The 6 Best Slot Car Tracks You Wish You Could Race
Greetings from a planet where the excitement of racing is heightened to minuscule levels. Where the tracks themselves become characters in a tale of speed, talent, and creativity, and where every turn elicits a rush of adrenaline.
More than just a pastime, these handmade slot car circuits pay homage to the artistry of crafting and the charm of competition, from the nostalgic hum of motors to the painstakingly crafted scenery that whizzes by.
Come along as we reveal the top six slot car tracks worldwide. These are not merely racetracks you wish you could race; they are small worlds where speed is only matched by attention to detail and dream and reality blend.
1. CUSTOM COUNTY COURSE – JAREL BUILT SLOT CAR TRACKS
Handcrafted slot car tracks by Mark Jarel are more than just toys. He incorporates inspiration from well-known motorsport locations across the globe to create scenes that are both unique and recognizable. Over time, what starts as a few particle board planks and a basic sketch transforms into something far more than the sum of its parts.
Mark's upbringing, which was rooted in his father's cabinetry trade, gave him a talent for woodworking and a do-it-yourself mentality at a young age. Even though he had the fundamental abilities and an interest in racing, Mark's love for custom construction didn't really take off until his son fell into a crate of antique slot cars.
2. RUSTIC HILL SLOT CAR TRACK – SCATTO DESIGN
Scatto Design is the source of our upcoming featured slot car track. All the features a devoted slot car racer could desire are included in this bespoke 17 by 7-foot design, including plenty of tight corners, well-placed crossovers, and straightaway stretches to reach top speed. With several steep rocks, tiny onlookers, and even a working windmill in the corner, the attention to detail is equally astounding.
However, you'll have to wait until the "sun" sets to witness what makes this tune truly unique. The entire circuit is lit up for some unique nighttime racing, from the slot car's headlights to the dozens of lamps!
3. THATCHERS RACEWAY – JADLAM RACING MODELS
Greetings from Thatcher's Raceway. You'll be taken back to the first time your father took you to a track as a child with just one glance. This circuit has it all, with tight S-turns, dark tunnels, and a bustling pit row! With real welding flashes in one of the garages, tiny camera teams, and graffiti artists, the attention to detail is just unparalleled.
You may still be able to identify numerous Scalextric slot car components utilized throughout, even if a large portion of the track was constructed entirely from scratch or heavily altered. Many of the buildings, from restrooms and medical facilities to bars and observation decks, are illuminated for some fun after dark. Furthermore, this track is far from grounded despite the large number of cars, trucks, and emergency vehicles strewn about. Helicopters, hot air balloons, and fighter jets dangling from the sky allow your imagination to really soar!
4. CUSTOM AFX GIANT RACEWAY – BLUE RIDGE RACING
Chris designed this unique HO-size slot car circuit. His adventure started in January 2022, when he became interested in the thrilling pastime of slot car racing due to his boredom from being cooped up at home during the epidemic. Chris decided to buy the enormous 62.5-foot mega track known as the AFX Giant Raceway after visiting a nearby hobby store and conducting independent research online.
Chris started modifying his circuit by using an old pool table as a stand and the AFX Giant Raceway as a basis. Over the following seven months, he added grass, trees, buildings, and other scenery to his racetrack. But what really sets this song apart are the boulders he brought in from his backyard in the Northern Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains.
5. BYRON RALLY – BESPOKE TRAX
At Byron Rally, race through an old, deserted quarry. The picturesque, meandering country roads of Southern France and Italy serve as a loose inspiration for this unique 17-by-8-foot Scalextric circuit. The designers at Bespoke Trax cleverly added a massive 7-foot expansion that featured the famous quarry scene and a lengthy back straight for really laying on the pedal, even though the original structure was just 10 feet long.
Compared to most of the other circuits on this list, this unique track features more hairpin turns, vertical elevation, and gloomy tunnels. The best part is that you can own this incredible bespoke slot car circuit for the appropriate price!
6. DEARBORN BASEMENT SLOT CAR TRACK – JIMMY ATTARD
Last but not least is this enormous 1,050-square-foot bespoke slot car track constructed by Jimmy Attard, a native of Dearborn, Michigan. A well-known toy car magazine referred to it as "the preeminent track in America"—but that was more than thirteen years ago! Many of the track's striking features were lacking at the time. However, Jimmy claims that it is still "a long way from being finished."
Everything in Jimmy's track is handmade from the ground up, utilizing commonplace objects like coat hangers and coffee stirrers, as well as the sand and gravel in his yard. Jimmy says he has spent less than $300 on materials, which may seem unbelievable! The fact that the entire track can be illuminated for excellent nighttime racing—using red, yellow, and green LEGO pieces, of course—makes it even more impressive.
START BUILDING YOUR OWN CUSTOM SLOT CAR TRACK TODAY!
I hope these amazing layouts gave you some ideas for your own slot car track. Check out our extensive inventory of slot car sets, track sections, and other parts and accessories if you're prepared to begin building. You may discover just what you need in the size of your choice because we carry both 1/32 and HO scale.
We invite you to get in touch with us if you're new to the pastime and unsure of what you need so that our helpful staff of slot car specialists can help you find the appropriate path. To get your motor going, we're also ready to discuss possible layouts for slot car tracks.
