Digital technology in slot cars allows the racing of more than two cars at one time. While racing, these cars can change lanes, pass, and even make pitstops, thus providing a more realistic racing experience. Hand-held digital controllers allow racers to pass with the touch of a button, brake, block and switch lanes.
Digital slot cars, which come with a digital chip already installed, run on digital slot car tracks. These same digital slot cars can also run on traditional (analog) track systems without any alternations to the car but with the same performance, limitations and characteristics of a traditional slot car.
Many traditional non-digital (analog) slot cars can be converted to digital performers with add-on chip kits. Some kits require modification and soldering, while others just plug into ready-made pans in the chassis. Some digital slot cars can operate across brands, but not all. It is best to contact the manufacturer to confirm applicability.
Race-ready digital track systems are available and traditional (analog) track systems too can be converted to digital performance with available add-on track components.
The popularity of digital racing continues to grow as the manufacturers produce more extensive digital track systems and provide a greater range of digital and digital-ready cars.