JUNE 11, 2007 - 33rd Nationals Championships were AWESOME!  The Indiana HO Racing Association hosted a spectacular event.  Dave Lehr, Tom Shepherd, Tim Rosberg, Dave Stevens and the rest of the crew made sure everyone had a great time.  Sixty two enthusiast from fourteen states came to compete against the best racers in the country for the title of National Champion.  For the complete  finish order click here for Race Results.  There are some new faces and a couple old ones stepping up to take the reins of the HOPRA Organization.  After thirteen years (the past nine consecutively) as National Director, Bill Miles is taking a well needed rest from the helm to spend more time with family, and finally have time to just race.  By unanimous vote, Paul Reeve from Ohio has been given the thankless task of taking HOPRA to the next level.  Good Luck Paul!  We also have changes and additions to the Senate.  Ohio has two new Reps., Loye Elliott and a familiar face, former National Director, Mike Shanks.  Chris Christensen  will be a new Rep. for Wisconsin.  Also, New Jersey has been added to the executive committee, with veteran race Harvey Goodwin representing.  For a copy of the minutes of the 2007 Executive Committee Meeting, click here Meeting Minutes.  Finally, for those of you who did not get an event shirt at Nationals, here’s your last chance to purchase one of the best looking Nationals shirts ever. Click here for all the details.

 

APRIL 6, 2007 - 2007 National Championship Hotel Information and Track pictures are now posted, check it out!

 

MARCH 5, 2007 - NEWS FLASH! Click link for Press Release for 2007 National Championships

 

MARCH 3, 2007 - The 2007 National rule proposal votes are in, click on this link to access the “2007 Rule Proposals”  Thank you to all of the Senate members input on the rule proposals, and a big THANK YOU to the manufacturers, Scale Auto/BSRT and Slottech for the product submissions for approval as requested.  To all of our members/racers who run Wizzard cars, we are saddened that Mr. Lincoln was unable to submit the requested products for approval as requested following the 2006 Nationals.  “I will do everything that I can to make your trip to Indy for Nationals the best it can possibly be no matter what brand of car you race” Bill Miles, National Director.

 

FEBRUARY 2, 2007 - Click on this link to access the “2007 Rule Proposals” that were sent to your Senate Reps for discussion.

 

FEBRUARY 1, 2007 - He’s BACK! Tom Gray has returned to the position of Membership Director, glad to have him back!  Please send all renewal or new memberships to Tom, thanks.

 

NOVEMBER 1, 2006 - Our membership director, Tom Gray has resigned effective immediately.  We would like to thank him for the outstanding job he has done over the past year and a half, and wish him well.  John Mullen, senate rep. for Illinois has volunteered to take on this thankless job for the remainder of the racing year.  Please forward any new/renewal memberships to John.

 

 AUGUST 1, 2006 - Mark your calendar, the 33rd Annual H.O. Slot Car National Championships will be held June 7-10, 2007 in Noblesville, Indiana.  The host club, Indiana H.O. Racing Association plans on a slot car event not to be missed.  Not only will there be the battles for National Championships in six classes, but several support races along with a swap meet for collectors and hardcore racing enthusiast.  More details will be coming soon and will be posted on the Nationals page.

 

JULY 9, 2006 - The 2006 National Championships returned to the “Buckeye State” on July 6th hosted by the Ohio H.O. Racing Series.  Paul Reeve, Rusty Jackson, Mike Handy, and the rest of the Ohio racers put together a great event.  One of the highlights of the weekend was the appearance of slot car legend Henry Harnish “1962 National Champion” competing in the T-Jet class.  Henry finish a very respectful 4th place just a little over five laps off the winning pace set by Tony Porcelli.  Henry, you still have the touch!  The full event results are now posted.  Congratulations to All of the Winners!

 

JUNE 1, 2006 - Click here: 06 Nationals Schedule to take you to the updated schedule of events.  Please note the opening and closing of practice times.  We will be on a tight schedule all weekend.  so please be aware of your event start times as we will not be able to hold up any races for late arrivals.  The track page has been updated also, click here : Nationals tracks.

 

MARCH 10, 2006 - The 2006 32nd Annual H.O. Scale Slot Car National Championships details (hotels and link to nationals track pictures) are coming together and are posted on the Nationals page.  The schedule of events should be coming soon.

 

DECEMBER 20, 2005 - The 2006 HOPRA Rulebooks are in the mail.  If you have not received yours please let us know asap, so we can get one to you.  If your membership has expired or you are not a member, please fill out our Membership Application and send it off to your new membership director: Tom Gray 45 Renshaw Road, Weare, NH 03281

 

OCTOBER 12, 2005 - The 2006 32nd Annual H.O. Scale Slot Car National Championships will be held July 6-9, 2006 in Canton, Ohio.  Rusty Jackson, Paul Reeve and the Ohio HOPRA crew are hard at work ironing out the details on tracks, hotels, etc.  As soon as they are available, we will post it on the NATIONALS page.

 

AUGUST 6, 2005 - The Votes are in, with proposals 1 thru 9 passing (with a few minor tweaks) and 99% support.  Proposals number 10 & 11 were defeated by a 10 to 3 vote.

 

JULY 19, 2005 - Click on this link to access the “2006 Rule Proposals” that were sent to your Senate Reps for discussion.

 

JULY, 1, 2005 - Next year’s 32nd Nationals has had more bid’s to host than in quite a few years.  We would like to thank everyone for there efforts in putting together a bid to host next years Nationals, Dan Decosmo/MARC, Michael Block/FSMRA, Phil Laquatra/PA HOPRA, Rusty Jackson & Paul Reeve/OH HOPRA, and Lucky Bob’s Raceway/Milwaukee.  Well the votes are in, “Congrats to Ohio HOPRA”!!!  Details will be posted as soon as they are available.

 

JUNE 12, 2005 - The 31st Annual HOPRA Nationals was a spectacular event hosted by Michael Block & Dan Luna and crew at the new FSMRA / Quad City Hobby & Raceway in Davenport Iowa.  The tracks were very challenging & the competition was fierce for the racers.  Michael and Dan’s new facility was first class with great tracks, lots of pit space, a stocked parts supply, and hospitality to make everyone’s trip to Iowa well worth it.  Race Results are posted, and congratulations to all of the Winners!

 

JUNE 5, 2005 - The HOPRA Member Bulletin Board is up and  running!  This will be a location to get information on racing, car set-ups from the top racers in the country and discuss any and all HOPRA member concerns.  To get access to the bulletin board you must register with EZ Board under your actual name (no screen names).  Once you are registered, go to the board and request access to the board.  Paul “Flash” Reeve from Ohio is our board administrator.

 

APRIL 5, 2005 - “NEWS FLASH” The FSMRA Raceway is moving to a “BIGGER & BETTER” facility down the road from the old place.  It has over 4500 sq. ft. of space with plenty of parking, and is walking distance (1/2 mile) from the Nats. Hotel.  The Nationals page has been updated, also check the links at the bottom for the complete list of track diagrams.

 

FEBRUARY 28, 2005 - The 2005 Nationals Schedule and track list is now posted.  Also the Nationals page has updated information posted. 

 

We would like to send our appreciation out to Stacy Groves of Belton, Missouri for all his efforts in signing up new members and organizing the Missouri HOPRA “Midwest Speed Demon’s” race series. “Good Luck” to everyone.

 

JANUARY 31, 2005 - We would like to “WELCOME” the two new HOPRA Senate Representatives from the state of Ohio, Paul “Flash” Reeve and Rusty “R.J.” Jackson.  They will be an asset to the Senate and the Ohio membership.  We would like to thank Ben Naelitz for his many years of dedication and service to the HOPRA organization and Ohio members.  He will be missed but we are sure his racing program will improve with his extra free time.

 

Recently a question was addressed concerning “use of glue on the armature bushings”.  The HOPRA Senate had much discussion on this issue, then voted to allow “the use of glue/loctite on the armature bushings in all classes.”  An amended rule sheet will be sent to all members with the “ Nationals” flyer.  Speaking of Nationals, the final details are being worked out on the schedule and will be posted soon along with track diagrams and specs.

 

DECEMBER 1, 2004 - The 31st Annual HOPRA National Championships will be host by Dan Luna & Michael Block’s “ FSMRA Raceway” in Davenport, Iowa on June 9 - 12, 2005.  This is the largest HO Racing facility in the world.  They have 5 tracks on location and more available for the Nationals.  More details will be posted as soon as they become available, so mark your calendar.

 

The 2005 HOPRA National rules have been finalized and are in the process of being printed for distribution.  Look for your rule book to come in the mail in the next few weeks.  If you do not have a current membership, please take the time to fill out a membership application and mail it in as soon as possible.

 

JULY 10, 2004 - The following is a brief report of your Senate Representatives meeting at the 30th Nationals.  First off, we would like to thank all of the Senate members who were able to attend this year’s 30th Annual Nationals in Detroit.  Everyone stepped up to make our event a total success.  We have received more compliments from racers on this year’s Nationals than ever before. 

 

 The “Open Meeting” did not go as smoothly as in the past, between the two racers (one who is not a HOPRA member)  taking the majority of the speaking time, we feel some racers may not have had a chance to voice their opinion.  We did not have a chance to address several issues that were on our agenda.  We will be working on a set meeting agenda with rule proposals for each car class or type of car for next years open meeting with a time allotted for racer comments on each agenda item.  Then at the end of the meeting open it up to cover all other issues.  Plan on talking to your state/regional representatives after the first of the year, put together any rule ideas/proposals that can be distributed to all senate members say 60/90 days before Nationals to discuss with their members before we get to Nationals.  Maybe, one hour is not enough time to let everyone have a chance to speak.  We will try to schedule a two hour block of time for the open meeting because We want everyone to have a chance to voice their opinion.

 

We will go through every item/rule that was addressed during the senate meeting. The Senate Representatives present at the meeting were:  Ohio – Bill Graffius & Ben Naelitz, Illinois – Rick DeRosa & Rick Tidd, Indiana – Tim Rossberg & Dave Lehr, Michigan – Scott Terry & Walt Dick, New England States – Tom Gray, New York – Marty Leslie, Pennsylvania – Phil LaQuatra (non-voting probation) & Bill Miles, National Director.  All three major manufacturers presented a new or updated cars/chassis and magnets for approval.  Also Dan DeCosmo presented a chassis (which uses parts from the other three manufacturers with his T+ bulkhead) only for approval.  All four of them met the requirements need for approval.  After discussion on these cars/chassis a vote was taken.  It was “Unanimous” to approve all cars/chassis and magnets as presented for the next three years.  Box Stock class was next, and with the issue of availability of the “Life-Like” cars a proposal to allow the “BSRT G3” and new “Slottech T1” in Box Stock was voted on.  The vote was “Unanimous” for these cars.  Also the senate directed Bill Miles to contact Bob Lincoln of Wizzard Products to give him 120 days to come up with a hard body clip/mounting system for the new “Storm” chassis.  Next we discussed Amateur Super Stock to allow “any folded tab / red wire / 5.8 ohm / balanced / trued commutator / epoxied (non coated lams/stacks) armature” would be allowed.  The vote was 7 Yes & 3 No (proposal passed).  Also a “Unanimous” vote was made to make Amateur Super Stock a “Championship Class” again at Nationals.  Next was Pro Super Stock, with the same armature proposal.  The vote was “Unanimous” to allow the “hot stock” type arms.  Modified class was next on the agenda with much discussion to change the class to an “all ceramic magnet / open motor / sanded chassis” type car.  The overwhelming majority of racers during the open meeting vote yes for this type of chassis/magnet packaged for Modified class.  The senate followed suit and vote 8 Yes & 2 No to approve this change.  No changes were made to Polymer Modified or Unlimited Class rules.  The Vintage T-Jet rules were tabled until the new “Fray” rules are released this summer.  We did vote “Unanimously” to make T-Jet’s a “Championship Class” at next years Nationals.

 

Finally the last item on the agenda was the bids for the 31st Nationals.  Ohio / Bill Graffius presented an incomplete bib for next year along with an outstanding bid from FSMRA Raceway / Dan Luna / Michael Block of Davenport, Iowa.  We will allow Bill and the Ohio group a chance to present a complete and detailed bid within the next few weeks that I will forward to all Senate members along with the FSMRA Raceway bid for you’re their review and vote.

 

This is a brief review of the business discussed and acted on by your Senate Reps. at the 30th Nationals meeting.  Please feel free to contact you Senate Rep. if you have any questions, or comments.  Communication is our priority item for the coming year.

 

JUNE 15, 2004 - SECTACULAR! That is the one word that best described our 30th Annual National Championships at Kart 2 Kart in Detroit.  The BEST Facility, the BEST Tracks, the BEST Competition, and the GREATEST group of racers in any one place.  THANK YOU to every one who attended.  You are the one’s that made it SPECTACULAR!  The tracks, what can we say, Bryan Henden of Brystal Motorsport and his crew (Phil Christenson, Shawn Martin and Walt Moon) made the ultimate road trip from the great northwest with three new tracks.  If that was not enough, they stopped along the way at Michael Block & Dan Luna’s fabulous FSMRA Raceway in Davenport, Iowa to pick-up the custom Brystal “Dragon’s Tail” layout. Michigan racer, Scott Terry provide his incredible THOR Raceway 21st Century circuit to complete the track line-up.  Racers from 17 states, Japan, and Canada made for the most competitive field of entrants ever.  To see who finished were, click here for complete results.  Check back here for the rules meeting report.

 

APRIL 13, 2004 - The Nationals page is updated with links to the schedule and the tracks for the summers “BEST Nationals Ever”.  The tracks for this years event will be the finest quality lineup we have ever had.  Bryan Henden, of Brystal Motorsports will be providing two “Brand New” tracks, a 6 lane 4’ x 16’ “Scorpion” and a 4 lane 4’ x 14’ “Banzai layout.  Michigan racer, Scott Terry, will be providing his awesome 21st Century custom layout also. 

 

FEBRUARY 11, 2004 - The past National Champions pages are finished and are now up, except for results from the 1993 19th Annual Nationals.  If anyone has the results from the 19th Nats. please e-mail us or give the National Director a call, because it is missing from the archives and your help would be greatly appreciated.  The Ohio HOPRA organization has a new web site: www.ohioho.com  Check it out!   Paul “Flash” Reeve and the rest of the Ohio team have put together an awesome web site.  Keep up the good work “Flash”.

 

FEBRUARY 1, 2004  -  Have we got a deal for you!  Room rates at just $41.95 for two dbl beds or one king.  The official hotel (Party Central) for the Nationals is the Sterling Heights Days Inn (located just 2.5 miles from the race).  To book a room, call group reservations at 1-800-241-2340 and give them the “HO Nationals” Confirmation Number: 63868899.  We have also updated the Nationals page, check it out.

 

JANUARY 21, 2004  -  The Nationals Schedule has been posted.  We have just a few changes from the past few years with a couple special events added in to make this the “BEST” Nationals ever.  The first special event will be the “International Race of Champions”, an invitational race just for our past National Champions.  To qualify for this race, you would have had to of won a past National Championship race.  For this special race, cars and controllers will be provided.  So all past champions just need to show up to compete.  Our other special race will be on the “Go Karts”. All during the Nationals, there will be open qualifying for the “Kart Challenge Championship” on Sunday evening.  All that you need to do to qualify is turn in your scoring sheet with the top Six quickest lap times for the week and your in. The top six times will posted daily, so you know if you made the field for Sunday or if you need to give it another shot.  This will be “the Nationals to remember”, and hope everyone can make it to the 30th Annual Nationals.

 

DECEMBER 7, 2003  -  The first details are coming together for the Big One ( 30th Annual Nationals).  Scott Terry will be providing us with probably the best 21st Century track around for the Unlimited Championship class and the Neo-Modified support race.  We are now working on confirmation of the other tracks, and we can tell you this much . . . “you won’t be disappointed”.  The track lineup will be second to none.  We are also in the process of reconditioning an original Aurora “Tub Track” for several of the support races.  Check back for more details.  We will post them as soon as they become available.

 

In other news, Phil LaQuatra has been selected to represent the members of the state of Pennsylvania on the HOPRA Senate.  Phil is the director for the PA HOPRA Racing Series and is located in McDonald, PA.  For more info on PA HOPRA contact Phil at: mrlifelike@verizon.net

 

NOVEMBER 23, 2003 - Mark your calendar! the 30th Annual H.O. Scale Slot Car Nationals will be held June 10-13, 2004 at Kart-2-Kart Indoor Karting & Conference Center in Sterling Heights (Detroit) Michigan.  This will be the “BEST” Nationals ever!  The Best Racers, the Best Tracks, makes for the Best Competition anywhere, and to top it off, it will take place at the Premier Indoor Karting facility in the US.  You won’t want to miss the Nats. in 2004.

 

OCTOBER 1, 2003 - The NEW web site is up and running!  We are still under construction, and still have much to add.  The 2004 Rule books are printed, and will hit your mail box within a few days.  The date for the 2004 “30th Annual” Nationals should be announced soon.  We are trying to pin down the exact date from the hosting facility (Detroit).  Plans are in the works for the “BEST” Nationals ever.

If you have any questions, comments, concerns feel free to contact Bill Miles, National Director at raceshop@frontiernet.net  to contact your state/regional rep go to the contact page.