Racing slot cars can vary by level of complexity and engagement. Each slot car track will depend on if it’s for fun or racing. If you are new to the world of slot cars, here is a brief overview.
In this article, we will discuss the different levels of slot car tracks, from the most basic to the most complex. We will also provide a brief overview of what each level entails.
What Are The Different Slot Car Tracks?
Slot car racing is a competitive hobby in which enthusiasts race miniature versions of real race cars. These model cars use slots or grooves to stay on the track as they race against each other.
This hobby (many would also call it a sport) plays out in many locations, including home tracks to serious competitions in which contestants make or modify their own race cars to achieve maximum performance.
Some competitions consist of a series of races to determine the winners. Those winners then go on to compete in the national championship.
Within these competitions, whether friendly or serious, there are different types of slot car tracks that one may come across. Let’s take a look at each one.
Home Slot Car Tracks
Home slot car tracks consist of injection-molded plastic snapped together to form tracks. These courses are commonly called plastic tracks.
Home tracks usually have features that increase the fun and challenge of slot car racing. Such features include slots that wiggle or that join multiple lanes together.
Some have airborne jumps, bumps, and uneven surfaces. Toy slot car tracks often have such features.
Competitive Slot Car Tracks
Competitive slot car tracks are hand-made and are called routed tracks. These tracks have guide slots sliced into a few large sheets that form a smooth surface.
Such a smooth surface consequently enables the cars to perform at their best. Competitive slot car tracks are similar to road courses because they have many twists and turns. The most common shapes for these tracks are ovals and trapezoids.
Competitive tracks also often have banked corners with one part of the track connecting to another without any track configurations. Here is a list of the most common tracks used in slot car racing:
1:24 Scale Tracks
1:24 scale tracks, often used for competitions, usually consist of six to eight-lane routed tracks. In addition, they have plastic or wooden retaining walls. You will mostly find these tracks in commercial racing venues.
HO Scale Tracks
HO scale slot car tracks are competition tracks that are usually 60 to 100 feet long and have four to six lanes.
Slot car tracks have a power supply that you can plug into a regular electrical outlet. This power supply converts A/C current to D/C current.
Usually, the power supply delivers twelve to eighteen volts of electricity to the track and one or two amps. Slot car racers control the power by using different power supplies for each lane.
If you use additional power supplies, you must sometimes modify the power to handle the extra power.
Track Layout
Most slot car enthusiasts spend their time upgrading and modifying their cars to improve racing performance. However, hobbyists also make elaborate tracks that include landscaping and other fine details.
In addition, you will find many special track segments on the market that you can use to make the racing experience more true-to-life.
There are other track segments that force the slot cars to race closer together. This forces racers to accelerate to overtake the other car and avoid being pushed off the track.
Still, other pieces make sharp turns and inclines, forcing the racer to slow down or accelerate at exactly the right moment.
Advancements in slot car racing include digital tracks that enable drivers to transfer lanes quickly. Digital tracks and slot cars have microchips that enable several racers to drive in the same lane.
Carerra Slot Car Tracks
Carerra is a known brand for making quality slot car tracks. These tracks are made in Germany and are 1:24 scale.
The company is known for making ambitious and creative track designs. For example, one of their most popular tracks is the Digital132 Porsche 917K Gulf Racing track.
This particular track has a lap length of over 23 feet and can accommodate up to six cars racing at the same time.
The track also has many features that include a flyover, an underground tunnel, and a bridge.
Scalextric Slot Car Tracks
Scalextric is another popular slot car track brand. These tracks are made in England and are 1:32 scale.
The company is known for making simple yet creative track designs. For example, one of their most popular tracks is the Scalextric Sport track.
This particular track has a lap length of over 16 feet and can accommodate up to four cars racing at the same time. The track also has features that include a flyover and a bridge.
Ninco Slot Car Tracks
Ninco is a Spanish slot car track brand. These tracks are 1:32 scale and are known for being easy to assemble.
The company is also known for making creative track designs. For example, one of their most popular tracks is the Race & Win track.
This particular track has a lap length of over 16 feet and can accommodate up to four cars racing at the same time. The track also has features that include a flyover and an underground tunnel.
Are 1:32 Slot Cars Good?
1:32 scale slot cars are a good choice for beginners. These cars are less expensive and easier to find than 1:24 scale cars. In addition, 1:32 scale tracks are smaller and easier to store.
You can find 1:32 scale slot cars and tracks at most hobby stores. However, you may have to order 1:24 scale cars and tracks online.
If you are serious about racing, you may want to consider 1:24 scale cars and tracks. These cars are faster and can handle more power than 1:32 scale cars. In addition, 1:24 scale tracks are larger and can accommodate more cars.
What Scale Slot Car Should I Buy?
The scale of the slot car should be based on your budget and the amount of space you have to store the track. If you are just starting out, we recommend the 1:32 scale.
If you are serious about racing, we recommend the 1:24 scale. These cars are faster and can handle more power than 1:32 scale cars. In addition, 1:24 scale tracks are larger and can accommodate more cars.
How to Assemble a Slot Car Track?
Building a slot car track is a fun and rewarding hobby. The first step is to choose the scale of the track. Once you have chosen the scale, you can select the track pieces that you want to use.
Some slot car tracks come with everything you need to get started. Others require you to purchase track pieces separately.
Once you have all of the track pieces, you can start assembling the track. The process is relatively simple and does not require any special tools or skills.
If you are having trouble assembling the track, there are many helpful videos and tutorials online. You can also ask for help at your local hobby store.
What is the Best Slot Car Track?
The best slot car track is the one that you enjoy the most. There are many different types of tracks to choose from, so it is important to find one that you will be happy with.
Some people prefer simple tracks with few features. Others prefer complex tracks with many features.
Some people also prefer tracks that are based on real-life race tracks. Others prefer fantasy tracks that have been designed for fun.
The best way to find the track that is right for you is to experiment with different types of tracks. You can also ask for recommendations from friends or family members who are also into slot car racing.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, depending on your skill level, there are many different types of slot cars, and slot car tracks to choose from. If you are just starting out, we recommend the 1:32 scale.
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