Background
H.O., which stands for half “O” gauge (1/87th), cars were originally produced as accessory items for H.O. scale replica trains. As the cars themselves became more popular, they emerged as a hobby all their own. Over the years, they have grown to a size closer to 1/64th scale (2 to 2 1/2 inches long) or about half the dimensions of 1/32nd scale cars. This unique size is small enough to allow construction of a very large H.O. track in minimal space and still provide the capacity necessary for incredible detail in the cars, accessories and tracks.
The hobby of H.O. scale slot cars can offer you more different aspects with which to participate in than almost any other pastime.
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Design and build your very own racetrack layout or construct a replica of a famous track like Indianapolis, Watkins Glen or Riverside.
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Build a collection of exotic sports cars such as Porsches and Ferraris or classic American cars like the ‘32 Ford Coupe, ‘57 Corvette and others in H.O. scale.
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Run your very own race team or design and fabricate special cars and parts in H.O. scale.
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Organize a local club and hold races to sharpen your driving skills against others for bragging rights, trophies, prizes or even championships.
All these activities and many more are possible with H.O. scale slot cars. And, best of all, it’s one of the most economical hobbies around; it won’t cost you a fortune!
About Us
H.O. slot car racing is the fun, exciting hobby/sport that can give you all of the thrills of real car racing at a fraction of the cost! H.O. scale cars can be raced any time of the year and can be run in the comfort of your own home. It’s a hobby enjoyed by millions throughout the years and still offers fun that the whole family can share and enjoy.
The H.O. Professional Racing Association (HOPRA) provides the leadership for organizing H.O. scale racing in the best possible way. For over 45+ years, we at HOPRA have been scheduling races and championships to give race fans and H.O. enthusiasts the opportunity to become more involved with scale auto racing and add to their enjoyment of racing and H.O. cars.
Established in 1969, HOPRA has been dedicated to the promotion and advancement of H.O. slot car racing and has run many state championships and larger races throughout the country. Starting in 1975 and every year since, HOPRA has held its annual National Championship event that draws the best H.O. slot racers from around the world.
As the only independent organization that deals with H.O. scale slot car racing on a National level, we have rules and guidelines established by leading groups and individuals from across the United States.
HOPRA takes pride in our organization structure.Throughout the years HOPRA has expanded on this foundation maintaining the original structure set in place by the founders of our organization. HOPRA is structured into National Executive Committee members reporting up to a National Director. It is organized in such a way to ensure every member has a voice.
Structured to focus on the members and the sport at all times, HOPRA will ensure HO racing stays fun and competitive for many years to come. It is the duty of the National Executive Committee to establish rules for the annual National Championship Race; to assist in the running of each state’s series if needed; to settle all matters of dispute related to official HOPRA business; to help insure a solid racing program within every phase of HOPRA; to help promote uniformity among the states and in general to promote a feeling of goodwill and sportsmanship within the sport of HO scale slot car racing, with a sense of fair play and the best interest of the sport in mind at all times. Specific duties and organizational structure can be found in our rule book.
HOPRA can help you become involved with this fun and exciting sport if you are just starting out. We can also show you how to increase your enjoyment if you would like to become more involved with H.O. scale slot car racing. We can help you expand your H.O. slot car racing horizons!
Located on the contacts menu you can find the Senate Representative that lives closest to you. They will be happy to assist you and answer any questions. You can also fill out the contact form.