Slot Car Racing: Getting You Through the Basics

No matter your age, you’re always old enough to get in the hobby of slot car racing. It’s a thrilling one because it requires you to use skill, as much as precision and speed to get the wanted results, much like with actual car racing; the only difference being this is in a small scale. In a sense, it’s more technical and competitive than your regular RC hobby.

It’s something you can do on your own, with a loved one, or even other slot car racing enthusiasts you get to meet up on social media, specialised organised events and clubs. The possibilities are truly endless. The best of it all is you don’t have to have any experience with this kind of hobby, as all you need is the adequate gear and understanding of the basics to start. 

The ABCs of Slot Car Racing

To be able to make this enjoyable hobby part of your life, you need your choice of speedy and reliable slot car race car, picking from a range of models. What sets these cars apart from others is the fact you don’t get to control them manually, but rather they’re powered with an electric motor thanks to a guide pin or blade at the front of these cars. 

This pin or blade fits in the narrow track slot which keeps the car in place and on course as you drive. To decide easily, you first have to know a bit of the factors like scale, set type, controllers, and track layout.

Scale

Let’s start with one of the popular options of slot car race car which is the 1:32 scale that also happens to be the most common among adults and clubs for its detail as much as price. Most brands offer this scale, so you’ve got a vast array to shop from, even names like REVO Slot, Scaleauto, Fly Slot, NSR Slot among others.

This one is followed by 1:24, a premium choice with a higher price tag available from premium brands like Carrera and BRM, then the 1:43 which is larger and more detailed, available from Carrera offered at good value for the price, perfect as an alternative to Scalextric for children. Lastly, there’s the smallest 1:64 available from AFX and Scalextric, also suitable for children. 

Analog or Digital Set

If you want to get the classic kind of racing set, then you’d be choosing from the analog range. It’s usually one with one track and two lanes for two cars. Even though the rails are same as those of the digital alternative, what sets this set apart from the other is the power base and controller with a mechanical system that doesn’t give much adjustment flexibility. 

The digital offers flexibility with the adjustment with the power and the braking, and can be used with more cars. It’s possible to upgrade from analog to digital but it’s a pricy endeavour along the way, so if you’re up for moving from analog to digital in the future, it may be best to invest in a digital set instead. 

Controllers

When racing, your speed is essential in getting the results you’re after, which is why the controller is so important when your racing and overtaking. Equally, it’s the controller that helps you master that swerve properly so when approaching the curve you don’t slide out but maintain the control you need by reducing the speed. 

Choosing the ideal controller is a must, same as choosing your ideal slot cars, and you can narrow down your options based on how quick your car is to know how much of the current would be suitable. If possible, try out different controls to see how they fit your hand, and which feels most comfortable. If shopping online, read up all the info you can get about the specific models. When in doubt, you could always buy a starter set that comes with everything included: slot car, simple race track, and the suitable controller.

Track Layouts

When you’re just starting out, track layout and racing format may not be all too important as you’re just getting the hang of the racing experience, in which case a simple layout, and a common option would do. Some examples are road courses, ovals and figure-eights. However, as you take your hobby to the next level, and you master the skills needed for operating the slot car cars, then something more complex would do. 

You can have fun creating your own custom track, featuring some unique challenges you get to overcome. When your race revolves around something more specific, you can choose the sprint race with the sole purpose of completing a certain number of laps in the highest speed possible. Then, there’s the drag race, where you get two cars racing to see who gets to cross the finish line first. 

Endurance races are, as the name implies, about endurance, and they can last from minutes to hours depending on what you’re after. The goal with these is to complete the most laps within a certain timeframe. With team races, many get to race together, taking turns with who controls the car. In all of these, your mastery of speed, consistency, and deslotting skills is crucial.