7 replies to this topic

[Mr. HP]

It is with a very heavy heart that I share the passing of my dear friend, James 'Spove' Sproviero, of Saint Clair Shores, MI, who passed away this morning.

 

Born in 1950, Spove was a familiar and respected name in the slot car racing community throughout metro Detroit and far beyond. He was not only an accomplished racer who competed at the national level, but someone who genuinely loved the hobby and the people who made it special. For many of us, slot car racing was more than just racing – it was the friendships, the competition, the stories, and the time spent together. Spove embodied all of that.

 

The slot car community is a relatively small world, and the loss of someone like Spove will be felt by many. He leaves behind countless memories and friendships that will continue to live on every time we gather around a track.

 

Rest in peace, Spove. It was a privilege to know you, race with you, and call you my friend. You will be missed.

 

When Jim's family shares anymore information I will be sure pass it along.

 

 

[3171scott]

I raced with Spove in the Tri-State, always made for a better race when he showed up!

 

He will be missed, Rest in peace, Jim.

[Bernie]

Very bad news. Spove was one in a million. Always willing to lend a hand with a smile. He will be missed by many.

 

RIP, Spove.  

[Dan Ebert]

This is sad news to hear. I will pass the word on to friends in the Western PA racing community that raced with Spove over the years in Tri-State USRA. His smile and good nature will be missed. 

[MG Brown]

Spove dragged me back into slot car racing 20+ years ago after I had quit.

It was at the grand opening of the Motor City Raceway.

He came up to me with a car in his hand and said: "Here, drive this!"

The rest is history.

 

He was a long-time union member at the Ford trim plant in Utica, MI.

 

Jim's family decided not to have a service; he was cremated not long after his passing.
 
"Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in!" - Michael Corleone

[Mr. HP]

I was there for that race. One of my many comebacks as well...
 
Jim was there when I started racing slots in the '80s. He mentored me early on, which grew into a forty-year friendship.

 

I owe a lot to Spove. There are not many out there like him.

[MSwiss]

I raced with Spove in the Tri-State, always made for a better race when he showed up!

 

He will be missed, Rest in peace, Jim.

 

That sums it up.

 

It felt like a better event with Spove there. Always upbeat and funny, you didn't need to beg him to marshal.

 

He was one of the guys that made you want to get serious about slot cars, and drive five or six hours to a race.

 

Early in my adult slot car career, Stu Koford and I went to a Detroit area race on a Saturday with the Detroit Grand Prix on Sunday.

 

When we mentioned we might try to go to the Grand Prix, spur of the moment, Spove warned us  wouldn't find a motel room last minute and immediately volunteered to put us up at his house.

 

At the time, I was a virtual stranger to him. That's how nice of a guy he was.

 

He was so nice that when I opened my raceway and he came around and would chat up my future wife, I didn't even care. After all, he was Spove. LOL.

 

May he rest in peace.

[Weedracer]

I raced with and around Jim for many years and as mentioned, any race was better when he was there.

He was not only a good and willing marshal, but often complimented drivers who avoided wrecks in his turn.

He may be gone, but he will be remembered fondly.