Something you probably don’t know about my family is that we’re a competitive bunch. I don’t know about your home, but in our house, we love a little bit of friendly competition. And what better way to have some fun than a good old-fashioned slot car race?
We’re able to set aside everything, including our technology, for a few hours (I know, I know, I can’t believe it myself sometimes) and have a blast racing our cars up and down the track to that checkered flag. It sure beats sitting in front of the television for hours watching reruns of cartoons we’ve seen over and over.
We make a game out of seeing who can keep the longest winning streak at a time. In case you’re wondering, it’s my 21-year-old son. I’m convinced he cheats occasionally. I just haven’t figured out how yet. Maybe it’s because I tend to come in last every time since I play it too safe around the corners and typically don’t go fast enough to complete the loops, so it’s difficult for me to keep the wheels on the race track. But I digress.
Electric race car tracks can be a ton of fun for the entire family, providing hours of entertainment. Kids of all ages, whether they’re eight or 108, will want to get in on the excitement. Slot car race tracks can actually bring a family closer together. From deciding on a track layout to who gets what car, and then, of course, who reaches the finish line first, slot car race tracks provide not only fun, but good, healthy competition amongst family and friends.
Some families even make a sort of sport out of electric slot car racing. And they can take it very seriously. These hobbyists upgrade the performance of their vehicles and race tracks to beat out the next racer. They’ll design their own cars by changing the front and rear wheels, sections of the engine, pick-up shoes, and other parts to get the desired features they’re looking for. Others will even design their own track layouts to practice on.
When searching for the best track for your kids and family, the best advice I can give you is to shop around. You don’t want to buy just the first one you see on the shelf. Believe me, it’s worth doing the extra research before jumping on the race track bandwagon. Look for a track that has cars your kids will love. You can even find tracks that have loops, chicanes, long straightaways, and more to amp up the excitement.
Also, check out the reviews of the different tracks. This goes a long way in determining if the track is going to be a good investment or not. Most of these tracks, while not horribly expensive, aren’t exactly cheap, either. You definitely don’t want to accidentally purchase a track with a history of missing, damaged, or malfunctioning parts and pieces.
For more information on what to look for in your next track, carry on reading or Tjump straight to our number #1 pick on Amazon here.
Table of Contents
- What Should I Look For in Electric Race Car Tracks?
- Here’s How I’ve Determined the Best Electric Race Car Tracks
- Our Top Picks for the Best Electric Race Car Tracks of 2024
- #1: Tracer Racers Second Generation 2.4 GHz R/C High-Speed Radio Control Super Loop Speedway Glow Track Set (Best Value)
- #2: Carrera 30007 Digital 132 GT Triple Power Slot Car Racing Set (Best Premium)
- #3: Golden Bright 6677 Electric Power Stunt Loop Road Racing Set (Best For Ford Mustang Fans)
- #4: Hot Wheels Battery Operated 9.3 ft. Slot Track (Best Low Cost)
- #5: Max Traxxx R/C Award-Winning High-Speed Remote Control Infinity Loop Track Set (Best Award-Winning Track)
- Can I Upgrade My Slot Car?
- Verdict: Your Best Electric Race Car Tracks
What Should I Look For in Electric Race Car Tracks?
Next, we’re going to look at different criteria to consider before buying your electric race car track. Regardless of the model of the electric race car track, or whether you plan to make your purchase online or at a local store, keep the following in mind:
Criteria #1: How old are your drivers?
Keep in mind the age of those racing. Most of these tracks are designed for ages eight years old and older. That’s because it takes a bit of manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination to race these vehicles. It can also be difficult for younger children to navigate the controller or understand when to press the trigger to go faster or to let off to slow the car down.
Criteria #2: What is the skill level of those racing?
Most tracks fall into two categories: beginner and advanced. Thankfully, the race tracks on this list are perfect for any level, meaning it’s just as fun for the newbies as those with more experience. These toys are truly fun for everyone.
Criteria #3: Is the track going to be used often?
This is an important question for the sake of your track. If you can, try to find someplace where it can stay set up for long periods of time. This is because taking the track apart and putting it back together too often will eventually wear out the parts, causing it to wear and break sooner. And no one wants a broken track.
Criteria #4: How much space do you have?
Unfortunately, you can’t set up a track just anywhere. It’s vital to make sure you have the space to set up your new track. The last thing you want to do is spend your hard-earned money on an electric race track just to find out that it’s too big or too wide to fit in your space.
Criteria #5: Have you read the product reviews?
This is a big one for me. In addition to answering the above questions, you should always read the product reviews. Check out the store’s site and follow the links to get to its reviews page. This will tell you just about all the information you need to know about the product. It’s been my experience that parents and grandparents tend to be brutally honest, especially when it comes to their kids’ toys. You can find out about any recurring damages or malfunctions, as well as how the manufacturer handled these complaints.
Here’s How I’ve Determined the Best Electric Race Car Tracks
I determined the best electric race car tracks by comparing the different tracks and their features as well as their prices. I read the product reviews and compared the positive and negative comments. I also looked for tracks that would meet the specifications for my kids. After all, I’m not going to recommend toys that I wouldn’t purchase for my own family.
Our Top Picks for the Best Electric Race Car Tracks of 2024
#1: Tracer Racers Second Generation 2.4 GHz R/C High-Speed Radio Control Super Loop Speedway Glow Track Set (Best Value)
The Tracer Racers Second Generation 2.4 GHz R/C High-Speed Radio Control Super Loop Speedway Glow Track Set is a great value all around. Its glow-in-the-dark track features and exciting cars will provide hours of fun for kids of all ages. Your kids will forget all about their technology devices for a few hours to play with this track.
Exciting Track Layout
This race car track is exciting and fun for any age. It features track pieces that include two loops, four corners, one lane changer, and over 36 feet of glow-in-the-dark track. Your kids are bound to have a blast as they race to the finish line.
Super Fast Cars
These cars can go an astounding scale speed of up to 500 miles per hour!
Undercarriage Lights
The two electric cars come with the Tracer Racer signature undercarriage lights. These lights not only make the cars look like they’re hovering over the track, but they also leave glowing streaks in their wake. Your kids will love “burning up” the track with these cars.
Customizable
This track is customizable. Your kids will enjoy having options and the ability to create their own racing circuit for a new race experience every time.
Variable Speed Controllers
The variable speed controllers make this electric race car track perfect for beginners as well as more advanced racers. You don’t even have to point the controller at the car. Your kids can have complete control of their electric car from any angle, which is great for younger kids who don’t quite have the focus.
Requires Batteries
The controllers do require two AA batteries each, which aren’t included. Keep this in mind when making your purchase. The cars are recharged by simply connecting to the control.
Product Reviews
The reviews for this product are amazing. I actually couldn’t find any bad reviews. Parents and grandparents are raving about how much fun this is for kids of all ages. As a matter of fact, this was one of my family’s first slot car tracks and it’s still a huge hit in our home.
Whether you’re a family of racing enthusiasts or you’re just looking for a new hobby and are searching for the best slot car race track, this is it. The digital racing set features authentic-looking cars and can support up to six players at once. You can even upgrade your track by purchasing additional expansion sets and cars.
Digital Racetrack System
The Carrera 30007 Digital 132 GT Triple Power Slot Car Racing Set features over 26 feet of 1:24 scale track. With a crossover, straightaways, curves, and tactical lane changes, this track provides exciting action with each race.
Authentic-Looking Cars
This race track comes with three 1:32 scale detailed and authentic-looking slot cars that are designed with the Lamborghini Huracan GT3, Ferrari 486 GT3, and Porsche 911 RSR in mind. Your kids will feel like they’re racing the real thing.
Supports Multiple Drivers
The Carrera 30007 Digital 132 GT Triple Power Slot Car Racing Set allows for up to six people to race at once. This is a perfect way to get the whole family involved in the exciting head-to-head action.
Expansion Sets Available
Your kids won’t get bored with this race track. Purchase track pieces, expansion sets, digital accessories, and choose from a wide selection of additional cars to keep the racing new and challenging.
Product Reviews
Customer reviews say these track toys provide tons of excitement and that the details of the cars are amazing. This race track set is definitely worth the price tag. I’m seriously considering upgrading to this track myself.
#3: Golden Bright 6677 Electric Power Stunt Loop Road Racing Set (Best For Ford Mustang Fans)
Get the Golden Bright 6677 Electric Power Stunt Loop Road Racing Set at Walmart
Great for hobbyists, these race tracks are perfect for those who are lovers of the Classic Ford Mustang. These slot car racing tracks include two loops that guarantee fun and excitement with each race.
Realistic Ford Mustangs
The Golden Bright 6677 Electric Power Stunt Loop Road Racing Set comes with two Classic Ford Mustangs with working headlights. These Mustangs are detailed and realistic-looking.
2-Speed Controllers
Like the Tracer Racers Second Generation 2.4 GHz R/C High-Speed Radio Control Super Loop Speedway Glow Track Set, the controllers with this race track set have two options for speed settings: slow and fast. This feature makes it great for beginners and the more advanced racer.
Lap Counter
The built-in lap counter keeps track of the car’s laps. This way your kids aren’t trying to guess or keep up while they’re racing.
Batteries Required
Similar to the Tracer Racers Second Generation 2.4 GHz R/C High-Speed Radio Control Super Loop Speedway Glow Track Set, this race track requires batteries. However, this one requires three C batteries that aren’t included. You’ll want to make sure to pick some up before you make your race car track purchase.
Product Reviews
Customers say these models are great toys for kids everywhere. The best part is that it only takes about 15 minutes to set up the track, and it’s race-ready. Your Ford Mustang lovers will have fun battling it out to see who’s the leader with each race.
#4: Hot Wheels Battery Operated 9.3 ft. Slot Track (Best Low Cost)
The Hot Wheels Battery Operated 9.3 ft. Slot Track made my list for being the best low-cost race track set. Don’t discount it just because of its price tag. This track is perfect for younger children and those just starting out in slot car racing.
Great for Beginners
Designed for five to eight-year-olds, this race track is a good way to introduce slot racing to younger children. The 9.3-foot track is perfect for little ones to learn how to operate the controller and pace their cars. They’ll love the fact that these cars can reach scale speeds of up to a whopping scale speed of 450 miles per hour.
Working Headlights
Your children will love the cars included with this race track. They have working headlights, similar to the Golden Bright 6677 Electric Power Stunt Loop Road Racing Set. This feature gives each car a more exciting, realistic effect that’s bound to be a hit.
Turbo Boost
Your children will also be excited to use the turbo boost features on the controller. The turbo boost gives their car that extra “oomph” needed at just the right time. Your little ones will have a blast with these toys.
Batteries Needed
Like the Tracer Racers Second Generation 2.4 GHz R/C High-Speed Radio Control Super Loop Speedway Glow Track Set and Golden Bright 6677 Electric Power Stunt Loop Road Racing Set, these models will require that you purchase additional batteries. The race track comes with an AC adapter, but you’ll still need six AA batteries for the controllers.
Product Reviews
Parents and grandparents alike agree that this is a great starter track for younger children. The biggest drawback to this toy is that it’s not configurable. My son just purchased this track for his 2-year-old. While he’s still a tad young to figure it out himself, he gets a kick out of watching daddy race the cars around the track.
#5: Max Traxxx R/C Award-Winning High-Speed Remote Control Infinity Loop Track Set (Best Award-Winning Track)
The Max Traxxx R/C Award-Winning High-Speed Remote Control Infinity Loop Track Set is an amazing, award-winning, glow-in-the-dark, super-fast race track that will surely hold the attention of even the most easily bored child.
Award-Winning
One of the best things about this race track is that it’s an award-winning product. It’s the winner of the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award, Creative Child Magazine Product of the Year Award, and the Family Choice Award.
Super Fast
This track takes racing to the next level. These remote control cars are as fast as the Tracer Racers Second Generation 2.4 GHz R/C High-Speed Radio Control Super Loop Speedway Glow Track Set, reaching scale speeds of up to 500 miles per hour.
Glow-in-the-Dark Track
Comparable to the Tracer Racers Second Generation 2.4 GHz R/C High-Speed Radio Control Super Loop Speedway Glow Track Set, this one features a glow-in-the-dark track. So watch out! It’s likely your kids will be trying to play this in the dark instead of going to bed at night. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Undercarriage Lights
These cars also have undercarriage lights that leave glowing streaks as they fly by on the race track.
Variable Speed Controllers
The variable speed controllers allow users of all skill and experience levels to control their cars in a way they can handle. Push the trigger to go faster, or let up a bit to slow down.
Needs Batteries
Like the other tracks on this list, you’ll want to pick up batteries when you make your race track purchase. Four AA batteries are required for each charger.
Product Reviews
These race car track toys are highly recommended by parents and grandparents everywhere. They agree that this track is perfect for children of all ages and provides tons of excitement and fun. You can’t go wrong with this race car track. This is another track I’m considering upgrading to, because who doesn’t love glow-in-the-dark races with cars that have undercarriage lights? Plus, it’s an award-winning track, so I’m pretty confident there’s no going wrong with this choice.
Can I Upgrade My Slot Car?
Yes! Whether you’re a hobbyist or just want to beat the neighbor kids down the street, you can definitely upgrade your slot car.
First, consider upgrading your power supply. Look for a unit that has adequate amps with adjustable voltage. This way you have some control over the power of your slot car. You’ll have the ability to slow the car down when the kids are playing with it, or speed it up when it’s your turn.
Next, keep your car clean, in good working order, and well oiled. Take off the body and check all the intricate pieces on the inside for wear and tear. Replace any parts that are loose or damaged. That’ll help keep your cars up to snuff and race-ready.
You can always upgrade your wheels. Most slot cars come with rubber wheels. However, if you’re looking to enhance your car’s performance, it’s recommended to change these to Jel-Claw wheels. This type of wheel will not only increase your speed, but it will also help your car stay on the race track.
Finally, you can also change the pickup shoes. Just like you would replace the rear wheels of your car, switching out the pickup shoes will improve the performance of the car. The standard pickup shoes are likely going to be made of copper. You can upgrade to gold pickup shoes to get more power out of the motor.
Verdict: Your Best Electric Race Car Tracks
Here’s a quick rundown of the best electric race car tracks of 2021, and a few quick notes as to why they made my list.
If you want the best value on race car tracks, choose the Tracer Racers Second Generation 2.4 GHz R/C High-Speed Radio Control Super Loop Speedway Glow Track Set. These models have a great layout complete with loops and super-fast cars. It’s also within a decent price range that won’t break the bank.
If you’re looking for the best premium race car track, pick the Carrera 30007 Digital 132 GT Triple Power Slot Car Racing Set. This digital track comes with exceptionally realistic-looking cars, supports up to six players, and expansion sets can be purchased separately for even more fun.
If you’re a Ford Mustang fan looking for a race car track, pick the Golden Bright 6677 Electric Power Stunt Loop Road Racing Set. With its Classic Ford Mustangs, variable speed controllers, and lap counter, this is a race track set that provides hours of fun slot car racing.
If you want a low-cost race car track, choose the Hot Wheels Battery Operated 9.3 ft. Slot Track. This track is great for beginners and younger children just entering the world of slot car racing.
If you’re looking for an award-winning race car track, pick the Max Traxxx R/C Award-Winning High-Speed Remote Control Infinity Loop Track Set. This track not only provides awesome glow-in-the-dark action, but it’s also the winner of several awards.
As you can see, there are quite a few brands of tracks to choose from. While electric race car tracks generally fall into the two categories of beginner and advanced, the race tracks on this list meet you in the middle. They’re perfect for all skill levels.
One of the best parts about all of the tracks on this list is that everything comes in one box and is ready to race. This makes it nice and convenient. Just unbox, set up, and you’re ready to go. Plus, you don’t have to worry about several packages coming on different days, or worse yet, not at all.
Keep in mind that you don’t necessarily need to be a professional racer with all-out, super-charged racing vehicles and upgraded parts to have fun. Simply racing the cars that come with these tracks can provide all the amusement your kids will need to have a great time.
As something to keep in mind, don’t forget that everything you need to consider before making your purchase is in the ‘Criteria’ section. Find your favorite store, visit its site, and click on the various links to find product reviews. Read the top reviews and look for any common track malfunctions or consistently broken track pieces.
In addition to the fun, excitement, and competition that these race tracks bring to the whole family, remember, life will never be dull again with an electric race track in it. Have fun racing to the finish line and good luck!
