6. The last slot car racing venue was in Kensington until 2021
Buzz-a-Rama in Kensington was New York City’s last slot car racing venue. Buzz-a-Rama was opened in 1965 by Frank “Buzz” Perri (who got his nickname from his time as a high-jumper in high school) and his wife Dolores, both of whom passed away from Covid-19 in 2021. Frank and Dolores grew up in the neighborhood and spent their days at the venue showing adults and children how the cars worked. At the time it opened, Buzz-a-Rama was one of a few dozen locations in the city dedicated to the hobby, in which people race remote-controlled cars at high speeds. Despite a decline in the hobby due to competition from radio-controlled cars and video games, slot car racing still has organizations that sponsor and regulate competitions around the world. The trend died off further into the late 20th century, though Buzz-a-Rama remained strong.
The site, which was located at 69 Church Avenue, had five slot car courses inside with eight tracks each, surrounded by colorful swivel benches and chairs. The space also had old-school video games and pinball machines, as well as a “Refueling Center” in the back with three vending machines for snacks and drinks. Dolores told Untapped New York back in 2020, “This fella from California — he was all excited that he was able to come from California and you’re still here! And the memories!” In late 2021, their son Frank decided to sell the property and its merchandise, citing the increasing rent and the economic impacts of the pandemic.