A Buyer's Guide for those NEW to Slot Racing

In this video we take a look at the kinds of things you should and shouldn't consider spending your cash on if you're a newcomer to slot car racing. Discover that directing your spending towards accessorising and maintenance of your existing kit will be far more beneficial than just buying the latest releases!
What's been the best item you've purchased for slot car racing?

[@EL34XYZ]

Wow, all of a sudden slot car videos are popping up in my feed. I had no idea this was still going on. It's cool to see this again. I raced quite a bit in the late 80 and early 90's. The two classes I raced were hand built cars using plastic Nascar model bodies. We built the chassis from scratch using brass and steel wire. The other class was Flexi with off the shelf parts and no major modifications allowed to those parts. I wish there was a a track near me, I would jump back into this hobby.

[@MrPaulstrivens]

As somebody who is rediscovering slot cars and starting from scratch I have watched countless videos and this is one of the most useful i'v watched so far. I don't have a fortune to throw at it so this clear and concise information is very much appreciated for what I should invest my money in such as a controller, look forward to future videos.

[@Charlvdwalt073]

Yes Agree thank You

[@tubularap]

Same here. Restarting, rediscovering slot cars, and this channel in only two videos, has done a lot to get me "in the groove" again 🙂

[@marcsangiuliano4273]

I truly loved this video, I had no idea that slot car racing was still going on. I raced HO cars when I was a kid and still have a track and cars in my garage (not set up tho). But that was over 50 years ago, I’m 60 years old now. This video has me wanting to set up my track again! I immediately subscribed and hit the bell! Thanks for your awesome video and channel, can’t wait to see more!

[@kylegarber2650]

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[@DbeeSapphire]

We’re the same age. I tried to set up my old track. Beyond repair.

[@brianwatson1965]

As somebody starting out in the world of slot car racing, this is great advice!! thankyou Gary.

[@grahamlane8506]

Absolute GOLD advice! Well done Gary. Nothing to argue with there, but I’m sure someone will! Of course, there is plenty more to learn as time and experience builds, but for starters this is great and the video will be passed on to all the new members of our new club. Thank you mate!

[@larrycurrence6874]

Yes, going against the grain here but as an enthusiast I've seen many cars I would purchase become non-available or marked up to ridiculous amounts. Would really be disappointed to have everything in place only find that coveted model is gone. Track, controllers, and set-up equip is available whenever we're ready to get serious. Your advice is invaluable, thanks.

[@philnztaylor]

Gary. Dude. 400+ slot cars in and I've learned more from this clip in bringing down my lap times than any other. Awesome work. Keep posting.

[@_Dave_S]

Great advice. Getting better controllers and basic, essential tools were the first things I did after buying my set.

[@tubularap]

Only since recently dipping my toes in slot car racing again, and your channel popped up (for good reasons). I watched your outing to Eindhoven and was hooked by your quiet and serious coverage of a fun activity. I am subscribed, and looking forward for more of your enjoyment and guidance.

[@phil3142]

Very clear and informative video. Thank you for taking the time to make it. I learnt a lot 😀

[@frp1700]

Great advice Gary. I've had to learn the hard way, before KZbin vids etc. I also got started with 2 SCX cars, the first being that monstrosity of an Audi 80 GTO 😂. Learned to drive properly by trying to keep a Ninco Clio 16V (roly-poly motion) upright and setting a decent lap time. Those were the days. But I certainly agree, in this day of high power motors and far higher quality parts (and far greater adjustability), it's better to invest in a decent controller and tools than just go out and spend a ton of money on just cars which you'll never run at their full potential because of crappy toy controllers and rubbish tools.

[@kbearpro]

Thank you, Gary, for the information. You pointed out a lot of items i wouldnt have thought of being a new slot car enthusiast.

[@tacomatose1334]

many thanks for the info. you do a great job. clear and concise. top shelf help!

[@alanwilkinson3248]

Complete, Correct, Succinct. Thank you for validating my own kit and learnings over the past 5 years.

[@edteach3r]

Excellent advice from someone who knows what he is talking about. Thank you, Gary!

[@Roland_Rohrle]

Very thoughtful advise and in the right order too 👍🏻😎

[@7plymaple124]

Great advice! Thank you. I w8ll be purchasing some new controllers!

[@jeffsmith7864]

Excellent video Gary well done sir!

[@johnbryan5608]

Very helpful! Thanks!

[@danfoley2442]

Solid advice. Well done!

[@spencerspiewak]

Outstanding video, question for you as I'm new to the idea of a variable power supply. How are these hooked up? Could you do a video explaining something like this? Thanks, keep up the great content much appreciated! Cheers

[@bradsanders6954]

Even as a newb that hasnt raced a slotcar in many years,I knew a good trigger controller was the thing....I got the Ramjet controller and its good. Much better than the carrera stock jobber. I did buy cars though,and they all run different and handle different. 8 so far....fun stuff! So far silicone tires are going on all cars. Clean track,clean tires and they stick well....But Im a newb.....I put some German rubber tires on my Cheetah and they do slide very predictably....very expensive shipping to get them to US.

[@teddy9752]

thank you so much info well done:)

[@ExSheriffFattyBoySkinnyArms]

Very interesting vid, well done

[@tomg5187]

Awesome bro thank you!

[@Garage-1881]

Also this was a very informative video that will undoubtedly save lots of beginners like myself some pains.

[@darrenhall6400]

Brilliant video Gary Can you get a wireless controller to match up to the Scalextric Arc Pro ?

[@RackwitzG]

Answering your question, as a clubracer I have all the tools and things you introduced here. The setup block and a gauge for rideheight are essential indeed. I would add a tiretruer (i.e. HUDY) if you want to go clubracing. In my club we solely run foam tires and atm some rtr sizes are unavailable. So I make my own with rims and donuts. Scrubbing your tires on sandpaper via motorpower is not good for the transmission, but for temporary use, until you get a truer, it's OK. You can use a seperate car to mount the axle/tires on and spare your racecar transmissions. The rotation tool has well been its moneys worth as well. The decision what to use as a pit box is very individual.

[@slotcarazing]

Thanks for leaving your comments! A tyre truer can be beneficial for the club racer, particularly if you race on a wood track. I agree that it’s also a good idea to use a “slave” for manual truing operations, as you mention.

[@frp1700]

I've been actively club racing for the best part of 27 years now and I still haven't had the need for a tire truer. So a true necessity it is not. I still swear by using a slave/dedicated chassis with a piece of track and a variety of sandpaper. Over the years I haven't found that much wear and tear on the transmission that translates to the cost of a Hudy type truer.

[@RackwitzG]

@@frp1700 I spend money for my hobby for convienience and good results. A hobby costs money. A truer is the better option.

[@frp1700]

@@RackwitzG it may be the better option, but considering the cost involved, and offsetting it against getting good results, it certainly isn't a necessity. Certainly for people just getting started in the hobby (what this video is about). Also depends on what kind of track you're running on. If, for instance, you run solely on Ninco track with something like Slot It F22/N18/G25 compound tires, there's absolutely no need for a tire truer. If you run on wood track, then yes, it might be a good investment. But not for someone just getting started 😉

[@RackwitzG]

@@frp1700 An established club usually has a truer standing around, or someone will let you use theirs. Mine does. I agree that a truer isn't among the first things you should buy, but it is very helpful when you get serious on wooden tracks.

[@ggaub]

Excellent advice, as always!

[@christopherlombardi4958]

Im so glad you said it. Number 1 upgrade is tires, i recently took my son for his first trip to the local shop. He bought his first car (audi r8 police <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="92">1:32</a>) ran it out the box ford 45 mins then the owner of the facility gifted him a set of race tires for the house track and this seven year old was out running grown men with rental cars. Tires are a must buy

[@Dracoool]

The first thing for a newbie to figure out is what scale they want..space usually dictates that..I recommend Carrera due to it being 1/24 and Slotit cars.

[@GonzalesMichael-sx4sd]

Very informative...😊

[@youknoweverything7643]

For analog slot racing like non digital you need a controller that you can adjust the ohms cuse different types of cars and motors require different ohms

[@eugene4154]

Every point made is ON POINT the tyres and motor point was great for the beginners, i have yet to get a BIG brand name car to perform on std tyres, THEY DON ABSOLUTE RUBBISH ON THEM once you get the most out of the car without falling off the track then come high end throttle

[@racerxslotcarracing8502]

great tips for the new bee like me bro thanks

[@GeneralJackRipper]

Listen to this man. He knows what he's about.

[@BigRalphSmith]

I'm an HO racer in the states and I can't recommend enough that you first learn to work on the cars. Rather than start buying cars, do some hop-up work on your first cars and see what it takes to make what you already have run better and faster. Then, when you do want to buy that next car, it will give you a better idea of what to look for with your next purchase.

[@Charlvdwalt073]

Thank You Charl south Africa

[@paulmavric887]

Good video 👍

[@slotcarracedriver8319]

Hello again my friend I have a question. What is the best way to glue my silicone tires to my Carrera wheels..

[@robertonline6543]

I'm curious I kinda want that knight rider bttf racetrack but I was curious to know is there a way to make the cars drift off the tracks.or jump? Kitt was always a jumper and skidder...

[@nilsharms8197]

Hi Gary, interesting advice! I have had a look into new controllers, but I haven't found any yet. I use a Scalextric arc pro setup and I am quite happy with the controllers but I would be curious to try a new one as the arc controllers don't stand up to wear all that well. Are there any controllers compatible with arc pro on the market? Also, I would love a tutorial or intro video into the digital oxygen system!

[@slotcarazing]

Hi Nils Slotit SCP3 will work with ARC wireless systems, here’s a tutorial kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4iTk4FmgKmKfbc

[@GHOOGLEMALE]

I looked on Ebay and Amazon but could only find one Truspeed controller (in US) - everything else seemed to be vintage scalextric bog standard stuff - Where should I be looking for the controllers suggested please

[@TedTucholski]

We had 1.0-ohm resister controllers for our 1/24 scale cars.

[@GonzalesMichael-sx4sd]

ALL 2 TRUE....BUT I LOVE MY COLOSSAL COLLECTION 2 CHOSE FRIM...😊

[@leeg131313]

Gary, that pinion puller you have is a mb slot, if you look on top slots they have the press in stock under slot.it tools (dont ask me why) pretty much be best value press out there .

[@slotcarazing]

Yep, it’s an MB. I was never fond of their press though so I just got the puller. I agree it’s the best available. Thanks for watching mate good to see you here 🙂

[@leeg131313]

@@slotcarazing yeah i have the older metal slot.it press (i think the best available that i have ever seen) but unfortunately they're now made of plastic and are still ludicrously expensive. Avant slot used to do one that wasnt bad.

[@CHixon]

Stateside here. I buy cars and decorate them. I don't care how they run, just decorate the bodies and wheels. I might have a few sections of track put away somewhere.

[@anthonypoole6901]

I dont have very much power in my facorite drag car. Im running only a 60,000 rpm on my <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="92">1:32</a> drag car. Those foam tires hold up fairly well with that weak motor.

[@stevenrowlands8506]

Gary what make of power supply are you using in this video

[@eddalton8530]

are the afx 120 ohm controllers good for ho scale ?

[@upssidep9283]

Thanks

[@Moondoggy1941]

Right off the bat, Guilty.

[@Garage-1881]

Is 1/32 generally more competitive/aggressive than 1/64? I love HO scale but if there has been more advancement made towards the 1/32 I will go that route.

[@aftermathmotomxrc]

Best Sound Of Entire Video! @<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="559">09:19</a>

[@aftermathmotomxrc]

Great vid . First video i have ever watched regarding slot cars. Great overall review of the needs of the sport. Cheers

[@rickyfrench1262]

Dude I was watching this video and reading comments and wasn’t sure what you were talking about best sound of the video til I reached that point absolutely correct 🤣🤣🤣

[@ryamelp]

Why lighter fluid for the tires?

[@davegedeon3767]

Hi Gary. What do you think of the wireless controllers that came with my Scalextric Arc Air? I have had them for a year now with good success.

[@slotcarazing]

The ARC controllers are pretty good, probably some of the best Scalextric have made. I say that relative to other box set standard equipment!

[@davegedeon3767]

Thanks Gary. That is good to know. I did have to twice open them up and give them a little cleaning with alcohol pads. It seemed to work quite well. Love your channel!

[@user-eq9pc3gx9o]

If you have a larger bottle of superglue keep it in the fridge,lasts much longer !

[@slotcarracedriver8319]

Hello friend the true speed controller you have with the 2 knobs on top will I be able to get that for carrera digital and if so please message me back letting me know where. Thank you, thank you very much....

[@Jay-hg2ec]

Agree with all your points but I think I'd start with decent tyres then upgrade controller

[@Birabanorcito1]

I wish i knew this before, good video tho.

[@brianwatson1965]

Hi Gary do you have an opinion or any knowledge on the Truspeed controllers for Scalextric?

[@slotcarazing]

Hi, if you’re referring to the controllers for SSD then yes, I’ve raced with them, and they are excellent.

[@brianwatson1965]

@@slotcarazing Hi Gary thanks for your reply, i should have said analogue.

[@regaltilapia]

What race track brand should I buy ?

[@slotcarazing]

I have a video comparing Scalextric and Carrera, so check that out! Another option for 1:32 scale is Policar which is also very good quality.

[@Hyr1an]

Hi , I used my savings and inheritance to keep my 97 year old grandmother mobile, so had to forgo getting my first slot car set. Any advice on any good starter sets should I be able to get one in the future?

[@Chappy31x]

( SpongeBob) Two years later.... Did you get one?

[@Hyr1an]

@@Chappy31x not yet

[@Chappy31x]

@@Hyr1an Since I go regularly to my closest track The Race Place, I have yet to put up mine😁 I do have a lot of cars to keep me busy

[@jamesward7918]

You seem to give good advice however the track are the tracks I see in your video or toys I run on big eight Lane commercial built plywood tracks that are completely different than the little plastic tracks you feature in your videos so I don't know how much use I get out of your advice

[@slotcarazing]

Probably not too much, commercial wooden tracks are a different kettle of fish. Try the channel Cleave Tech, James’ videos will be more relevant to what you’re used to. I run on a variety of circuits, by the way. I only started this channel recently, so there’s a chance I’ll cover other disciplines later on. Most commonly I run on large digital circuits like the one featured in the outro to the video. Club racing has been pretty adversely affected by you know what but I hope I can cover that side of things in the future once the big tracks are open again. Thanks for watching.

[@tryharder_baby1346]

Hey I want to build a track and I wanted to ask what's the best App for planing Track Layouts?

[@slotcarazing]

I use Ultimate Racer but there’s a few different ones out there, depending what track you have or if you’re using PC or Mac. They’re all pretty decent so just go with what suits you the most. Have fun!

[@tryharder_baby1346]

@@slotcarazing Thanks, Already got it recommended bye a few people so I think I will try it.

[@geoffc1580]

What make of power supply is that .thanks ps and where do i buy one ?.

[@RacerX888]

A really good PS for slot cars is the Skytoppower 30v 10amp power supply available on Amazon. Don't buy the 5Amp version as its significantly weaker and not as reliable, but the 10A version is excellent. Its the one sold by most slot car places regardless of the name they put on it.

[@ScuderiaTurini]

Wise words from a guy who is highly regarded in the slot-car world.

[@mekko1413]

As a model builder you need to buy Bob Smiths super glue its much better you can change the tip or put in a sewing needle and it will last the entire bottle. Anything from you typical store is just as you said not worth it.

[@JimmyjimmyJimmyjimmy-ih3yd]

The first rule of slot car racing is to get into micro rc cars.

[@tiborszentirmai8427]

Kár hogy nem ott születtem hanem Hungaryban mert biztos jobb lett volna!

[@waynedrummond6583]

Pliers are "long-nose" NOT side cutters and needle nose which are entirely different tools

[@limehuzki]

Ok? And if I just want to have fun?

[@nop3noperson]

Audio... lol i can not hear you

[@bertieballs]

Buy what ever makes you happy..........it's not like it's that expensive a hobby over time.

[@SlotCar2021]

I actually find the bigger Scalextric new type controllers designed for adults and kids pretty good on home tracks but know what you mean with the range. Parma at home would be a good upgrade, for club racing though Tru speed are amazing and feel great 👍. The biggest issue with Scalextric is the magnets, take them out and the hand controllers feel a lot better, the cars roll a bit more. I find that at home unless you have a massive space for a proper set up then investment into controllers and cars is pointless. For a true racing experience joining a club is the way forward, at home I find a standard set up works fine, unless you want to replicate a racing experience at home. If that is the case then all of the things mentioned should be considered. I also think tuning a car for home / club racing is one of the best things to do, get a cheap car and learn to get it faster and feel confident, buying a slot.it is not going to help you in the long run. Someone with experience can get a cheap Scalextric running very fast with just a guide blade swap, true tyres and a properly weighted car. You can also axle and wheel swap sclextric cars but then it gets to the point where financially that doesn't make sense and you just buy a NSR or slot.it. I don't bother running any of my club cars at home though, no point.

[@slotcarazing]

I never used to run my race cars when I had a home track either, but there are plenty of enthusiasts with large enough tracks in their homes to make use of faster cars and accessories. Thanks for watching!

[@SlotCar2021]

@@slotcarazing When the kids move out the plan will be to have a huge permanent track! Nothing will compare to a routed wood club track though. Anyone that has a big enough track to run 21-25k cars near flat out is lucky, that would be the dream 😃

[@margaretfloyd5405]

??????? ?

[@RcNerd]

So don't collect cars but collect controllers. The worst start to a how too video in 2024 😂😂😂

[@rickyfrench1262]

Yea no shit 🤣🤣🤣 I thought he was gonna say add more track and shoulders

[@fabulousdick]

You look 11 years old and 45 years old, at the same time. Well done.

[@seanmahoney2755]

What about fun? I love building track and collecting cars, fiddling around with them gets old quickly for people with big fingers and old eyes. Some of us are just all alone in our basements, trying to relax and get a little smile. Fast is cool but it is not the whole hobby. Not every car is a race car. You can just build a cool track, upgrade controllers, (great advise) get the cars that turn you on and make you smile and have fun. That is the key. NSRs, Slot its and REVOSLOT cars are fast enough right out of the box with very little fiddling. When I started out, last year i was very intimidated by folks like you who race and think that club racing is all that there is. I found that when i set up a racing phone app and went for the fastest lap time, I was very tense and anxious. Trying to get ever faster and not spin out or fly off the track was nerve wracking and not fun for me. What I enjoy is looking over all my cars, picking one for reasons known or unknown, and seeing how it performs in different sections of track, and when it spins out, or flys off, I just pick out a new car (I have many to choose from) and go again. It makes me smile, and these days that can be a lifesaver. I just wanted to reach out to folks like me who are having fun but, are made to feel like we are not doing it right by keeping it light and fun.

[@slotcarazing]

I can assure you, I am not someone who thinks that racing is all there is 🙂 The purpose of making this video was to cultivate a consideration toward buying items that will give you the best from what you’ve got before buying loads of new cars that will otherwise not reach their potential, whether that be performance or enjoyment. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!

[@seanmahoney2755]

@@slotcarazing I am a 1/32 scale slot car addict. There I’ve said it! No, really I have a problem. Of course I have all the tools, you have to. But I have an addiction to the cars. I know I’m not he only one but, its the cars that get me. I like the street cars. You can have a billion dollars worth of super cars for a few hundred dollars. I have every Porsche 918 spyder that Carrera makes, doubles and triples of some, DigitaI and analogue. I have a problem. But, it make me smile. I had dollars and no smiles, I converted the dollars into smiles by laundering them through slot cars. I may just have to start my own channel and stop bothering you. 😉 cheers!

[@tonytibbs1974]

@@slotcarazing I personally think this video is fantastic. I'm very new to this cool hobby and have started a little different buy making my first car, but you mentioning the controllers is spot on. My Scalextric sport controllers are not very responsive so I have purchased a Truspeed one and oh my god the difference is unreal. Even with my home built car the difference in driving it is very noticeable. Thanks for your tips and keep the video's coming, you need to post more. Cheers Tony