Races2U Puts a New Twist on an Old Hobby - Slot Car Racing Makes a Digital Comeback in a Mobile Format

Austin, TX, January 06, 2011 --(PR.com)-- Back in the late 1960's through the early 80's, it was common for kids and adults to go to a mall or hobby shop and race slot cars for fun. The days of fixed tracks in malls and hobby shops may have waned, but now there is a new twist- tracks on wheels. With the old style analog slot cars, each car needed a dedicated lane on a track, and consequently tracks were very large permanent structures. With the advent of digital slot cars, where cars have dedicated controllers instead of lanes, it is possible to run up to 8 cars on on as little as 2 lanes. Races2U has taken advantage of the smaller track size and has placed a complete race circuit within a trailer. Races2U is now operating mobile digital slot car race tracks which can be operated virtually anywhere a vehicle can park on a level surface.

So how does digital slot car racing differ from analog, and how does it work? One of the advantages of digital racing, and the way that track size is able to be reduced, is that each car is digitally programmed to a specific controller. This means that each car has a specific address, and receives a digital signal through the track that governs its speed and braking, as well as lane changes. Unlike analog slot cars, digital cars can change lanes. There are switch tracks much like in model railroading, and the driver signals the car to change lanes when approaching a switch track. Lane changing allows overtaking as well as choosing the best line in approaching a turn, and requires much more skill and strategy than analog racing. Another feature of digital racing is the inclusion of pit stops. Cars can be programmed to have a certain amount of "fuel," and they may be required to spend a certain amount of time in a dedicated pit lane to "gas up." Another great advantage of digital racing is the computer interface with the track, which allows for real-time monitoring of position, laps, and time for each driver. Races2U displays the race data on large screens in the trailer so each driver and spectators can know their standings while they race. Just as in real racing, cheering fans yell wildly when they see their favorite driver take the lead.

Races2U is excited about bringing digital slot car racing to the public, and since it's formation, Races2U trailers have been at car shows, children's hospitals, picnics, and parties. Races2U is looking to expand through franchising and licensing.

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