“Without legendary licenses, Carrera wouldn’t be Carrera …” Frank Tiessen talks brands and plans

Frank, welcome back. When we were in New York, you showed me an amazing product that brings AI into the racing-track space. Tell me about it!
Thank you, Deej! I’m thrilled to be here! You’re absolutely correct – what we’ve developed is a game-changer for the slot car racing industry. This has no direct correlation with slot cars… Rather, it’s a realistic racing-simulation experience called Carrera Hybrid – and it’s our boldest innovation yet. Imagine mixing the thrill of classic slot car racing with the sophistication of AI and digital gaming—that’s what we’ve produced.

It’s just amazing!
We’ve also customised it so that 16 people can compete at once and up to 30 racers can be accommodated on a single track. Today, it’s more than simply a track; it’s a cutting-edge racing ecosystem that puts players in control like never before.

I love your passion for the product! Tell us what it lets us do, Frank.
How do I even begin? Carrera Hybrid entirely redefines slot car racing. With the help of this technology, you can adjust every aspect of your car’s performance. Racers can make real-time adjustments to their speed, tyre grip, brake sensitivity and even fuel management with our app-based control system. This is one of the most adaptable racing-simulation experiences ever – it even lets you to race both on and outside the track. So yes – I feel a great passion for this because it’s far greater than just racing: it’s a spectacular combination of speed, skill, and strategy.

Fantastic! And in some respects, watching people race their cars round the track is like watching a magic trick… Because there aren’t any slots!
It feels magical, doesn’t it? In reality, though, its cutting-edge technology operating seamlessly behind the scenes.

Well, tell me… What’s the secret? Assuming it isn’t magic, how does it work?
The trick is that every vehicle has sensors powered by AI that are always in communication with the track and our app. Whether it’s adaptive acceleration, precise braking, or autonomous lane changes, these sensors use speed, track conditions and even the car’s position to make snap judgments. The results? Realistic, unpredictable and very immersive races that feel like the real thing.

AI is finally doing something of which everyone can approve! How long has this been in development, Frank?
The Carrera Hybrid has quite the journey! It all started a few years back, around 2022, when the brilliant minds behind it began sketching out the initial concepts. Think of it as the ‘idea phase’ where dreams started to take shape. Fast forward to 2024, and the project was in full swing, with extensive testing and fine-tuning. They even brought in backers and testers to make sure every detail was just right. It’s been a thrilling ride, and now we’re seeing the fruits of all that hard work and innovation.

How did this idea come about originally? How did Carrera Revell get involved?
When it comes to the racing experience, we’ve always been innovators. Carrera has been in the business for several decades, so we understand what drives racing enthusiasts. However, we also recognised a chance to advance—to combine the thrilling tactile experience of slot machines with the boundless possibilities of AI and digital gaming.

Thus, we created something entirely new by combining the best aspects of clever digital technology and real-world racing mechanics. Carrera Hybrid is an invention meant to thrill both die-hard racing enthusiasts and a younger generation of players.

What was the greatest challenge with the development?
Oh, there were many! Making AI function in a way that feels exciting and natural without overpowering the human racing experience, however, would be my choice if I had to choose just one. An AI that raced for you was not what we wanted. Rather, we wanted something that responds, adjusts, and improves the competition without taking away from the driver’s talent and thrill. One of the hardest—and most rewarding—problems we faced was striking that balance.

And how did you get there? How did you achieve that?
Relentless testing, constant tweaking, and a lot of passion! To get input at every step, we collaborated closely with tech developers, casual players and the whole team home and abroad – in Germany. We adjusted response times, experimented with various AI behaviours, and refined the sensor technology until it seemed perfect.

You often have interesting licenses supporting your product. Is that the case here?
Of course! Without legendary licenses, Carrera wouldn’t be Carrera. Big names are coming to Carrera Hybrid, and they’re going to blow fans away. We’re collaborating with Porsche, AMG, Audi and BWM just to mention a few as we all know, these are household brand names in the automobile industry. Imagine recognisable vehicles, illustrious racing teams, and some surprising partnerships that will elevate hybrid racing to a new level. Keep an eye out.

What’s the one question? I could’ve asked you about this, but didn’t?
Haha, I guess I’d ask myself: What impact does Carrera Hybrid have on the racing community?

Great question! What’s the answer?
This is the genesis of a whole new community-driven experience, not just a racing system. Carrera Hybrid aims to unite gamers in a manner never seen in simulated automotive racing before, thanks to its app-based controls, internet leaderboards, and worldwide contests. It’s more than just playing; it’s about competing, making connections, and joining a global racing community. So Carrera Hybrid is more than simply a product – it’s the racing of the future, whether you’re racing in hybrid tournaments, against online competitors, or with friends in your living room.

Fantastic! “It’s the racing of the future…” I might put that as the headline Frank; you’re making my job too easy. Thank you for that – and thank you for joining me.