Go gear: Slot car racing

Cool stuff for enthusiasts of miniature cars

There’s a load of technological advancements to it but, more importantly, you’ll be racing Porsche 997s with Lamborghini Gallardos and Audi R8s. www.scalextric.com. Dh2,900.

A driving move towards digital

A lot has changed since you last grabbed the controller of a slot car game. As with everything these days, it's gone digital. And sets are that advanced now that it's not just kids who are using them. Take this Scalextric Digital Platinum set. Up to six cars to be raced at the same time and switching lanes is possible. There's a load of technological advancements to it but, more importantly, you'll be racing Porsche 997s with Lamborghini Gallardos and Audi R8s. www.scalextric.com. Dh2,900.

Classics separate men from boys

Aside from the inflated price of the equipment these days, another way you can tell that slot car racing is also aimed at adults is the type of cars now available. Children certainly wouldn't be racing with 1969 Dodge Chargers but they're the ones missing out as the adults get to appreciate the style and detail of this model available from Scalextric. But don't worry if you're concerned about the Charger not being able to compete on digital tracks, a plugin is also available at www.scalextric.com. Dh212.

A Super game for the shopping Kart

OK, so slot car racing has definitely changed in terms of technology and the types of cars available, but we don't want to detract too much from the reason kids love it so much - that it's fun - so it's good to know Super Mario also makes an appearance on track in his Mario Kart in this Carrera racing set. At the very least it could get the children away from their computer games for a while to indulge in some real-life, old-fashioned entertainment. www.amazon.co.uk. Dh286.