Since its release in 2010, the Carrera Digital Control Unit has been updated repeatedly via firmware updates. Firmware is software that is permanently programmed into the control unit and controls its functions. The firmware updates were installed via Carrera’s in-house “Carrera Race App.” Since Carrera discontinued development of the “Race App” some time ago and the app is now no longer available in either the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store, the question arises as to how users whose Control Units are still running an old firmware version can perform an update.
Why are firmware updates necessary?
On the one hand, firmware updates have fixed bugs (e.g., related to the Control Unit’s fuel feature); on the other hand, they have also added new features. For example, firmware version 336 or higher is required to use the Carrera Check Lane. Users with older versions cannot program the Check Lane correctly and therefore cannot use it.
In connection with the latest hardware version 8 of the Control Unit, which has been available on the market for some time, a bug has also been identified in combination with firmware 339 (the latest and, in effect, final firmware version). This bug causes the system to fail to detect cars passing through check lanes if they have not previously crossed the finish line. This bug does not occur with hardware version 5 of the Control Unit. A firmware update would likely be necessary to correct this error and restore the behavior users are accustomed to.
Statement from Carrera
In response to an inquiry from SmartRace, Carrera Toys GmbH stated that it would “make no changes,” saw “no need for action,” and would “not permit” the creation of an independent app for performing firmware updates. Given the brand’s long-standing and still-respected reputation, this stance is extremely regrettable.
What options are available to users with older firmware versions?
Since there are still many control units in circulation running older firmware versions (e.g., in starter kits or on the secondhand market), the number of affected users is likely to be significant. If a firmware update is necessary, the following options are available:
- Using an (older) Android device. If necessary, you can install older versions of the Carrera Race app directly from online platforms. You can find these platforms by entering the search term “Carrera Race App apk download” into a search engine.
- Ask the community for help. You might be able to find users nearby through communities like Facebook or the Freeslotter forum who still have the Carrera Race app installed on their devices and are willing to come over to install the update.
