What Is Model Slot Car Racing And How Do I Get Started?

THE VERY, VERY BASICS OF SLOT CAR RACING

Model slot cars are powered electronically by either battery or from some source of electricity, which is furnished to the car by a metal strip on each side of the slot.

The tracks on which slot cars run are made up of groves or slots(hence the words ‘slot’ car) into which the cars are guided with the help of a pin or a blade-like apparatus on the undercarriage of the cars. Only one slot car is to occupy one slot. So for example, if you have an eight-lane track, you can have up to eight cars circulating the track.

Each slot is connected to a power source, such as an electric power pack or batteries which maintains that the power supply remains stable throughout the whole time the slot cars are on the track. To prevent the slot cars from jumping out of the slot, some of the slot cars under the carriage have some sort of magnets that keep these electric model cars in constant contact with metal strips even at high speeds. Some model car blades are even magnetized to achieve the same effect as the undercarriage magnets. The speed of the cars is controlled by squeezing of the trigger way on a pistol-grip joystick placed in the hand of the person who is controlling the mesinslot car. Squeezing the trigger increases the speed of the slot car and releasing the trigger slows the electric model car down or stops it completely.

Slot car racing is truly international. International competitions are held annually in the United States and abroad. The has 2 HO-scale car organizations called the HO racers Association (UFHORA) and the HO Professional Racing Association (HOPRA). Each year both organizations hold national and international events around the country. These events are not only for racing slot cars but also to raise general awareness of slot car racing in general.

I WANT TO RACE SLOT CARS. HOW DO I GET STARTED?

If you are a true beginner to slot car racing, first I recommend you join a slot car organization, either a local one in your neighborhood or one that is recognized nationally. You can access a wealth of information from these places. For the HO enthusiast, check out the national organization HOPRA.

Then go down to the hobby store and purchase a model slot car racing set of the scale you want to race. It does not have to be a big set. Go home, set it up and have FUN!! See how the track and the cars are made. Notice how the car is able to propel itself down the track, stay in the slot and stop. Don’t be afraid to delve inside the cars to check out the gears, chassis, and how the body is mounted.