is here! Shop now, pay later in 4 easy installments
There is a different type of charm to things that both the young and the old can enjoy. Slot car racing is one of those special things that captures the hearts of everyone, no matter their age. It can even make you wonder what exactly makes these cars so appealing. In this blog, we’re out to answer that very question while exploring everything there is to know about slot car racing.
Summary
- What are Slot Cars?
- The History of Slot Car Racing
- Iconic Slot Cars by Scalextric
- In Conclusion
What are Slot Cars?
Slot cars are miniature vehicles that run on a track with slots that can house the cars where they will run, usually powered by electricity. Slot cars come in various scales, the most popular being the 1:24 scale. There is a wide selection of slot cars on the market; there are common ones that you can buy at a simple toy shop, while there are some collectibles that are so rare that people would pay thousands of dollars just to get their hands on them. You can either race your slot cars or choose to keep them in the box they come in and display them as a shelf queen.
Slot car racing, on the other hand, is a straightforward competition; each of the slot cars will be placed in its designated groove, and the first one to cross the finish line without spinning off and flying off the track wins. It’s a lot of fun, and anyone can participate with their own slot cars. All you have to do is cheer on your car and enjoy the moment.
Check out our collection of slot cars here
The History of Slot Car Racing
Though slot cars can’t be said to be a relatively new hobby, they aren’t an old one either. The introduction of slot cars is credited to the Lionel Company, which produced the very first slot cars in 1912, only 111 years ago. These slot cars ran on a wide slot between the rails made for toy trains, and surprisingly, it is not entirely different from the way we run slot cars to this day. They fascinated the people, but the hobby was still relatively small then; it was not until the 1950s that slot cars started to take off in popularity. The world of slot car racing has revved up, with more and more brands getting into the groove! Now's your chance to take a spin on this exciting hobby.
Then came the 1960s—the Golden Age of Slot Car Racing. In the 1960s, Aurora, a prominent slot car manufacturer at the time, created the Aurora Thunderjet-500, the best-selling slot car in history. It was also when the first professional slot car race was held in the US in response to the growing popularity of the hobby. Sadly, in the 1970s, slot car racing faced a decline in popularity and has never been the same since.
Nowadays, slot car racing is a beloved hobby, and more and more of the younger generation is starting to take it up. It has survived throughout the years along with its dedicated fans from every corner of the world and of all ages that were willing to continue its legacy.
Iconic Slot Cars from Scalextric
One of the reasons why slot cars are so beloved is because of the work put into them by the companies and manufacturers that produce these nostalgic cars. Scalextric is one such company that has been around for ages. It has been making quality slot cars for 76 years and has been giving joy to people since its founding. They produce slot cars from truly iconic moments in history that deserve a place in our memories, gift boxes, and slot car races.
SCALEXTRIC Tyrrell P34 - 1977 Belgian Grand Prix
While 1977 saw the introduction of a new version of the iconic Tyrrell P34 six-wheel Formula One car, by mid-season it had become apparent that this new design was actually inferior in many ways to the previous year's car. As a result, the 1976 model was fielded for the Belgian GP at Spa, driven here by super Swede Ronnie Peterson in his usual sideways style!
Shop SCALEXTRIC Tyrrell P34 - 1977 Belgian Grand Prix here
SCALEXTRIC Porsche 911 Carrera RSR 3.0 – Trans Am 1974 – Al
While the 1974 Trans Am series was a shadow of its former self in terms of length, the cars entered were just as spectacular as its 1970 heyday. This Porsche RSR was driven by the legendary Al Holbert and features his signature blue, yellow, and orange colors. With a modified nose and that amazing whale-tail spoiler, this RSR is as eye-catching as it is fast.
Shop SCALEXTRIC Porsche 911 Carrera RSR 3.0 – Trans Am 1974 – Al here
SCALEXTRIC Honda Civic Type R - BTCC 2021 - Gordon Shedden
Gordon Shedden has returned to the BTCC for 2021 after several years in the World Touring Car Series, and he’s jumped right back into the fight at the front of the grid. Despite suffering some bad luck throughout the campaign, Gordon's speed has never been in doubt, and he remains a driver whom many fear when they spot him, lights ablaze in their mirrors. This new Honda Civic is the perfect opponent to our other BTCC cars and will make a great addition to any BTCC Scalextric grid.
Shop SCALEXTRIC Honda Civic Type R - BTCC 2021 - Gordon Shedden here
In Conclusion
So why does slot car racing appeal to all ages? Well, for me, it's quite simple. These simple little cars hold a lot of memories; for some, they are gifts from their favorite aunt or a memento from their grandpa. Some people grew up with slot cars, while others discovered them later in life, but the races these small cars provide provide a thrill of competition whether you've been racing them for 30 days or 30 years.
It's one of those things where there's something for everyone. Whether you like collecting scale models or are simply racing for fun, there is one slot car out there that is sure to catch your eye. It’s a nostalgic hobby that everyone of all ages could share and enjoy without worrying about too many things. All you need is a track and your favorite racer, and then you’re all set and good to go, so no wonder it is loved by all, no matter the age.
At Hearns Hobbies, we offer a wide range of slot cars from beginner models to high-quality models for experienced modellers. Find the best one for your needs and preferences here!
Did we miss anything? Let us know at hh@hearnshobbies.com.
Also, make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Twitch!