GO 2026 Starting Track

Over the past few years, we’ve seen a succession of power tracks—some good, some not so good—so let’s see what the 2026 version has to offer. I’ll soon be doing a retrospective and a comparison of the various models released over time.

So, here is the new 2026 start track for the GO range. The first thing that catches the eye is the built-in lap counter with its two digital displays—an immediately useful feature that’s sure to be a hit.

Let’s take a closer look at the functions and see if there’s anything new.

Before testing all the features, the track needs to be connected to a power source. There are no batteries, no 220V mains adapter, and nothing else in the box—just a USB-C cable!

Supply

Great news: this power rail runs on a USB-C cable—just like your phone—and supports a wide range of accessories. And, as with phones, no charger is included, so you have to get one separately. So there I was, scouring the house for a USB charger; I have plenty of USB-A (standard) ones, but—phew—the last one I bought for the bedroom is USB-C.

But why is CARRERA changing its power supply method? The manufacturers’ decision to exclude the mains adapter (the wall plug) and provide only a USB cable is driven by economic, environmental, regulatory, and technical factors:

• The global electrical standards puzzle: Wall outlets vary by country (Europe, USA, UK, etc.). Providing just a USB cable allows the exact same box to be sold worldwide; it is then up to the buyer to use a wall adapter compatible with their local outlets.
• European legislation (Common Charger): Regulations mandate the standardization of charging via USB-C. To reduce electronic waste (preventing approximately 11,000 tonnes annually in the EU), manufacturers are encouraged or required to sell devices without a power adapter, the idea being that consumers will use ones they already own.
• Cost and logistics savings: Removing the power adapter saves the manufacturer the cost of the component itself, but—more importantly—reduces the size of the packaging. Smaller packaging allows significantly more units to fit into a shipping container, drastically lowering transport costs and the product’s carbon footprint.

So, it’s good for the planet and our wallets! Thanks, Carrera.

Point positif, Carrera fournit un câble USB de 1,5m, ce qui est une longueur tout à fait correcte.

As indicated in the documentation, the circuit can be powered by a battery, so I tested it using an external battery. I tried this setup, and everything worked perfectly. The great thing is that you are no longer restricted by the need for a nearby power outlet; you can play anywhere. And if you charge your battery using a solar charger, you are completely self-sufficient. It’s fantastic.

Now that it’s powered up, let’s look at the features—starting with the training mode, which activates by default:

Training mode

There are no starting procedures or race finishes here; you can ride however you like—it’s a practice session, and the lap timer is the only thing that matters. Pure and simple.

Time Trial mode

To change modes, use the buttons on the starting track section. Note that you do not need to press hard; the buttons are touch-sensitive, so simply resting your finger on them is sufficient.

To switch modes, press the “Play” button (the right-facing arrow). Each press cycles through the modes: Training [TRAINING], Time Trial [TIME], and Lap Race [LAP]. An LED lights up next to the active mode’s name to indicate which one is selected.

Select “TIME” and set the race duration using the plus and minus buttons. The time is set in minutes.

Start the race sequence by pressing and holding the “Play” button. A brief press will switch modes instead.

Lap Race mode

Select “LAP” and set the number of laps using the plus and minus buttons.

Start the departure procedure by pressing and holding the Play button.

Departure procedure

When you initiate the start sequence by long-pressing “Play” in either race mode, the three LEDs light up. They then turn off one by one—first the red, then the orange—until only the green remains, signaling the start.

Warning: do not try to cheat and start before the green light, as the track detects it.

The race

During the race, are laps or minutes counted down to zero to signal the end of the race?

The end of the race

When the race is over, as soon as the winner crosses the finish line, the cars come to a halt and the track cuts the power supply to the lanes.

The controllers

Older models are compatible—nothing new there—so you can use the wired controllers you already own.

Beginner and Expert modes

A major new feature is the ability to limit the cars’ speed for younger players, preventing them from flying off the track at every turn. It can be difficult for younger children to control their speed effectively.

That is why a “Beginner” mode is available. To switch between modes, simply press the “plus” and “minus” buttons simultaneously.

To check the current mode setting of the starting track section, look at the dot located at the bottom right of the displays.

This speed adjustment feature is a major plus, especially if you have young children or beginners; it is also useful for adults.

A competitor for the FIRST range?

This feature makes sets equipped with the new starting track a serious competitor to the FIRST range. The FIRST range consists of tracks where it is impossible—or very rare—for cars to fly off the track. It also features exclusive licenses tailored to younger children. Additionally, FIRST sets are priced lower than those in the GO range.
This year, Carrera has introduced two new licenses available across both the FIRST and GO ranges.
The Mario Kart World and Disney Stitch themes are set to launch this autumn.

The GO version costs more than twice as much as the FIRST range. The GO range should be viewed as a longer-term investment; as your child grows, they will be ready for a faster track. These sets will allow children to switch to “expert mode” as soon as they are capable. The GO range features numerous licenses that appeal to teens and parents alike—you simply need to buy a DTM, GT3, or F1 car. When your child isn’t around, you can race against another family member in expert mode and imagine you’re Max Verstappen.

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Conclusion

Currently, this starting track is only available in sets, not individually. However, the user manual lists a part number: 20061680. It is highly likely to become available next year.
This represents a significant functional upgrade for the starting track, following in the footsteps of the “GO Plus” track while remaining simple to use.

Highlights

• The tachometer
• Beginner/expert modes
• USB-C power supply

The downsides

• Note: No 220V-to-USB-C power adapter included.
• When will there be a built-in timer?
• It’s a shame you can’t use wireless controllers.

Available in almost all sets released in the autumn of 2026. If you are looking for a Carrera GO track, make sure it includes the new starting track section, which is a real plus.