Toyracecars was started by Jim Russell to serve the model race car enthusiast. Jim has been in the Hobby and Toy business since the early sixties. He was the founder and president of American Russkit Company where he was responsible for the famous dual engine "Black Widow" 4 wheel drive slot car.

During this time period Russkit sponsored several big race cars. Back in the day of Lang Coopers and Vinagaroon Chevrolets, the Russkit mark could be seen everywhere. Later, the Russkit Porsche Carrera six effort in 1966 featured drivers Scooter Patrick and the late Ken Miles. Russkit won the USPRRC championship with this team.

Ronnie Bucknam drove a Lola T-70 for Jim a few years later. Jim's Russkit Lola raced against Jim Hall and Hap Sharp in Chaparrals sponsored by Cox Hobbies. It is safe to say that the line between big car racing and toy cars was somewhat blurred.

In the seventies Jim worked for Aurora where he developed the famous G+ H.O. scale slot cars, created AFX and introduced the new era of HO slot car racing. In between then and now Jim has been involved with all manner of model race cars, HO Slot cars, you name it. Today his company, Racemasters, continues to guide the development of AFX.

We hope you enjoy race cars in miniature as much as we do. It's been a lifelong passion and a great way to race cars without getting hurt!