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"Over 40 Years As The Leader In H.O. Racing Competition"
- Latest news -
10/14/2025
Magnet Limit Update and Rulebook Clarifications
Efforts have concluded to establish a new gauss testing approval process. After years of discussion—and many years overdue—the committee has established a fair, accurate, and repeatable process and procedure to measure magnets.
After thorough evaluation by members of the Senate, we have developed a standardized procedure that yields consistent and repeatable gauss readings. A magnet testing procedure—detailing the equipment used—along with an instructional video will be posted to the HOPRA website HERE.
Due to the adoption of new testing equipment and procedures, the approved magnet limits have changed. To accurately measure according to the NIST national standard for gauging magnets—and due to the inability to obtain a Spin Doctor meter—the decision was made to transition to a new calibrable meter that accurately and consistently measures gauss ratings. It’s important to note that only currently approved magnets, which have been raced for years, were used to establish the new limits. This approach ensures that the effective limit reflects what is already in use.
In addition to the updated gauss limits, newly submitted magnets have been approved. Please refer to the approved components listed below. Manufacturers have been informed of the new process, procedures, and limits. In light of these much-needed changes, we are offering a one-time extension for manufacturers to submit magnets for approval. The deadline for submissions is now February 15th for this year only. All other parts intended for stock replacement must still be submitted by April 15th.
Approved for 2026:
Viper V3 Ceramic Traction and Motor
Viper V3 Spec Racer Traction and Motor
Viper V3 Level 10 Traction and Motor
Viper V3 Step Spec Racer Traction
RPMS Ghost Cat Spec Racer 4 Motor
Complete list of approved magnets are on the website HERE.
Looking ahead, the next topic of discussion is rule clarification. We are committed to making the rules clearer in the upcoming 2026 rulebook. Please keep an eye out for its release around January 15th. If a manufacturer submits a magnet and it is approved, the rulebook will be updated accordingly by February 15th.
7/18/2025
HOPRA has approved the following parts for 2026:
Viper V3 Chassis
Wizzard T-Jet Top plate rev2 for Vintage T-jets
V3 Level 4 Tractions - Part #11024
V3 Level 10 Tractions - Part #11056
Motor magnets remain under extensive review. The process for defining a new maximum gauss limit continues, with feedback being carefully considered based on historical testing methods. Expect a mid-August update.
2025 Post Nationals update:
Celebrating Milestones, Advancing Innovation, and Honoring Tradition at the 50th HOPRA Nationals
🏁 Record-Breaking 50th National Event! The 50th H.O. scale National Event has officially gone down in history as the largest organized H.O. race ever in HOPRA — and it was nothing short of spectacular. Huge thanks to everyone who attended and competed! From first-time racers to veterans from every past Nationals—including attendees from the very first HOPRA Nationals—the atmosphere was electric with legacy and excitement. Founder Carl Dreher made a special appearance as the Grand Marshal of the Vintage T-Jet main event, bringing decades of passion full circle.
📦 Carl’s Historic Auction & St. Jude’s Donation - HO slot car treasures from Carl Dreher’s personal collection were auctioned off, raising an astounding $2,643. Carl generously matched this donation, resulting in a total of $5,286 contributed to St. Jude’s Hospital. Bravo to all who participated and supported—your generosity made a real impact!
🎉 Thanks to All Sponsors - A special shoutout to our manufacturing partners and sponsors who helped make this historic event possible. For full results and event recaps, visit the website menu.
🛠️ Tech Review & Rulebook Updates - The HOPRA Senate has reviewed new part submissions from Viper and Wizzard, including:
Viper V3 Chassis, V3 L4 & L10 Motor and Tractions
Wizzard WizzJet Top Plate V2
Voting is underway for these components, excluding motor magnets, which remain under extensive review. The process for defining a new maximum gauss limit continues, with feedback being carefully considered based on historical testing methods. Expect a mid-August update.
⏳ Pending Approvals - Currently, the V3 Motors (L10 & L4) have not yet been approved, with decisions expected by October 15th. For updates or questions, reach out to Kris K or Don A.
📘 The 2026 Rulebook will include detailed clarification of magnet method and testing procedures.
👥 Leadership Updates & Looking Ahead - HOPRA has named a new Membership and Information Director. Long-time members Alex and Anna will transition into these roles. We anticipates no delays in operations, and new initiatives are underway to increase transparency and guide HOPRA into its next half-century of racing innovation.
🎯 Stay tuned—big things are on the track ahead.
10/21/24
After extensive discussions and feedback on the process for testing motor magnets and the historical locations used for these tests, it has been decided to maintain the current testing methods and maximum gauss limits.
Since 2016, following discussions in 2015, magnets have consistently been tested in the same location. However, the description of the test location in the rulebook may be perceived as not matching the historical test site. To ensure fairness, the current approval process and testing method will remain unchanged, preserving the balance of performance in popular entry-level national competition classes such as Spec Racer and Spec Jet.
A vote was conducted on three magnet options. The Viper Pro 4 SR V1–B (22816) magnets were approved, while the Viper V3 (11315) and 2024 RPMS magnets were rejected for use in the 2025 Nationals. See manufactures website for more information.
Efforts are ongoing to improve the process for setting new magnet limits. Teams are working to develop a reliable, repeatable testing method that will be accessible to all racers. For clarity, the 2025 rulebook will outline how magnet testing has been enforced since 2015. Additionally, a video tutorial demonstrating how magnets are measured will be provided to enhance transparency.
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