We’re in the midst of a ‘game’ generation. Everyone is gaming whether on their phone, using a computer or game station or even vicariously by watching videos of others gaming. And it’s fun! We enjoy pitting our skills against the computer or friends across the digital world. But it’s intrinsically a singular experience we game alone in our own world… which goes really against the idea of games. Games are social experiences, people get together to share, have fun, build bonds, reduce stress – all things apart from fun, that are missing in the digital experience.
Looking to change that are Andy Raishbrook and Sue Man the founders of ARace who are wanting to bring the social back into gaming and give people a fun night out with real world experiences and memories. The ARace 50m long track recently opened in Quarry Bay and after a few hours of fun, crashes, spills and racing bc asked Andy and Sue what it’s all about.
Why slot car racing?
The new era of digital slot car racing is a popular hobby and sport enjoyed in many parts of Europe, the US, Australia and New Zealand. However, slot car racing has never become popular in Hong Kong, not because the people of Hong Kong are not interested in it, but because it hasn’t been as readily available to them.
ARace is seeking to build awareness of digital slot car racing, and has set up a large 50-metre commercial track to enable Hong Kongers to participate in an activity that is enjoyed by citizens of many other nations around the world. Slot car racing is not just for children or teens. With the advancement of technology, slot car racing is now just as enjoyable and challenging for adults.
ARace is setup to provide slot car racing as a fun and socially interactive sport, ideal for a social gathering, party, corporate event, or teambuilding activity. Those who want to enjoy racing cars have previously been limited to driving simulators, where enjoyment is limited to the individual racer. ARace provides an active and more social racing experience, where racers can drive while standing side by side and moving freely around a large track Teammates can assist in the racing challenges as ‘pit crew’, and spectators can also enjoy watching and cheering the racers from beside the track. Slot car racing can be a useful tool for teamwork activities, and for encouraging good sportsmanship. There will be fun and exciting themed race events at ARace, including James Bond and Formula 1 race nights.
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With several different slot car systems available why did you chose Carrera?
There were many reasons why we chose to build our slot car circuit using the Carrera system. The main reason was that we believe the Carrera system to be the most robust and reliable. Our research found that the Austrian manufacturing company, Stadlbauer, had invested significantly in recent years to introduce new digital and wireless technology that provides more exciting challenges, and experiences closer to those faced in real-life motor-racing.
The detailing of the Carrera cars, of which there is a large and varied catalogue, the precise engineering, and the high standards of quality production by Stadlbauer, are further reasons why we chose to select their system for our venue.
The Stadlbauer team has been most helpful and receptive to our ideas and suggestions and strives to continually improve and better the experiences for slot car racers. Indeed, we were recently able to welcome the company founder Dr Dieter Stadlbauer, the Managing Director Mr Andreas Stadlbauer, and their team, to our venue when they recently visited Hong Kong.
We hope to be able to continue working with Stadlbauer into the future, to ensure that the new exciting digital technology now emerging in slot car racing, and being implemented in the Carrera system, is brought to Hong Kong so that Hongkongers can be amongst the first to enjoy it.
How has technology impacted slot car racing?
For those of us who were able to experience slot-car racing when we were younger, we know how fun and exciting it can be to spend hours playing without getting bored. In the past, slot car racing was limited to just two racers, circling on simple parallel tracks, with limited challenges.
In recent years, advanced digital and wireless technology has been introduced that brings slot-car racing to a new exciting level. At ARace, we can race up to six drivers simultaneously on custom built circuits that can include multiple lanes, lane changing, and overtaking possibilities. The wireless handsets allow “drivers” to move 360 degrees around the circuit, with no impediment. One of the most exciting innovations is that we can now simulate each car having a “fuel load” at the beginning of each race, necessitating a pit-stop strategy for periodically “refueling”. This is just one example of the extra challenges available to more experienced slot car racers. There are numerous challenges that can be set for different skill levels.
The digital technology further enhances the racing experience as we are now able to accurately record lap times, race positions, speed, and laps completed. At ARace, our Carrera system is connected to a PC, and to large monitors positioned around our comfortable venue. The statistics of each race can be displayed, including graphical information of race performance, for all to see and discuss. Post-race analysis is often lively and interesting.
Can customers bring and race their own cars?
Yes. Our standard racing sessions will include the hire of 6 cars, normally Porsche 911 models at 1:32 scale. However, we encourage our customers to consider purchasing their own cars from the extensive range available from Carrera, including Formula 1 models. A new range of Carrera cars becomes available every year, including nice collectors’ items for car enthusiasts. The ARace system is suitable for Carrera slot cars at either 1:32 or 1:24 scale which must have a Carrera digital chip. Digital chips by other makers will not function on our track. If customers bring their own cars they will be tested to ensure compatibility, and to avoid damaging our system.
We are currently liaising with educational organisations to incorporate slot car racing into the classroom. Slot car racing has already been successfully implemented in the US, and has been incorporated into the syllabus in numerous subjects, such as science and technology, mathematics and arts and crafts. Such projects are very student-centered, practical, and motivating for both students and teachers. Students can design, build, and then race their own slot-cars, and by using advanced computer software students can design and decorate their own slot cars in the most imaginative of ways.
ARace is set up as a communal/social experience, what options are there for individuals to race?
Whilst ARace is readily available for groups and families to enjoy slot car racing, we also have membership plans available for individuals to come and race too. Once sufficient individual members have signed up, exciting race events will be scheduled, and leagues will be established to compete for the fastest race times.
The individual memberships will be categorised into 3 different age groups, namely; a: kids (8 to 12); b: teens (13 to 17); and c: adults (18+). Further information about individual memberships will be available in due course.
Interested individuals can currently join our online “Meetup” group at http://www.meetup.com/Slot-Car-Racing-Hong- Kong-Social-Meetup-Group or they may email us at [email protected].
You can find more information on membership or sign up for to the ARace monthly newsletter to receive the latest information, promotions, updates on the availability of Carrera products and upcoming special Arace events at www.arace.hk.