Slot Car Racing Classes Explained...in general.

[@ronfast703]

I guess I’m going to have to watch this video a few times for this information to sink in (thick skull and small brain). Good video someone like me who knows a f1 car and a little can-am. My biggest disappointment was when you were talking about vintage class and my mind thought you meant old slot cars built in the sixties not a new car made to look like a vintage car. Always look forward to your videos, easy to watch 👍

[@twolinesslotcars]

Ron, thanks for the kind words my friend. That is why people get confused.. vintage class doesn’t necessarily mean vintage cars, but cars made to look like older cars. Not that you could not race old cars.. but new cars, new technology is difficult to compete. It would be cool to see clubs actually have a “vintage” class that was any Slotcar built before 1970?

[@mikepretorius6350]

You speak well, cleared up a lot of details for me 👍

[@twolinesslotcars]

Thanks Mike!

[@RetiredRocketScientist]

Excellent video and overview of the general concept of car classes!

[@twolinesslotcars]

Thanks Dewann!

[@Motor-Speedway]

Well done Marty!

[@twolinesslotcars]

Thanks!!

[@Clearwater124]

Great info for club racers Marty. You're getting good at this.

[@twolinesslotcars]

Thanks 👍

[@Lews_SlotCarTesting]

Thats one thing I have not worried about along with magnets vs no magnets. Great video and thanks!

[@twolinesslotcars]

Thanks. It is a question that I keep getting. I think that some people are just not familiar with racing classes in 1:1 racing.. for example.. what car qualifies for Group 5? Group C?

[@alexandredeoliveirapenna198]

Thanks Marty, Your video help me to understand much better USA slot car categories and classes, because here in Brazil people used to race with classes like wing cars with metal chassis, then I have little contact with other types of slot cars.

[@twolinesslotcars]

Happy to help!!

[@robertlarkham2428]

I just started home racing with a group of guys. We run a modern and vintage NASCAR class.

[@twolinesslotcars]

Awesome! I hope you are having fun!

[@brianstrawser5408]

Thanks Marty. New to this hobby and this was very educational.

[@twolinesslotcars]

Thanks Brian! Every club is different, but it is the basics.

[@jimstaigers8200]

Great video.. great explanation of the different classes 🤜

[@twolinesslotcars]

Thanks Jim!

[@JoeIrrera]

Thanks so much for doing this. Makes more sense to me now. great job!

[@twolinesslotcars]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MrDarrenp40]

Thanks once again and I think you have covered off most racing classes with this Marty 😀 Ok, some people like to race trucks or 'semi' cabs but I don't think you and I fit into this category (?) and then again and in places likes Spain and, increasingly here in the UK, 'Rally' has taken off once again. However, I think the main point in putting all this into some proper perspective for folks is the fact that slot cars are no more than models of their real life counterparts. As you say, we may find, say, a Mansell No5 Williams F1 or a Senna No 12 Lotus F1 from, say, Scalextric or NSR and, yes, the Scalextric will have more accurate detailing but the generic NSR will run quicker and enjoy a multitude of spare parts and 'performance hops' and, most generally, 'win' every time. Correspondingly, and when it comes to slot car racing then yes (1) people do want to mirror real life car classifications for the sake of modelling 'realism' but (2) clubs most generally want to promote close and competitive racing and, with this, the limit may reference the manufacturer (e.g. Revoslot with its metal chassis) or otherwise, and in say GT3 go so far as to specify permitted manufacturer and car models and these together with, and as you inform, 'allowed modifications' and all this to delimit or otherwise scope the racing. The most important thing is that people are at perfect free liberty to concert and decide for themselves whatever classes they so choose and if it isn't 'fun' or if one car is 'way ahead' then clearly ban that car or else introduce new cars or other scope and just then see what people find comfort with. More generally, good slot car classes are well subscribed slot car classes.

[@twolinesslotcars]

You hit the nail on the head! I know there are lots of other popular classes out there.. trucks, nascar, etc. those seem pretty obvious. I agree that classes are created to keep racing close and competitive. Some classes are obvious.. but others are not. Great comment Darren!

[@MrDarrenp40]

@@twolinesslotcars Marty, you are the one supplying the hammer and the nails and I know I am not alone in being most grateful to you for that

[@twolinesslotcars]

@@MrDarrenp40 thanks for such kind words.

[@Frankietomatoes6189]

Great explanation Marty.

[@twolinesslotcars]

I am not sure I did it justice. But I tried 😂

[@rhysthomas209]

G'day Marty great information this will help with people who are just getting into slot cats fantastic work 👏 😀

[@twolinesslotcars]

I hope so, Rhys!

[@robsylvia9593]

That was a very good overview!

[@SlotCarMisfitsofallscales]

Great video I’m new to all the different classes and you learn as you go depending on where you go !

[@twolinesslotcars]

Exactly Tom! We are all learning together!

[@CamMarsden-r5x]

Great stuff Marty! thanks.

[@twolinesslotcars]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@swedecarlson6511]

You did a nice job trying to explain the racing classes when it comes to available slot cars Marty. This definitely is confusing to those new to the hobby, and takes a lot of research to understand accurately. I think this video will be very helpful to the up and comers.

[@twolinesslotcars]

Thank you. This is only scratching the surface. I am sure there are 1,000 of clubs doing different things.

[@bomamo9620]

Hi Marty, you mentioned the DTM class is like the NASCAR Series, which I would not sign that way. Both are totally different, historically regarded. The DTM started as the Deutsche Tourenwagen-Meiserschaft, or the international Version of the ITC, which was raced from 1984 until 1996. It is a series, which was held by the Car Brands and could be regarded as the Touring Serialclass Championship. After it ended, the ITC was looking for a simillar raceclass to the DTM and the Class-2 Touringcars were born. The Class-2 Cars were racing in the FIA-GT-Meisterschaft, but also raced in Germany in the STW = Supertourenwagen-Cup. The STW was suppose to replace the DTM, but the Fans didn`t like it and the popularity sank. It was given up in 1999 therefore. In 2000 the DTM restarted as the Deutsche Tourenwagen-Meisterschaft, which continued until today. So, this is a Touringcar concept by the Car Constructors, like NASCAR, but could not be compared somehow to the DTM in this case, although both calasses come from the Stock Car segment. The NASCAR Cars today have the Silhouette of a serial touring Car, but the Cars are technically still at the stage of the 1970`s, in terms of the 5,7 ltr. V8 engines, with the central cam shaft, rearwheel drive and so forth. The DTM is on the technical standard of today and soon, they will run fully electric, with Batteries. They are already using hybrid Technology, but not fully. The DTM also runs strictly on race-tracks, that are used by other race-classes over here, as well. There are no oval-races in the DTM, for instance. Also NASCAR runs in three classes, while the DTM only runs in its own class. Roughly one could say they are simillar, because they both are Stock Cars. But, I beg to differ. ;-) Any way, nice guide into the world of classes Marty! 🙂

[@twolinesslotcars]

Bo, is DTM the most popular racing series in Germany? I was really referring to the series popularity. I agree that the cars are nothing a like. Great historical information!! Thanks so much. Someone has to keep me straight 😉 thanks my friend!

[@bomamo9620]

@@twolinesslotcars Lol, so are you straightend now? 🙂 More, or less the DTM is. Some are not fine with the idea of going fully electric soon. But that is the sign of the time, moving forward. Once the F1 was the most popular race class, but ever since the F1 circus switched over to the Americans the interrest has gone, because there is no more F1 racing in Germany. The Nuerburg Ring CEO stated, that F1 wants a big amount of money ahead and if the race was over, the costs would be in the minus section, so it is not lucrative anymore. Same goes with the Hockenheim Ring, too. It is a matter of money. Besides, next to Nico Huelkenberg there is no more popular German Driver in this class. Michael Schumachers son did not catch ground in the F1 series and will be racing next year in the Hyper Car class. And probably the biggest issue, why racing is not so popular anymore over here, they run with fuel. The public opinion goes more electric, because the good old smelly fuel is an enviromnetal polluter. On the other hand, Formula E gets more and more attention. The 24 hrs of Nuerburg is still having a lot of attention, but like I mentioned, it is becomming more and more out of focus over here. Sad, but true.

[@twolinesslotcars]

It is a changing world in motor sports.. thanks Bo! You always bring great insight!

[@bomamo9620]

@@twolinesslotcars Always a pleasure 🙂

[@KarynJacobson]

You did,ny touch on Nascar Indy car or NHRA .Some people would like to race those classes .I know with our club we raced Nascar for many years and had agreat time doing it.We also plan on starting dragrace track.Then maybe an Indy and Formal 1 circut too.Our club has dersered bunch of Interesting people with alot of different interest.🏍️🏍️🏍️🏍️🚗🚗

[@twolinesslotcars]

Exactly!! So many great classes!

[@Cad1900]

What a tangled topic. You did a great job explaining it and that’s very helpful to me. Thank you!

[@twolinesslotcars]

Glad it was helpful! I get the question all of the time.. just trying to shed some light.

[@Go_to_scale_rc_and_slotcars]

Very enjoyable and educational post 👍I like to collect cars that I remember from my younger days...minis, Ford escorts Renault 5s 70s to 90s cars and the 70s to 90s F1 cars etc I have a lot of choices in the slot car companies that are producing wonderful models now 👍Greetings...Harry

[@twolinesslotcars]

Yes Harry! We have so many great choices out there right now!! A great time to be in the hobby!

[@tonytibbs1974]

Excellent video Marty, that has taught me heaps. I love my GT3 car’s because of Valentino Rossi but I didn’t realise there was so many other GT classes. As for group c and vintage I find a mind field. Vintage I love pre war and the likes of the Bruce McLaren orange 60’s styles. This brilliant content 👌

[@twolinesslotcars]

Thanks Tony. I get lots of questions about it so I thought I would try to shine a little light on the subject 👍

[@Doug-MagneticRacing_ThinkScalo]

Tough subject to tackle and very interesting. We don't get chance to race much unfortunately but i do have a preference to the DTM class -

[@twolinesslotcars]

Doug, the DTM class is starting to grow on me. I am a fan of the Audi…👊

[@Doug-MagneticRacing_ThinkScalo]

@@twolinesslotcars mine started after a track build we did for Mercedes Benz and they wanted to use the DTM cars so had a whole fleet of them. Great fun on the Carrera Digital

[@ted.slotcardaddy]

Good info Marty, I stay with one brand as you know, just so the cars are competitive with each other. Although I’ve looked at other brands and really like the Revo slots. Just not ready to pull the trigger.

[@twolinesslotcars]

Ted… I understand.. you will love the Revos but it could start something you are not ready for… more revos! 😂😂

[@ted.slotcardaddy]

@@twolinesslotcars yep Marty that’s what I’m afraid of, the rabbit hole gets deeper but Christmas is coming and I showed my wife some Revos she likes several of them. This could be a good thing😀😀😃

[@twolinesslotcars]

@@ted.slotcardaddy I’ll put in a good word with Santa ;) I know him!

[@UFO-racer]

Start with basic classes like Scalextric modern 😮GT cars you make a list of suitable models this was the cars are useful. New Drives standard cars just rear tyres, Pro Drivers can race together but you have a Winner in each. Loan cars or appoint a Pro to each Am driver. The sad thing 1/32 have that many classes and cars new people see it as $$$ In 60 years of racing these are the best but for New Racers Keep it simple and if they are a good driver they will like.

[@twolinesslotcars]

Thanks for the input! Always great to hear what other clubs are doing. I agree.. too many classes are intimidating for new racers.

[@ronaldtushi]

Can you do a video where you take an even broader perspective and talk about HO and 1/24 classes too?

[@twolinesslotcars]

We do run 1/24 digital at this track. I do not have any HO. Would be fun to build a small HO layout. Maybe one day I could talk about HO if I knew anything about it.

[@goldenboyNJ]

Hello hope your holiday was enjoyable. If you have time would you tell me where to get the best braid, I'm thinking about making a track not of wood but of corrugated plastic, any thoughts about it would also be appreciated.

[@twolinesslotcars]

Slot Car Corner is a great resource for track building supplies. That is where I would purchase braid when I go to build a wood track. As for corrugated plastic, that would be a very interesting build. I wonder how good traction would be and what is your plan for the slot? Would you route it? Keep me posted!!