Small Cars, Small Town...Big Fun. That's Professor Tinker.

Just came across this article from the Sentinel-Tribune in Bowling Green, Ohio - featuring Pro Tinker Toys. They are a well-know regional toy and hobby shop that works hard to promote the slot car hobby, particularly in HO and 1:32 scales. Owner Bryan Young has built a significant YouTube presence, posting over 200 videos highlighting products his store carries as well as live streams from the store, hobby shows and just about anything else you can think of. They are usually fun to watch - and some of the live streams can literally go on for hours.

Bryan and his store had a very high profile at the recent Cleveland Slot Car Show, and his crew spent many hours helping to promote the show, setting up tracks for people to race on and working to make the event a success. He continues to be a big believer in the future of the hobby, and sees its popularity growing significantly. Pro Tinker Toys carries a wide range of HO slot cars as well as 1:32 scale cars and track sets; in addition to their brick-and-mortar store in Wayne, Ohio they do a load of online sales via their website, ProtinkerToys.com. Check them out!

Slot Journal Now has a Store with Cool Gear!

It's just a start, but Slot Journal has just set up a new shop where you can get some cool gear to express your love for the hobby. For now, the designs feature our SLOT Journal logo on T-shirts and other apparel, drinkware and various cool items. You'll find a link to the store at the top of our web pages.

As time goes on, we'll be adding some additional gear, with slick slot car-themed designs on the back of Tees and some other ideas that we're coming up with. We've chosen Zazzle as out supplier since we've had good experiences with them in terms of quality and delivery.

Of course, we developed the store mostly for fun--not to make money. We plan on getting some of these items for our own use and also to have some things available as give-aways and prizes. So be sure to check the stuff out and if so moved, get yourself something. It's a great way to let others know that you're serious about slot cars!

The Need for Speed — Without a Speeding Ticket.

Came across a nice article in the Suburban Chicago Glen Ellyn News about Chicagoland Raceway, where owner Mike Swiss - a five-time national champion and a two-time world champion - invites all ages and skill levels to join in on the fun. The facility holds races that are open to the public every Saturday night, where two racing tracks are hooked up to a computerized system that tracks a person’s number of laps, their best time and last race time on a monitor.

PHOTO CREDITS: Mysuburbanlife.com.

While Swiss will get in on the action during the Saturday night races and take on his customers in a friendly race, the chances for success againsy him aren't in your favor: he's been traveling around Chicagoland racing competitively since the age of 14. He’s also traveled to South America to race, and spent 19 years working for Koford Engineering, a slot car component manufacturer, for 19 years.

Hats off to Mike for his past successes and his hard work in promoting the hobby! Tom find out more about Chicagoland Raceway, check out their website.

Grand Opening at HotSlots 1/32 Slot Car Shop

I've always had good service from the folks at HotSlots 1/32 and I see they are having a Grand Opening on Saturday, Nov. 6th at their new location at 1809 Philo Rd. / Ste. A - Urnana IL 61802. I've never had an opportunity to visit the store yet, but it definitely looks like it's worth an extended road trip!

There will be slot racing all day with prizes given out to racers and attendees as well. Races will be held on their 4 lane Carrera analog track set.

PHOTO CREDITS: Hotslots 1:32.

Get all the info on this exciting event HERE.