In a June 2006 posting I described how the staff of the Bayonne Town Center worked with Vincent Margiotta of Pastime Hobbies to bring slot car racing to the district’s car shows.
The slot cars now have graduated to their own venue, PHM Racing, next door to Pastime’s shop. There is a larger and more sophistcated layout, where four cars can race, an electronic score board and even real racetrack sponsors.
At the heart of this operation is a slot car racing club. Members pay annual dues. Parents usually accompany their youngsters as the latter participate in club racing events.
The race track can also be rented for parties. Walk-in slot car racing enthusiasts are also accommodated.
Margiotta claims the slot cars are able to draw
youngsters away from their computers and phones and out of their houses.
Entertainment opportunities like this will be increasingly important in small- and medium-sized downtowns
