Automotive modelers across the Midwest should make plans now for one of the region’s most enjoyable car-model-focused events of the summer — The Summer NNL 2026, hosted by IPMS/GTR Auto Modelers on Sunday, August 2, 2026, in Crystal Lake, Illinois.
At www.AFVhobbyhub.com, we proudly support clubs and events that help grow the scale modeling hobby and bring enthusiasts together. Events like The Summer NNL help showcase the creativity, craftsmanship, and passion that keep automotive modeling thriving.
Event Information
The Summer NNL 2026
Date: August 2, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM CDT
Location:
Algonquin Township Building
3702 US HWY 14
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
IPMS Region: Region 5 – Midwest
Hosted By:
GTR Auto Modelers
(IPMS/GTR Auto Modelers)
2026 Theme: “Road Racing, Through the Ages”
This year’s Summer NNL celebrates the exciting history of motorsports with a theme focused on:
- Formula One
- Can-Am
- Indy Car
- SCCA
- NASCAR
- Historic road racing
- Modern competition vehicles
- Endurance racing and more
The broad theme gives modelers plenty of opportunities to display classic racing subjects, modern race builds, famous championship cars, and iconic motorsports machines from throughout racing history.
Whether your passion is vintage Formula One, American muscle stock cars, Le Mans-style endurance racers, or historic Can-Am monsters, this show promises outstanding automotive modeling inspiration.
Contest Features
The Summer NNL 2026 will include:
13 competition classes
Trophy awards
Door prizes
Vendor area
Automotive modeling focus
This event has built a strong reputation for providing a relaxed and fun atmosphere centered around model car enthusiasm.
Vendor Information
The show will feature:
Outside Vendor Area
(Indoor backup available in case of rain)
Vendors can expect:
- Automotive kits
- Resin accessories
- Decals
- Detailing parts
- Tools and supplies
- Rare and collectible kits
One especially convenient feature:
No pre-registration required
That flexibility makes the Summer NNL an attractive event for both vendors and attendees.
Admission & Registration
Entry Fee: $5.00
The entry fee covers:
- Contest participation
- Vendor registration
- Show admission
The affordable pricing helps keep the event accessible and welcoming to modelers of every experience level.
About IPMS/GTR Auto Modelers
Founded in: 1999
The IPMS/GTR Auto Modelers chapter has long supported automotive scale modeling throughout the Midwest. The club is known for:
- Club newsletters
- Reference photos
- Member builds
- Automotive modeling resources
- Active hobby community support
The chapter’s website and resources continue to serve automotive modelers both locally and nationally.
Why Automotive Model Shows Matter
At www.AFVhobbyhub.com, we know automotive modeling events are an important part of the hobby community.
Shows like The Summer NNL help:
- Encourage creativity
- Promote advanced detailing techniques
- Inspire realistic automotive finishes
- Build friendships among modelers
- Preserve motorsports history through scale modeling
Whether you build:
- Formula One cars
- NASCAR stock cars
- Drag racers
- Street machines
- IndyCars
- Endurance racers
- Custom builds
- Factory stock subjects
…The Summer NNL offers something exciting for every automotive enthusiast.
Contact Information
Contest Chairperson
Ed Sexton eagle48.1967@yahoo.com
Chapter Contact
Doug Fisher gtr@ipmsusa.org
Supporting the Modeling Community
At www.AFVhobbyhub.com, we proudly support:
- IPMS chapters
- Automotive model clubs
- Regional contests
- Armor and aircraft modeling organizations
- Vendor communities
- Hobby events nationwide
We encourage automotive modelers throughout the Midwest and beyond to support The Summer NNL 2026 and help continue growing the scale modeling hobby.
👉 Visit AFV Hobby Hub:
https://www.afvhobbyhub.com/
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