[woodcote]

We’re in very different circumstances to last January – this year’s Scalextric launch is a very socially-distant affair. No trip to Margate and no chance to see some of the new models in the flesh, photograph them and give them a run on the track.

However, we do have all the up-to-date pictures from what is an impressive 2021 catalogue – and I am extremely grateful to Martyn and Simon for spending some time with me on the phone to present the fruits of their labours and for answering my questions.

As we know, Scalextric’s parent-company Hornby are emerging from some difficult times. They are heading in the right direction and returned to profit during 2020, boosted by strong sales in the toy and hobby sector during the pandemic.

The Scalextric catalogue had only four new pieces of 1:32 scale tooling in 2019 (although they did launch a completely new 1:64 system), which grew to eleven in 2020 and increases further to thirteen (by my count) this year. Together with re-liveries and revised tooling on almost all of the 2020 new cars, that gives a really strong range in the 2021 catalogue.

I reckon there’s something there for almost everyone (I’ll discuss some gaps later...) and there’s plenty to thrill the many thousands of new and returning slot racers who’ve flocked to the hobby in the past nine months.

I’m going to start with Classic F1, move on to Classic GT, street and Touring, some new Gulf Edition cars, then switch to TV and Movies, Modern GT, Touring and street cars – and end up with a brand new range and an exciting new evolution of Spark Plug.

So strap yourselves in and enjoy the ride… As soon as the new range shows up at scalextric.com

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