This is the first of Matchbox's rebranded Speedtrack sets for the USA. Called Powertrack, the main thrust of the product was to include faster cars with 12 volts. See elsewhere for more details of what was changed but the main thing is this set does not exist...
The cars are a fabulous VW Scirocco - its painted in BMW racing colours! The other is the Escort in a rather gloomy black and brick red colour that might have looked better in the flesh. Might have.
The track left a lot to be desired for 'high speed racing action'. At under 10 ft it is one of the smallest Powertrack sets ever made. The start line featured new graphics, but it was no improvement on the original start line.
Also check out the bridge supports - first outing of the new design found in Powertrack Plus.
The hand controllers are the Race & chase type but presumably this was for cost grounds to standardise product. Maybe you could reverse current to race against your opponent literally?
As a curiousity there is much of interest here, but as a racing set it is ill conceived. Better was to come.
Pro-8 Challenge comprised:
1 x Ford Escort
1 x VW Scirocco
6 x 90 degree 9" curve
1 x 9" Terminal track
1 x 9" Straight
2 x 15" Straight
2 x Bridge supports
6 x Crash barriers
Track length: 10 ft.
Typical selling price: Never launched.
