Brushless motors could go the same way as other changes in motor technology have got into slot cars past.
At first the standard new technology from some other application is applied to slot cars.
That doesn't provide much, if any advantage.
Then guys who understand what makes slot cars work start developing motors specially for slot racing using the new technology.
Extra power isn't necessarily the best way of using new technology - as with previous changes in motor technology slot cars often gained more from lighter, smaller, lower c of g motors than they did from extra power.
Of course just plonking a different sort of motor in an existing chassis isn't usually the best way to get the benefit of the new motor, chassis need to be developed to make full use of the new motors.
Then motor and chassis developments feed on one another to produce a better car.
A gain in efficiency is a huge advantage in planes or cars that have to carry their batteries around with them. In slot cars efficiency is much less significant as long as motor cooling is adequate.
Commutator and brush wear are an issue with brush motors (particularly the quick ones) so brushless would have an advantage there.
Bearing wear would be just as much of an issue with or without brushes.
Will brush less take over in slot cars?
With home set cars, every penny that can be cut from the production cost matters, so the very low production cost of basic brush motors is a big advantage.
With faster cars the customer is prepared to pay more for better performance. Is it worth investing in the development of brushless slot car motors for these? That's a decision for the guys who can afford to make the investment.
