Years ago I wrote a column for a newsletter about the hobby. If you think slot cars is a small hobby, you have not entered into this reclusive like one :)
I have about 18-20 sets collected. One is an original first release form late 1946 with the stamped steel players. Then other examples from each era, as well as a few other brands such as Gotham and Coleco.
These games are just like slot cars in that it reminds me of my youth :)
But I rarely play them. Around this time of year I get one out, clean it up and run a few plays. With Anthony here, it was fun to have a re-match. He used to play this exact set for hours on end.
The bases are thin sheet plastic. I have replaced the plastic sheet with clear plastic material that is almost the exact thickness.