Speedtrack was launched in the USA in 1976/77 - one year earlier than Powertrack in the UK. It's launch went well but it is clear that US branding left alot to be desired compared with the UK.The crude box artwork was distinctly lacking in Matchbox's dynamic approach and high quality visuals. Inside the box, things were even worse in as much as the track and accessories were tied up and held loose in the box. No clever vac-form packaging here.
However, the five sets on offer at launch were formidable and included some cars that were never launched in the UK or Europe.
By 1978, Matchbox were showing a Police car and a 'Funny car' in its catalogue but there was no evidence of the forthcoming Race & Chase sets that were to prove very popular worldwide.
In 1979, Speedtrack was licensed to include Spiderman and Hulk variations of its budget sets. Of more interest was the launch of Race & Chase. Not just the PT-6000 version the UK was used to, but the quite excellent and unique Copter chase set. This is the holy grail of the Powertrack collector. I am confident it was never launched, but there must be evidence of the set supplied for Photography somewhere out there...
In 1980, Tyrone Malone's garish Racing truck made its debut along with the Slipstream racing set. Neither of these sets crossed over to the UK but they remain very popular on ebay.
By 1981 Speedtrack was dropped and renamed Powertrack. The 1981 catalogue shows 3 new sets in addition to the sets launched in 1980. However, these sets never saw the light of day and by then, Matchbox was in financial crisis.
