Originally posted by Nashty
This is the story.
I thought it would be cool to have this car there for the show this year due to all the media coverage surrounding the car. I suggested it and to my surprise, was encouraged by a member of the Nats staff to pursue it. I made a few phone calls and emails and was able to talk to Mr. Ivo personally. He's retired and had a medical problem he's recovering from. While I'd love to have him attend for just talking and showing the car, that's not in the cards. Since it was my idea, I was given the opportunity to make it happen, it was voluntary on my part.
I thought that I couldn't be the only one excited to see it happen but I was evidently mistaken. The only interest seems to be in seeing the car competed against. The car would be the rarest and most valuable car at Nats - period. I have no idea what the car would do while at Nats, it may not even run. However, the reasons I wanted the car there are:
#1 - it is a milestone car in drag racing
#2 - it is Buick Nailhead powered
#3 - I dig Buick powered car
#4 - I dig totally engineered and innovative cars that are far outside the box of what you're going to see at Nats.
A Nats board member was kind enough to get one sponsor for me on board without me making one phone call. I don't care about the profit or loss of Nats, I think it's too expensive too but I look forward to it more than any other race every year in spite of that.
I'd seen TB.com members come forward before to raise significant cash for a race purse. This, to me, is even more significant than something on that order. The other board has been gracious enough to even offer a place to park it. That's not free either but it IS a requirement for the car.
From what I know now, the cost is for transportation costs to get it from Cali to KY. I thought Mr. Ivo was being generous in sharing his car with us. To many, that isn't generous enough, he has to pay money out of his own pocket to bring the car to where we can see it. HE'S NOT EVEN COMING due to his health.
I still believe that there is enough generosity of this board to finance the car's appearance. If no one is willing to contribute beyond myself and one sponsor, no one will get to see it unless you know the owner and get invited to his private garage.
I though this would be a slam dunk.
What is the cost
