Newbie Dragtrack questions

Welcome Jhmusic. I'm so glad you stumbled upon us here at REDLINEDERBY. We're glad to have you here and I'm excited to see you in lane two 

Ditto...welcome to Redline Derby, glad you found and happy do hear you're stoked to get (back) into racing.

As far as tracks...I think it really depends how DIY you want go. If you're looking for something quick and easy to get going right away, then a Drag Track system is a good choice. As you found, lots of guys around here use them and even extend them with some creative modding.

If you're into the fun of full out DIY, then planning and building your own track is a lot of fun. Doing the blueprints, finding the materials and gathering all the accessories to build your ultimate track is time consuming but very rewarding. I reviewed the Drag Track a while ago and while it was a great kit, the fact that it didn't jive with the pile of Hot Wheels orange track and accessories I already had was a deal breaker.

Or, if you have an extra $2500 laying around you can go all out like Wade Entertainment did with his 8-lane super track - check out the post and video :)

All that said, if was starting from scratch, I'd probably go with Drag Track system with intent to expand it some how. It has all the parts you need for a good price. 

If I added up all the things that have gone into my home track as-is, it's probably about $200 said and done. So Drag Track is cheaper but I did like the experience of building it all out and seeing it run...all depends where your enjoyment lies.

But...whatever your decision, share your experience and some photos! Everyone here has great thoughts and ideas on how to build just about everything you need for racing - from homebrew to retail - you'll find it.

Hi Jim,

Welcome! Yes, that is the correct Drag tracks...you might want to order  some track sections, depending on how much room you have (I think it is about 17', with no added sections).

Personally, I use the Drag Track sections (they are really a nice race surface), along with a 3DBot finish line, and a Smitty Starter (Fordman). Or, you could build your own start gate.

If you plan on using the track a lot (which I did), you may run into some problems with the Drag track system's release pins (they are kinda cheaply made). But, the Drag track setup us a good way to go!

Just my two cents!

Thanks everyone. I rolled through storage and found some old Hot Wheels track from a few sets I bought for my sons many years ago. I haven't located the cars yet though so it feels like a big tease right now. I'll be checking on the condition of the track over the next few days, see what is missing and go from there. Pics and videos will come once I get my plan together. Thanks all!

Well my birthday came and went.  I am one year older which means that much closer to NOT dying young!  A little about me.  I am a musician and I own and operate a busy music school for the last 10 years.  Although music is my passion and my livelihood, I need a distraction/break from the business end and a little "me" time. 

Thanks to this site I have my shopping list ready and some good ideas for layouts for my small racing area.  I got inspiration (or I am flat out stealing depending how you look at it) the ideas from this creative group.    

Elevated Orange Track Drag area with Finishline is first.  Next, I want to add a single lane turn to each lane (in opposite directions) meeting under the launch area to an open track area for some paint swapping on the way back to the launch area. I may be able to knock this all out this weekend if everything is in stock at the stores.  I saved money for a slot car set, so, I have some money in the budget to burn on my new hobby right now.  If all goes well, I may put a wall system in my waiting area as well. 

Looking online at some local store options, there isn't a specialty store for this hobby to pick up anything special, so I will be entering the fray of the local Toy's R Us, Target, Home Depot, Lowes and Wallyworld stores to get started, following up with some internet ordering to fill in the gaps if necessary.  Thank you all for participating and posting great ideas throughout this board. Thanks for inspiring me to think out of the box and potentially make my new hobby WAY cooler than I thought it would be. Pictures to come!     

Elevated Orange Track Drag area with Finishline is first.  Next, I want to add a single lane turn to each lane (in opposite directions) meeting under the launch area to an open track area for some paint swapping on the way back to the launch area

That is going to be a great track set up!! I for one love the orange track,bias because that is what I grew up with..Get us some pictures when you get a chance.
The guys on the forum are some of the best around in encouragement,helping and ideas.
Sounds like your about to have some big time fun..

First the dogs did this:

https://youtu.be/YvyS66DyPZI

Then I bought a 10' long steel gutter for support

Then my son did this and I ran over his minifigs: 

RAP music soundtrack because, let's just say my boy was a little upset ($#%^) in the video.

https://youtu.be/rMOEH0MRaDY

The view from the bottom

https://youtu.be/sfnWSLVby74

I'll put some details, pics and more video up on another post later this weekend.

Had an absolute riot this weekend. My youngest is 15 and had a blast too.  Even the wife laughed and participated too.  Working on a starting gate mock up with foam board right now.  Going to write something up and get a flicker account going to share my pics this week.