Racing 1/32 scale is the most popular form of slot car racing and many reasons for it. RTR cars are what todays racers love and the realism of the 1/32 cars. Nothing wrong with wing cars (Lexan Bodies), brass chassis or hand built chassis. Most do not have the skill, desire or time to do it. Keep that in mind!!!!!!! You guys including myself are rare birds when it comes to fabricating cars. I really think 1/32 races are the way to go, from Box Stock - No mods for kids, Mod - Guide, tires, truing tires for guys & gals wanting more, Pro Stock - Axles, Tires, Wheels, Truing Tires, Guide for the guys and gals that like to tinker. I would also add an Iroc Race or two, where you supply the cars and controllers. Now you have something for everyone. Also have a points series to keep them interested with prizes. I have seen it to many times where Slot Car Shops have rentals and classes for all ages, that are just Lexan body cars and brass chassis. Most racers today cannot relate to those cars. Voltage is also kept high and cars fly off the track and they quickly get discouraged. These shops cannot figure out why they are not growing and most eventually close because they are stuck in the sixties! The most successful shops I have seen are the ones running 1/32 hard body cars. There is another reason for the 1/32 popularity, COST! Once you buy a 1/32 car and set it up for what ever class (tires, guide) most of the time, your done spending money. No need to buy braid, tires and wheels on a weekly basis like most brass chassis cars. The 1/32 car guys and gals spend the money on more cars, because they are so addicting. Now they have more cars and not spending money on putting weekly money into the same car. Just my 2 cents and not trying to start an argument, just what I have seen over the years.
Bob
Bob,
I'm in agreement and think it's not a one vs the other but a both and solution. A commercial track will always have to contend with the garage build guys that have races at low or no cost. So commercial has to go big to get attention and stand out. Alpine in Helen, GA is a good example. From all outward appearances he is doing very well with his enterprise and only more recently added a reverse King for a wood track. So he has gone from all plastic to tossing in a wood track whereas guys like me have a bunch of wood and are looking at tossing in a plastic track. I personally love the look of 1/32nd cars and agree that it is (unfortunately) not as common that people will take the time to develop skills to build cars. Some will....but even with my wood tracks, I sell cars already made as RTR for all the classes. I order parts, and we put the cars together then put them on the shelf. to sell.
