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The Ultimate Scalextric Buyer's Guide

Welcome! This guide has everything you need to know to start your Scalextric journey, from choosing your first set to understanding advanced digital features.

Core Concepts: Analogue, Digital & ARC

The first step is understanding the three main types of Scalextric systems.

Analogue

The classic way to race. One car per lane, controlled independently. It's simple, reliable, and perfect for getting started with head-to-head racing.

Digital

Race up to 6 cars on just two lanes! Digital technology allows for lane changing to overtake and block opponents, adding a new layer of strategy to your races.

ARC (App Race Control)

The ultimate experience. ARC systems use a smart device app to manage races, track stats, simulate weather, tyre wear, fuel usage, and much more. Available in both Analogue (Air) and Digital (Pro) versions.

Discover ARC Race Control Systems

Elevate your racing experience with Scalextric ARC (App Race Control). Choose the system that matches your ambition, from intuitive entry-level fun to advanced digital competition.

Entry level ARC race control system

  • Hard wired hand controllers
  • Core app functionality
  • Analogue system
  • 2-car racing

Key Features:

  • Pit stops
  • Post race statistics

App Features Include:

Light Start
Lap Counter
Pit Stop
Tyre Wear
Fuel Usage
Post-race Statistics

Mid-range ARC race control system

  • 2.4 Ghz wireless hand controllers
  • Intermediate app functionality
  • Analogue system
  • 2-car racing

Key Features:

  • All of the features of ARC ONE plus...
  • Wireless controllers (plus rumble)
  • Variable race conditions
  • Braking button

App Features Include:

Light Start
Lap Counter
Pit Stop
Tyre Wear
Fuel Usage
Post-race Statistics

Premium ARC race control system

  • 2.4 Ghz wireless hand controllers
  • Advanced app functionality
  • Digital system
  • Multiple car racing (up to 6)

Key Features:

  • All of the features of ARC AIR plus...
  • Lane changing
  • Multiple cars
  • KERS boost

App Features Include:

Light Start
Lap Counter
Pit Stop
Tyre Wear
Fuel Usage
Post-race Statistics

See ARC in Action

Note: Tablet not included with ARC sets.

Choosing Your First Set

Scalextric offers sets for every age and skill level. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose.

For Young Racers

For Young Racers

Durable, easy to assemble, and featuring fun themes. My First Scalextric and Micro Scalextric are perfect for introducing kids to the world of racing.

Shop Kids Sets
For Family Fun

For Family Fun

These sets offer a great balance of detail and action. Often featuring famous movie or race cars, they are perfect for creating exciting family tournaments.

Shop Themed Sets
For the Enthusiast

For the Enthusiast

For those seeking the ultimate challenge. Digital sets with multiple cars, lane changing, and advanced features provide the most realistic and strategic racing experience.

Shop Digital Sets

Understanding Track Types

Modern Scalextric uses 'Sport' track, but you might encounter older types.

Track Systems

Sport Track (Current)

The current standard for all 1/32 scale Analogue, Digital, and ARC sets. It offers good grip and a wide variety of track pieces for expansion.

Classic Track (Discontinued)

An older system with a different connection type. You can connect Classic to Sport track using a special C8222 converter track piece.

Start Track (Discontinued)

A simplified track from older entry-level sets. Can be connected to Sport track using the C8525 converter track piece.

Micro Scalextric (1/64 Scale)

A smaller scale system that is not compatible with the 1/32 scale tracks. Perfect for smaller spaces.

Upgrading & Compatibility

One of the best things about Scalextric is the ability to upgrade your set over time.

Converting from Analogue to Digital

If you have an Analogue set with Sport track, you can convert it to a full Digital system. You will need:

  • A Digital Powerbase: Such as the ARC Pro (C8435) or the older 6-car powerbase (C7042).
  • Digital Hand Controllers: These have an extra button for lane changing.
  • Digitally Chipped Cars: You need to install a digital chip in each car. Many modern cars are Digital Plug Ready (DPR), making this a simple, 1-minute job. Older cars may require soldering.
  • Lane Change Tracks: These special track pieces allow you to switch lanes.

You can also upgrade an Analogue set to ARC Air for app-based racing without going full digital.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Here are answers to some common queries.

First, check the car's braids. Ensure they are clean, making good contact with the track rails, and not frayed. Also, check that all track connections are clean and tight, as power can be lost at loose joints.
This usually happens when an analogue car is placed on a digital track. The car receives power but can't interpret the digital signal. Ensure your car has a digital chip installed for use on a digital track.
Many factors affect handling: tyre condition, magnet position and strength, car weight, and even the cleanliness of the braids and motor. Experimenting with tyre types and magnet positions can significantly change performance.
Ensure the track piece is clean and free of debris. Check that the flipper mechanism moves freely. Also, confirm the car's digital chip LED is positioned correctly over the track sensor when it passes the lane change point.
Yes, most 1/32 scale slot cars from brands like Carrera, Ninco, and Slot.it will work on Scalextric track in analogue mode. Some may require a guide blade change for optimal performance.
It's generally best to leave the track loose to allow for natural expansion and contraction with temperature changes. Nailing or gluing it down can cause the track surface to warp over time.