In the beginning : the 1960s | The 70s, 80s & 90s | A new home for a new millennium

In the beginning: the 1960s

The 1960s were a time of tremendous expansion in the sport of slot car racing in the UK. The newly published 'Model Cars' magazine inspired a band of Scalextric enthusiasts in Brighton to build a 'proper' wooden, 61ft track in an empty workshop at the rear of one of their houses. Although the track only had 3 lanes, numerous twists and an incredibly abrasive surface for grip, it sowed the seeds of interest and a formal club was soon formed. The club became known as 'Roedale' after the district of Brighton in which it was located.

National track standards in the mid 1960s insisted on a minimum of 4 lanes so, not wishing to be left out of competition, the club carpenters got to work and built a brand new 4 lane track measuring 67 feet (20 m) in length. This track was completed early in 1966. Despite the drawbacks of having a rather small clubroom, the club became hugely successful, winning many national honours in both inter-club and individual competition.

The 70s, 80s & 90s

As cars became more sophisticated and lap times improved in the 1970s, the need to build another track became apparent. A new 4 lane track was unveiled in 1973 that differed from our previous circuits in that it was built without any significant hills, was very smooth, and had a longer lap length at 72 feet (22 m). This track proved to be hugely successful and survived unchanged until 1999 when the club was forced to move due to its premises being sold.

The 1970s Track.

A new home for the new millennium

After a lengthy search for a new home, a local businessman on the outskirts of Brighton offered us use of a storeroom at the rear of his premises. Although solidly built, it was in dilapidated condition and required considerable effort from club members to clean it up, decorate, rewire it and, finally, build a new track.

Our new home was still on the small side so it was decided that the overall shape would be similar to our very successful last track but with wider lane centres to take 1/24 cars and much larger radius turns. This resulted in a quick and very driveable track measuring just 80 feet (24 m) to the lap, and was finally declared open early in 2000. Although much smaller than the current trend for large 'Raceway' style tracks, it is very quick indeed but still allows novice drivers with slower cars to also enjoy their racing.

Our current track.