About
Slot Cars


Slot car racing has been around for over 40 years. It consists of racing model cars with electric motors around a slotted track. Slot car tracks can be almost any design, but long ovals with a handful of switchbacks are the most popular.


Along the center of each lane is a groove called a slot. The slot car’s engine gets power from electric contacts on either side of the slot.


The slot cars are made of a body, engine, gears, tires, shocks, and often magnets. The magnets apply a downward pressure to help in cornering, but if you use too strong of a magnet, you can sacrifice performance or burn out your motor.


Slot cars are only held in the slot by gravity (and maybe a light magnet), so if you go too fast your car can “de-slot,” which means you’ll lose power. And that’s the secret to slot car racing: go as fast as possible without “de-slotting.”


The strategy in slot car racing is to go as fast as possible on the straightaways, but then slow down in the corners to keep yourself from de-slotting. It is legal to “bump” the car in the next lane when cornering in hopes of de-slotting your opponent. Many beginners try this tactic, and while it works occasionally, most experts think focusing on your own race and getting into a rhythm are much more successful long-term tactics.











News / Events




The Outlaw Hobbies 2007 race season continued at the Relay For Life at the Perryville Park and Recreation Center in Perryville, MO on April 27, 2007.

Check out our up coming events at the bottom of the page. For race reviews and pictures, click the link below.








Up Coming Events




May 25 & 26, 2007

The 100 Mile Yard Sale

Christian Life Church

Advance, MO