Slot Car Track Owner Has Been Living His Dream for 50 Years

Tucked away in an unassuming Brooklyn, New York, neighborhood is Buzz-a-Rama, a slot car racing track that’s been in business for over half a century. “I will never retire,” proprietor Frank “Buzz” Perri told InsideEdition.com. Racers used to come from the neighborhood, “But the neighbors changed, and now they come from Jersey and Connecticut. They have to travel now,” he said. Buzz continued, “I run a tight ship here. Maybe that's one of the reasons why I'm still here.” #InsideEdition

[@nicholasehrhardt9444]

This man matured, but never outgrew being a kid and I think that's awesome

[@EdsterIII]

Nothing wrong with that. Keeping your inner child can help you stay young and it keeps you connected with your past. AWESOME!! I had ALWAYS dreamt of a race track, with 6-10 cars, BUT slotless, not slotted. I remember TCR- Total control racing from the 80's. I had Tyco and AFX back then so another new race set was not happening, but TCR looked ok.

[@Sqwidwood]

I want part of my child characteristics to grow with me too

[@minuxo3062]

he's so cute with his wife "I have to let her win sometimes otherwise she gets bored" aww haha

[@KESTRAL23]

He is very cute and sweet

[@OiCme]

One of the best parts in the video

[@cheeriosflakes5768]

This the prime example of doing what love with passion

[@lucasguzman4576]

When he passes someone has to dedicate an actual NASCAR track in his honor.

[@Kniska]

I would like but I don’t want to break the perfect 100 like

[@crimsonwolf8174]

Come back and like now then

[@Kniska]

Crimson wolf just did

[@xavierjuarez9876]

Nascar has to do with cars, and the man likes cars🤗

[@digitdude1375]

Big facts

[@karenr8513]

This old man is prime example of how everyone should be when they grow into old age🤗🤗🤗 God bless him and his family

[@GalileoSmith]

I was a kid in Clintonville, Ohio in the mid 1960s. There was a slotcar emporium, Tom Thumb Raceway, right down the street. One day I went in with my slot car, bought a half hour of tack time on one of the tracks and then almost immediately discovered I had forgotten my hand controller. It was at home on the desk in my bedroom. I ask the proprietor to stop my track time, rent it to someone else and I would be back in a while to resume the half hour. I had about 29 minutes remaining. He wouldn't do it. He would _not_ do it. What I learned that day was that an adult does not want to screw a 12 year-old out of half of his allowance. The kid might very well make you pay double via pranks and various tomfoolery.

[@alanroberts7916]

With all of the surveylliance equipment and cameras hidden everywhere it must be more and more difficult to perform adequate mischief on the deserving enterprise when it is clearly called for.

[@GalileoSmith]

@@alanroberts7916 To be honest, much of the mischief I got into as a kid I know look back upon with regret. I'm talking about putting lawn sprinklers into parked cars and blowing up house mailboxes with cherry bombs. But the shenanigans we directed to that Tom Thumb I feel little shame. Among other things, those shenanigans involved a cherry bomb in the bathroom with an attached cigarette providing the necessary fuse delay. Also popular with us were various short-circuiting tools.

[@alanroberts7916]

@@GalileoSmith Ilike the ciggarrette time delay...does away with batteries or relays. But cherry bombs in mail boxes is a FEDERAL offense !!! nice!

[@joespivy20]

I love how he is so old but having a hobby like that makes him happy! He’s a man I can respect he likes it so much

[@Robert-ck7nm]

Buzz is a great man living his dream, and sharing it with others. Everyone wins. It doesn't get any better than that. Thank you, Buzz!

[@steveskuras2515]

I used to go to these slot car tracks in the Detroit area in the late 60s. My dad used to take me. It was so much fun. Buzz is GREAT and it's so cool to see the hobby still exists. God bless you Buzz!

[@JamesJackson-zu7ep]

This place is truly an American treasure here in Brooklyn New York thousands of us grew up going here at least once or twice a month to see that this place is still here open for business in 2020 is nothing short of a miracle so so many wonderful memories of being seven or eight years old and cycling time with my friends and my father at this place ........

[@mv4463]

Originally from nyc. Still have 42 slot cars..in 4 different sizes..now in ky. There is only one slot club here. Old fun great times. I been to this place in nyc. I'd go back just to play a full day for old time sales. ... would love to race with my dad, my son, and my grandson.

[@threeofive9401]

Two things put these places out of business, two things that were roughly tied together. One was it just got too expensive. Another was that technology came along and the cars got so fast that the "driver" was almost not controlling them. Just turn on the power, let them go and watch them whip around the track like lightning bolts.

[@cmans79tr7]

305 - Back in the old days i saw those modified cars whipping around almost faster than you could see 'em and i always wondered how those kids were controlling them if you really couldn't see them. Kids would come in with kits with soldering irons and stuff, and some would pour some orange gunk called Tiger Milk on the track and spin their funky foam tires in it for more traction. The proprietor would walk around and kick us carless/moneyless kids out even if we were helping put the cars back on the track at certain spots. Oh well.

[@threeofive9401]

@@cmans79tr7 In hindsight what was needed was what was practiced in real car racing: limits on motor power, tire size, car weight, etc.

[@alanroberts7916]

@@threeofive9401 not neccassarilly limits as much as classes like modified, stock, etc... what was expensive??? the cars? the track time? space rent ?

[@threeofive9401]

@@alanroberts7916 First, you have to realize I'm talking about 50+ years ago when guys like me were about 14. Our spending money was lawn mowing/snow shoveling money, allowances, and other small incomes. So, basically everything got too expensive if a person was going to try to keep up with the competition.

[@tommyschemes2051]

We used to have a slot car track in the mall near my house. Always loved going there with my grandpa

[@dannyhamby6334]

We visited this track 2 years ago and finally met Buzz! I've been around slot cars since I was 15 39 this year and it was a dream come true to go to buzzarama! While there we ran some rentals on the black track and talked with buzz and his wife.. I was able to buy a clear body in which buzz signed! To someone like myself or any other slot car racer this man and place will forever be an iconic place!

[@aidan4233]

I dont understand how people can dislike this vid.

[@user-mg9fe3ph3y]

His wife looks 30 years younger than him

[@gtrsaint8639]

Simon Agnischock bib

[@nubslegion9047]

chris Barnett what the f**k

[@oxbadcode6573]

@chris Barnett true it's sloppy but good

[@WhiteUnicorn82]

She's only with him for his cars.

[@efilwv1635]

Simon Agnischock She probably is.

[@jessem166]

He found his passion. If only we could all do that

[@ryanmeeks8549]

Slot car racing is so fun I wish there was more tracks around like there was in the 60s it's a shame.

[@ytlas3]

I used to race slot cars from 1965-67. I used the cars I bought in the stores. The older kids and adults would solder brass tubing into chassis, use "rewind" motors, special tires and make some really fast cars.

[@bizzyizzy9526]

I never even knew that this was a thing 🤔

[@miltonferreira9287]

>:(

[@2degucitas]

You poor guy. You missed out!

[@dalekelly7639]

Years ago it was. Not so much anymore.

[@peterpiper_203]

I went there many times as a kid growing up there in Brooklyn I always wondered if it was still around Thanks for the bringing back some good memories

[@ELPerroBuddy63]

I had the honor of meeting him in person back in 1989 before going out to California.

[@rigakit]

I was from the neighborhood and went there almost everyday in the 80's into the late 90's. The HO track was a lot of fun and I had a tackle box to keep the cars and parts in! We put a tacky glue on the tires to take the turns faster. I went there so much Buzzy almost showed me the basement of the unimaginable but a customer interrupted that one and only chance!!! Got Bless Buzzarama!!

[@constantinedukas5289]

Went there many times as a kid with my brother amazing memories

[@gingergia4169]

I wanted to go right before the pandemic hit and then obviously couldn't. I thought about Buzz-a-Rama a day ago and learned he passed away last Spring two weeks after his wife contracted the virus from him. They say he couldn't bear to be without her while he was recovering. Found a forum thread and the obituary all about it. There's an article entitled "The Totally Preventable Death of a Brooklyn Icon" about Buzzy's wife Dolores being a health nut but against vaccination. We all have choices and live with the outcome of the choices, so I won't pass judgement... but it sure would've been great for both of them to still be here with their loved ones and Buzzy further sharing his hobbies for the slot cars.

[@shevetlevi2821]

I raced slot cars, 1/24 scale when I was 12, in 1965. So much fun. My first one was ready to go, but after a while I scratch built one including rewinding the engine. My design was a little quirky but it was fast.

[@dphotos007]

My father and I belonged to a slot car racing league here in Los Angeles in 1967. I was 10 and every Wednesday night we would go racing at a place like this. The league was made up of a bunch or aero space engineers from my fathers company. We also had a 4 lane track in our garage. I would take slot cars over any kind of video game. During the 60’s slot cars were very popular. Very nice story about this man and his wife and his passion for slot cars.

[@79agp]

His wife is awesome. She hates what he got into but loves and respects him enough to be supportive anyway. What a lovely couple.

[@djalexis7092]

Slot care was my favorite toy to play with when I was little now a days it's hard to find them😃

[@OiCme]

This made me cry that WONDERFUL sweet man

[@efilwv1635]

He reminds me of one of those old guys who would die within a week if they stopped doing what they loved.

[@turtle19g]

Man I still have my car from when I was a kid so man memories

[@HairBandDan]

I still have all my slot cars, nowhere to race em in Kansas anymore 😒

[@digitdude1375]

He deserves the immortal pass

[@ariastrwn7933]

Immortal pass😂

[@cadenz2729]

I have a slot car track. Not exactly the same and a little beat up but most of it still works

[@thepeternetwork]

What a quaint gentleman. Feels like the grandfather I never had.

[@midge9053]

Loved those tracks when I was a kid...We all had our very own race cars....Good memories...

[@jeffreydavis2578]

I can respect a man’s passion

[@Ren800X]

Wow what a nice story I would love to go there and bring my kids they and I would love it glade you where able to stay doing what you love not many people get that chance good for you.

[@cobwebtheorem7538]

Now here's a story for the ages, one to warm the heart❤😊

[@leahmpurkiss6629]

There is actually one in southeastern michigan as well!

[@bacwoodsgospel6879]

Read the title

[@KESTRAL23]

Steven Shelton read the comment

[@psychiatry-is-eugenics]

Lincoln Park , maybe ten years ? Good for kids I guess

[@dougms9790]

I'm Franks age and as a kid I lived at the track in my neighborhood. I now have one of the plastic 2-lane tracks in a spare bedroom. Fastest GT40 cars on the planet, hahaha.

[@Diaz0325]

My family lived across the street from buzzarama, my dad took my sisters and myself there back in the 80's. Church ave brooklyn Ny. Such a awesome place, I took my kids when they were younger

[@davidsturniolo5559]

Buzz is gone, RIP, so is his lovely wife Deloris. Gone but not forgotten.

[@browsingstranger973]

Me: Can we have Forza Horizon Mom: no we have Forza Horizon at home *Forza Horizon at home

[@ErikRaigoso]

Eddrick Lee you did it wrong. You go, “forza horizon at home:” not “*forza horizon at home”

[@larsneedsjesus]

Erik Raigoso he did it right

[@PabloGonzalez-hv3td]

This is better than video games

[@niller2906]

Erik Raigoso spelling police?

[@Leo-jf5hz]

@@larsneedsjesus no

[@anthonybriggs1300]

My town still has one of those. Its pretty fun with the family

[@john7613]

My God what a blast from the past i remember being so young 7 years old i could'nt see over the counter, My brother Peter would always take me along we lived on East second st. in Brooklyn, Very happy to see your still open Buzzy. PS your wife used to call me Monkey because i would climb up to see over the counter those were the day's had so much fun God Bless You and your family,Thank you for all the great fun.

[@TheRManProds]

This is Slot Car Heaven!

[@ginozeus2579]

Protect the child that lives inside of you😇

[@gingergia4169]

An update for anyone interested: his sons had a cash-only sale this past weekend to liquidate the venue and close it for good. Was really hoping they could've carried the tradition but one can't blame them. When Neil Padron of Petland Discounts died, his family decided to close due to online competition and flagging sales; when Michael Halkias of Grand Prospect Hall died his wife sold to a developer but the yearly taxes were astronomical I hear; etc etc. These days, fewer heirs want to inherit or carry on the business but part of the charm of these businesses were the presence of the originators anyway. Time goes on I guess...

[@Sunshining366]

Hi Ginger Gia, I am wondering how I can get in touch with the sons. I wonder if anything is still available.

[@saprebish]

This is my grandparents best friend! Well they passed away but we use to go there a lot!

[@Frenite]

Turns out Buzz and his wife, Delores, both died. Delores and Buzz both got covid-19 in April. Delores died and Buzz initially survived, but died soon afterwards of a heart attack. The business just shut down for good.

[@cberh]

Lmfao at 0:37 reminds me of uncle Leo from Seinfeld. "Hey we went to buzzarama, we had fun"

[@Frenite]

This man is 85 years old.

[@christophertmunro4503]

GOD BLESS ANYONE LIKE THIS MAN, NO MATTER HOW OLD THEY MAY BE, THEY NEVER GROW UP!!!!!!!!!

[@The9tailfoxalex]

Honestly, that looks fun. I wish I live near the area

[@Po7ent]

That’s passion bless him

[@araceliserrano3873]

He is so pure, he reminds me of stan lee :'(

[@eg9847]

This is very wholesome

[@ninjameans1339]

when he walks he look angry

[@breakingmad2645]

Yes. Slow down when turning. Learned it in bf1

[@Lizzyscloset]

This is sooo inspiring god bless him

[@stanrescigno5093]

My uncle Albert Rescigno worked there in the 60s.

[@jaycross9961]

Your uncle and I were very good friends and raced together at buzzarama in the 1960s and 1970s and bowled together a long time. Also i coached basketball at St Vincent Ferrer in the 1987- 1988 season. When Al was the director. I new his late wife Debbie and his son Lance back when they lived on 40 th Street. Haven't heard from him in a long time. I hope all is well with him. Please give him my very Best. John D .

[@jaycross9961]

P s. Jay c. Is not my real I D name. It's John. Thanks. !

[@stanrescigno5093]

So sorry John, but my uncle and aunt Debbie passed many many years ago. His brother, my father Gabriel just died last month. Their sister Rosemarie is still living though. Sorry to bring you bad news. I remember uncle Al being a good bowler. He gave me one of his balls when I was a teen. Oh and Lance is good. He’s got a really great wife.

[@stanrescigno5093]

I can’t believe I’m talking to a real Brooklynite. I used to live on 42 nd street and 13 ave. I bet you know a lot of my relatives. I lived there as a kid in about 1964 to 1969.

[@jaycross9961]

Thank You so much for getting back to me. Your Uncle was a really great guy!! Will miss him ! I will let Buzzy know. I still go to Buzzarama. Open only on weekends. P.s. I live in Bay Ridge. Always have. Met your uncle at Buzzys. Thanks again. All the best. John

[@TomColontonio]

There’s one in Mt holly , NJ also! Good fun!

[@damiennolan931]

I just love seeing people so happy but not as happy like this man

[@9tailedfox660]

Now, that’s what I call passion.

[@adamweston4152]

What a great story, just think about all the kids that grew up playing there and also playing slot cars at home,I had scalextric and TCR in the 70s and 80s and it was so much fun and I really loved the TCR and I had a custom Chevy Van with the porthole windows and it kicked ass.kids these days would look at slot cars and just walk away laughing at it but it was huge when I was young...ah , the good ol'days!😉

[@rodentcafeteria]

I have relatives that live in Brooklyn. This gives me a reason to go visit them.

[@mj-elliot]

it only proves that a secret to a long life is to be happy and continue what you love to do. 😇

[@ructul5876]

Kid : I'm gonna beat you buzz Buzz: Ok BoOmEr

[@justaguy7131]

Got a slot car ad at the beginning of the video🙄

[@nefaurora]

R.I.P. Buzz...

[@raythackston1960]

It is great to see those American race tracks still up and running. I would love to have one in my basement. I have become disabled and can't go out anymore. It would be a great way to spend my time (when I can). I still have many of my original cars from the 1950's. Great going Buzz.

[@spiritlake9]

I wanna travel to that place. Now I have a reason to want to go to New York City.

[@Klonoa-yb6rt]

Me and my mom use to play slot cars, when we lived in Alameda.

[@elizabethzow3028]

So wholesome

[@JuanDelgado-vk4sq]

Thanks for taking my mind off the coronavirus!

[@TheChaz747]

Juan Delgado don’t get caught up in the media hype. You will be fine.

[@JuanDelgado-vk4sq]

BW hmmmmmm what about now

[@krazywhiteboykwb7793]

Miss slot car racing in Az. Glad to see theres still one out there.

[@annafoster4905]

Wonderful Buzz and Dolores!

[@Jadajoux1981]

Where is this I want to bring my son there

[@BrendaColvin]

I love my Elders! ❤️

[@masterspin7796]

Amazing to be able to keep the business alive I have seen many slot car tracks go out of business after a short time it is not an easy business to maintain.

[@Frenite]

He and his wife both died from covid and his son sold the store

[@masterspin7796]

@@Frenite Thanks...I guess the son didn't enjoy the hobby it was a turnkey business.

[@jbm2094]

Who remembers back in the day getting the track for Christmas putting it together plugging in your controller's and race 👍

[@betomoreno4478]

A passion is the fuel to live. Buzz rules.

[@alanroberts7916]

i saw one place very much like this in 1968 or '69 in Elgin, Illinios outside of Chicago. I was not able to use it because my dad thought I was too young at the time. Then we moved to Arizona.

[@diamonddrizz]

This reminds me of StreetPassMiiPlaza Slot Car Racers

[@bobbymalta73]

Bless You My Friend!

[@i000_]

🤔 The 'friend' is hittin' that 🤣

[@stuartliddle7228]

I love it, Slot car racing should be in every town.

[@wowthatsgreat4870]

Awesome story ! There was a slot car place my parents took me to in the 80s on Jericho Tpke just west of Rt. 110 out on LI , forgot the name but had great times there , next time im in BK im def stopping at this place :)

[@DoomerLoser]

Wanna stop at my place

[@hironmoymondal2442]

I Love this person ! ♥️

[@Ian-oh1nq]

This puts a smile on my face

[@AboveHickory729]

Dad's Slot Cars in Des Plaines IL is also open

[@SimplySergMX_arts]

I love this story

[@gunscotthdgaming69420]

3:58 *NOICE*

[@sleepmore1102]

Way to go Buzz. When you have the passion, go with it.

[@vote4paydro]

Love what you do, do what you love.

[@itsjua7916]

I miss this kind of racing memories

[@TedTucholski]

if there is a slot car hall of fame, Buzz should be in it

[@zackplaylists]

IVE BEEN THERE!