BG turnout
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Under Pressure
New Member
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2004
- Messages
- 635
No harm done here bro.I just hate like hell to see these event's fade away
Mr86t-type
New Member
- Joined
- Feb 25, 2007
- Messages
- 170
While the Weather may have been Great this year, MANY of us will NEVER Forget the WASHOUT of '98, to this day I've NEVER such Consistent and UGLY Rain,DAY after DAY....we arrived on Tuesday, and the rain began late that day, and never stopped until Late Friday......I always think about that BEFORE I make my reservations
BillyRValentine
Capricorn
- Joined
- Nov 4, 2005
- Messages
- 851
That makes 3 of us as my big azz probably equals two. LOL!!!
Jim C. - GSCA Race Director
HRpartsNstuff
Member
- Joined
- May 27, 2001
- Messages
- 844
Seemed to me, from the somewhat lonely vending area, that this years turnout was similar to last years attendance. It DID seem like tues & wed were down due to weather & gas prices & vacation schedules etc. On Thurs, on the way into the track, we got there about 5-10 min after the gates opened up, and we got stuck in a line that was almost out to camper world! I got out & took a picture I was so amazed!! It moved VERY quickly after a little bit, not sure what the hangup was. I expected to be stuck out there for hours by the looks of it, but it went VERY easy & quick. Thurs, Fri, Sat seemed exactly the same or even busier for us. We even helped with an installation next to our booth for another happy customer that got our bar from Cottons perf (we were out). Forgot to ask Jack if he could lend a hand 
We did basically the same in sales this year as last, which is a good comparison for us. Even if people count was down (not sure it was), the ones that showed up knew what they wanted & were there to get it & have fun! Heard lots of reasons why people decided not to go, some legit & couldn't be worked around, some somewhat petty IMO. It ranged from the usual politics, some rule changes, to gas & ticket prices, and lots in-between.
Even heard the payout issue from last year being a reason not to attend. Well, as many know, we had issues on that last year too. BUT, instead of using that as an excuse to boycott the event or no-show, we stepped up and gave out over $2500 in prizes over many different classes. Cal Hartline also stepped up & raised over 6k (I believe) for the TSO class, and many others raised prizes for the classes. Not sure if all classes had decent payouts, but there were several that had very nice payouts. It was sad to see that the GSE class we were title sponsor for ($1000) had other sponsors as well, and paid out to 4 places, and only 3 cars entered into it. If another car would have entered in, they would have been guaranteed something.
We had a few products in stock there, and some lucky people got to take home our "stuff" instead of the usual order-taking & ship weeks later process we have done in the past. We ran out of most stuff on thurs, rest on fri, and even sold some display parts off the tables & stand-up display, and spare parts too. We recently hired our first full-time employee 2 weeks ago, and we somehow got caught up on back orders before we left & put a few items together to take. First time we have been caught all up since we started! Should get caught back up VERY soon now too, and stay that way.
Bottom line, it's the MEMBERS and FANS that keep the wheels turning on these Buick events. We will always attend as many as we can regardless of how many show up etc. BUT, if the sales are not there at the event, it makes it VERY hard to continue sponsorship, setup as vendors, bring extra parts, extra people, and basically support the event as we would like to do. The THOUSANDS of dollars that we (and other vendors) spend to get our stuff to the event, bring paid help, meals, hotels, vending spaces, sponsorship, etc, etc, there has to be enough to offset all that to stay in business. And it's not just 5k in sales covers 5k in expenses, it has to be 5k in PROFITS to cover 5k in expenses. Otherwise, vendors can't afford to support it or attend like they are. That is the main reason vendors don't show I would say, just not a good business decision if attendance continues to drop & costs keep going up for all of us. People take for granted what all happens at the nats, the fun, the racing, the show, etc, etc, REGARDLESS of the issues that pop up that seem to be used as an excuse NOT to have fun or go racing. If I had a car & it was ready to race, can't think of much that would keep me from racing it at the national event & as many others as I could possibly attend. Would just have to eat PB&J sandwiches all week for lunch to save up for the race gas If more & more CHOOSE not to attend the events, then might as well sell the car & just go on the free internet (for now) and pretend to build a fantasy ride & buy pretend parts with pretend money. Oh boy, sounds like fun fun fun 
Unfortunately, I will have to wait for the DVD's to come out to see the action. I only had a few brief moments it seemed to get out & have fun. More than last year I think, since I had extra help this year, but never seems to be enough. As always, got to see many old friends & meet some new ones. Still amazes me after all we do in the Buick community, there are still those that never heard of us or don't know what all we make or what all it fits. I couldn't imagine missing it, even if gas goes to $6 a gallon, tickets go up, sales go down, etc. Too much fun & too many Buicks!!! Just have to do without something else in life, guess that's why we watch TV on a 8+ year old 32" tube tv & our 2nd TV is a 26" jvc going on close to 20 years old. Love to have a new big screen plasma, but got to keep my priorities straight
PS- Anyone with lots of digital pictures and video of the event, would really appreciate getting a copy of it. If you could put the originals on a CD & send it to us, we hope to use them on our new (coming soon) website. Would be glad to trade one of our new light gray shirts, just specify size If you just have a couple, e-mail is fine. For LOTS of them, mailing a cd or dvd would be best. Will give credit for your efforts & photography if you want too, won't be re-selling or giving them out unless ok with you. Hope to have the best TR related website (not counting excellent message boards like this one) by years end
See ya at the next one (Norwalk)!
We did basically the same in sales this year as last, which is a good comparison for us. Even if people count was down (not sure it was), the ones that showed up knew what they wanted & were there to get it & have fun! Heard lots of reasons why people decided not to go, some legit & couldn't be worked around, some somewhat petty IMO. It ranged from the usual politics, some rule changes, to gas & ticket prices, and lots in-between.
Even heard the payout issue from last year being a reason not to attend. Well, as many know, we had issues on that last year too. BUT, instead of using that as an excuse to boycott the event or no-show, we stepped up and gave out over $2500 in prizes over many different classes. Cal Hartline also stepped up & raised over 6k (I believe) for the TSO class, and many others raised prizes for the classes. Not sure if all classes had decent payouts, but there were several that had very nice payouts. It was sad to see that the GSE class we were title sponsor for ($1000) had other sponsors as well, and paid out to 4 places, and only 3 cars entered into it. If another car would have entered in, they would have been guaranteed something.
We had a few products in stock there, and some lucky people got to take home our "stuff" instead of the usual order-taking & ship weeks later process we have done in the past. We ran out of most stuff on thurs, rest on fri, and even sold some display parts off the tables & stand-up display, and spare parts too. We recently hired our first full-time employee 2 weeks ago, and we somehow got caught up on back orders before we left & put a few items together to take. First time we have been caught all up since we started! Should get caught back up VERY soon now too, and stay that way.
Bottom line, it's the MEMBERS and FANS that keep the wheels turning on these Buick events. We will always attend as many as we can regardless of how many show up etc. BUT, if the sales are not there at the event, it makes it VERY hard to continue sponsorship, setup as vendors, bring extra parts, extra people, and basically support the event as we would like to do. The THOUSANDS of dollars that we (and other vendors) spend to get our stuff to the event, bring paid help, meals, hotels, vending spaces, sponsorship, etc, etc, there has to be enough to offset all that to stay in business. And it's not just 5k in sales covers 5k in expenses, it has to be 5k in PROFITS to cover 5k in expenses. Otherwise, vendors can't afford to support it or attend like they are. That is the main reason vendors don't show I would say, just not a good business decision if attendance continues to drop & costs keep going up for all of us. People take for granted what all happens at the nats, the fun, the racing, the show, etc, etc, REGARDLESS of the issues that pop up that seem to be used as an excuse NOT to have fun or go racing. If I had a car & it was ready to race, can't think of much that would keep me from racing it at the national event & as many others as I could possibly attend. Would just have to eat PB&J sandwiches all week for lunch to save up for the race gas
If more & more CHOOSE not to attend the events, then might as well sell the car & just go on the free internet (for now) and pretend to build a fantasy ride & buy pretend parts with pretend money. Oh boy, sounds like fun fun fun Unfortunately, I will have to wait for the DVD's to come out to see the action. I only had a few brief moments it seemed to get out & have fun. More than last year I think, since I had extra help this year, but never seems to be enough. As always, got to see many old friends & meet some new ones. Still amazes me after all we do in the Buick community, there are still those that never heard of us or don't know what all we make or what all it fits. I couldn't imagine missing it, even if gas goes to $6 a gallon, tickets go up, sales go down, etc. Too much fun & too many Buicks!!! Just have to do without something else in life, guess that's why we watch TV on a 8+ year old 32" tube tv & our 2nd TV is a 26" jvc going on close to 20 years old. Love to have a new big screen plasma, but got to keep my priorities straight
PS- Anyone with lots of digital pictures and video of the event, would really appreciate getting a copy of it. If you could put the originals on a CD & send it to us, we hope to use them on our new (coming soon) website. Would be glad to trade one of our new light gray shirts, just specify size
If you just have a couple, e-mail is fine. For LOTS of them, mailing a cd or dvd would be best. Will give credit for your efforts & photography if you want too, won't be re-selling or giving them out unless ok with you. Hope to have the best TR related website (not counting excellent message boards like this one) by years end See ya at the next one (Norwalk)!
Cheeseburger
Active Member
- Joined
- Jan 25, 2004
- Messages
- 1,969
It is definitly not the way it was in the past.
I remember going one year and it poured rain all week, there was still all kinds of vendors there and some good deals to be had.
Looks like the "southern hospitallity" is long gone too in regards to my motel stay.
Seems east indians are taking over the motels there and do not honour prices.
Myself and a friend booked into microtel and paid cash for the entire week (Sunday-Friday), after 1 day the general manager ( preetesh patel) said we can't stay at the rate they booked us in at.
Said if we want to stay we have to pay $30 more per day and if we don't then we have to leave within 20 mins and pay a $25 room cleaning fee.
We rushed to get our things together and left.
He said he remembered me from last year and i complained about the rates......well i never went to B.G. last year!
Ended up booking into the new super 8, all was fine untill friday morning when my buddy said he saw the same manager in the lobby........
Checked out that morning and for our last night he increased the rate to $99.99 plus tax and charged my visa without my signature and concent.
I did a search and it seems this low life scum bag (patel) is managing quite a few motels in B.G.
Too bad, i really liked it there but not anymore!
I remember going one year and it poured rain all week, there was still all kinds of vendors there and some good deals to be had.
Looks like the "southern hospitallity" is long gone too in regards to my motel stay.
Seems east indians are taking over the motels there and do not honour prices.
Myself and a friend booked into microtel and paid cash for the entire week (Sunday-Friday), after 1 day the general manager ( preetesh patel) said we can't stay at the rate they booked us in at.
Said if we want to stay we have to pay $30 more per day and if we don't then we have to leave within 20 mins and pay a $25 room cleaning fee.
We rushed to get our things together and left.
He said he remembered me from last year and i complained about the rates......well i never went to B.G. last year!
Ended up booking into the new super 8, all was fine untill friday morning when my buddy said he saw the same manager in the lobby........
Checked out that morning and for our last night he increased the rate to $99.99 plus tax and charged my visa without my signature and concent.
I did a search and it seems this low life scum bag (patel) is managing quite a few motels in B.G.
Too bad, i really liked it there but not anymore!
This was my 18th time in 20 years and attendance was down the event needs to be 3 days long. At one time this was the only Buick event of any size, face it nobody drives a GS because of the value and adding miles and the Turbo cars are mostley trailered now. It was an awsome event in the 90's when you drove your car and hope to get in the 11's and everybody hung out in the hotel parking lot drinking and B.S. to all hours in the morning. Those were the days, you would pull up to a light and there would be 20 Buicks with open exhaust and race tires and street racing against the locals was awsome.
I have seen it all but face it we all get older and more invested in our cars.
The only people that show up from my first year in 1987 are the Conleys that I regonize.:biggrin:
I have seen it all but face it we all get older and more invested in our cars.
The only people that show up from my first year in 1987 are the Conleys that I regonize.:biggrin:
Melissa and I havent been there for years .. I remember the rain out to but hey life goes on 
Super Chebby got rained out @ NED the last 3/4 years !!!! ... nothing you can do ... anyway .... we had a great time ..got in plenty of runs !!! went out at night but wasn't much goin on ... got to meet all sorts of weirdo's from the BB's :biggrin: great event to us ... hope to be back next year running a little better
Super Chebby got rained out @ NED the last 3/4 years !!!! ... nothing you can do ... anyway .... we had a great time ..got in plenty of runs !!! went out at night but wasn't much goin on ... got to meet all sorts of weirdo's from the BB's :biggrin: great event to us ... hope to be back next year running a little better - Joined
- Aug 24, 2003
- Messages
- 4,285
This was my first time there. I had a really good time. I was with some good friends all week so I'm sure that helped allot but it was great to sit in the stands all week and watch Buicks race non stop! It was very pricey. We got to the track around 3pm on Wednesday and they wanted full price for that day just to watch! 
I know things are expensive but they really tore into your pockets! I figured it was expensive due to the payouts but then I found out all the payouts were all from vendors only! All that paper they made you would think they would have a nice pot for the racers. Oh well. Thank god I don't race!
I just went for the fun and to meet some new people. I also wanted to see how my GN would run all the way there. 23MPG doing 75-80 the entire trip. I think I spent 80 bucks each way on fuel. Better then my daily driver! I feel a little better now all the money I sunk into that car over the last few years paid off by actually using it!
Having a low option car sucked. No cruise control was murder on my foot!
I know things are expensive but they really tore into your pockets! I figured it was expensive due to the payouts but then I found out all the payouts were all from vendors only! All that paper they made you would think they would have a nice pot for the racers. Oh well. Thank god I don't race! I just went for the fun and to meet some new people. I also wanted to see how my GN would run all the way there. 23MPG doing 75-80 the entire trip. I think I spent 80 bucks each way on fuel. Better then my daily driver! I feel a little better now all the money I sunk into that car over the last few years paid off by actually using it!
Having a low option car sucked. No cruise control was murder on my foot! Underboost
Mr. Dull
- Joined
- Oct 4, 2005
- Messages
- 4,277
It was my first time. All I can say is GAS sucks from CA to KY. I'll be going next year for sure, I had a great time it was nice meeting everyone. 
It was my first time. All I can say is GAS sucks from CA to KY. I'll be going next year for sure I had a great time and it was nice meeting everyone.
How long did it take to get to KY from CA? How much would you say it costs in gas round trip?
- Joined
- Nov 24, 2001
- Messages
- 11,267
It was my first time. All I can say is GAS sucks from CA to KY. I'll be going next year for sure, I had a great time it was nice meeting everyone.
Great meeting up with you and your dad there at the nats, Eric and i kept bothering you guys all week
Did you ever get the car into the 9s with the alky spraying?
BW
2 words my boy. turbo diesel! sorry we didnt get to talk more but the car kept me busy all week. LenIt was my first time. All I can say is GAS sucks from CA to KY. I'll be going next year for sure, I had a great time it was nice meeting everyone.
Under Pressure
New Member
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2004
- Messages
- 635
ditto
wolfmann442
Car Poor
- Joined
- Mar 14, 2005
- Messages
- 217
Man, i hope this isn't the beginning of the end.I went last year for the first time,and this year,and enjoyed the hell out of it.This will be a yearly thing for me as long as there is one...
Underboost
Mr. Dull
- Joined
- Oct 4, 2005
- Messages
- 4,277
10to12mpg. I would say $1,100-$1,200 in gas round trip.
The cheepest I saw gas was $2.77 for 87 in Arkansas. We left Sat at 3:30am and arrived Mon. at 1:30pm 75to80mph all the way 800miles a day.
Yes, Len your right that would have been great. Good seeing you out there I'll see you in AZ in Nov.
Underboost
Mr. Dull
- Joined
- Oct 4, 2005
- Messages
- 4,277
Great meeting up with you and your dad there at the nats, Eric and i kept bothering you guys all week
Did you ever get the car into the 9s with the alky spraying?
BW
I never tried. I was trying to tune in TSM trim. I'll do it out here I'll post some video in a couple of weeks of my 9 sec run with the exhaust cut out open and alky spraying.
You guys were not bothering us at all! It was very nice meeting you guys. See you next year.
ttypewhite
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Oct 1, 2001
- Messages
- 4,156
The attendance was down, but I had a great time. My trunk was full with parts when I crossed back over the border. I got everything I wanted at great prices, I guess because of the turn out. Drove 9 hours back home and hooked up all my parts before I set my bags in the house Ask my wife how she felt about that Anytime away from the busy work week is always a good time to me. Besides, as long as my Dad was there with me, I couldn't care less who showed up. We laughed, joked, ate like kings and just relaxed and enjoyed our time away from work. This has been our yearly get away since 1990.
Ask my wife how she felt about that Anytime away from the busy work week is always a good time to me. Besides, as long as my Dad was there with me, I couldn't care less who showed up. We laughed, joked, ate like kings and just relaxed and enjoyed our time away from work. This has been our yearly get away since 1990.
