Racetrack

Darda Create-A-Course Building System
$129.99
We small a small Darda racetrack at a local toystore and was impressed with the racetrack as compared to the hotwheels or other tracks we've seen. This box provides a tremendous amount of possibilities to configure different fun tracks. It takes a little getting used to winding up the cars (and getting used to the stop n go car which needs to be bumped to be started), but now our 4year old is an expert and is interested in building his own configurations (with a little help - he's able to connect most pieces himself). This will really grow with him.

Shake 'N Go Crash-Ups Crash Course
$64.99
Fun toy - my sons love it - easy to use for the younger kids since you just shake cars. Folds to store. Glad we bought it!

HOT WHEELS Trick Tracks Triple Stunt Starter Set
$24.99
My 4.5 yo son has several of the trick track components. The loop works well if you're using a lightweight regular-size car (heavier or longer cars fall out). The claw that is supposed to raise up and drop the car does not really work. It's very difficult (for me, let alone my son!!) to get the car balanced in the claw just right - the claw comes open too easily. Then if you get it so it holds the car, it won't come open when it's triggered at the top of it's lift... so we tap it a little to let the car go and trigger the next event. My son loves all things mechanical (and all things hot wheels), so he was disappointed that this element didn't work well. We also have the Spiral Spin-Out - this is sometimes hard to get the part that holds the cars to stay up until it's triggered (there are arrows to line up, but when it's weighted down w/ two cars it doesn't always "stick" when you put it up).

Overall, the trick tracks are pretty entertaining for a car-crazy kid. After almost a year of owning these things, my son still pulls them out to set up and play - he just skips the claw and if he uses the spiral spin out he has to ask me for help! All the sets come w/ spare rubber bands, but none of ours have worn out or snapped yet. Don't set your hopes to high for these things - it's just junky plastic after all, but good enough for the kids!! You can also use any hot wheels or matchbox type cars if they're not too long or too heavy.

Educo Switchback Racetrack
$69.99
18 months & up. Discover what happens when you let one car go. How about two at time? The bold graphics, fun colors and the vehicle's action will captivate even the youngest child. Includes four 2 1/2" cars. Racetrack measures 21 1/4"H x 7 1/2"W x 18 1/2"L at the base.