[vandornjim]

Originally Posted by rkreigh

The club will either prosper and grow, or wither and die. I for one am going to make sure it’s the former not the latter. We have a great opportunity to have a lot of fun and learn more about the ZR-1 and why it’s held in such high regard. Please join me and share your thoughts and desires so we can work together to help make them happen and make this years gathering a notable and enjoyable event.


Ron Kreigh

Ron
Saw your post and couldn’t believe my eyes. I’ve been thinking about offering our place and services since the last event that was, well, shall we say, not too inspiring. We’re careful NOT to compete with the NCM but let’s face it, if we do a separate event here, they won’t come back to another event for the NCM or anyone else and vice versa. So, it’s in all of our interests to work together.

You may know, I’ve been in the Corvette hobby for many, many years and especially the ZR1 community since the very beginning. I also have just a little bit of experience organizing events…:-))

Yes, the lack of preparation-displays-etc has shown the "been there done" that has challenged the NCM for years and it's really beginning to show. If they don't make any effort at all, as they did this past event, well, many were very disgusted as this thread demonstrates. It would be easy for us to lose interest....BUT WAIT!!

Why can’t we give the event a boost while supporting the NCM all the same?? I think we can…and we better or everyone’s going to lose. Here’s some thoughts:

1- As Ron mentioned, Auto Masters could donate our time and equipment to install accessories, service or diagnose items, etc. The guys may buy their parts (exhaust, chips, air filters, etc, etc) from us (how's cost plus 10% sound), we install them for free (time and type of job permitting). We do our own ZR-1 programming so it might be interesting to compare dyno runs on different proms too! Of course we’d need to schedule but we can donate all day Friday, part of Saturday, etc. Guys who want to come earlier can call ahead. If you want to tip the guys for their time, make a donation to the NCM etc., your choice. Also, If you can coordinate with your dyno guys, attendees could do a before and after dyno run. Might be fun for exhaust systems, chips, air cleaners, etc. If they want to set up in our driveway they are welcome to.

2- Why not do a “Funkhana”? It’s a timed event where TWO PEOPLE work as a team doing various things. We’ve done it where they throw tennis balls at a box until they get a certain number in, etc. This goes on for 5 stations or so. Score is determined by time. Time penalties are given out for lack of accomplishments, cones knocked down etc. What does this do? Well, for one IT GETS THE OTHER HALF INVOLVED!! In fact, if we set it up right, 2 girls, 2 guys, KIDS all have equal chances to participate and win. The challlenges are endless.

We have the Vette City Flea Market PAVED parking lot (about room for 60-80 cars) right back of the shop and they’ll let us use it any time. They also have a huge carport for 40 cars under roof. It’s never used and would provide shelter from the sun (or rain), and a great place to register, score, etc. Cost? Little or nothing. Gain? Well, if we can come up with nice prizes, we’ll have a nice turnout. Don’t forget the annual title of “King/Queen of the Hill” and ANY car can enter, INCLUDING RENTALS!! You wanna talk about a blast? Everybody has fun and there’s also enough in it for the competition minded. Oh, and don’t forget the kids. They can compete too! To take up a morning or afternoon, you can change the stations and run 2 tracks, etc.

Speaking of kids,
I know many come to these events to get away from the little devils, but some would love to bring the kids if they had something to do. You want to boost attendance? Get some kids programs together! I think it would be a blast to have an entire day to wear them ‘lil devils out!! Maybe “JeffVette” will volunteer!

We can get products sponsored by manufacturers, suppliers etc. as prizes.

3- Now, our new shop is absolutely spotless and ideal for an inside banquet, buffet, dinner, dance, auction, whatever. We did it at my old place in Calif for the Pirate members and had a blast. We had over 100 at that party. We have 5,500 Sq Ft mostly wide open with 2 bathrooms, a kitchen and BBq facilities. Our staff, friends/family would be on hand to staff any get together as volunteers. We'd need to charge a nominal fee for rental tables, chairs, etc., but a heck of a lot cheaper than a $40 dinner at the convention center. AND A WHOLE LOT MORE FUN FOR SURE!! Left over proceeds benefit the NCM.

How about a REAL country BBQ? Ribs, sausage, hamburgers, etc. Plenty of REAL KENTUCKY HOME MADE food. Add a keg of BEER (oops a dirty word) and you have the making of a real party. How about LIVE music? Going rate is about $100 per member and there are several groups here in town available who are great. We could get sponsors & ask for a $10 per person donation for the band up front. Raffle GOOD prizes, etc.

4- Other ideas:
Road tours. Kentucky is beautiful in May. We can come up with some very interesting routes, attractions etc. How about a tour of the Holley Carb plant here in BG? ASC? Distilleries? Caves?

5- I know there's not many who are interested in performance any more but just in case, I have a complete radar system for speed measuring. How about a real 0-60 ft time challenge? Highest speed on the gun wins! (U-Joint replacement seminar immediately following)

I’d really like to see a renaissance with our annual event. It’s really one of the only chances the owners have to meet up with each other. I can ask many of the original GM and LT5 Gang to come and they would if there was something new.

Just some thoughts…
jvd
(website in the making)
270-842-0454