Slot car racing
Slot cars are usually models of actual automobiles, though some have bodies purpose-designed for miniature racing.
Most enthusiasts use commercially available slot cars (often modified for better performance), others motorize static models, and some "scratch-build," creating their own mechanisms and bodies from basic parts and materials.
Some hobbyists, much as in model railroading, build elaborate tracks, sculpted to have the appearance of a real-life racecourse, including miniature buildings, trees and people, while the more purely competitive racers often prefer a track unobstructed by scenery.
Slot car racing was a popular fad in the 1960s, with sales reaching $500 million annually, including 3,000 public courses in the United States alone.
The fad sputtered out by the start of the 1970s as amateurs felt squeezed out at races and stayed home[1] in additions to competitions against the radio-controlled car market.
So far, there is little organized competition in 1:43, but the scale is gaining some acceptance among adult hobbyists for its affordability and moderate space requirements.
Shop and club tracks used for competition (especially in 1:32 and 1:24 scales) are usually hand built "Routed Tracks" in which the guide slots for the entire racecourse are routed into one or a few large pieces of sheet material (such as chipboard or Medium-density fibreboard) providing a smooth and consistent surface.
Generally, tracks for formal competition may have banked corners and may bridge one section over another, but may not otherwise use "trick" configurations.
Home tracks often include special features to increase the drama and/or challenge of racing, such as slots that wiggle or squeeze the lanes together, bumps, airborne jumps, or uneven surfaces, but these are typically called "toy" tracks and are not used for competition.
A different segment of the hobby is slot car drag racing on a long straight strip of track.
Generally tracks used for regional or national competition have an epoxy or polymer painted surface with recessed braided electrical contacts.
One type of 1:24 commercial track is the "Blue King" (155 foot lap length) which is the track that is recognized for world records in 1:24 racing[3] The 2017 world record qualifying lap is held by Brad Friesner at 1.347 seconds, which computes to 78.45 mph.
One can be found still in operation in Rock Hill, South Carolina at The Slot Car Cave.
Plastic tracks, often modified for improved performance, are more common in HO competition than in the larger scales, as is the use of large home courses for formal racing.
Most HO rules require tracks to provide voltage between 18.5 and 19.0 volts, and at least 5 amperes per lane.
Bracketed formats are usually reserved for national events, and include qualifying, elimination consis, semifinals, and a main.
At the same time, the next driver in the succession moves into the first lane, placing his car at the starting position.
The largest US organisation, holding two Divisional USA National Championship events every year, is the USRA: United Slot Racers Association established in January 1968.
It was formed in 1989 for the purpose of promoting "Fair and Equal Racing for all" who enjoy slot cars as a hobby.
In 2004, the True Scale Racing Federation (TSRF) was established by former pro 1:24 racer Phillipe de Lespinay with the goal being to establish a North American "true scale" 1:24 and 1:32 North American racing series.
"The Fray In Ferndale" boasts the largest turnout of any slot car race in the world.
Motor changes once the race has started are not allowed, and there are other rules restrictions intended to reduce the cost of participation.
BSCC (British Slot Car Club) HQ is at Millstream Raceway,[10] Ringwood, Hampshire and is the UK's largest slot racing centre with 2 × 8-lane Ogilvie Custom Tracks, including the mega 205' 8-lane BSCC Daytona Speedway.
