Carrera slot cars began in the 1960s in Germany by Josef Neuhierl. From its inception and through the years when slot car racing waned in popularity, Carrera has emerged as one of the largest slot car manufacturers with an extensive range.
While not as popular as in the 60s and 70s, slot car racing has seen a resurgence in popularity for two main reasons –
(a) parents purchasing sets for their children, possibly reminiscing the joy they had themselves, and
(b) advancements in innovation and standards. With Carrera’s diverse product range, they cater to both beginners and experienced racers.
In this article, the main focus is to introduce you to the traditional or analog sets produced by Carrera.
There are two types of slot cars in Carrera’s current lineup – digital and analog. Analog cars and tracks, reminiscent of past times, involve racing cars around a race track in slots that essentially run parallel to each other, with only one car per slot. Digital sets offer the chance to race up to 8 cars on just 2 lanes as cars can switch lanes to overtake your competitors. Utilizing the latest digital technology, you can race against others over the internet, create programs for pit stops, yellow flags, and configure speed settings depending on skill level and experience.
Two analog models are available
Carrera Go Range:
These products are designed to meet the needs of children. The sets are recommended for children over 8 years old. However, there are numerous reviews from parents deeming them suitable for younger kids as well.
The size is 1:43 scale, meaning they are relatively small and do not take up too much space when set up. Some of the sets include Disney Cars 2, Dune Buggy Action, Spongebob, NASCAR Talladega, etc.
Evolution Range:
The manufacturer describes this set as suitable for teenagers, adults, and enthusiasts aged 8 and above.
These include cars at a 1:32 scale and tracks at a 1:24 scale, allowing ample room for drifting and sliding around corners. The sets come with 2 slots as standard but can be expanded to 4, 6, or 8 slots wide. The impressive paint jobs are achieved through a process called tampo printing. There are 5 sets to choose from, including Racing Legends, Grand Prix Masters, Disney Pixar Cars 2 World Grand Prix, etc.
Both ranges come with a variety of accessories, and tracks can be expanded for longer racing circuits. As interest develops, you can add more to the starter sets.
Deciding whether you are purchasing a set for a child or an enthusiast is crucial. If you are looking for a child and unsure about their overall interest, the Go range is worth considering. A good starter set can be purchased for under $100. The Evolution range is worth considering if you are buying a set for someone already interested in racing or perhaps for yourself.
