: What Gives Left Coasters?
Jeffry72 Jul 21st, 09, 12:19 PM Got home last night from the NW Regional show in Canby Oregon and wanted to thank the Oregon gang for yet another great show. The weather was perfect and your crew is extremely organized and friendly. I think I heard 152 cars and having been there in years past, many were cars I hadn't seen before, which is always fun. Hats off to you!
My rant is, why this being the only regional on the west coast, why you never hear any chatter about it here on TC?? I've been to allot of the regionals on the east coast and CB several times, and I went partly because of all the discussion about them here on TC. It really is part of the fun, all the talk, looking forward to, and the planning for attending a show. Its to all of our benefit to support these shows as it promotes our hobby and the clubs that put them on. Chuck talked about this weekend of the amount of time and effort to put one on, and I for one am grateful that there are those that do. The rumor I've heard is, even though California has tons of cutting edge and beautiful Chevelles and Elky's, that there isn't a club that is willing to take on the task of hosting a two day event. That shows you how daunting the undertaking must be.
The more we support these shows and attract more people, the bigger and better they get. The swap meets get bigger, the participant field gets bigger, more money for the club due to spectators admission, and not to mention the market expands for those of us wishing to sell. Truthfully, how many here are enjoying the surge in prices our cars are bringing? This is one way to keep that up.
I guess I just enjoy a good party and the company of like minded friends. Witnessing the great wonders of the world is always more fun sharing the expierence with someone, than by yourself. Perhaps I'm just rooting for the home team, but come on west coasters, were here for the fun. Let's make it "all that it can be" to borrow a phrase. Rant over.
dmuller Jul 21st, 09, 1:19 PM I've been wondering about this myself. I'm very new to the Chevelle world, but I just assumed there would be events in the Southwest. Appears I was wrong.
I presume that we'll at least have quite a few members here at Good Guys in Scottsdale in November?
Rich-L79 Jul 21st, 09, 1:23 PM It's kind of hard to patronize a show that doesn't yet exist. It's also a whole lot of work to create, plan and execute a show and the rewards are small so the lack of volunteers isn't surprising.
That said, the Midwest has two strong regionals so there's no doubt the West Coast could support more if they only existed. Taking on a project the size of a regional takes dedication and a good number of people and I'm not sure how large the various clubs in the region are but perhaps one of them will give it some consideration.
1966_L78 Jul 21st, 09, 2:35 PM We kind of started our own "regional" Chevelle show... The West Coast Chevelle Gathering at the Sacramento Raceway in early April... Easy drive from most of Northern and Central California...
We had quite a bit of chatter here on TC, and a respectable showing for a first year show (about 50+ Chevelles and numerous attendies)...
Well, most of the thanks should go to Scott (1Badbu) for taking this from a couple of TCers meeting up, to a larger event... One of the big reasons, was that we didn't have much going on in the area... We all dream about CB, etc, but its not always realistic to attend, especially with your Chevelle...
Its still in its infancy, but we hope it grows each year as we refine the format...
Rich-L79 Jul 21st, 09, 2:45 PM We kind of started our own "regional" Chevelle show... The West Coast Chevelle Gathering at the Sacramento Raceway in early April... Easy drive from most of Northern and Central California...
We had quite a bit of chatter here on TC, and a respectable showing for a first year show (about 50+ Chevelles and numerous attendies)...
Well, most of the thanks should go to Scott (1Badbu) for taking this from a couple of TCers meeting up, to a larger event... One of the big reasons, was that we didn't have much going on in the area... We all dream about CB, etc, but its not always realistic to attend, especially with your Chevelle...
Its still in its infancy, but we hope it grows each year as we refine the format...
There are many clubs out there that have hosted large shows/regional who would more than likely be willing to share their experiences. Coupled with the club's existing first hand experience, I'm sure it could grow into something spectacular.
I've always felt a bit sorry for the folks west of us concerning CB. It's a darn long trip from Nebraska, I can't imagine trying to do it from California.
Alan Jul 21st, 09, 3:36 PM My rant is, why this being the only regional on the west coast, why you never hear any chatter about it here on TC?? I've been to allot of the regionals on the east coast and CB several times, and I went partly because of all the discussion about them here on TC. It really is part of the fun, all the talk, looking forward to, and the planning for attending a show. Its to all of our benefit to support these shows as it promotes our hobby and the clubs that put them on. Chuck talked about this weekend of the amount of time and effort to put one on, and I for one am grateful that there are those that do. The rumor I've heard is, even though California has tons of cutting edge and beautiful Chevelles and Elky's, that there isn't a club that is willing to take on the task of hosting a two day event. That shows you how daunting the undertaking must be.
The more we support these shows and attract more people, the bigger and better they get. The swap meets get bigger, the participant field gets bigger, more money for the club due to spectators admission, and not to mention the market expands for those of us wishing to sell. Truthfully, how many here are enjoying the surge in prices our cars are bringing? This is one way to keep that up.
I guess I just enjoy a good party and the company of like minded friends. Witnessing the great wonders of the world is always more fun sharing the expierence with someone, than by yourself. Perhaps I'm just rooting for the home team, but come on west coasters, were here for the fun. Let's make it "all that it can be" to borrow a phrase. Rant over.
I never read much about this years NW Regional here on TC. A quick search showed that you had one post on it, and there were posts for shows of years past. Due to the distance between areas in the West, it's a challenge to draw people to shows from afar. Chevell-abration has what 50% of the US population within a days drive of Goodlettsville, TN? For me to get to Canby, OR, it's nearly 800 miles one way (most CB'ers I bet don't drive that far round trip). Add another 200 or so for people in/around Los Angeles. Besides the distance, the lack of hype leading up to/following isn't helping much. Seems the Oregon and Washington TCers dig the show, but the following drops off outside of those states. The area sure is nice up there. Get some brewery tours going and I bet some people would show up (just bring a designated driver!) :)
I think that West Coast people in general are just stuck in their respective areas. Nor Cal doesn't want to do things with So Cal and vise versa. Oregon doesn't want to drive to Nor Cal and vise versa. Heck, it's hard to just get Nor Cal and Central California people together.
I'd like to make it to more shows, but for some reason it doesn't happen. Plus, I tend to like going with a friend so at least I'm not sitting around by myself.
Just some thoughts and ramblings.
Stalkingbear Jul 21st, 09, 3:48 PM We have a huge car show in So. Oregon on Fathers Day - 500 cars attend - all pre-73. The following weekend is one in Klamath Falls, this weekend I believe there is one in Grants Pass.... lots of stuff. I'm going to two in August and one in September.
If I could have had the time off, I'd go to the Canby one to see some of the northwest group.
Jeffry72 Jul 21st, 09, 3:50 PM Good points Alan. I have to say I have only been able to travel to the shows back east because I'm retired airline. Haven't been able to take my car. I guess I should clarify that I know for a fact that there are many Chevelle owners within a very few hours of these shows, that either don't know, or aren't motivated to make the trip. I think with a little more hype or more exposure, these shows could really grow. Can't help but wonder how many people would show up to CB without all the chatter here starting at the end of the last show? I just think we all, myself included, could grow this and get more people involved just by our discussion here.
1BadBu Jul 21st, 09, 4:11 PM The answer is simple....you have to get off your duff and go. Nothing else will make an event happen or even grow. I started the West Coast Chevelle Gathering with the sole purpose of being the western Chevelleabration for guys like me who are never gonna drive 2000 miles one way to a car show. And my car is built to do it.
Sacramento is dead center on the left coast between Seattle and San Diego. I-5 runs all the way in both directions. How easy can I make it? If you missed this years event, it wasn't from lack of advertising. There was a banner on this page for a month and on the main page for 2 weeks before the show.
With the support of Team Chevelle and Sacramento Raceway, we pulled off a fantastic first year showing. Over 60 cars were on-hand. You missed the best burnout in history "the disappearing car!" The BBQ was great and the racers got free track time. We saw A/Fuel dragsters on the track and some freaky thing made of junkyard parts right next to us in the pits. It was something for everyone.
So...put your money where your wheenie-winer is and make a mental note to come to next years event. We'll be posting details real soon. We learned from our first year and am making changes so next years Gathering is even better! Some teasers are; extended "Chevelles only" track time, BBQ lunch included with admission (just ask anyone about Beauxs BBQ!!!) trophy presentations and raffle held at luch time, a "Circus Tent" instead of 10 EZ-Ups, and more. It'll be bigger, better and run more smoothly. No waiting inline to get in!!! (already talked to Dave about that) The list goes on and on.
For more on this years event you can go to the NorCal Chevelle Club website and check-out the video Chuck put together. (Chuck, if you read this, please put the link in here) Check out the cool footage of the NorCal guys caravan to the show. Here's a thought; start planning NOW to form your own caravan for next year. We'll have hotel discounts and secure over-night parking. You NW guys could double the attendance. Imagine all you guys in a caravan down I-5!!!
The good thing about having the West Coast Chevelle Gathering at Sacramento Raceway is that we can fit everything into one day. Motorhome? No problem. We have access to the track on friday night. Drive down on Friday, event with us on Saturday and then head for home on Sunday or stay over a day or so and take-in the sights. You can race or not. There's always something happening so it's never boring.
So.....stay tuned to this page for upcoming news. We're having a planning committee mtg / bbq at Beaux's real soon to finalize dates etc.
The problem is not that there's not an event or that no one is willing to put one together....there is and I did. (with the help of a LOT of people) The problem is that you have to make the effort to show-up.
Stalkingbear Jul 21st, 09, 4:25 PM BBQ?
Scott - I looked seriously at attending your April event. I will attend the 2010 event as it is only a 5 hour drive for me. The reason that we did not attend in April was that the car was relatively new and untested - I didn't want to head through Nor Cal without the confidence that a few months of driving will give you.
I'm looking forward to getting there.
Jeffry72 Jul 21st, 09, 6:44 PM Scott,
I'll go on record saying that I'll be there as well, even if I have to fly in. I also promise to noise it up when the time gets closer.
Thanks!
1BadBu Jul 21st, 09, 7:12 PM Mike and Jeffry.....you just made my day! Now, you can do this for me...start talking about the West Coast Chevelle Gathering. Do what I do....walk up to every Chevelle owner you see and ASK them if they've ever heard of Team Chevelle and/or the WCCG.:secret: Put together that caravan. Don't wait for someone else to do it!
I got a few other promises right after this years event from guys who were on the fence and didn't come. After seeing the video etc., they said the same thing. Man...that was cool..sorry I missed it.:angry: Aaron Larson promised he'll be there with his 3-time Sacramento Autorama Best Engine / Best Engineered car (wife went into labor) and Jason Walroth from Gearhead Garage promised he'll be there with his crew.
Truth is, I'm excited about next years West Coast Chevelle Gathering because of the standards we set THIS year. Tony's burnout is a good example. You had to be there. See the end of it in the video. If you were there, he was in that cloud for a solid 2 minutes before he emerged! It was SO cool!!!:thumbsup:
Here's the link to the webpage: http://nor-cal.chevelles.net/scrapbook_wccg09.htm
and youtube video here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPNzmiTzr4U
To everyone else out there, get those winter projects done in time to attend next years event and if you dont, COME ANYWAY!!! We have plenty of shady seating, too much food and lots of cool stuff going on.:beers:
webfoot Jul 21st, 09, 7:23 PM If I had AC, I'd go to lots more/farther events. Our 10-day forecast looks like readings from someone who has a high fever. I can handle it for a while, but after an hour it just stops being fun. (aside from that my car is far from show quality)
1BadBu Jul 21st, 09, 7:46 PM If I had AC, I'd go to lots more/farther events. Our 10-day forecast looks like readings from someone who has a high fever. I can handle it for a while, but after an hour it just stops being fun. (aside from that my car is far from show quality)
Dude! This exactly the attitude that kills cool events like the WCCG! First of all, ours in April so it's more likely that Grants Pass will have snow on it. Second, and MORE IMPORTANT is that the West Coast Chevelle Gathering IS NOT A SHOW!!!!! It's a gathering of Chevelle owners. Watch the video and you'll see there were lots of non-show-car Chevelles there and I can guarantee you that every one of them had a great time!
Are there "show" cars there? You bet! But mines not. Mine has a crappy paint job complete with splotches. So what. That's not the point. Someday, you might want a nice paint job. The Gathering is for meeting other Chevelle owners. How else can you find out who does good paint? Maybe you are thinking about a hydro-boost system. Lots of those there and the owners are there to answer your questions.
Some guys trailered-in "race only" cars. Lemme tell you, 11.30 is not gonna stand as event LOW ET for long! Beaux's car wasn't there but he was! And I'll tell you what....I begged him to bring it because it just got a truck-arm suspension from Hotrods-to-Hell and I wanted him to display the car with just the bare chassis!!!! I came this close to convincing him too!
The point is, if you own a Chevelle and you are on this site, you owe it to yourself to attend. No one is there to judge. We don't award points and I won't have it any other way. I personally couldn't care less what people think of my Chevelle. I love it and that's all that matters.
So.....bring your ugly ass car next year and introduce yourself!!! Meet Chuck (the moderator from this site) Alan, Beaux and that little guy from Turlock, Craig Sanden. (hi Craig, don't kick my ass) and the 60 plus other Team Chevelle members and their families. This is a Chevelle "family reunion", not a car show.
Stalkingbear Jul 21st, 09, 8:08 PM Scott - you beat me to it. Not fun traveling when it is 100+ out there, but webfoot forgets that the weather is beautiful in April. That would be a great drive (unless the Siskiyou's are iced over...)
Stalkingbear Jul 21st, 09, 8:09 PM Jeffry - stop in Medford - dinner and sleep over if you want, then we will cruise down to sac.....
Trophyman Jul 21st, 09, 9:00 PM The answer is simple....you have to get off your duff and go. Nothing else will make an event happen or even grow. I started the West Coast Chevelle Gathering with the sole purpose of being the western Chevelleabration for guys like me who are never gonna drive 2000 miles one way to a car show. And my car is built to do it.
Sacramento is dead center on the left coast between Seattle and San Diego. I-5 runs all the way in both directions. How easy can I make it? If you missed this years event, it wasn't from lack of advertising. There was a banner on this page for a month and on the main page for 2 weeks before the show.
With the support of Team Chevelle and Sacramento Raceway, we pulled off a fantastic first year showing. Over 60 cars were on-hand. You missed the best burnout in history "the disappearing car!" The BBQ was great and the racers got free track time. We saw A/Fuel dragsters on the track and some freaky thing made of junkyard parts right next to us in the pits. It was something for everyone.
So...put your money where your wheenie-winer is and make a mental note to come to next years event. We'll be posting details real soon. We learned from our first year and am making changes so next years Gathering is even better! Some teasers are; extended "Chevelles only" track time, BBQ lunch included with admission (just ask anyone about Beauxs BBQ!!!) trophy presentations and raffle held at luch time, a "Circus Tent" instead of 10 EZ-Ups, and more. It'll be bigger, better and run more smoothly. No waiting inline to get in!!! (already talked to Dave about that) The list goes on and on.
For more on this years event you can go to the NorCal Chevelle Club website and check-out the video Chuck put together. (Chuck, if you read this, please put the link in here) Check out the cool footage of the NorCal guys caravan to the show. Here's a thought; start planning NOW to form your own caravan for next year. We'll have hotel discounts and secure over-night parking. You NW guys could double the attendance. Imagine all you guys in a caravan down I-5!!!
The good thing about having the West Coast Chevelle Gathering at Sacramento Raceway is that we can fit everything into one day. Motorhome? No problem. We have access to the track on friday night. Drive down on Friday, event with us on Saturday and then head for home on Sunday or stay over a day or so and take-in the sights. You can race or not. There's always something happening so it's never boring.
So.....stay tuned to this page for upcoming news. We're having a planning committee mtg / bbq at Beaux's real soon to finalize dates etc.
The problem is not that there's not an event or that no one is willing to put one together....there is and I did. (with the help of a LOT of people) The problem is that you have to make the effort to show-up.
I would love to go to a show. And probably will-- now that my car is done. Don't be fooled--- it's 5 hours to Sacramento from Bakersfield. There are 3 dead squirrels and 2 coyotes from here to there. Geographically centered is one thing. Population centers AND Chevelle centers are another. I would dare to compare LA to San Franflam-o for # of cars. Fresno to San Diego is where the cars are. IMHO.
The problem I have seen in every car club I have been a member of is the really important stuff. Like: "I say we should wear RED tee shirts" "I like Blue" "I'm too fat to wear a tee shirt" Should we wear Levi's?" "How about shorts"? "Easy for you to say--- beotch-- you have legs-- I have tree stumps"
Where should the poker run go?" "I think it should go by my business" "No-- mine" "No sir" "uh uh" "We should give beer and whiskey at every stop" "let's all get drunk" " I wanna lead the parade" "Who says you're the boss?" "We have seniority" "Our car is older" "Your pig wife is older too. I am leading the parade"
From the back of the room--- "We're having deep pit pig at the end of the parade?"
Please--- shoot me now.
Randy
davewho1 Jul 21st, 09, 9:41 PM I'm gonna try to make it next year - my old heap's pretty close to being ready for a little road trip. As long as gas isn't $5 a gallon by then. :mad: Again.
It ain't pretty, but I hope to have some primer on it, at least. :thumbsup:
Alan Jul 21st, 09, 9:59 PM The problem I have seen in every car club I have been a member of is the really important stuff. Like: "I say we should wear RED tee shirts" "I like Blue" "I'm too fat to wear a tee shirt" Should we wear Levi's?" "How about shorts"? "Easy for you to say--- beotch-- you have legs-- I have tree stumps"
Where should the poker run go?" "I think it should go by my business" "No-- mine" "No sir" "uh uh" "We should give beer and whiskey at every stop" "let's all get drunk" " I wanna lead the parade" "Who says you're the boss?" "We have seniority" "Our car is older" "Your pig wife is older too. I am leading the parade"
From the back of the room--- "We're having deep pit pig at the end of the parade?"
Please--- shoot me now.
Randy
LMAO!!! You're killiing me Randy :D . This West Coast Chevelle Gathering is no club function. I can assure you of that. Kind of like a Super Chevy show, but way smaller and simplier. Show up, pay the reasonable fee, and have fun. Scott is the brains (and the man with the connections) behind the whole deal. I can't speak for Scott, but I'm pretty sure it will never turn into a club thing. It's an annual gathering to hang out with Chevellers. Some collective decisions amongst a select few individuals is as far as this thing goes towards the word "club". Sacramento Raceway is about as perfect a spot as can be. Why? Because Scott knows the owner and the owner is one cool guy :) . Central location north/south on West coast. Definitely not near the majority of population of West coast.
Anyway, I myself hope to make a show in another western state some day. I don't mind driving in heat, rain, or snow, but life got busy and money doesn't stay in my pocket like it used to.
Chevy built the Chevelle for the common family man. Anything from a beater to a concourse restoration is A-OK to bring to West Coast Chevelle Gathering. My Chevelle is definitely not show quality.
1BadBu Jul 21st, 09, 10:10 PM Good thing the West Coast Chevelle Gathering is not a club. I have a commitee of advisers but that's it. I detest the politics of clubs and don't join for all the reasons stated. I make the Gathering in a format I'D like to go to....and do. Monthly meetings and yearly dues, not for me thanks.
I think the geographic location IS paramount and the reasons stated in the post above are why. I sent flyers to 3 Chevelle clubs in SoCal, 1 in AZ and 2 in WA state. What kind of reply did I get? Zip. Nil. Nada. The only group to respond was NorCal and only because Chuck Bonasera got involved. Otherwise, they were going trap-shooting that day!
You never hear the guys from Florida or Boston whining that "it's too far". There's no club politics. It's bigger than all that. That's what makes Chevelle-A-Bration what it is. But it didn't start out that way. It had to grow. If you want a top-notch event, you can either drive to TN every year or help us grow our own.
The West Coast Chevelle Gathering is not a club event. I modeled it to be independant for that very reason...to avoid club-vs-club comparisons. There's just as many Chevelles in SoCal as there are in WA/OR. The NW guys even have their own thread right here on this page! They're an active bunch up there and it's my goal/desire/wish to have as many of them attend as possible. Same for the SoCal guys. I want everyone. From border to border. From the rockies to the Pacific.
We got 60 guys from around Central/Northern Ca to attend on 2 months notice. If we got the same from SoCal and the NW, that's 180 Chevelles. With those kind of numbers, I can rent the track outright for the day and have unlimited racing from 9am to 4pm.
Once we do that....then we will have the level of success necessary to draw the big vendors for sponsorship. That, in turn, will allow us to reduce entrance fees etc and push for more discounts from local hotels etc.
Only then will we be able to start comparing ourselves to Chevelle-A-Bration. Only then will guys put it on their vacation schedule at work months in advance. And then, and only then, will I sit back and say that we achieved our goal.....a once a year Gathering of all the Chevelles on the WESTERN side of the country.
But, again, if all you are gonna do is sit at home and complain, you have no one to blame but yourself...
Stalkingbear Jul 22nd, 09, 12:56 AM I talked with the wife and said, 'We are headed to Sac next April for a gathering." She said, 'A show?' I said, "No, a gathering, a collection of cars and people - like a family reunion." She said, ' Cool. I can't wait.'
I have a brother in law in Sac that we will stay with and he & his wife would love to come also.
As the time & dates get near, if anyone from the NW wants to caravan down, we can put something together in Medford before you cross the Siskiyous into N. California.
Jeffry72 Jul 22nd, 09, 2:09 AM Hey Stalkingbear, if that invite is for real, don't be surprised if the wife and I take you up on that. When I was telling my wife about all this she said, "can I go?", and she usually won't go with me to car functions.
17Again Jul 22nd, 09, 4:11 AM Jeffry,
I know what you are talking about concerning shows in the NW, and not just the Canby show. Frankly, no one around here cares anymore. For 6 years I have posted on here about each show as it was coming up. Personally I got tired of talking to a brick wall. I didn't go to the Canby show on Sunday due to prior commitments, but I did stop by on Saturday, I'm only 15 miles away. I have dropped out of the local club, but am still an Aces member. As far as The Regional show, many Oregon Club members are also members of Team Chevelle, but rarely post. If they want the show advertised they need to step up and say something. That's part of the reason I bailed. The days of 200+ cars at Oregon or Yesterdays shows have pretty much ended, until there is more support from within this site.
All of that being said, I have always enjoyed your company, and the the fellowship of many other TCers here in the NW, but it just seems as if they really don't care about shows anymore. Just as an example. Go to the Oregon Club web site. click past events, and look at how everything has dropped off. 2003, 2004 were great, 05 slowed down, 06 even less, 07, 08 almost nothing? What gives is right.
Rob
Trophyman Jul 22nd, 09, 6:01 AM Hey Scott,
Thank you for info. I would love to get my persnickey old wretch to your show. I will even try to bring my car !! It sounds like it might be fun. I'll just have to dust off a few of the mostly unused parts and wipe the car down too !! Keep me updated. If I can make it, I will.:thumbsup:
PS--can I lead the parade? :)
Randy
twotone64 Jul 22nd, 09, 2:25 PM The event was awesome, even though I had to tow my chevelle home because my cam sprocket came loose. Thanks to John (frosty22) who came back with me to get it, and to Scott who arranged for the track to be left open waaaaay after hours for me to get it. It was awesome, everyone was really friendly met guys that lived less than 20 minutes from me, and had lots of offers of helping me to fix it right there at the track. I'll definately not be getting the Lowest ET this year... got the 5.3L and 4l60, no more bad shifts or crimped shifter cables that 28sec 38MPH was horrible ;) but fun as hell.
Scott,
Let me know when the meeting at Beaux's is. I'd love to help out with the planning of this years event.
Stalkingbear Jul 22nd, 09, 3:56 PM Jeffry - Invite is for real, PM sent.
Beaux Jul 22nd, 09, 4:13 PM Im slacking. I will get the timeline down, shoot things over to scott, alan and craig, my buddy shane and see if we can get this done soon.
Scott - I think I have the portions deal all worked out, met up with my uncle last week.
I have to knock some things out for work and also around the house before I can pin down a date range. I will email soon and we can get this done. I'll feed everybody that shows up here for it. Little planning, little BS, little food, little beer, little bench - in THAT order. :D
Stalkingbear Jul 22nd, 09, 4:22 PM Beaux.... I hope you have lots of room for parking..... you might have more than alot of people there to eat.
Jeffry72 Jul 22nd, 09, 8:20 PM I guess I'm more into show than go, but I love a good swap meet if there is one and like meeting new people with this common interest. Good food and cold beer is up on my list too! If you got these things, I may have to come back year after year.
Stalkingbear Jul 22nd, 09, 8:24 PM Well..... I'm willing to show and go..... but it will make Christine a bit nervous that something might break. I keep telling her that everything is new - it won't break and if it does, we will have lots of help fixin' it.
1BadBu Jul 23rd, 09, 2:08 AM I talked with the wife and said, 'We are headed to Sac next April for a gathering." She said, 'A show?' I said, "No, a gathering, a collection of cars and people - like a family reunion." She said, ' Cool. I can't wait.'
I have a brother in law in Sac that we will stay with and he & his wife would love to come also.
As the time & dates get near, if anyone from the NW wants to caravan down, we can put something together in Medford before you cross the Siskiyous into N. California.
This is exactly how we want people to think of the West Coast Chevelle Gathering. A family friendly event. Like a family reunion you attend once a year and catch-up with people you haven't seen in awhile. Except your whole family drives Chevelles!
It doesn't really come across here but each of these guys (Alan, Beaux and Rod) had their spouse or significant other with them this year. What better way to make it OK to go than to have your spouse wanting to tag along? Makes sense to me. She might even let you spend a little more money on your Chevelle too!
My only regret is that I didn't have more time to meet people. I plan on fixing that next year. I really want to spend some time hanging-out with you guys.
And yes, your bro-in-law and family are more than welcome.
Rumor mill: The "Nitro Fever" Top Fuel Nostalgia Dragster (the one we started-up at the Gathering in April) will match race a Jet Car at the FoxHunt at Sacramento Raceway in August. If we do (i was just out there and we still don't have a blower) BUT if we do, be sure to stop by our pit and say hello. Also, Dave says were gonna race the Governors Cup in Sep and the HotRod Reunion in Bakersfield in October. I'll be at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma on Aug 1st for the A/Fuel regionals to watch Casey and the Force girls. (they will NOT be racing A/Fuel this weekend at the Autolite Nationals) If you are planning on attending any of these events, be sure and let me know...
Oh yeah.....some of you met Gary in April when he started the car for us. It is Gary's son 19 yr old Casey who is Crew-Chief on the Courtney Force car. If you missed it... she won the Northwest Nationals event in Seattle this past weekend (in A/Fuel Dragster) with the young Mr. Grisel as Crew-Chief. I spoke to him this afternoon and he was his usual humble self. Me?.....I can't even imagine what it would be like to go out to dinner with John Force to celebrate after winning your first National Event but to him it's no big deal. Cool as a cucumber, that kid.
Stalkingbear Jul 23rd, 09, 2:21 AM Wow.... the Force Team has always been one that I have cheered on... how cool to actually get to work on the team!
Jeffry72 Jul 24th, 09, 2:32 AM Alan made a comment I've heard before but cannot speak to because one, I don't live there, and two, I don't know why. It was about SoCal not wanting to do anything with NorCal and vice a versa. Don't know even if that's true, but I've heard it before. But I did go to one Chevelle show in Long Beach a few years back and I must say that I was impressed with the quality of cars. I'm really into custom touches, not radical so much, but not so much stock either, and they had some stuff different than I've seen anywhere in the country. Gotta say I liked it! I haven't had any expierence with the NorCal folks except for this post and I have to say I've been very impressed with the friendliness and enthusiasm. Look forward to meeting everyone and I truely hope some of the SoCal guys see fit to join us.
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