Kyosho Mini-Z: Review of the new modular carpet race track for the home
Have you heard of the Mini-Z? These fabulous little radio-controlled cars, small enough to fit in the palm of your hand and featuring strikingly realistic licensed body styles, are the stuff of dreams for thousands of enthusiasts. However, many modelers face the same problem: the difficulty of finding a suitable driving surface at home to fully enjoy them without the car slipping or picking up dust from the tile floor.
In 2026, the Japanese manufacturer is offering a practical solution with the launch of a brand-new generation of modular tracks for Mini-Z. An innovative system based on carpet tiles that could very well revolutionize indoor model racing!
From RCP foam to carpet: A brief history of the Mini-Z track
When Kyosho launched the first Mini-Z in 1999, users had to improvise tracks using scraps of carpet or cut out homemade track sections. In the early 2000s, the American modular tracks RCP Tracks (made of dense EVA foam) became the global standard for competition, adopted by the top clubs and officially distributed by Kyosho.
While RCP foam offers exceptional grip, it presented two major drawbacks for individual users: a high purchase price and, above all, the need for a great deal of storage space. It’s difficult to store huge, thick tiles in an apartment or a standard closet!
The Advantages of the New Kyosho Carpet System
To meet the needs of home practitioners, Kyosho has completely redesigned its product with this new carpet-style flooring combined with a unique interlocking system:
- Thinner tiles: The reduced thickness makes assembly much easier and ensures a perfectly flat surface.
- Ultra-compact storage: Once disassembled, the track takes up very little space and can be easily stored under a bed or in a closet.
- Quick setup: Assembly time is significantly reduced, allowing you to organize an impromptu driving session in your living room in just a few minutes.
- Affordable: This new technology makes it possible to offer a modular Kyosho track that is much more affordable than previous generations made of foam.
Field Test and Modularity
During our test, this new carpet surface proved to be particularly enjoyable to drive on. The level of grip is ideal: it offers an excellent balance between traction and forgiveness, allowing you to navigate tight turns with precision. Additionally, the high-quality construction of the edging and the strength of the connections ensure that the On-road stays in place, even during aggressive driving.
The basic track layout can be easily expanded by combining a second set or by adding the various expansion kits (turns, straights) available in the catalog. This allows you to adapt the size of your On-road to the size of your room.
An ideal track for the Mini-Z... but not just for that!
This was the pleasant surprise of this review: this modular track isn’t limited to just Kyosho cars. Its carpet-like texture and track spacing are perfectly suited to other small scales, particularly the micro-city cars and race cars from the Turbo Racing brand (1/76 scale). A truly universal playground for all micro-model enthusiasts!
RC Team’s review
Practical, quick to set up, easy to store, and a lot of fun to drive on, this new On-road carpet marks a winning comeback for Kyosho. It’s the perfect investment to transform your home into a real race track for an evening with friends or a rainy weekend.
