Nostalgia Hobby's Races Attract Collectors Young and Old

Racing slot cars has long been a popular hobby. Although, the advent of video games has diminished its popularity some, there is still a core group of people who love watching those little cars race along the tracks.

New Jersey Nostalgia Hobby Shop on Park Avenue in Scotch Plains is one of the few places left that still hosts slot car racing competitions. On a typical Friday night, the store is packed with boys and men from all walks of life, brought together by their love of racing cars.

The atmosphere is friendly and cordial. It’s a social gathering as much as it’s about racing. Joe Corea, owner of Nostalgia Hobby, said that he tries to keep it fun.

“Those really serious racers don’t usually last too long here,” he said. “Our guys are mainly looking to have a good time.”

Corea, a former Scotch Plains-Fanwood science teacher, opened up New Jersey Nostalgia Hobby over 31 years ago.  While he was a teacher, a few students asked him to be the adviser of their Slot Car Racing Club. Corea said he had no idea what slot car racing was at the time, but was always up for fostering his students' interests. Soon thereafter, Corea fell in love with the enjoyment and excitement of slot cars himself.

“Slot Cars quickly became my hobby and the hobbies of many of my adult friends” Corea said.

When the board of education made some changes that he thought were detrimental to the science program, Corea left teaching and never looked back.

His shop is truly unique, and throughout its long history it’s sold a variety of collectables, including toy trains and even dolls. But slot cars are the mainstay.

Like many small businesses, Nostalgia Hobby has been affected by the sluggish economy, but Corea says the reason he has been able to stay in business for so long is because his store has a great group of long-standing customers.

Mike Jiran, a 24-year-old North Plainfield native who now lives in Jersey City, has been coming to the races at Nostalgia Hobby the past ten years.

“It’s a great way to spend a Friday night,” Jiran said. “It takes finesse to get the car around the winding track as quickly as possible without having it slide off.”

Each player puts in five dollars and the top three racers receive store prizes.

“It’s a very economical way to have a whole lot of fun,” Jiran said.

Running the store has kept Corea busy over the years, but overall, he said, it’s been worth it.

“I don’t mind, I love it here,” he said.

New Jersey Nostalgia Hobby is open every day except Mondays and slot car racing takes place every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.