Super Slot Car Track Found in Michigan Man’s Basement

[Mach 1 Club]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lemEAOlcxKE

I don’t know about you, but as a kid I was mesmerized by anything that had to do with automobiles. Aside from the countless Matchbox and Hotwheels cars, I also had a few AFX electric tracks (remember those) laying around as well. At that age these tracks were the closest that any of us kids were going to get to real racing and nowadays every time I see one I get a bit nostalgic. Some people however will simply never outgrow their childhood dreams, which is fine as long as they have the space to play with some bigger toys. Michigan resident and Formula 1 race fan James Harlan is just such a person, and because of this he decided to build a massive 1/32 scale slot car track in his basement. The amazingly detailed circuit incorporates a 145 foot lap length, 19 turns and 2.5 feet of elevation change and has the ability to bring a smile to the face of any car buff. Well done Mr. Harlan!

Very Cool!

[vamach1]

Awesome track. Too bad the house we're building has water issues and we can only do a crawl space otherwise I'd love to set up a track but perhaps but as grand.

[JTS71 Mach1]

That has got to be one of the nicest layout I've ever seen. I also had the AFX Tyco etc. slot car sets. (still do) I may be just a touch older then you, cause we also ran 1/24 slot cars at a couple local tracks where I grew up. They were usually about 8 lanes wide And were powered by a large bank of car batteries run through a timing system. I believe it cost about .25 or .50 cents for an hour of track time. I've still got one of the cars and a few various parts. Most of the cars were built from regular model kits so the detail and realism of the cars was usually quite good. Unfortunely I haven't seen a track since I left Florida in 1995. Man what a fun time it was, and kids today think there video games are neat. It's hard to describe the high pitched whine from 1/24 scale slot car motor as it streaks down the track at about 1100 scale MPH. Yeah thats way faster then a top fuel dragster! Thanks for comming up with all the great stuff, uh memories. It' a great ride!
JTS 71 Mach1

[Mister 4x4]

Oh Snap! That is freakin' awesome! My pal has a bunch of HO slot track and has suggested we build a nice layout on a 4'x8' sheet of plywood. Unfortunately, I don't think that will seem at all adequate after he sees this.

[Rare Pony]

I use to race at the local tracks during the late sixties/early seventies. Lots of fun. I use to modify the engines and use lighter bodies to get an edge.