. With an analog set—the sort that has been around for half a century—you can only race as many cars as you have lanes. Your controller adjusts the current sent to the track lane, which speeds up and slows down the car in that particular lane. With a digital setup, the controller is programmed to control the car itself. Digital sets have crossover sections that allow you to switch from lane to lane for passing, blocking, and overtaking. These tracks also support more cars, so that three or four (with some sets, up to six) people can race at the same time. I’ll come back to that a little later.
3 Questions to Help Decide What's Right for You
There are a few things to consider up front if you’re looking at a slot car set:
How old are your racers? I do not recommend slot-car racing for very young children. Ideally, a child should be eight or older, and certainly no younger than six or seven. Eight might even be pushing it for the more technical demands of an advanced Scalextric set.
You need a good deal of skill and finesse to navigate the track, especially around turns, and practice is absolutely necessary. You can’t simply haul back on the throttle and expect the cars to zoom around flawlessly. They will hop out of the slot and skitter away. Of course, that’s part of the fun. If there were no skill involved, you would get bored pretty quickly. For the most part, a child younger than 8 simply lacks the dexterity and coordination to grasp the finer points of adjusting speed to stay on track, and may not have the patience to put in the necessary practice.
Where will you put your track? The three-dimensional, hands-on, physicality of slot racing is great, but this does mean that you need space to dedicate to your layout. Even the smallest tracks are several feet across. You don’t want it in the middle of the living room where it will get stepped over—or on!—bumped, full of cookie crumbs and pet hair. The track pieces are generally pretty flexible and robust, and are designed to withstand a trodding or two, but they aren’t indestructible.
How often will you be racing? It's not a good idea to set up the track, race a few laps, and then pack it away again. The tracks are designed to be assembled and disassembled without too much effort, but only infrequently. Pulling track pieces apart is usually a little tougher than clipping them together, and can require a good deal of force. You want to make sure that you tug evenly so you don’t snap off the connector tabs that hold them together. Repeated assembly and disassembly will also eventually wear and loosen the connectors, when what you want is a snug fit.
Your best option is to set up the track in a place where it can be left out, ideally on a table or platform of some sort. Take it apart only when you want to add to or modify the layout.
Carrera
Carrera has two product lines: GO!!! (analog) and Digital 143. Both are 1:43 scale, so a little on the smaller side. Carrera GO!!! is a perfect starter line. With fun themes like Mario Kart, and Disney/Pixar’s Cars 3, and exciting “action” features like loops, jumps, elevated banks that run up walls, the tracks are ideal for children around eight years old. Sets and accessories are modestly priced, too.
Digital 143
Digital 143 is more advanced, and pricier. Digital cars, for instance, are about double the cost of analog. However, if this is the first track, starting with a digital set can be a good investment, because upgrading from analog to digital requires a bunch of new equipment, including a new powerbase, new cars, and some lane-changing track. The good news is that standard track pieces are universal, so the majority of a GO!!! setup will be ready to go should you decide to upgrade to Digital 143.
The benefit of Carrera’s digital sets is that it supports up to three cars at once and allows for lane switching. Lane changes are done by holding a button on the controller before reaching a special crossover track. For the Digital 143 line, Carrera makes crossover tracks red (or green on the MarioKart set) rather than black so you can identify them easily. Crossover tracks can be single (right-to-left, left-to-right), or double (“X”-shaped).
Scalextric
Our Scalextric sets are the better choice for hobbyists. Scalextric sets have bigger, more detailed cars (1:32 scale), some of which sport cool features like working lights and, in the case of James Bond’s Aston Martin from Goldfinger, ejector seats. They let you build bigger and more technically challenging track layouts, and offer bigger and better opportunities for customization and modification, especially with Scalextric’s digital sets.
There is even a dedicated community of Scalextric racing hobbyists, who conduct full-on tournament racing with rules and regulations. With this in mind, you’ll find that Scalextric tends toward more realism—you won’t find jumps and loops here—and more technical demands.
A Note on Track
Scalextric makes a wide range of track pieces to customize your layout. Straight tracks come in a number of lengths and formats. Some of the unique pieces that are available include starter grids, crossovers for making figure-eights, side-swipes for bumping other racers, and single-lane tracks to run alongside pit lanes. There are borders and guardrails that clip along the side of just about any piece of track to help prevent you from jumping the track. Because the track is flexible, you can give some height to your layouts with elevation supports, banked curve supports, and elevated crossovers.
There are numerous options for curves, from lazy wide turns to harrowing hairpins, crossovers and side-swipes, letting you add a ton of variety and challenge to your set.
The track selector wheel demonstrates the range of curves available. You can find lots of support atscalextric.com/uk-en/, including a download for a Track Designer to help build your layout. It’s also very easy to find online forums and communities to get ideas for customizing your setup.
Scalextric Digital
One of the nice things about Scalextric is that the transition between analog and digital is pretty smooth. Upgrading an analog set will require a new power base, transformer, and some lane-changing track, but the cars are not hooked into one or the other exclusively. Analog cars will run on a digital set with a few button presses on the power base. Lane-changing will be disabled, obviously, but it’s nice to know that your old cars won’t be obsolete if you upgrade. You can do the opposite, too: a digital car will work on an analog set, should the need arise. Most of the analog cars we stock from Scalextric come “digital ready,” and can be upgraded to digital with the simple installation of a microchip. And yes, like Carrera, standard track is compatible between digital and analog; only lane-changing elements are exclusive to digital setups.
Most digital sets from Scalextric come with a power base that supports up to four cars, and can do a few neat tricks like set the cars to run either clockwise or counterclockwise. Stepping up to the Advanced Six-Car Power Base brings a ton of features, like the ability to program various racing modes, set speed caps on individual cars, set cars to reduce speed or even pause in the event that one racer jumps the track, and so on. As far as I’m concerned, however, the coolest feature is the ability to run ghost cars, so you have some competition even when you’re racing by yourself.
ARC systems (App Race Control)
The ARC ONE, ARC AIR and ARC PRO (for digital sets) are the latest additions to Scalextric’s product lineup, which takes advantage of hand-held smart devices to add a whole new dimension to slot racing as a hobby. Set up a Bluetooth-enabled device opposite the power base and use the free iOS or Android application to create and control races, track your statistics, manage and share your collection, and more.
Before you start, you can choose from several different types of races, including Quick Race, Practice, Grand Prix, Endurance, Tournament, Drag Race, Arcade and Pace Car, although not every race is available in all ARC systems. As you play, the app monitors just about anything you can think of, from lap times and lap counts, to speed and penalties. There are several cool additions to mix things up. Turning on fuel consumption, tire wear, or car damage, means that you have to keep an eye on the condition of your car and make a stop in the pits when necessary—or risk disqualification. There are even random “incidents” like engine blow-outs and punctured tires that can bring another measure of unpredictability and realism to the race. After the race, you get analytic breakdowns of your speed, start reaction times, fuel use, and so on, which you can post to Twitter or Facebook.
Finally, there is a “Garage” mode, in which you can catalogue the cars in your collection, save track layouts, and post photos. You can also log your track pieces and accessories and use the app to explore possible layout designs.
The ARC Systems each have their own exciting features.
ARC level ARC race control system
- Hard-wired hand controllers
- Core app functionality
- Analogue system
- 2-car racing
Key features:
- Pit stops
- Post-race statistics
Mid-range ARC race control system
- 2.4Ghz wireless hand controllers
- Intermediate app functionality
- Analogue system
- 2-car racing
Key Features:
All of the features of ARC One plus:
- Wireless controllers (plus rumble)
- Variable race conditions
- Braking button
Premium ARC race control system
- 2.4GHZ wireless hand controllers
- advanced app funcitonality
- Digital system
- Multiple car racing (up to 6)
Key features:
All of the features of ARC AIR plus:
Slot Cars Race Track Set
- Lane changing
- Multiple cars
- KERS boost