This is a fantastic slot car place located on the 2nd floor of a large commercial brick structure…read morein downtown Amsterdam, NY. If you are familiar with the small, jerky, lightweight and loud slot cars from the 1970s that you would race round and round on a tiny track then you are in for a shock. While they do have HO scale (1/87) cars and a nice large track, the real excitement is in the 1/24 and 1/32 scale cars next door.
The track consists of several loops with a much more extensive inner track leading to "the pits". In the old days (Analog) you pulled the trigger and the car went. Pull it harder... and it goes faster. Now, things are Digital and things are more complex, er fun! You race with multiple cars on each track, and switches in the slot car track allow you the pass and maneuver around slower cars. If you run out of "gas" (monitored electronically) you need to go into the pit and fuel up. Lap times are digitally recorded, as are penalties.
If this sounds like fun... it is. If this sound confusing... it is. If this sounds overwhelming... it can be. But the owner of this place, who goes by the nickname "DA", is a great guy. Very friendly, willing to let you try out a car to see if you like the activity, and prices ($10 for an hour) are extremely reasonable. No swearing is allowed, so it truly is a "family friendly" place.
He also sells cars and parts like tires, motors, etc. I am not a car guy by any means but my father took me slot car racing occasionally 30 years ago. I wandered over to see what it was all about with my friend recently and we were warmly welcomed in. Now, I can't wait to take my son!
I highly recommend stopping by this place. Their location is hard to see from the outside, and their hours are a bit unconventional, so call or email them first for directions. See you there!
