The future of model car racing

Let's go digital!

Major companies in slot racing are making plans for the future. Scalextric, SCX (Spanish Scalextric), Carrera and Ninco have developed a digital racing system. Other companies are also investigating the possibilities of digital racing. Digital racing, will it be a step forward?

What is digital racing?

Digital is a well-known term in the model railroad hobby. With this technique it is possible to control all the trains independently. Digital racing will allow more than one car to be driven on the same lane at the same time and to cross between lanes for overtaking (on a special crossover section). The system of SCX allows up to six cars at a time on a two-lane track. SCX and Carrera are the first companies that present a full line of products.

Digital Racing System

SCX was the first manufacturer that offered a Digital Racing System. Carrera followed with its Evolution PRO-X system. Scalextric (Sport Digital) will follow at the end of 2004. Ninco will release a digital system that is compatible with their current track in 2005. Ninco's press release about digital racing says: "David Cosculluela describes NINCO's Digital project as "one more step toward offering hobbyists the most options for entertainment. It does not mean a break with the past, but rather a broadening of the slot spectrum, to be able to choose simply and using your regular track, whether you want a traditional race or a digital one today."

Digital systems are more expensive

The digital systems are more expensive than classic slot racing sets. The price of tracks and cars are a bit higher that the classic cars and systems.

Carrera, back to the future

Years ago Carrera offered a system that made it possible to drive on the same line as your competitor. The system was called Universal 132. The track sections had three electrical connections. The Universal cars had two connections. If the connections were used differently it was possible to drive on the same line. It was also possible to drive in the opposite direction.
The Carrera Servo system shows more similarity with the digital systems because it was really possible to overtake at the straight sections. For different reasons the Servo system did not become a success.

Success or failure?

Digital control appears to be a huge success in model railroading. Is this an example for the future of slot racing? Will digital racing follow classic slot car racing?
Most people are very skeptical about digital racing. It seems to be that all companies are developing their own systems. Most probably it won't be possible to exchange cars. It is announced that the "classic" slot cars will not run on all the new systems. Only Ninco claims full compatibility, but Scalextric will offer parts to rebuild a classic slot car into a digital race model.

Technical problems

Will people buy the new system only for the sake of being allowed to change lanes? Probably not, and certainly not as long as the companies do not work together. Slot car racing is popular nowadays because the slot cars do like die-cast models and many companies are offering excellent models that can be used on all 1/32-scale tracks. What kind of system will the model car manufacturers choose? It looks like that companies, such as Fly and Slot.it, have to make the choice which brand system they will follow.

Ninco

I am looking forward to the system of Ninco, because it gives me opportunity to use my cars from different brands and current track system.

Big slot track manufacturers are willing to invest in digital racing

Many question marks in this story because nobody knows what will happen in the future, but it is clear that the big slot track manufacturers are willing to invest in digital racing.

By: Jan Willem van Capelleveen
August, 2004

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