Rick Davis

We added the 9th and elimanated the 23rd (due to Midwest / Joliet move) and added the 30th.

Rick Davis

Not sure that this is the correct place for this but it seemed the most appropriate - just saw this on a slot car blog

I want to let everyone know that I just received word from Denis that his father the Great John J. Thorp has had a bad fall, and as a result has had many complications and his health is rapidly deteriorating. He is at Pomona Valley Hospital. I will post any news as I receive it. Please add John to your thoughts and prayers, he is a true pioneer.

For all that do not know John was one of the pioneers of our hobby.

5italkart

iTrader: (2)

thanks for the info, best wishes too the thorp family.

hitcharide1

iTrader: (1)

First, caught the thing on the change of dates, I'll let Tom and Dave know as well.

Prayers and best wishes to Mr. Thorp and his family. Rick, if you get an addy to send cards or what not, or if there is anything we can do for him that you hear of, please let us know.

Das 1/8th Mopar

Thanks Rick, I'd say where there are racers that have met John Thorp, or run his cars, then that's a correct place. I had the pleasure of doing both. John has always marched to the beat of a different drum, something we don't see much of these days. GOOD LUCK! John

nitrohead5300

.............Looking at the instructions for the Thorp variable speed tranny it becomes apparent where the idea for the modern day centex clutches was born!! Hey maybe a varation of the centax clutch might make a better varable speed tranny design??

nitrohead5300

The Thorp clutch and the Centex clutch are of the pusher design.

Rick Davis

Just saw this on Slotblog , unsure of the original writer who was not credited , sad too see another pioneer lost to us , sad news in both the slot and R/C communities.

Posted on Facebook......

Today was the passing of my friend John J. Thorp . I got to see him on Saturday, and knew he was ready to leave his earthly form, and maybe meet up with his late wife Helen. I like to think he had an amazing full life and touched many peoples lives with his designs and hard work in the fields of slot and radio controlled cars. I can't think of a better day for his passing then Labor Day. I will always remember John and his ingenious designs and fantastic accomplishments he made in his field. John was always kind to me, and I will miss visiting him. I am very thankful for the time I had documenting his creations, and hearing all his great stories. He will be missed.

aarcobra

iTrader: (12)

Thanks for posting, Rick. Sorry to hear about John....

Das 1/8th Mopar

John Thorp's job here is done, RIP my friend. Yet I have to belief that some where up above, the racing is about to get very interesting.

hitcharide1

iTrader: (1)

But I'd bet when I get to the "great racetrack in the sky" that my clutch doesn't hold up. I would have liked to have met the man myself...I've designed and built some nifty things in my day but nothing I could ever build would equal a Thorp.

Farmer_John

iTrader: (3)

This board needs a like button...the only Thorp anything I've hadmy hands on were some really nice wrenches with his name on them.

garen

iTrader: (7)

They still sell those wrenches, under the MIP brand, but the same Thorpe wrenches nonetheless.

hitcharide1

iTrader: (1)

Didn't you get to see mine at the GLC? If not, I'll bring it this sunday.

hitcharide1

iTrader: (1)

Old school artwork, and if anyone recognizes the names, pass on some info please.