Scale-ing the heights of racing fun at Oasis (From Swindon Advertiser)

Scale-ing the heights of racing fun in Swindon

10:46am Thursday 3rd January 2013 in News

IT will be go, go, go at the Oasis Leisure Centre this weekend as hundreds of people are expected to make tracks to Swindon’s ninth annual Scalextric Swapmeet.

Organised by Scalextric collector Robert Learmouth, of Priory Vale, more than 500 people headed to the leisure centre last year to bag a bargain or race their favourite cars.

As well as 62 slot-car stalls, the most the event has ever had, last year’s event also boasted a 50ft long drag strip and race track and four tracks which invited people of all ages to have a race and try and clock the quickest time.

Robert, who has collected Scalextric since he was a child, said: “What I want to do is get families coming to this event because the collectors and enthusiasts will always come, but it is the families that I want to see here enjoying the cars and getting interested in Scalextric.

“I think why it is so popular is because anyone can do it, from the young to the old.

“And you have people who played it when they were young who are now bringing up their own children playing it.”

The swapmeet is taking place on Sunday between 10.30am and 3.30pm with more than 40 tables from dealers and collectors.

The event is always held at the beginning of the year to cater for those who received their first Scalextric sets at Christmas and there were plenty of families among the enthusiasts experiencing Scalextric for the first time.

Tickets cost £2.50 for adults and £1 for children. Call 0845 634 3196.