Found this on an Indy car Facebook page.
Jim Russell a giant in the slot car industry from the 1960's. The basic design of the pistol grip Russkit controller from the mid-60's is still in use today.
Posted 08 October 2020 - 11:47 AM
How exciting to see the successful race car drivers, Andretti and Parnelli, enjoying the hobby back then!
I wonder if Mario has a Slot Mods track at home?!
Great vintage photo - thanks for sharing Steve!
Ernie
Posted 08 October 2020 - 12:01 PM
Mike Swiss
Inventor of the Low CG guide flag 4/20/18
IRRA® Components Committee Chairman
Five-time USRA National Champion (two G7, one G27, two G7 Senior)
Two-time G7 World Champion (1988, 1990), eight G7 main appearances
Eight-time G7 King track single lap world record holder
17B West Ogden Ave., Westmont, IL 60559, (708) 203-8003, mikeswiss86@hotmail.com (also my PayPal address)
Note: Send all USPS packages and mail to: 692 Citadel Drive, Westmont, Illinois 60559
Posted 08 October 2020 - 12:40 PM
Mike Swiss:
He was tall. Big guy. You would have thought he played football as a younger person.
I met him once at REH. I have to say even as a teenager I noticed what a naturally charismatic, people person he was. He spoke to you one on one. "A natural born salesman..." as the saying goes and I mean it in the most positive way.
He said something to me when we were talking. And that was "...what we do in the hobby business is we sell fantasy.... Slot cars, model cars & planes, etc. etc." He's right. At the time I met him he had already sold Russkit to Aurora. Was there a couple years and started another company that sold white glue adhesives for the crafts business which were popular at the time. This would be the early 1970's...
He like a Maurice Winn who you mentioned was a serial entrepreneur. Ken MacDowell would fall into that category also. So glad we had them and many others in the time periods they were active in the slot car business.
Posted 08 October 2020 - 01:47 PM
Steve,
It was cool meeting both of them.
They were both well dressed.
I can remember Maurice, in this little crappy makeshift room we had, taking inventory on all the blister carded AJ's/Twink HO tires, we stocked.
I guess pictures are deceiving.
As an Indy fan, I'm sure you know Mario Andretti is only 5' 7".
From that pic, you would think they were the same height.
Mike Swiss
Inventor of the Low CG guide flag 4/20/18
IRRA® Components Committee Chairman
Five-time USRA National Champion (two G7, one G27, two G7 Senior)
Two-time G7 World Champion (1988, 1990), eight G7 main appearances
Eight-time G7 King track single lap world record holder
17B West Ogden Ave., Westmont, IL 60559, (708) 203-8003, mikeswiss86@hotmail.com (also my PayPal address)
Note: Send all USPS packages and mail to: 692 Citadel Drive, Westmont, Illinois 60559
Posted 08 October 2020 - 03:50 PM
Looks like the Russkit Carerra cars.
Anthony 'Tonyp' Przybylowicz
5/28/50-12/20/21
Requiescat in Pace
Posted 08 October 2020 - 04:09 PM
Great find and photo, Steve, thanks.
Looks like it was in a book or magazine - any hints as to what publication?
Don
Posted 08 October 2020 - 04:15 PM
All it says is it's from "Jim Russell" as the source. Perhaps PDL can shed some light...
Posted 20 November 2020 - 01:45 PM
Philippe de Lespinay