[woodcote]

Ah Sam, welcome to a good old hobby discussion  

Like in any hobby, everyone has their favourite brands, their pet hates and a sack-full of opinions.

To help people starting off in the hobby, we've tried to make an impartial stab at this guide: https://slotracer.online/manual/getting-started.php

I'm based in the UK and if I was buying a first set for an 8-year-old who's mad about Lamborghinis, I would absolutely buy that Scalextric Supercar set.

First off, the cars look great, handle well and are rugged enough to withstand some reasonably heavy impacts. The set is good value at £99 and has almost everything you need - presumably to see if that 8-year-old might have a future with slot cars... Adding the Hot Laps app via a DIY smartphone gantry will be the icing on the cake - and maybe a track extension pack the cherry on top to give a few more layout options.

Here in the UK, Scalextric means slot cars for 99% of the population - and most high street hobby shops sell it. Scalextric offers very good customer service via their Margate HQ, so you are in good hands if anything isn't up to scratch.

When I was 8, the family Scalextric came out once or twice a year for a few days of racing on the living room floor. Scalextric track is ideal for this, being a bit flexible and going together and coming apart easily. Because there is so much Scalextric sold in the UK, there are bargains available (new and used) to add more track as you need it. Plus cars, accessories, upgrading to digital etc... but that's for the future.