Mattel's new starting gate?

I just found this on Mattel's website...the starting gate is part of the HW Super Track Pack.
(Borrowed Image)
I'm uncertain if they plan on releasing it as a single track piece or not...hopefully they will.
GspeedR
Discussion
I have a Dremel.
the pins are there to hold the "sagging" track from sliding off the starter's track connecters...
some high sidewall orange track sections have the hole...
maybe use the dermal to drill a matching hole in your track...
... also, the starter's lanes don't seem to be parallel...
IMO... it would be tough to pre-set each car so that it would be even, when launched they are forced towards the center, the cars rubbing the track sidewall... i question the ease of having fair races...
... also, the starter's lanes don't seem to be parallel...
IMO... it would be tough to pre-set each car so that it would be even, when launched they are forced towards the center, the cars rubbing the track sidewall... i question the ease of having fair races...
I noticed that too. I think it could still provide a fair start as long as its 'squarely' mounted, although body rubbing cars might be @ a disadvantage...rubbing the outer gate wall on exit could slow them down. Otherwise, I do like the larger & smoother release pins.
If there's anything we do well around here it's modding...I'm sure once these are out, one of us will find a way to tweak the hell out of it and make it kick butt.
I had thought about drilling out a hole for the tab posts, but since I never had planned to have them suspended I decided to shave them off instead.
To me the plastic they are using looks like that slippery kind already.
Would plumbers teflon tape on the inside track walls help with reducing friction in this design at launch?
That looks interesting. I wonder if it will be adjustable? I shaved the pins off the tabs of my 6 lane ramp - note the bumps they make in the track! Low clearance cars bounced off of them a bit.