12 replies to this topic

[muskie^man19]

All information for every aspect of the 50^th running of the HOPRA slot car National Championships is now posted on the web site:

 

https://www.hopra.net/

 

This Golden Anniversary race will feature many special events and features.  Many past Champions from over the past fifty plus years are attending and even doing some racing!  Along with the week-long annual championship racing, there will be history displays, organized social gatherings and culminate with a banquet at the end of the week on Saturday evening.  The HOPRA leadership and the entire organization has been working these past few years to make this race an event for the ages.  If you were there in 1975, anywhere in between, or have never seen the fastest slot cars in the world - make your plans now to attend this once in a lifetime race!

 

Stay tuned…!!!

 

[bbr]

been to only one '95 Milwaukee fair grounds

[Jim Difalco]

I attended on HO Nats race decades ago when I started making an HO version of my controllers. Can anyone help me remember the state and year it took place? The race was supposed to be held at a raceway that abruptly closed shortly before the race was to take place. The event was moved to a small common area of an indoor shopping mall. I am thinking Minnesota or Wisconsin area?

 

The late Todd Duda was helping me with getting the controller tuned for HO scale. I did not have luck trying to get super fast racer Mr. Porcelli to try my controller brand. That is about all I remember of the race.

[bbr]

Mr Tony P was using a controller like the one Lucky Bobs sells.

Tony ,rip, was ,arguably, the best HO racer to date.

He had a spell in So Cal and I, had the pleasure lol, of racing aganist him. He had uncanny skill of showing up at any track and getting set up right away.

20+ HOPRA championships

Made the best HO armatures

[muskie^man19]

To share some opening salvos for HOPRA Nats history, here's some random photos from some of the early days of the HOPRA Nats.  One class-era, one race, one weekend.  If you won, you were THE MAN for that year in the HO slot car universe.  More to come as we build to the 50th.  Enjoy:

 

1972 "Parma" Nats:

 

 

1975 The 1st HOPRA Nats in Independence, MO:

 

[muskie^man19]

1982: Rockford, IL - HUGE event, Pepsi sponsorship, extensive local media coverage

 

[muskie^man19]

1983: Independence, MO

 

[muskie^man19]

1984: Detroit, MI

 

[akahollywood]

Jim Difalco, 

 

I believe the HOPRA Nats you attended was in Jackson, Michigan in 1999. I was also there and it was in a shopping mall common area. 

[Jim Difalco]

Jim Difalco, 

 

I believe the HOPRA Nats you attended was in Jackson, Michigan in 1999. I was also there and it was in a shopping mall common area. 

David, thank you , I think that is the one. Not sure of the month but I am thinking it was cold, maybe with snow on the ground.

[akahollywood]

I'm pretty sure it was in June as that is when the majority of HOPRA Nats have been held. Maybe since you're a Floridian, it might have felt cold in Michigan at that time of year! 

[Jim Difalco]

I'm pretty sure it was in June as that is when the majority of HOPRA Nats have been held. Maybe since you're a Floridian, it might have felt cold in Michigan at that time of year! 

Good one. I am freezing in 50 degree weather down here. The only long pants I own are one pair of joggers and one pair of sweats.

[chaparrAL]

Lets get ready!