HobbyTown Oak Park

[HauntedMyst]

HobbyTown in Oak Park Illinois is in the middle of our summer racing program. The track itself is located in the parking lot just behind the shop. We race every other Saturday with the next race day being July 17th. We offer both electric and nitro touring classes, Serpent Impact/Super Nitro class as well as truck classes when there are enough participants. The store stocks parts primarily for Associated and HPI, as well as fuel, bodies, batteries, motors and assorted R/C tools. Power is supplied and there are resturants within walking distance. Bringing a folding table and chair is recommended. For club members, its $5 to race and for non-club members it is $10 per class (the club fee is $30 and with that, you get a transponder, discounted racing and a 10% off anything in the store not already discounted) Through out the year, we have special events. July 17th is our annual oval race. The track is open to all and offers a friendly racing environment. Spectators are welcome! If you have any questions, you can contact the store or PM myself or TRF Drive Hard.

HobbyTown USA
1000 Lake St.
Oak Park, IL 60301
708 445-8056
708 445-1213

Hours:
M, Th, F: 10-8
Tu, W: 10-7
Sat: 10-6
Sun: 12-5

[thunderbt3]

Is the transponder a personal transponder or a track set transponder?

[TRF Drive Hard]

Both ;)

BTW, if you guys have any questions like HM mentioned, email at trf414m2racer@aol.com

My PM is disabled :p

[HauntedMyst]

Kind of both. It's not the AMB system, its the other one. You get a transponder with the membership but there are only 10 channels. We try to put you on the channel of your transponder number but naturally there are conflicts and a few people end up switching out crystals. In hind sight, we should have bought the AMB system but our budget didn't allow it 4 years ago and personal transponders weren't available yet. If you are just visiting, you can use one of the store transponders with a deposit.

[TRF Drive Hard]

So exactly how much is this AMB?

[Rookie Solara]

So exactly how much is this AMB?

The system from HTOP is KO Propo, so their blue transponder will work ONLY with the KO system.

The ABM-it system Tinley Park (and the rest of the world that ran big international races) are around $5000 each.....then you need a $500 computer program and a P3 and faster computer to run it.
And the red personal AMB digital transonder are like $80 each.....but you can use that red personal all around the world cause that 8 digital number is 1 and only......no one will have the same number beside yours.

You cannot use AMB transponder at HTOP or use KO transponder at Tinley Park.

[TRF Drive Hard]

Well i knew about the incompatability of both systems... would be nice to have one for HTOP... hmmm... wadda guys think about raising funds for one? I mean, i would like the races to be a bit more structured than it is... say if we can get a few guys toegther to somehow come up with ideas to build a fund for getting this AMB system... im willing to help out in any way possible... John, lemme know wassup... as serious i am, im a dedicated racer since my joining at HTOP... ;)

[Walt]

If you require everyone who runs at your track to use a personal transponder, then you can get an AMB system for about $2300. Adding a set of 'track' transponders adds another $1500 easily. You could get a few extra personal transponders and rent them out on a first come, first served basis.

But most racers expect to be able to use a track transponder... don't know if you'd be turning people off by making them get a personal. In reality, most end up getting one anyways. Personals are going for $83 these days.

[TRF Drive Hard]

Getting a personal AMB transponder can be optional to the racer... some may be willing to purchase a personal transponder... i like the idea of renting the transponder too... i remember when i first joined HTOP i had to pay 50 bucks for membership which included the KO transponder... but what i didnt like was the fact i had to change numbers... so, i didnt see the use of actually having my own number when i had to change it...

[HauntedMyst]

It's a dead issue. There is no way the store/track is going to spring for the AMB system after spending the $2000 or so on the KO system just 4 years ago and it works pretty well for our uses. It doesn't offer the same convience as the AMB but there is no way to justify the expense and sliding out the crystal takes all of 5 to 30 seconds if you mount your trandsponder case correctly.

[TRF Drive Hard]

Dead issue? im hurt :p :D ;) Well, id like to buy a couple more transponders considering i race different typs of cars... which i shouldnt, but i like to have a few on them just so i dont have to swap out my transponder all the time... so would i have to pay 30 dollars to get one?

[Nexus]

it's to bad that turnouts and racing has slowed down at HTOP.

in my opinion....HTOP has one of the best locations and flatest parking lots to race at. if the AMB system was in place, a real drivers stand, and the day was more structured i could see a lot more people coming out to race.


i always liked racing at HTOP since it was relaxed but the competition levels have just grown smaller and smaller there. hopefully things will pick-up....plus you can grab a vanilla bean frappacino from star bucks around the corner LOL

:D

[Rookie Solara]

Dead issue? im hurt :p :D ;) Well, id like to buy a couple more transponders considering i race different typs of cars... which i shouldnt, but i like to have a few on them just so i dont have to swap out my transponder all the time... so would i have to pay 30 dollars to get one?


I have 2 very new blue transponder (purchased from HTOP last season) with crystal and wire for sale...let me know, I can drop that off at HTOP sometime.

[TRF Drive Hard]

How muchy?

[Rookie Solara]

How muchy?

You tell me....send me PM or email

[primuswoostinkinhoo]

hello there, im looking to buy a nitro touring car roller, dont really care what it is as long as its not a 4tec or anything like that, but im also only looking to spend maybe $150, my email is pimuskicksyerass@yahoo.com
thanks in advance

[Rookie Solara]

hello there, im looking to buy a nitro touring car roller, dont really care what it is as long as its not a 4tec or anything like that, but im also only looking to spend maybe $150, my email is pimuskicksyerass@yahoo.com
thanks in advance

I have a 90% brand new Serpent Impulse with tons of alum and carbon fiber options and of course 2 speed and all the other goodies on it....

And of course, it will be around your budget, and we can work out the price as well....

It is no 4tec....it is a real FOR RACE Touring car....and it is just a roller.....I was running the same vehicles in HTOP and you can ask around for the performance that I did on the Serpent at HTOP....

Let me know.....and if you are around HTOP area, you can swing by my place and take a close look of the car...car is like 90% brand new, it was my spare car for parts and I just spend too much money on Serpent parts that I can even convert my spare car to the fully loaded car....

Email me (rookiesolara@hotmail.com) or reply here in RCzone.

[HauntedMyst]

If anyone is free tomorrow, come on out. We're having our annual oval race, which is always a good time and a nice change of pace from a regular TC track. Practice starts at 9, the drivers meeting is at 10:45 and racing starts at 11!

[HauntedMyst]

September 11th will be the last race of the season for HobbyTown OP. We will award the prizes for the Nitro and Electric point series winners and hold our annual nitro electric challenge.

[HauntedMyst]

Our last race of the year was yesterday. Thanks to everyone who raced with us this year. We hope to see you all again next year! The final point standings are as follows:

Electric TC Stock Class

Week Total Points
Jason C. 399
Ted 392
John H. 393
Ray T. 290
Dave 98
Frank 195
John Z. 97
Alex 97

Nitro TC Class

Week Total Points
Anthony 200
Rex 196
Bill C. 394
Scott A. 192
Ray T. 393
John W. 97
Mack 199


Current Nitro Electric Track Champion Jason C!

[Rookie Solara]

Hmmmmmm, I thought I can still run 1 or 2 more racings with you guys, oh well.....glad to know that you guys have fun this year.
See you guys next year.....(if wife let me).

[TRF Drive Hard]

Gooo Jason!!! Team Anime Racing would like to thank HTOP for the wonderful race this year... as Team Leader of Team Anime i would like to thank Chris and John... also, Jason is offically the #1 driver for Team Anime :D

[kakolitoy]

:( Gooo Jason!!! Team Anime Racing would like to thank HTOP for the wonderful race this year... as Team Leader of Team Anime i would like to thank Chris and John... also, Jason is offically the #1 driver for Team Anime :D


:( I miss racing!!! Damn work. Then, next year will be more busy because of my Damn wedding. No rc racing for 1 1/2 year.

i really missed my cars huhuhuhhu!!!

[TRF Drive Hard]

Hey guys, anyone interested in 1/18 sedan racing at HTOP? ping me here :D

[Scorpiosis]

does Hobby Town have an off-road track?

[Rookie Solara]

does Hobby Town have an off-road track?
No off road track..

and 2nd, I don't think there will be any racing for HTOP, sad to hear that... :(

[Rookie Solara]

Hey guys, anyone interested in 1/18 sedan racing at HTOP? ping me here :D

If you want the real micro racing, go to www.chicagolandrc.com @ Tinley Park, they host race on every wednesday night....real racing, and I think it is only $7...3 qualifier and 1 8 minutes main with AMB tracker....can't beat that.

[g12314]

Hey guys, anyone interested in 1/18 sedan racing at HTOP? ping me here :D

I'd be interested. Tinley is just too far to get to during the week for me.

Jimmy

[TRF Drive Hard]

Well i havent heard much for 1/18 racing... doesnt seem like theres in interest... i agree, tinley is just too far for some of us... plus too im not gonna be in chicago anymore... moving to new mexico in november around the 11th... my friend however has been focusing on his new m18... pretty much ready to start racing his m18...

[HauntedMyst]

Sadly, there will not be any racing any more at HTOP.

[Scorpiosis]

would hobby town accept an off roader on their track? anything i need, like tires?

EDIT: it's an ST.

[thunderbt3]

Sadly, there will not be any racing any more at HTOP.

i would say hobbytown wont accept onroad or offroad car/trucks anymore hehe

[TRF Drive Hard]

Thats sad to hear John... :(

[wrxdan]

Soooo...what happened? I have been out of the loop since my son was born.

[Scorpiosis]

awww, crap.

[Rookie Solara]

Soooo...what happened? I have been out of the loop since my son was born.

Dan...congrat....a gal and a boy, at least you will have someone to pit you for nitro...LOL
Anyhow, Walt and others are jumping around tracks like AJ and RSJ.....but like you, with baby(s) at home, it is not easy to go out and play...so check out the RSJ or AJ thread here or Rctech to see our latest schedule.

[wrxdan]

Dan...congrat....a gal and a boy, at least you will have someone to pit you for nitro...LOL
Anyhow, Walt and others are jumping around tracks like AJ and RSJ.....but like you, with baby(s) at home, it is not easy to go out and play...so check out the RSJ or AJ thread here or Rctech to see our latest schedule.

Thanks!! I haven't been to RSJ since it was redone. AJ looks like the place for me in the future. I am rebuilding (slowly) my TC3 for some elec. fun. Do you go to any of the practices at aj?

[primuswoostinkinhoo]

they have practices at aj's? what days and times?

[primuswoostinkinhoo]

my 12th scale and xxxs need some work bad

[Walt]

they have practices at aj's? what days and times?

www.ajsraceway.com

Friday's noon-6pm (odd... who can make that?)
Saturday 9am-9pm, except this Saturday... oval race

[nokturnelracer]

Hey Haunted what is the ACTUAL reason that HTOP doesnt plan on racing next year. I ask Ted and He just trails off. I think its the A.D.D. and beer but thats just my opinion.

I am willing to do whatever it takes to set up and run next years races. I am sure that we can get Jason and TRF (if he is back....I think he will be :P) to join in as well. I know I missed damn near half the races cuz of my stupid company sending me out west but I think next summer will be something different.

If it is a matter of $$ and man power then like I said I am fully willing to run the races 1000% voluntary.

If it is still a $$ issue maybe we can open up a lemonade stand :p...... extra for the vodka! LOL

[TRF Drive Hard]

I'll bring the vodka! :D

[HauntedMyst]

I think it's a matter several factors, including someone to run the races. If you'd like to discuss it, I would recommend you contact Fred the owner.

[kakolitoy]

Well, its time to move on. Thanks for all the hard work from HTOP staff. Unfortunately, there were ups and down @ this track. I learned a lot from this track, and I will just carry on the knowledge and skills I learned from HTOP.

Its time to set my schedule to Sunday off for next season, I have to race @ least twice a month. TP is the best bet to go!!!! :D

[Rookie Solara]

Well, its time to move on. Thanks for all the hard work from HTOP staff. Unfortunately, there were ups and down @ this track. I learned a lot from this track, and I will just carry on the knowledge and skills I learned from HTOP.

Its time to set my schedule to Sunday off for next season, I have to race @ least twice a month. TP is the best bet to go!!!! :D

Get that 835 ready too.........I am trying to get that 235mm back alive, at least, Rocky, Albert and myself all have 1 (as of today).....then Walt with his Super Nitro..........and you.

Then of course, we will mix with those big boys 950.....but we are not afraid.

[Walt]

Get that 835 ready too.........I am trying to get that 235mm back alive, at least, Rocky, Albert and myself all have 1 (as of today).....then Walt with his Super Nitro..........and you.

Then of course, we will mix with those big boys 950.....but we are not afraid.

I don't see me putting the old Super Nitro back together again, unless HPI did an HPI Challenge in Illinois again... then maybe (to try to win another kit).

And I don't know why I keep plugging other tracks, but don't forget that AJ's is planning to run next year on Saturday nights, under the lights (for Kak, who can't get Sundays off).

[nokturnelracer]

What other tracks are there near Chicago? Are they indoors or out? What do they charge? Please include an address or at least a main st and town so I can plug it into my GPS and find it.

[Walt]

What other tracks are there near Chicago? Are they indoors or out? What do they charge? Please include an address or at least a main st and town so I can plug it into my GPS and find it.

Take a look at www.chicagorc.com

He's got pretty much every local track listed with links to thier web sites... except to mine for some reason... I'll have to have a talk with him.

My site is: www.chicagolandrc.com

If you tell us what you're looking for (on-road or off-road, electric or nitro) it would be easier to tell you what's available.

[kakolitoy]

1/10 235 is back again :D That is the right car for TP anyway. 8th scale is still tight and harder to turn.

Walt, just get your super ready for old time racing sakes. TC is a lot of fun, but I think super nitro and 835 is more fun driving than TC. I kept my 835 in my collections. I just think even if this class dies, this car is still fun to drive.

[Walt]

1/10 235 is back again :D That is the right car for TP anyway. 8th scale is still tight and harder to turn.

Walt, just get your super ready for old time racing sakes. TC is a lot of fun, but I think super nitro and 835 is more fun driving than TC. I kept my 835 in my collections. I just think even if this class dies, this car is still fun to drive.

I pretty much never sell an RC car, so I'll keep it, but I don't think it will be worth getting it ready. I already come ready to run two classes: nitro and electric TC. I don't think I can do a third (heck, I can barely do two).

If the 235 class catches on, I'll just buy one of those.

[nokturnelracer]

Thanks Walt!

[TRF Drive Hard]

You guys miss me? :D

[nokturnelracer]

not really....

[nokturnelracer]

... j/k HA! :P

[TRF Drive Hard]

I tried callin ya a few days ago... sup man!?!?!

[nokturnelracer]

workin dude. but I am talkin to you right now. LOL :p

[BJoeHandley]

What's the E-Mail at this store?

[TRF Drive Hard]

Looks like i will be coming back to chicago on may 2nd guys ;)

[nokturnelracer]

Y-4?

[TraxMaxx24]

Anyone goign who is 14 or 15? Im 15 And need some more rc pals. What are you guys running? Nitro? Electric? Ive got a Electric rustler and a Tmaxx which Im trading for an Nitro Rustler and a Nitro Sport.

My Name is Nick