Best Digital Slot Racing System?

In this video I talk about my opinion about the best digital system (as of May, 2023) that you can buy. The best system with displays, the easiest to put together... the hands down, best bang for your buck.
Sponsored by, influenced by, apologies to no one... my own experiences.

[@nexpresspro]

Dave, could not agree more. I have 4 of the digital systems. I started with SCX Digital System, then picked up a Ninco N Digital master track system, which I raced on for years, then a Scalextric Digital Platinum set (which I later upgraded to Arc Pro) and built a very large layout with, and finally invested in Carrera Digital about 6 years back. Over all that time, SCX stopped supporting the system, and so did Ninco. I noticed that Carrera was more readily available in my local hobby stores, they put out new cars pretty consistently, and to support your statements, Carrera had more accessories that made the whole experience a lot more fun and easier to use overall. I love the track surface, and the rails on Carrera are fantastic. Finally, while I didn’t invest in Carrera for 1/24 racing, eventually I started dabbling with the 1/24 cars, and now that ls mostly what we race (1/24 with no magnets and Paul Gage tires). I love having the options for 1/32 and 1/24, and you don’t get that with Scalextric. Great video and thanks for all the support over the years.

[@GhostHaze87]

Try slotinvasion or frankenslot tires you won’t be disappointed

[@orestkucyna5546]

Very good video Dave, thanks for putting it out there. In the last year I sold my mega SCX digital system for many of the issues you raised. Opted to go with Carerra Digital and really enjoy the system and available options. The selection of track, borders, displays, controllers, and other interface have made me a very happy puppy. Thanks again for all you do for the hobby.

[@consco3667]

Love the carrera track for sure. It works well. As stated previously a multitude of times, we love the big 1/24 cars. This is a very good video. Well done Dave

[@Racer-X-143]

Thanks Dave another great video. I agree with you 100% I love my carrera system.

[@userrnamenotavailabl]

I’m only 33.33% into this video and it’s already my favourite, good call Dave, you are a good man. Take care, Steve.

[@7kaare]

Hi Dave. I have to say that Carrera is the best regarding digital. Great video as always. I do have the 1/24 set with the two Porches in it. Carrera Digital Double Victory . Pluss an analoge set for more track. However the space is my enemy right now. It stays in the box. For now i have a analog track from god old Ninco. With Thruespeed kontroller. For my space its more track in the same space. Using a lot of different brands of cars. Some likes the track better than others. I find the Carrera cars going quite well on my layout. The 1/32 that is. Not the fastest but the reason we do this is having fun. Thanks for all your work here on your site. You are the reason i came back into this hobby. Its getting expensive but what can you do. Addictive stuff.😅 Have a good one , and all the best from Norway.

[@jonoedwards4195]

Unreal Tip! I dream of 1/32 Sprintcars an some kinda Cookie Cutter Dirt Track. You Beauty SCN.

[@SlotCarWildman]

Great video. Explained very well. I had still questioned track even though I had carrera digital but have been looking at policar. Maybe just for analog cars. Thanks again Dave

[@Clearwater124]

I started with the Double Victory set 2 and a half years ago. I now have 90ft with multiple lane changers and pit lane. I have not had a switch fail. I also have the SmartRace app.

[@CarreraTrackOntheFloor]

Thanks Dave, I just set up my first Carrera digital layout.

[@florianbrotchen6275]

thanks for the warm welcome... appreciate it ! :)

[@swedecarlson6511]

I'll agree with you on the grip aspect of Carrera track. After starting with Scalextric classic, I switched to Ninco when digital was introduced. That track had fantastic grip. When Ninco got out of slot cars, I took a hiatous from hobby. Now I have SSD. What a shock it was to go from the best grippy track to the poorest in SSD. But I kept with it and now having learned how to tune my cars along with adding silicone tires to a lot of them, I dont find it as much of a big deal. I have experienced warping you described. Gotta keep SSD out of the direct sunlight. But hard track is the noisiest track. All you need is to hear a video of cars running on Carrera and you know what track they're on.

[@SteveNeill]

Thanks Dave great show.

[@Dafingers1]

All great points, especially for newbies. Start out right. Thanks for sharing

[@SlotCarNewsOfficial]

Thanks John for all the support of my channel and me.

[@Dafingers1]

@Slot Car News thanks Dave, much respect here from us here...matter gactly glon myself are watching your Sunday stream. Could not watch most of it when u went live. Had to play catch-up here on household stuff.

[@Dafingers1]

Awesome shirt, Dave

[@MovieGuy846]

All very good points Dave. Totally agree about having those cool accessories along the track to really give it a cool plug and play ability w/o a screen. Other companies should consider bringing it back (e.g.: SCX) because it does add value. Having an “app” is cool too but there is nothing to see on the track to create that “wow factor” that would want me to spend money for one.

[@Doug-MagneticRacing_ThinkScalo]

Only problem I find with Carrera especially here in the UK is that it takes up sooooooo much room. So Scalextric track in most cases is the better space saving option (we’re not all lucky like you guys to have large garages or basements) 😎

[@SlotCarNewsOfficial]

Yes which is why I support Policar's system. Less room, better grip.

[@geneksenzakovic3808]

I get the cost savings for Carrera but the space requirement makes it an impossibility for me to run 1/32 in my home.

[@Iamadrummer]

Carrera track is a bit bigger than Scalextric, but it makes the handling of the cars better. Not only that, Carrera tracks are more textured than the Scalextric tracks, which lets the cars grip a bit better. The Carrera tracks are only a little wider and longer, so you really are only talking when set up a Carrera set is only a few inches wider and only 1.5-2.5 feet longer than a Scalextric set of similar size. The other benefit of Carrera is the plastic used for the tracks. The Carrera tracks are a bit thicker, more durable, and not prone to warping like the Scalextric. In any case, a good Scalextric set will still be huge, and a good Carrera set is a little bigger, but only as I said a couple of feet. If you already have a Scalextric set, stick with it. but if not, the Carrera sets are worth the extra room as they are the better track system. Also, Carrera is only not that popular in the UK since Scalextric is made there. Overall, Carrera is more popular worldwide for a reason.

[@Iamadrummer]

​@SlotCarNewsOfficial Policar is ok and only slightly better than the Scalextric track. Also, Policar does not have a digital system.

[@abefavela6806]

Cool thanks also cool shirt!

[@Dennis-rq6jf]

Thanks Dave, as always a good video. Very well thought out and good reasons for your opinion ( I agree whole heartily) . I like to race with both analog and digital, so I go through the trouble and change out the necessary track pieces only takes a few minutes. and it was not too long winded L.O.L.

[@Moondoggy1941]

I love that shirt Dave.

[@davidwarr8600]

You gave the exact reason why I bought a Carrera digital set for my grandson. He can race with his friends and parents. However, I really believe that in order to be part of the slot car hobby one has to like real motorsport. That may be lacking. After a problem with the transmitter and one controller the set works real well. Amazing technology.

[@davidwarr8600]

When I was a kid growing up in Montreal In the ‘60s I belonged to a group of slot fanatics. We were all big fans of real racing. How can a kid these days be interested in racing an F1 slot car if he isn’t interested in the real thing? Makes no sense to me. @@splashpit

[@cdrseabee]

Really would like a Scorpious vs Oxigen comparison for a wood track.

[@bsg75husker]

i still have my old carrera profi track, how good is the profi? is it worth buying some more track ? cant find much anymore.

[@richardperry9218]

Have to disagree with your comment on track grip. If your Scalextric Sport track doesn’t have enough grip it’s because you are using the wrong tyres. We race Scalextric SSD with the 3rd party SSDC software on a very large TV display. We use Truspeed throttles. We race without magnets but with track borders. Our track is a club track and it is sectional with soldered joints. In the UK a Carrera system with the same layout would take up twice the square footage, cost three times as much and cars would be more expensive taking chip costs into account. Rust is no issue if you use Inox MX3. The best digital system really depends on your needs and your circumstances and the type of racing you want to do. There is no “best system” as with most things the real answer is “it depends”.

[@mccheeseburger01]

Digital is so much more fun tha analogue, especially for families and social activities. I hope slot car racing can open up to the younger generation because atleast right now in Australia the average age of 1/32 slot car consumers is well above 50.

[@devildog3125]

What I want to know is to find just not another hobby shop that supports Carrera Digital racing but in California (West Coast) and actually in Central California that a hobby shop that has tracks (both traditional and drag set tracks) cause that used to be a thing in the late 90’s and early 2000’s but now since I’ve been away from the hobby since then, it’s really difficult to find supporting shops within a reasonable distance nowadays. Btw great video and when the time is right Carrera Digital all the way !

[@MGDRIVING]

I hear what you are saying, but... I am about to embark into this world of slot racing and my objective is to build a realistic town resembling a small town in England and to race digital MGBs, Minis and Triumphs from the 1970s. I hear what you are saying about the tracks and the additional digital interfaces with signs and such, but I cannot find these digital cars with Carrera. I also understand that on digital, you cannot race Scalextric cars on Carrera systems. I am hoping to have members of the MGB club, Mini Club and Triumph club come over and race, especially in the snowy winter time when their cars are in a deep slumber. Is the scalextric track really that bad compared to Carrera?

[@daviddura]

Very informative, thanks. One dumb question that comes to my mind is, when you have 2 cars in the same slot and the second one is faster, does to need to slow down until there is a track split? How do overtakes work? this can ruins someone's race

[@SlotCarNewsOfficial]

so for analog you can't have 2 cars on the same slot. for digital you pass the car at the lane change piece. yes if you don't pass at the right time it can ruin a race, just like real life! :)

[@SmartRace]

Great video, Dave! I naturally have to disagree on what you said about the screen vs. display topic: IMO the displays offered by Carrera are either too small (digital lap counter) or too simple (position tower). If you really want to use and enjoy your Carrera Digital system, there is no way around any kind of screen to display the data on. Not even talking about the endless possibilities offered by apps for the system (e.g. dynamic weather changes, virtual safety car, penalties, pit stops, etc.), but also when it comes to such simple things as organizing your cars and having track records saved to a database...

[@SlotCarNewsOfficial]

I understand and I do agree that YOUR app is the ONLY good option for Carrera or anyone else BTW. My own point about the displays and that for me I prefer those toy displays because of their look and simplicity (only). I'm SURE that is a minority opinion and I know that most people would benefit from your app used with the Carrera system. I have nothing but respect for you, your product(s) and the fact that you have single handedly added to the hobby in a massively substantive way.

[@berndogman]

As someone fairly new into this hobby I have to agree with Dave I think that most people that come over want simple and displays are perfect for that. The plug-and-play cars as well as wireless controllers help but I think as you get more serious into the hobby with other people that come over they would be more likely to be into all the things that smart race has to offer but in reality most beginners are not ready for that. It begins with fun.

[@eduardocominguez5173]

Screen is a must in my case, displays are good but are not as configurable as a good screen. Telemetry is key to improve as a driver.

[@_Dave_S]

As far a digital tracks go, Carrera is a no brainer. However Carrera also takes up the most room of any brand, so have a good sized area or table to set it up!

[@lychanthropeusa]

I have Carrera. One of these days I'll move to digital

[@EdduVanHalen]

BRSlot, o Slot Racing Digital do Brasil, que logo será lançado, será o melhor do mundo e, dificilmente, será superado. Aguardem...

[@EASYUSA]

I really wish I could get one of those devices to switch from digital to analog on my Carrera track but the guy stopped making it. 😢😢😢😢

[@EASYUSA]

Funny after adding this comment, I checked with Tek-Slots and he is making them again!!! I’m just putting an order with Joseph 😃

[@davidlatymer9181]

Dave, it's been mentioned that hard plastic is inherently noisy to run on compared to a soft plastic track. Do you know or advise on the best way to supress track noise? Many thanks

[@SlotCarNewsOfficial]

Yes put something under the track. Maybe bed sheet cut up or flat cotton batting? I don’t mind the noise but yes it’s a thing I agree.

[@CJ-si3ju]

Gents, I've been out of the slot car scene for many many years, I'm from the Aurora AFX generation, mid - late 60s. Yeah I'm a little old. However, wanting to get back into the slot car scene, i have a question. What are the advantages of the digital over the analog sets? I know you can program the cars, how does tthat enhance your driving? Thanks Guys.

[@mikehorchler2204]

The digital race tracks allow you to change lanes and pass cars multiple times. Not a 'forced' lane change like with some analog tracks, it's your choice when to change lanes. You can have simulated fuel consumption, which adds a LOT to the racing experience, which then forces you to go into the pit lane and simulate a fuel stop. You can lead the race, but burn fuel at a crazy rate and wind up losing because of your pit strategy. It's awesome. You can also run a ghost car on the track, so there's basically a driver less car running that you have to get around.

[@natelyons8327]

Great information Dave. I didn’t hear you mention Slot It Oxygen digital as an option. Your thoughts?

[@SlotCarNewsOfficial]

it's not plug and play. it has no displays. it's expensive. it has very little that most digital consumers want. most digital users can't even solder.

[@slotcarazing]

@Nate Lyons oxigen is suited for large race events and less so for the average home user. As Dave says it is costly and complicated. It’s fantastic, but only in the same way a set of golf clubs used by a tour pro are the best of the best and yet, hardly usable for the average person.

[@johnlamprecht7523]

Agree Mr. Kennedy. Scaleauto is coming out with a new digital track with the same dimensions as Carrera, just better, I hope

[@rhysthomas209]

Carrera is great system, 👍 👌

[@kevinwooldridge8261]

Could not agree more Dave. If we compare apples to apples, it's Carrera hands down imho. And add to that the price of the (pretty darn good)cars! Thanks again for all you do 🤠✌️

[@SlotCarNewsOfficial]

Thanks Kevin, I appreciate all your support.

[@kevinwooldridge8261]

@@SlotCarNewsOfficial ✌️🤠🫶

[@Dafingers1]

I preferably would by poli track.

[@johnlamprecht7523]

Have you mentioned Scalextric Grey track?

[@SlotCarNewsOfficial]

SCX track wasn't mentioned here, no. it's soft plastic and not anywhere as good as Carrera.

[@johnlamprecht7523]

So many advantages with Carrera

[@Maxime-ho9iv]

I see multiple comments around talking about Policar digital, is that a thing? is it coming?

[@SlotCarNewsOfficial]

Yes they are working on it. I don't know when they will be released though.

[@chello1197]

Here's a question? What when wrong with SCX digital. First 3to 5 years of digital racing they by far the best. Really wasn't even close. I know Carrera was slick was getting the Ferrari deal. But what happened?

[@johnlamprecht7523]

Wish Scalextric Advance had more accessories displays and wider tracks with decent borders that fit

[@user-pr1wn7ft5m]

everyone wishes they were better.. Thats why Carerra prevails

[@captainsman]

Only thing I regret about investing in Carrera is their poor list of cars. Scalextric is far better in this regard with variety and new releases. Carrera releases are pretty much the same car as before with different colour scheme. The Carson chips cost nearly as much as a car (here in Australia at least) and don't offer the full Carrera digital functionality (can't use as pace car for example, turn lights on/off). Carrera is also not well supported/stocked in places like Australia.

[@bgm-1961]

So, if I have a Carrera digital system from 2011, which has been in storage for the past decade, it's still current (and operational?) today?

[@SlotCarNewsOfficial]

Is it digital 132 or proX?

[@bgm-1961]

Sorry... 132.

[@dmgp1f]

I really enjoy my carrera digital track, the only thing i would like after having it for so many years, is the ability to race more than 6 human controlled cars.

[@SlotCarNewsOfficial]

the problem is that the carrera system can't handle really more than 4ish cars, much less more than 6.

[@johnlamprecht7523]

Wish I had bought Carrera

[@MrDarrenp40]

I run Carrera track but with an analogue set up and I do like it a lot. Policar track seems to have its attractions too but, and for me, these are not enough to want to change out just right now. I would certainly agree Carrera is the way to go if the plan is to run digital at home as some get go. Personally, I prefer a big timing and telemetry screen on analogue together with better pistol grip controllers. Carrera could do well to deliver a unit which is able to flip from analogue to digital and also 'facilitate' more up to date and more precise analogue mode and timing scenarios. I am not sure how well the digital lane change pieces may be made to play with analogue, mind? That said, it's easy enough to modify a standard straight piece for those amongst us who want customized analogue in this way and so, yes, it is a big thumbs up from me too. BTW, Carrera track can 'melt' in the hot sun - even with what the English sun can throw at it. Whilst I would agree that it is more resilient than other brands I am of the view that we have yet to see such a thing as 'miracle plastic'. Overall, Carrera is indeed a most satisfying design compromise for when it comes to some get go with slot car racing. You have here touched upon just about everything else and there's a lot that needs saying and for all this then thanks once again :)

[@martywoodlee2939]

IM 60 AND JUST WANNA BUY FOR ME AND MY FRIENDS AND GRAND KIDS WHICH TRACK DO I NEED AND CARS FOR IT THANKS

[@SlotCarNewsOfficial]

You can't go wrong with this set. www.lebhobbies.com/slot-car-race-sets-c-457/digital-slot-car-race-sets-c-457_615/carrera-digital-132-race-sets-c-457_615_466/carrera-30022-digital-132-dtm-bull-and-horse-wireless-set-p-11289.html

[@artstech]

Is there a system that lets you race against the computer? Meaning you are by yourself and your opponent is being controller my a computer controller.

[@SlotCarNewsOfficial]

There is not. It is not that kind of product. This is an analog type of game where even if you have features that slot cars car "digital" that only means passing, refueling, and lap counting. This isn't a type of where you race a computer or computer driven cars.

[@dereksmith5019]

Thanks for this , you did not discuss the scale you prefer , or recommend .

[@SlotCarNewsOfficial]

Carrera digital is either 1/32 or 1/24.

[@SlotCarNewsOfficial]

I did say I preferred Carrera digital

[@SlotCarNewsOfficial]

@@splashpit you can run any brand of analog car on analog track. To run a digital car on a digital track you need the correct digital chip inside. Each company makes their OWN proprietary digital system, so to run a Scalextric car on a Carrera digital track you need to install a Carrera digital chip, which requires the ability to solder.

[@SlotCarNewsOfficial]

@@splashpit I'm not assuming you're an idiot I get that exactly question about digital all the time. So let's settle down yourself... Because you're asking a very basic question that is yes of course you can run 1/43, 1/32, and 1/24 on Carrera track.

[@TheInsaneupsdriver]

I don't know, a digital 6 lane oval for stock car racing sounds nice..

[@WilliamJOHNSONJR]

Disapointed Dave ... I met you once in Chicago, when you were at a trade show here working for Carrera. I use Carrera track, so sticking with it only makes sense, But my will not be a "toy". I'd like to go Digital, as I think it best simulated a "real" racing experience . But NO Manufacturer of sectional track, provides curved section that will provide a true "racing line " sweep through a curve (outside lane /into apex / and out again) . Carrera , for economies of space, make them too short to be realistic. I'm thinking to stay with Carrera track, but to augment it with Scaleauto Track (a new one to me) due to its larger radius curves (#5 & #6 ) to go outside my Carrera #4 stuff) And to "digitize" it l with Oxigen chips and controllers ... "Oxigen" seems to be more the "Hobbyist" solution, as opposed to "toy" ...which may be where the majority of the market is ... but is of no interest to me ...

[@brightbeginnings5134]

Then why aren’t you using carrera track?

[@SlotCarNewsOfficial]

i don't do digital.

[@slotcarazing]

As good as SmartRace is, it’s not as good as RCS64. SSD running on Policar track will soon become the best option once those LCs are available.

[@Dafingers1]

Well. At my age, n what o have with scaley..it's not favorable for me to start over. Just saying

[@slotcarfun7058]

Carrera has the best system but the grip is a disaster

[@EmanTama]

Try Paul Gage tires - work great after sanding lightly. We are running 1/24 scale. Carrera cars. We use the RMS motors from Prof. Mtr and Gage tires. Great combo for us.

[@modonnell9284]

The best digital system is none

[@ShifterGearz]

Scorpius Wireless is the worst system ever made. Full Stop! I spent thousands on the system for it to just simply never work. Updates that never fixed the problem or "bricked" the system and made it unusable. The owner is difficult to say the least.

[@gearhead366]

I'm going to be the naysayer, here. I disagree. Except for what you said about the track. Carrera DOES make very good track. Maybe the best. But the digital system sucks. Big time. Thumb controllers? No brake or sensitivity adjustments? That puts it squarely in the toy realm. Don't even get me started on the lag. For a parent who just wants to have some fun with his kids... great. For serious racing, this is junk. Carrera's accessories ARE nice though. The (lack of) control of the cars, though, ruins it for me. Coming from racing analog on tracks with a large tv monitor showing the race info, I don't have a great affinity for all of Carrera's accessories either. All the pertinent race data can be displayed on a tv monitor, which is easier to see than the trackside accessories. I say this after my 2nd season of racing a local club with Carrera digital.

[@davidtaylor4960]

When you talk plastic track as the best slot car experience… you’ve lost me… toy grade… go play with your duplo

[@SlotCarNewsOfficial]

well nearly no one has wood tracks (I do BTW) so this idea that you have of absolutism about there's no good plastic track is nonsense.

[@johncipolla8335]

I would be a complete newbie to the sport. what set is recommended?

[@SlotCarNewsOfficial]

Pick a set that you like the cars.

[@jasonhunter6125]

There are many different Carrera systems. Which one are you talking about? Did you mention that?

[@SlotCarNewsOfficial]

There is one, D132. The systems are all based on that they have.

[@jasonhunter6125]

@@SlotCarNewsOfficial i mean, if i buy a Carrera Go 143, will it work with Carrera 132?. Is it just the cars that are different?

[@SlotCarNewsOfficial]

@@jasonhunter6125 no Digital only works with digital. GO works on the GO tracks and analog Carrera track.