The blurb from Argos:
Boys are in the driver's seat as they control all the thrills and spills fun around the figure-8 track using an easy-grip shifter that can change from fast to faster speeds.
Turn the on/off ignition key and the race is on!
Press the Crash button on the shifter box to activate cool racing and crashing sounds.
Pull over in the pit stop area overlooking the grandstands for a quick fix - boys can use the elevating car lift and get fix up sounds when they touch the special mechanic's wrench to the race cars!
An easy-off ramp on the front adds to the fun and extends race car play outside the track.
Raceway includes two colourful racing vehicles and two articulated driver figures, dressed in colours to match their team's car, that bend and twist to fit perfectly inside their vehicles.
Playset also includes a racing gate anchored with cones, 4 flags in team colours and a sign; all play pieces fit in figures' hands and in other areas around the detailed playset.
Vehicles store securely behind grandstand for take-along play.
So yes, they do have to press a button for crashing. Tom likes pressing buttons and can manage to do the lift on the garage, so should be fine. If not, we'll just have to keep showing him until he does it himself. I would say that Tom is about 6 months behind his toddler friends and he's not talking yet. He's also a funny bugger with ride on toys and won't go on them himself.