To celebrate 25 years of Carrera GO!!! (2001–2026), here’s a look back at the major events, innovations, and developments that have marked this flagship 1/43 scale range:
Launched in the early 2000s, the Carrera GO!!! range has established itself in a quarter of a century as the undisputed benchmark for mainstream slot racing and children’s first steps on the track.
Chronology
2001: Launch of Carrera GO!!!
Launch of the range (2001): Carrera launched the GO!!! range to democratize slot racing for children and families with a compact 1/43 scale system. Stadlbauer (Carrera’s owner at the time) introduced Carrera GO!!!. The objective was strategic: to offer an accessible and less bulky alternative to traditional 1/32 scale tracks. The 1:43 scale was adopted, ideal for children’s bedrooms, while retaining the authenticity of magnet-driven slot racing.
2000s: The Era of Action Tracks
Loops, ramps, crossovers, and lane changes became iconic elements of the GO!!! experience. The track was no longer simply a replica of a racetrack; it also became a playground where the layout and obstacles were part of the spectacle.
2002: The Beginnings of Connected Racing
Experiments exploring the interaction between racing tracks and video games appeared very early in the history of the GO!!! series. The VRS system, paired with the Game Boy Advance, exemplified this desire to go beyond simple two-car racing, incorporating race data and features inspired by video games.
2008: Carrera Digital 143
The arrival of the digital system based on GO!!! tracks, allowing up to 3 cars to run simultaneously and enabling overtaking via switch tracks.
2010s:
The worlds of Disney-Pixar Cars, Mario Kart, and Formula 1 give the range an identity that extends beyond the circle of motorsport enthusiasts. The miniature cars also become familiar characters, helping to make GO!!! a gateway to slot car racing.
2016: Arrival of GO!!!+
Launch of an interactive sub-range offering a connection to a smartphone app, sound effects, and pit stop mini-games. While the interactive concept was promising, this sub-range was unfortunately unsuccessful.
2017: Redesign and New Controllers
Adoption of new packaging, new track stands, and redesigned electronic controllers (offering improved acceleration control from 0 to 100% with a Turbo button), as well as the introduction of wireless controllers.
2020: Launch of GO!!! Battery
Introduction of an intermediate range powered by batteries (or a transformer), without a Turbo button, to make it easier for younger players to learn before moving on to the classic GO set.
2020: Digital Accessories
Arrival of the electronic tachometer powered by a micro-USB cable.
2021: Build’n Race Range
A major innovation combining road racing and building bricks (compatible with LEGO), allowing you to create your own car bodies and track scenery.
2022: Hot Wheels Partnership
Launch of spectacular sets featuring stunts, loops, ramps, and orange/flame scenery elements.
2023: Sonic The Hedgehog & GO Challenge
The Sonic license is introduced, and the GO Challenge single-track range is created, dedicated to time trials and skill challenges.
2024: End of Digital 143 & Return of NASCAR
Digital 143 is permanently discontinued in favor of a focus on GO, accompanied by the return of the official NASCAR license (Hendrick Motorsports) and themed sets like VR46 Valentino Rossi.
2025 : Tuning Zone
Exploring street racing style with the Tuning Zone / Street Legends series
2026: Celebrating 25 years & a new beginning
A new starting base with an integrated tachometer and digital display is coming to the sets.
The range celebrates its 25th anniversary by continuing to expand its expansions (Formula Racer, accessories) and maintaining its compatibility with all 1/43 scale track produced since 2001.
The developments that have shaped the range
Formula 1: A Historical Thread
Single-seater cars have been a part of GO!!!’s identity across generations. They allow you to relive, on a small scale, the colors, sponsors, and drivers that make motorsport headlines.
Cars and Fictional Universes
The arrival of cars from movies and video games significantly expands the range’s imaginative possibilities. Slot racing also becomes a way to race your favorite characters.
Spectacular Accessories
Loops, jumps, bridges, chicanes, and lane changes give the tracks their personality. The evolution of these elements is one of the best ways to visually tell the story of 25 years of GO!!!.
Electronics and Connected Gaming
From early experiments with video games to the interactive features of GO!!!+, including lap counters and apps, the range has progressively enriched the track experience.
GO!!! in 2026: what makes it unique
The 1:43 scale
A compact format, ideal for home tracks.
The analog duel
Two drivers, two controllers, and a direct race.
The action-packed track
Spectacular elements and evolving layouts.
The iconic licenses
Motorsport, movies, and video games.
These features remain central to the official presentation of Carrera GO!!!.
Conclusion
Since 2001, the cars have changed, the licenses have been renewed, and the play possibilities have multiplied, but the essence remains the same: build your track, take the start, and try to cross the finish line first.
From a modest beginning with four sets in the first year, the range has expanded to over 500 sets. Formula 1 has established itself as the number one theme, followed by Police sets (with flashing lights), Disney Pixar Cars, DTM, and GT.