Back Into Time With Slot Car Racing
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Slot racing is defined as the competitive use of powered miniature autos in racing, which are guided by grooves or slots in the track on which they run. Early slot cars have been commercially distributed by Lionel (USA) and have appeared in their catalogues since 1912. But it was only during the 1960s’ that it has gained prominence.
Mike Douglas, Steve Allen and Johnny Carson have all hosted live national telecasts of special racing events. High-stakes races with slot cars top racing drivers of the day, included Stirling Moss and Graham Hill, have been hosted by Ed Sullivan in front of millions watching at home. In 1968, a survey was taken for the AMF showed that there were more slot racing facilities than bowling alleys.
Before it was brought to the American soil and into other countries, slot car racing was been first regarded as a hobby in England. People were drawn towards modeling miniature cars for a suitable past time when the war ended on 1948. Earlier Modelers were continually seeking ways to create systems where model cars would motor around layouts in conjunction with trains and boats. The man that first put the model car track system that used a raised “railroad” like rail to control the vehicle into the paper is Geoffrey Denson. These “rail cars” as well as this system have been popular since the mid 50′s. During the mid 50′s slot cars has been first used in serious completion when the Americans got involved.
The idea of huge commercial hobby shops with numerous lane raceways was first conceived in the US. This has begun a shift on how slot cars were utilized, as people opted to prioritize the speed of slot cars. A mere hobby in England has now been transformed into a serious competition in the U.S. The first commercial raceway in the United States which popularized slot car racing was constructed by Tom Cook of Kalamazoo along with some friends.
In 1964, a survey by a car racing model magazine indicated that 15 manufacturers reportedly did $100 million in slot car sales in 1963, though model trains have still retained the best selling spot. From 1966 through 1968, there have been reportedly 20,000 commercial tracks in operation involving almost every town in America. There has been twice that number that exist world wide. This number only indicates that racing slot cars has been gaining popularity throughout the world.
In the United States, major competitions exist on large tracks in commercial raceways. The Slot Car Nationals held on a modern day King Track is designed after the original American King track of the 60′s. Enthusiast in car slot racing has continually attempted to bring the people’s interest in this sport. Since its peak popularity of car slot racing among sports fans slot car racing has been declining over the recent years.
SlotFrog.com offers a large selection of slot cars including porsche 997 slot cars. Different scales both new and used. We also have slot car articles.
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