The Best Slot Car
Regardless of age, a slot car set is an incredible toy for people who like cars and excitement. Essentially, you have a small car that is electric and should drive into a slot on a track. This is an incredible option, unlike races that you use to play only in computer games. Here is the best slot car set. We analyzed and compared 45 slot car sets sold for nearly 45 hours, and considered the opinions of 633 consumers. Following our last update, our favorite model is the Joysway Super 251 USB Power Slot Car Racing Set.However, if you don’t want to spend extra then we have another vast option for you is Joysway Super 251 USB Power Slot Car Racing Set. Slot car track is a sizable 28 feet long. Realistic mini cars are able to reach up to 370 mph. Track features several interesting twists and turns, increasing entertainment. Able to customize with expansion kits. Slot car racing is an incredible toy for automobile fans and anyone who loves speed and competition. It is also a perfect alternative to video games. Joining active play with the best slot car racing sets can enhance their hand-eye coordination, risk-reward thinking and other hands-on skills.
Jul 06, 2019 Slot Car Brands Comparison. Any slot car brands comparison should consider the long history of the hobby and the variety of options still available today. Ever since the late 60s, kids with the need for speed always aspired for these intricate car and track sets that come in various pieces and configurations.
There are 16 different track packs, bundles, and plan books to download here at Slot Track Pro. Some of the best slot car tracks can be found for Scalextric, Carrera, and other brands of tracks. This past December they were download almost 1,100 times. We will take a look and see what the most popular download for track layouts was. Will it be for Carrera or Scalextric? Let’s take a look at the list.
#16 – 27 Circuits for Scalextric
It will be interesting to see where this falls in future lists. We just added it to our collection on the 31st so it only got 2 downloads that day. Scalextric published this catalog in 1985 and there are 27 different Scalextric Classic track layouts. (2 Downloads)
#15 – Slot Track Pro Track Pack 1
Our first Track Pack includes 5 Carrera slot car tracks. We have released four additional track packs so far and have more planned for the future. The first few packs included 5 tracks each. However, we will be increasing the number of tracks in each future pack as well. (16 Downloads)
#14 – Slot Track Pro Track Pack 2
Our second track pack includes 5 Scalextric digital tracks. Each of them have an alternate plan including a pit lane. These track layouts were created in Track Power but a PDF of each track is included so it is not needed to view the layouts. (22 Downloads)
#13 – Carrera Go Track Layouts
This is bundle of Carrera GO!!! track layouts. We added this to the site on the 19th and it was grabbed 30 times before the end of the month. This bundle includes 20 different Carrera GO! tracks, including six different Mario Kart inspired tracks, official Carrera sets, and several custom tracks we created. (30 Downloads)
#12 – Slot Track Pro Track Pack 3
Track Pack 3 featured 5 new Carrera track layouts based off Lucas Oil Off Road Racing tracks. Real world circuits such as Bark River International Raceway and Glen Helen Raceway. (32 Downloads)
#11 – Slotict’s Misc Tracks
Slotict had a website years ago where he provided many different slot car tracks for people to download. At some point in time the website went offline and is no longer available. We were able to archive some of his tracks and host them here at Slot Track Pro for anyone to continue to download and use. (33 Downloads)
#10 – Slotict’s World Circuits
In addition to the miscellaneous tracks above, Slotict created a huge amount of slot car tracks based on real world circuits. This bundle of tracks includes 168 slot car tracks for 42 different race tracks such as Laguna Seca, Road America, and a lot of F1 tracks. Most of these layouts are for Scalextric but there are some for Carrera as well. These tracks were created using the editor Tracker 2000. (40 Downloads)
#9 – Track Power Track Pack
Definitely the largest collection of slot car tracks that we are aware of. The Track Power track pack includes 758 slot car layouts. The track files are saved in both the 1.6.6 version of Track Power and the newer 1.7 version. There are all sorts of sizes and types of tracks including NASCAR and F1. If you don’t have the full version of Track Power you may not have much luck with this track pack due to the 20 piece limit the demo has. (42 Downloads)
#8 – Scalextric Track Designer Layouts
This is the original bundle of Scalextric track layouts that was offered with their track designer years ago. It includes 32 different layouts. Some of the tracks are Scalextric set layouts with their different track extension packs added. In addition, there are a handful of world circuits included as well. (57 Downloads)
#7 – SCX Slot Car Track Plans Book
SCX released their track plan book in 2007 with some of their best slot car tracks detailed out. There are 54 slot car track plans included in this book including 18 F1 circuits. The F1 circuits are impressive, and huge so you will need plenty of room if you want to layout those tracks. (65 Downloads)
#6 – 102 Circuits for Scale X Racers PDF & Track Pack
As a tribute to the 101 Circuits for Scalextric Drivers Scale-X-Racers released 102 Circuits for Scale X Racers. Tracks include the 201 Formula 1 circuits, British circuits, rally stages, and other various real world circuits. In addition to the PDF to download and view, you can download a track pack with all the tracks. Tracks are created with Ultimate Racer so you can view and edit them if desired.. (73 Downloads)
#5 – Slot Track Pro Track Pack 4
Our 4th Track Pack was a super pack with 15 different Carrera slot car layouts. They range in size from 4′ x 8′ to 8′ x 12′. It is a good variety pack for all different types of slot car racers. (77 Downloads)
#4 – Scalextric Track Plans 9th Edition
Scalextric often releases a Track Plans publication with multiple layouts and plans for slot car tracks. The 10th edition came out for purchase in 2020. The 9th edition can be downloaded as a PDF and includes over 20 different Scalextric track layouts. (101 Downloads)
#3 – Scalextric Track Plans 4th Edition
Coming in the third spot for our best slot car tracks list is the 4th edition of Scalextric’s Track Plans publication. This edition offers 31 different slot car track plans for your review. However, these layouts are done using Scalextric Classic track which includes some different angled corners from today’s Sport track by Scalextric. (123 Downloads).
#2 – Carerra Digital Tracks
Our runner up for the best slot car tracks to download is the bundle of Carrera Digital 132 tracks that they provide on their website. These were made available in 2007 and can support either their 1/32 or 1/24 scale slot cars. (178 Downloads)
#1 – 101 Circuits for Scalextric Drivers
And our reader’s top choice for the best slot car tracks, 101 Circuits for Scalextric Drivers. This publication includes quite a few basic layouts and multi-lane slot car tracks. The world circuits that are featured include a great description of the track and some nice track details and circuit history. The layouts utilize older Scalextric track. However, it is a great resource to use for layout ideas. (205 Downloads)
That completes our list of the best slot car track downloads that we provide here at Slot Track Pro. If you missed it, check out our Top 5 Slot Car Track Designer Programs article. We have more slot car track plans and layouts lined up for 2021 so be sure to check back often. If there is something you would like to see on the site please let us know. Thanks for visiting!
This article is a little less bot-like and little more for the hobbyists out there. We’ve got all the best slot car set options to add to your collection this year. It’s great to live in an age when the ‘frivolous’ fun of youth gets retooled and upgraded. Many things that were thought of as toys are now series machines that support careers. Slot car racing might not quite be useful as a job, but it certainly has come a long way.
Slot cars provide the thrill of participating in a competition based on control and instinct. The feeling of hard-fought victory may explain some of slot car racings remarkable history and growth. Today the best slot car set combines the simple pleasures of old with new levels of realism. Branded sets give a glimpse into car culture and the world of racing.
Whether you are starting as a beginner or developing a collection as an enthusiast, slot cars have a lot to offer.
10 Best Slot Car Set Picks
Now that you have a grasp of the ins and outs of the hobby, we’ll look at some great picks for getting started in slot car racing.
Best Slot Car Set for Kids
This set from the Go!!! line makes an excellent starter set for kids. The 1:43 scale is compatible with Carrera’s Digital 143 hobbyist line but geared for children. They will love the character representations and the easy-to-learn analog controls. The set features a lap counter, three difficulty modes, and a loop. Prices are reasonable and the durability will hold up to some aggressive usage from the eight and up crowd.
Best Slot Car Track
The use of the word ‘giant’ on the box actually undersells this amazing 62.5-foot track. A combination of risers, curves, and overlaps let you really push the endurance of a race. A digital lap counter and three difficulty modes provide a way to throttle up the difficulty. The cars and track will break under rough handling but can survive some rough and tumble starts. Controls can get set to digital or analog.
You get a lot in the box but the drawback of this system is its lack of major compatibility as it’s not provided by one of the frontrunner companies. This is one of the best slot car track to buy because of it’s size for the price.
Best Slot Car Set for the Money
This middle tier (in size and difficulty) product from Carrera features 1:25 scale cars and tracks. The smaller cars make the track look long and winding without taking up too much space. This size also allows for more reaction time and skill improvement in comparison to the 1:34 line.
The included Mustang GT and Shelby Cobra cars are fun. They have great detail and identical performance. It’s a shame that the cars don’t have different handling or speeds. Carrera’s track kit comes with risers and a combination of cure grades to create some solid skill-building tracks. The guard rails protect most of the track so you will have few problems will fly-offs.
Best Slot Car Set for Beginners
Geared for children but with compatibility to other 1:32 Scalextric products, comes the Fast and Furious set. The cars have a bit of bulk in comparison to some other slot car products. This provides them with some needed heft when going over the signature jump of this set.
The track provides some incredible competitive features usually found in larger sets. Aside from the jump, the set includes a crossover section and a sideswipe area. This narrowing of the track can allow one car to shove the other off the track to devastating effect.
Finally, the set comes with analog controls but has a digital plug ready to upgrade or if you want to use the cars elsewhere.
This set brings a little more gimmick than performance over other top sets. The track is made of a durable light absorbing material that glows in the dark. Kids will love watching the cars zipping through the near total darkness on a futuristic glowing roadway. The cars and the track are extremely durable and even a bit rubbery over other sets.
The controls are analog only and a bit heavy on the battery power. The set itself uses batteries instead of an adapter setup. The 46 feet of track store well and come apart without the usual concern for edges as the power is in the cars via the controller chargers. A good beginner set if rough-playing children is a concern for more delicate products.
Another in the line of big boxes loaded with some competent and durable beginners equipment. The 1:43 scale of the track and cars are perfect for many Carrerra products but won’t necessarily be compatible.
Analog controls and hard to break cars make it easy to deal with the ostentatious track. LEDs installed under the tracks or on the loop configurations add some spectacular color. This set only has two-speed modes. The jump between the two can be a bit much for smaller children. Watch out for that frustration when swapping modes!
Best Digital Slot Car Set
The track only allows for a simple oval without purchasing more track. But with the track at 1:43 scale, this can be easy to find. For those looking to supply a larger competitive experience, this set comes with four cars and controllers. The cars use dynamic racing technology to allow them to jump slots on the track and move back and forth across lanes easily. This creates a heated competitive experience.
The durability of the track and cars is surprisingly high with all the grooves in the track.
Another from the kid-friendly Go!!! line but with some added pizazz. The 1:43 scale cars have a lot of detail from the stock car world with branding and logos galore. The track features loops, banked turns, and a 70-degree raised bank. The lower speed is just enough to keep the cars on the track across the more dynamic features.
The set comes with spacers for the controllers that work as throttle limiters. This makes changing speed settings even more intuitive. The excitement kicks in when you go to the intermediate or advanced settings. Controls are analog with digital ready options.
Best Slot Car Race Track
This simple entry in the best slot car track to buy list builds skill like no other. The track has a few turns and weaves but no frills. The controllers are where the real dynamic action lies. The controllers are digital and come with power selector for on the fly adjustments. Similar to changing gears, you can also swap the power levels on the fly. Most sets require the levels to be set through the power supply between races.
At 1:32 scale it is compatible with other Scalextric products even those in the ARC line. The cars have beautiful and intricate detailing and run like a dream.
Best Slot Car Set for Enthusiasts
View Product 9.5
For the serious enthusiast looking to get started in the digital control and competition world comes the Platinum GT. The set comes with four cars and supports up to six.The provided cars accurately simulate high-end vehicles from several manufacturers. Feel the power of a Mercedes, BMW, Aston Martin, or Porsche. A tablet app and stand provide a scoreboard.
As a starter for the ARC Pro line, this also gets you a toehold which can be expanded by adding more track. It already has a stellar set of features built in including pit stops, tire wear, lane changing, and even weather. More features can be added with additional programming.
Best Slot Car Set Features
Ask an expert what makes the best of anything and they’ll start spitting jargon and fuzzy metrics at you. They’re not dodging the question, they just happen to need to answer it with the knowledge you might not have. Armed with this information, we’ll highlight a few of the best sets currently on the market, much as we’ve done with electric trains.
Brands
Brands of slot car racing sets matter. In part, the brand offers a window into the rich history of the hobby. More importantly, it tells you something about the compatibility of products. In a wise move, each company ensures that sets within a certain timeframe work together. This means you can start with a brand and continue to purchase new sets without fear your new pieces will no longer be compatible with the old sets.
The top brands currently offering slot car excitement include:
Videos
- Ninco
- SCX
- Carrera
- Scalextric
Scalextric and Carrera lead the market in terms of sales, branded deals, and history.
Controls
Controls come in digital and analog formats. Some companies even use smartphone apps as controllers.
- Analog controls connect to the track and set the power fed to a specific lane. These controllers use a pressure switch to regulate power and go back to the start of slot car racing.
- Digital controls are newer and provide more options, overall. These control specific cars. With these options for track changes and more competitive elements became possible. Digital controllers also free up internal components, since these are on the car and not the track. This allows sets to support four to six cars instead of the standard two.
Tracks and Customization
As we just touched on, tracks come in 2, 4, or 6 car configurations. Tracks no longer conform to simple ovals and eights but can be built out to cover dramatic shapes and recreations of real-world courses. Components such as pit areas, risers, and different slopes for corners all increase the excitement and the skill level of slot car racing. Amazing features such as loop da loops and lane switching panels add to the danger.
Also taking a page from model trains, slot car sets provide even more entertainment when dolled up. Combine accessories and miniatures to create a facsimile of the real world.
The most advanced sets leave space for a monitor, tablet, or smartphone to be used as a digital scoreboard. These display number of laps, lap times, and other information. Pace cars and AI controlled opponents provide ways of improving skills. Pit areas go from fun visual additions to necessary tools when you add in fuel limits (power limits) to the cars.
Tire wear, car damage, and incidents programmed into the race bring up the realism.
Durability
Having a lot of customization and parts comes with a hit to durability. Cars, now heavier and laden with internal control mechanisms (for digital controllers) become easier to break. They also go up in price to replace. The track edges fit together snuggly to prevent lines and grooves which could trip up a speeding car. This makes them easier to put together than pull apart. When pulling apart a track, the edges need to be pristine or it will interrupt power flow.
Power Needs
Power bases work double duty in the best slot car racing sets. They provide power to the track and/or cars but also manage elements of the race program. A power base can be configured to provide power to the 2, 4, or 6 cars and also for which control scheme is preferred. In this way, the power base is essentially the computer running the rest of the track.
14:35youtube.comSlotcar Track Comparisons
Cars
Slot cars retain a surprising level of backward compatibility even with the new technology. Not the most key reason collections of vintage models grow in popularity and price, but it is worth consideration. Adjustments kits for tweaking the tires, weight of the car, and the connection to the track all provide more nuance to a race. While track pieces stay compatible only within a specific brand, cars can be widely used across different sets.
Accessories
Finally, third-party accessories (a staple in hobbyist circles) give more options in the aftermarket. PC controllers simulate realistic racetrack options and run from a computer. AI-programmed cars find their ways into shops.