First Set: Formula Kidz

Here’s the latest Carrera FIRST set hitting the shelves, this time with a 100% racing theme, but not a familiar one. Carrera has created something inspired by racing but with a fresh, youthful feel. A touch of Formula, a dash of youth, and a dash of urban, pop, and trendy style. Shake it all up and you get Formula KIDZ.

A blue car, a red car, a male driver, and a female driver—this is a track where everyone will find something they can relate to.

This Formula KIDZ set is a classic figure-eight, with two turnstiles, a decoration inside one of the curves, and trackside decorations. Nothing new except the visuals. The real novelty is the cars.

The cars

The cars resemble Formula X cars, cute little racing cars that are less streamlined to be more compact and robust. The drivers’ helmets are well-represented and add depth to the car.

Car number 7

Blue with yellow livery, the driver is depicted wearing a helmet with the “Carrera” logo on the visor.The rear wing also features the brand’s logo.

Car number 9

Red, the decorations are different; the white stripes are not the same as on car number 7, which is a nice touch. The front wing even has black and white checkered flags.

Compatible with the Speed Arena case

The Formula KIDZ cars are also available in a Speed Arena case. Same car, same voltage type and power supply (6V with batteries), so they should work with the case.

Well, no. To put it simply, it’s impossible to get the cars to run properly on the Speed Arena track. In many places, the cars get stuck; the guide is a bit too big for the slot.

This means there’s something different between the two models. Since the cars are locked by the guide, I compared the car guides from my Speed Arena and the Formula KIDZ First.

And indeed, there’s a subtle difference: the Speed Arena guide is slightly thinner.

Speed Arena Formula KIDZ Reference: 20016004
Suggested Retail Price: €50

What more can I say, not much, but I’m not going to finish my article here so before taking stock, I imagined a story around this theme in order to offer more than a circuit to your children but also a story.

Carrera First Slot Car Racing: The Story Behind the “Formula KIDZ” Set

Today, we’re diving into the world of slot car racing for the youngest players with the Carrera First “Formula KIDZ” set. While this track immediately appeals with its vibrant colors and controllers designed for small hands as young as 3, it was missing a touch of magic: a real story to thrill our young drivers!

Here’s the tale imagined to bring the two single-seaters in the set to life and transform each race into a true adventure.

Meet the pilots: Leo and Mia

To captivate children worldwide, introduce two heroes with universal names and strong personalities:

Leo “Lightning Bolt” (Blue Car #7): Always smiling, Leo is a bundle of energy. A bit impulsive, he loves speed and straightaways. His motto? “Full speed ahead to victory!”
Mia “Comet” (Red Car #9): Calm and very observant, Mia studies the track in every detail. She knows exactly when to slow down to take the corners with surgical precision. Her motto? “The race is won in the corners!”

The Story: The Imagination Circle Challenge

Leo and Mia are two best friends with a passion for anything with wheels. One afternoon, while exploring their grandfather’s attic—a former race mechanic—they discover a mysterious box containing two racing suits and the blueprint for a legendary racetrack.

By touching the steering wheel, magic happens: Leo and Mia are transported to the wheel of their very own Formula KIDZ single-seaters!

Their mission isn’t just to cross the finish line first, but to complete the Great Propeller Challenge: synchronizing their trajectories to spin the track’s spinners three times in a row. Leo must learn to control his enthusiasm in the tight corners, while Mia must unleash her power on the straights.

A perfect tool for role-playing games

Telling this story to younger children before starting the race completely transforms the gaming experience. The track is no longer just about pressing a trigger; it becomes the stage for a cooperative challenge where Leo and Mia race against the clock together.

And you, what names or adventures do you imagine when you launch your cars onto the track with your children? Tell me in the comments!