Mini-Z guide — build your complete track setup

Dreaming of your own Mini-Z race track — at home, at the club or in the office? Here you will find answers to the most common questions when you put together a complete setup with cars, track, lap timing and accessories.

We have supplied quite a few tracks and setups over the years — small and large — so you are always welcome to contact us for personal advice by e-mail or phone. Most of it is close to plug and play, and we are happy to guide you all the way.

1. Choose the right cars

MR03 or MR04?

For track driving, choose an RWD model (Rear Wheel Drive) — they work best on a track. They come in two versions:

• MR03 — the classic, proven model
• MR04 — the same size, but with a few upgrades, including the steering

The two versions are exactly the same size and can easily race each other on the same track — so you can mix them freely in your setup.

Mini-Z also comes in other variants, including AWD — which stands for All Wheel Drive. For track driving, however, we recommend the RWD models, which work best on a track.

👉 See all the RWD cars here (MR03 + MR04)

Can beginners join in?

Yes! Mini-Z cars are easy to learn to drive, and everyone can join in from the first evening. When several of you race each other, you get the closest and most fun races when everyone drives the same type (RWD) — then it is the driver's skill, not the car, that decides the race.

2. The track — size and layout

Choose the new Carpet Track 50 tracks

New Mini-Z tracks are now available that are easier to work with and less expensive than the old ones: they consist of tiles that clip together — without the screws used on the older tracks. We recommend them for a flexible setup that is easy to build, rebuild and pack away.

How big is the track?

In the standard layout, the Basic Set (Kyosho Carpet Track 50 Basic Set) takes up:

• Floor space: at least 4 × 3 metres of continuous area
• Track surface: 10 m²
• Modules: 40 pcs. of 50 × 50 cm
• Track width: approx. 1 metre
• Shape: L-shaped — 4 × 2 metres plus an extension of 2 × 1 metres

The modules can be arranged any way you like — there is no fixed pattern the track has to follow. And because the modules are only 50 × 50 cm, they are easy to take apart and store.

How many sets do I need?

One Basic Set is a good start for 2-3 cars. But if more cars are to race each other — e.g. 4-6 cars — we recommend combining 2-3 sets so the track becomes longer and more fun:

Carpet Track 50 Basic Set (40 pcs.)

The base track — start here

Carpet Track 50 Expansion Set (44 pcs.)

Expansion — makes the track longer and more varied

Carpet Track 50 Large Corner (12 pcs.)

Larger corners — for higher speed and more fun lines

The professional choice: Grand Prix Circuit (urethane)

If you want the ultimate, professional setup, choose the Grand Prix Circuit tracks in urethane rather than the Carpet tracks. They are available both as Circuit 30 (30 × 30 cm modules) and Circuit 50 (50 × 50 cm modules) — and here too: if several of you are going to race each other, the 50 track is the one you need.

Grand Prix Circuit50 Urethane (48 pcs. — 50 × 50)

Main track in urethane — the ultimate setup

Grand Prix Circuit 50 Expansion Set (60 pcs.)

Main track — 60 parts

Grand Prix Circuit 30 Urethane (48 pcs. — 30 × 30)

The 30 version — narrower modules

Expansions and parts for Circuit 50:

• Extension Set (63 pcs.)
• Oval Extension (32 pcs.)
• Large Corner Set (16 pcs.)
• Corner Set 45° (12 pcs.)
• Addition Corner Set
• Repair Kit

Expansions and parts for Circuit 30:

• Extension Set (63 pcs.)
• Large Corner Set (12 pcs.)
• Connection Pads (5 pcs.)
• Outer Mat (2 pcs.)

Track layouts – how much space your Mini-Z track needs

Dreaming of your own Mini-Z race track? Here are our most popular track layouts – from the beginner oval to the big Grand Prix XL. For each layout you can see how much space the track needs, how long it is, and exactly which sets you need.

Choose your track system

Kyosho makes two track systems. Both consist of 50 × 50 cm tiles, and all the layouts on this page can be built with either system – the difference is the material and the price:

Carpet Track 50 Tiles with a carpet surface that clip together without screws. The newer and less expensive of the two systems – easy to build, rebuild and pack away. A good choice for home, office and club. See the Carpet Track 50 tracks Grand Prix Circuit 50 Urethane modules with the grippiest surface – the same track system that is used for official Mini-Z races. The professional choice when grip and durability need to be top notch. See the Grand Prix Circuit 50 tracks

Carpet Track 50 – track layouts

Carpet Track 50 is Kyosho's new and slightly less expensive track system: 50 × 50 cm tiles that clip together without screws – easy to build, rebuild and pack away. Perfect for home, office and club.

Start with the Basic Set (40 pcs.)

The beginner oval

Size: 4.0 × 2.5 mTrack length: approx. 8.1 mTiles: 36 pcs.Corners: 4 × 90°Cars: 2-3

What you need:

• 1× Carpet Track 50 Basic Set (40 pcs.)

The perfect start – easy to build, with room to expand later.

The L track

Size: 4.0 × 3.0 mTrack length: approx. 8.7 mTiles: 40 pcs.Corners: 6 × 90°Cars: 2-3

What you need:

• 1× Carpet Track 50 Basic Set (40 pcs.)

Kyosho's standard layout – uses exactly the 40 tiles in the Carpet Basic Set and fits around a corner or a sofa.

Combine several sets – bigger tracks

All modules fit together across the sets, so the track can grow with you. Here are examples of what is possible when you combine several sets – the number of modules and corners adds up with the contents of the sets.

The club track

Size: 4.5 × 3.5 mTrack length: approx. 12.3 mTiles: 56 pcs.Corners: 8 × 90° – including 1 hairpinCars: 3-4

What you need:

• 1× Carpet Track 50 Basic Set (40 pcs.)
• 1× Carpet Track 50 Expansion Set (44 pcs.)

The hairpin makes the track technical and fun to master.

The speed oval

Size: 6.0 × 3.0 mTrack length: approx. 12.3 mTiles: 60 pcs.Corners: 4 × 90° XL sweepersCars: 3-4

What you need:

• 1× Carpet Track 50 Basic Set (40 pcs.)
• 1× Carpet Track 50 Expansion Set (44 pcs.)
• 1× Carpet Track 50 Large Corner (12 pcs.)

The big corners give high speed all the way round.

The Grand Prix track

Size: 6.0 × 3.5 mTrack length: approx. 16.4 mTiles: 76 pcs.Corners: 12 × 90° – including 2 hairpinsCars: 4-6

What you need:

• 1× Carpet Track 50 Basic Set (40 pcs.)
• 1× Carpet Track 50 Expansion Set (44 pcs.)

Two hairpins and long straights – the full club setup for race nights.

The long club track

Size: 6.5 × 3.5 mTrack length: approx. 17.4 mTiles: 80 pcs.Corners: 12 × 90° – including 2 hairpinsCars: 4-6

What you need:

• 1× Carpet Track 50 Basic Set (40 pcs.)
• 1× Carpet Track 50 Expansion Set (44 pcs.)

Two hairpins in a row reward precise driving.

Speed Grand Prix

Size: 7.0 × 3.5 mTrack length: approx. 16.9 mTiles: 78 pcs.Corners: 8 corners – including 1 hairpin and 2 XL sweepersCars: 4-6

What you need:

• 1× Carpet Track 50 Basic Set (40 pcs.)
• 1× Carpet Track 50 Expansion Set (44 pcs.)
• 1× Carpet Track 50 Large Corner (12 pcs.)

The combination of hairpin and XL sweepers gives both top speed and overtaking opportunities.

Grand Prix XL

Size: 8.0 × 3.5 mTrack length: approx. 21.6 mTiles: 100 pcs.Corners: 16 × 90° – including 3 hairpinsCars: 6-8

What you need:

• 1× Carpet Track 50 Basic Set (40 pcs.)
• 1× Carpet Track 50 Expansion Set (44 pcs.)
• 1× Carpet Track 50 Large Corner (12 pcs.)
• 1× Carpet Track 50 Additional Corner (4 pcs.)

Three hairpins and over 21 metres of track – and the tile count matches all four Carpet sets combined exactly.

Grand Prix 2XL

Size: 7.0 × 4.0 mTrack length: approx. 19.0 mTiles: 90 pcs.Corners: 12 corners – including 2 hairpins and 2 sweeping XL cornersCars: 6-8

What you need:

• 1× Carpet Track 50 Basic Set (40 pcs.)
• 1× Carpet Track 50 Expansion Set (44 pcs.)
• 1× Carpet Track 50 Large Corner (12 pcs.)

A technical section at the top and a clear 4 metre straight at the bottom – with sweeping corners at both ends.

Grand Prix 3XL

Size: 7.5 × 4.5 mTrack length: approx. 21.9 mTiles: 98 pcs.Corners: 8 corners – including 1 deep hairpin and 2 sweeping XL cornersCars: 6-8

What you need:

• 1× Carpet Track 50 Basic Set (40 pcs.)
• 1× Carpet Track 50 Expansion Set (44 pcs.)
• 1× Carpet Track 50 Large Corner (12 pcs.)
• 1× Carpet Track 50 Additional Corner (4 pcs.)

Two clear straights – 4.5 metres at the bottom and 3.5 metres at the top – separated only by one deep hairpin.

Grand Prix 4XL

Size: 8.0 × 5.0 mTrack length: approx. 24.9 mTiles: 110 pcs.Corners: 8 corners – including 1 extra-deep hairpin and 2 sweeping XL cornersCars: 8-10

What you need:

• 1× Carpet Track 50 Basic Set (40 pcs.)
• 2× Carpet Track 50 Expansion Set (44 pcs.)
• 1× Carpet Track 50 Large Corner (12 pcs.)

A 5 metre main straight and an extra 4 metre straight at the top – joined by one extra-deep hairpin.

Grand Prix 5XL

Size: 9.0 × 5.0 mTrack length: approx. 31.0 mTiles: 138 pcs.Corners: 12 corners – including 2 deep hairpins and 2 sweeping XL cornersCars: 10-12

What you need:

• 1× Carpet Track 50 Basic Set (40 pcs.)
• 2× Carpet Track 50 Expansion Set (44 pcs.)
• 1× Carpet Track 50 Large Corner (12 pcs.)

Two deep hairpins on the left, a 6 metre main straight and an extra straight at the top.

Grand Prix 6XL

Size: 10.0 × 5.5 mTrack length: approx. 36.0 mTiles: 158 pcs.Corners: 12 corners – including 2 deep hairpins and 2 sweeping XL cornersCars: 10-12

What you need:

• 2× Carpet Track 50 Basic Set (40 pcs.)
• 2× Carpet Track 50 Expansion Set (44 pcs.)
• 1× Carpet Track 50 Large Corner (12 pcs.)

A 7 metre main straight, a 3 metre extra straight and two hairpins more than 3 metres deep.

Grand Prix 7XL

Size: 11.0 × 6.0 mTrack length: approx. 41.0 mTiles: 178 pcs.Corners: 12 corners – including 2 very deep hairpins and 2 sweeping XL cornersCars: 12+

What you need:

• 2× Carpet Track 50 Basic Set (40 pcs.)
• 2× Carpet Track 50 Expansion Set (44 pcs.)
• 1× Carpet Track 50 Large Corner (12 pcs.)

The ultimate track: an 8 metre main straight, a 4 metre extra straight and hairpins 3.5 metres deep. Requires a room of at least 11 × 6 metres.

Grand Prix Circuit 50 – track layouts

Grand Prix Circuit 50 is the professional choice: 50 × 50 cm urethane modules with the grippiest surface – the same system that is used for official Mini-Z races. The base set contains 48 modules.

Start with the base set (48 pcs.)

The beginner oval

Size: 4.0 × 2.5 mTrack length: approx. 8.1 mTiles: 36 pcs.Corners: 4 × 90°Cars: 2-3

What you need:

• 1× Grand Prix Circuit 50 (48 pcs.)

The perfect start – easy to build, with room to expand later.

The L track

Size: 4.0 × 3.0 mTrack length: approx. 8.7 mTiles: 40 pcs.Corners: 6 × 90°Cars: 2-3

What you need:

• 1× Grand Prix Circuit 50 (48 pcs.)

Kyosho's standard layout – uses exactly the 40 tiles in the Carpet Basic Set and fits around a corner or a sofa.

Combine several sets – bigger tracks

All modules fit together across the sets, so the track can grow with you. Here are examples of what is possible when you combine several sets – the number of modules and corners adds up with the contents of the sets.

The club track

Size: 4.5 × 3.5 mTrack length: approx. 12.3 mTiles: 56 pcs.Corners: 8 × 90° – including 1 hairpinCars: 3-4

What you need:

• 1× Grand Prix Circuit 50 (48 pcs.)
• 1× GP Circuit 50 Extension Set (63 pcs.)

The hairpin makes the track technical and fun to master.

The speed oval

Size: 6.0 × 3.0 mTrack length: approx. 12.3 mTiles: 60 pcs.Corners: 4 × 90° XL sweepersCars: 3-4

What you need:

• 1× Grand Prix Circuit 50 (48 pcs.)
• 1× GP Circuit 50 Oval Extension (32 pcs.)

The big corners give high speed all the way round.

The Grand Prix track

Size: 6.0 × 3.5 mTrack length: approx. 16.4 mTiles: 76 pcs.Corners: 12 × 90° – including 2 hairpinsCars: 4-6

What you need:

• 1× Grand Prix Circuit 50 (48 pcs.)
• 1× GP Circuit 50 Extension Set (63 pcs.)

Two hairpins and long straights – the full club setup for race nights.

The long club track

Size: 6.5 × 3.5 mTrack length: approx. 17.4 mTiles: 80 pcs.Corners: 12 × 90° – including 2 hairpinsCars: 4-6

What you need:

• 2× Grand Prix Circuit 50 (48 pcs.)

Two hairpins in a row reward precise driving.

Speed Grand Prix

Size: 7.0 × 3.5 mTrack length: approx. 16.9 mTiles: 78 pcs.Corners: 8 corners – including 1 hairpin and 2 XL sweepersCars: 4-6

What you need:

• 1× Grand Prix Circuit 50 (48 pcs.)
• 1× GP Circuit 50 Oval Extension (32 pcs.)

The combination of hairpin and XL sweepers gives both top speed and overtaking opportunities.

Grand Prix XL

Size: 8.0 × 3.5 mTrack length: approx. 21.6 mTiles: 100 pcs.Corners: 16 × 90° – including 3 hairpinsCars: 6-8

What you need:

• 1× Grand Prix Circuit 50 (48 pcs.)
• 1× GP Circuit 50 Extension Set (63 pcs.)

Three hairpins and over 21 metres of track – and the tile count matches all four Carpet sets combined exactly.

Grand Prix 2XL

Size: 7.0 × 4.0 mTrack length: approx. 19.0 mTiles: 90 pcs.Corners: 12 corners – including 2 hairpins and 2 sweeping XL cornersCars: 6-8

What you need:

• 1× Grand Prix Circuit 50 (48 pcs.)
• 1× GP Circuit 50 Oval Extension (32 pcs.)
• 1× GP Circuit 50 Large Corner Set (16 pcs.)

A technical section at the top and a clear 4 metre straight at the bottom – with sweeping corners at both ends.

Grand Prix 3XL

Size: 7.5 × 4.5 mTrack length: approx. 21.9 mTiles: 98 pcs.Corners: 8 corners – including 1 deep hairpin and 2 sweeping XL cornersCars: 6-8

What you need:

• 1× Grand Prix Circuit 50 (48 pcs.)
• 1× GP Circuit 50 Extension Set (63 pcs.)
• 1× GP Circuit 50 Large Corner Set (16 pcs.)

Two clear straights – 4.5 metres at the bottom and 3.5 metres at the top – separated only by one deep hairpin.

Grand Prix 4XL

Size: 8.0 × 5.0 mTrack length: approx. 24.9 mTiles: 110 pcs.Corners: 8 corners – including 1 extra-deep hairpin and 2 sweeping XL cornersCars: 8-10

What you need:

• 1× Grand Prix Circuit 50 (48 pcs.)
• 1× GP Circuit 50 Extension Set (63 pcs.)
• 1× GP Circuit 50 Large Corner Set (16 pcs.)

A 5 metre main straight and an extra 4 metre straight at the top – joined by one extra-deep hairpin.

Grand Prix 5XL

Size: 9.0 × 5.0 mTrack length: approx. 31.0 mTiles: 138 pcs.Corners: 12 corners – including 2 deep hairpins and 2 sweeping XL cornersCars: 10-12

What you need:

• 1× Grand Prix Circuit 50 (48 pcs.)
• 1× GP Circuit 50 Extension Set (63 pcs.)
• 1× GP Circuit 50 Oval Extension (32 pcs.)

Two deep hairpins on the left, a 6 metre main straight and an extra straight at the top.

Grand Prix 6XL

Size: 10.0 × 5.5 mTrack length: approx. 36.0 mTiles: 158 pcs.Corners: 12 corners – including 2 deep hairpins and 2 sweeping XL cornersCars: 10-12

What you need:

• 1× Grand Prix Circuit 50 (48 pcs.)
• 1× GP Circuit 50 Extension Set (63 pcs.)
• 1× GP Circuit 50 Oval Extension (32 pcs.)
• 1× GP Circuit 50 Large Corner Set (16 pcs.)

A 7 metre main straight, a 3 metre extra straight and two hairpins more than 3 metres deep.

Grand Prix 7XL

Size: 11.0 × 6.0 mTrack length: approx. 41.0 mTiles: 178 pcs.Corners: 12 corners – including 2 very deep hairpins and 2 sweeping XL cornersCars: 12+

What you need:

• 2× Grand Prix Circuit 50 (48 pcs.)
• 1× GP Circuit 50 Extension Set (63 pcs.)
• 1× GP Circuit 50 Oval Extension (32 pcs.)

The ultimate track: an 8 metre main straight, a 4 metre extra straight and hairpins 3.5 metres deep. Requires a room of at least 11 × 6 metres.

3. Batteries and charging

Mini-Z cars run on rechargeable AAA batteries — so there is no built-in battery in the car, and you can swap to fresh batteries in a few seconds and keep driving.

Kyosho has its own sensible batteries and chargers for the job:

Kyosho Speed House AAA cells (4 pcs.)

At least one set per car — ideally two, so you can charge and drive at the same time

Multi-Cell Evo Charger

Charges several cells at once

4. Lap timing — who is fastest?

With a lap timing system, track driving becomes real racing: lap times, best lap and race results. We recommend the new LapWizsystem — good and affordable:

LapWiz Smart RC Lap Timing System

The finish line/system itself

LapWiz Transponder Mini-Z T03

One per car — the Mini-Z version

Other LapWiz products — if you also drive RC cars other than Mini-Z, the transponder comes in several variants:

• LapWiz Transponder Standard T01
• LapWiz Transponder Enhanced Signal T02

5. Tyres — the most important upgrade

Bonus tip: the standard tyres the cars come with are rather poor for track driving. Switch to tyres that suit the track surface — it is the cheapest and most noticeable upgrade you can make.

👉 See Mini-Z tyres here — or ask us, and we will recommend the right ones for your track.

Our recommendation for track driving: PN Racing KS Compound RCP Slick MEDIUM at the front (KS1038) and Marka V1 RCP Rubber 10° soft at the rear (MZR-V1R10) — it gives a completely different level of grip on the track.

6. Spare parts — need to have vs. nice to have

Need to have from the start: Extra tyres (the number one wear part) and extra AAA batteries, so you can drive without breaks.

Nice to have: You do not need to buy other spare parts in advance — Mini-Z cars are robust, and we keep a large stock of Mini-Z spare parts and accessories, so parts are quickly on their way if something breaks. Contact us if you would like a small spare parts package put together for your setup.

7. Storage

There is practical storage for the cars, so they last a long time and are easy to take with you:

Kyosho Mini-Z Case (201 × 108 × 52 mm)

Protects each car

Kyosho Mini-Z Carrying Bag (280 × 200 × 75 mm)

Bag for transport

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

How big does the track need to be for the number of cars?
One Basic Set (approx. 4 × 3 m of floor space) is fine for 2-3 cars. For 4-6 cars we recommend 2-3 sets combined, so the track is long enough for the field to spread out.

Do the cars have a built-in battery, or can they be recharged?
They run on rechargeable AAA batteries, which can be swapped in a few seconds. No charging breaks — just swap cells and keep driving.

Which cars are rear-wheel drive?
The models marked RWD (Rear Wheel Drive — MR03 and MR04) are rear-wheel drive — they are the ones to use on a track. AWD stands for All Wheel Drive. Use the "Mini-Z type" filter on the car overview to see them.

Does everyone need to drive the same model, and can beginners handle them?
Anyone can learn Mini-Z quickly. You get the closest races when everyone drives RWD — MR03 and MR04 can be mixed freely, as they are the same size.

Is there a difference in the size of the cars?
MR03 and MR04 are exactly the same size and can race each other without any problems.

How big are the track parts when the track is taken apart?
The modules are 50 × 50 cm tiles — easy to stack and store. The track can be built in whatever pattern you like.

Should I choose Carpet Track or Grand Prix Circuit (urethane)?
Carpet Track is the flexible and affordable choice that is easy to build and pack away. If you want the ultimate, professional setup, choose the Grand Prix Circuit tracks in urethane.

Which lap timing equipment is the smartest choice?
LapWiz Smart RC Lap Timing System + one Mini-Z T03 transponder per car. A good system at a sensible price.

Can you get storage cases for the cars?
Yes — see the Mini-Z Case for each car and the Carrying Bag for transport under "Storage" above.

Which tyres do you recommend for Mini-Z track driving on RCP tracks?
The standard tyres the cars come with give poor grip on a track. For RCP tracks (Carpet Track and Grand Prix Circuit) we recommend PN Racing KS Compound RCP Slick MEDIUM 38 shore at the front (KS1038) and Marka V1 RCP Rubber 10° soft at the rear (MZR-V1R10) — that combination gives a completely different level of grip on the track and is the cheapest upgrade with the biggest effect.

Are there ready-made Mini-Z track layouts with dimensions and parts lists?
Yes — further up this page you will find 14 tested track layouts, from the beginner oval at 4.0 × 2.5 metres to the Grand Prix 7XL at 11.0 × 6.0 metres with approx. 41 metres of track length. Each layout shows the space required, the number of 50 × 50 cm tiles and exactly which sets you need to buy — for both Carpet Track 50 and Grand Prix Circuit 50.

Would you like help with your setup?

Whether it is for the living room, the club or the company: write to us or call us with your wishes (number of cars, space and budget), and we will put together a complete proposal — cars, track, lap timing, batteries and everything else. Contact us here.