West Coast Nationals at Las Vegas

[TURBOV6]

I had a great time and was nice to meet most of you guys. I loaded over 200 pics that I took while I was in Vegas most of them were at the strip.

Feel free to check them out but you will have to register to view and its free. www.imagestation.com/members/HI87GN

 

[Geoff87]

Just got home today.....

I would like to thank the organizers (Jack, John, and Craig) for a job well done!

I had a great time, met a lot of nice people, and got to see some bad ass Buicks. It was also nice to put some faces to the screen names that we see on this board.

Even though we flew over 3000 miles for this event, it was well worth it in my opinion. My only regret is not being (financially) able to ship my car, or a few of our cars to the mainland to race.

Looking forward to next year!

 

[MSDGN]

Just a note and not a complaint at all because I had a great time and it was a great event...the hotel was OK but next year my vote is to have the host hotel back at Main Street or maybe another hotel downtown...in my opinion/experience and there are others that agree that the Silverton is not very convenient and it's too far from the track...I got caught in the nasty traffic jam going to the track Friday night...had we been staying in the downtown area it most likely wouldn't have been as bad trying to get to the track...also I like having several casinos within walking distance...there was nothing around the Silverton...

 

[granatl]

I understand your Silverton comments and feel as though I should respond. When we look into a host hotel, 3 major factors come into play
1. Price -- We want the costs to be a non-issue for people.
2. Parking -- Do they have a secure area for car trailers, etc.
3. Protection -- Is the hotel in a safe part of town.

We were happy with Main Street, but whatever their reason they declined our request for us to stay with them another year. We then checked into The Palms, since it's probably the hippest spot in town right now; but we were afraid the $100+ per night fees would scare some small-towners away (if you've ever stayed in downtown San Francisco, the Palms is chump change in comparison).
Every month, something like 6,000 families move here (so like 10,000 people). Traffic is a never-ending problem. The further north the hotel is located, the more likely there is to be security problems. However, there are exceptions like Sante Fe Station. The directions to get there would be a little more complicated, but you would have a lighter traffic to get to the track (but there's also nothing around it to enjoy). What I'm trying to say is, everything is a trade-off. I'm sure Craig will ask Main Street station again next year, but who knows what will happen.

I hope this helps explain why we asked those to tolerate our traffic this year.

 

[Race Jace]

I thought the Silverton was great. no security problems! that has been a problem in years past but not this year. I liked how small the casino was also. you could make the rounds and talk to everyone very easy. There was not much of a traffic issue if you avoided the busiest times of the day. One thing I would like for next year is more organized off track activities. that would be neat to have scheduled times to meet for tailgate parties and dinner parties. this would allow more comraderie amongst the Buick crowd. The Silverton was the best nicest hotels we have had yet for the Vegas events. The swimming pool at the RV park was really nice for the kids. The rooms were great. Overall the best hotel so far!! It would be nice to be there again next year so all of become more familiar with everything.

 

[Race Jace]

Pluss the main street station absolutely does not want us there.

 

[2quiktocare]

I totally agree with Jason. The Silverton was a nice place with more than ample parking for the RV's and trailers alike. The security was a big bonus with all of us knowing just how desirable these things are. It would be great to avoid the traffic, but being that I lived in L.A. for 34 years, the traffic was what I considered not bad. It would have been nice to be closer to the track, but considering the neighborhood around that area verses the Silverton, we were at the best possible site I believe. More non-race functions would have been great also and will I'm sure be incorperated into the next event. Even considering how mine and Bruce's journey started, it was one of the best trips I have had to Vegas in quite awhile. Fantastic event, fantastic people, fantastic cars, and great facilities all around. Mark

P.s. Jason, your car kicks a$$ dude.

 

[Jeff Rand]

I also had concerns about the hotel, but it all worked out well. I think next year I will pull into town on Thursday and then have a little time to relax. This year we had many of the top suppliers such as Kenny, Bruce, Cal, Len and Jason - it would have been great to have a tech session. I would have paid a little extra to rent a meeting place (maybe have some food brought in) at the hotel and hear from the pros as well as meet the other racers.
Jeff

 

[Buick From Hell]

Jack---

I sent you a CD with some pics, if you didn't get it today, you should get it tomorrow!

Some of the friday night shots are cool, very slow shutter speed showed who was sleeping... (like it mattered, test & tune)

I got a few good wheels-up launch shots on saturday, but sadly, most of them were taken AFTER the buicks finished up...

I got some good video too, but I need a capture card for my computer, any suggestions?

 

[Jesse]

I finally have time to write a post on my 1st trip to the west coast and Las Vegas...


I first would like to say , Thank you to Jack , Jon , Craig and any others that help put the event together ...you guys did a great job , My hats off to you.

I had a great time , it was great meeting alot of the guys on this board ... Putting screen names with faces , like Bruce , Jack , Nick , 2quiktocare , WFO , John Craig & Chopper, granatl , Geoff87 , TURBOV6 , 1320 , c&cgn , chris , John Gallina , Kenny D , LV Gn ..... The guys from Idaho and the rest of the guys from Hawaii. I didnt meet 87regal but I seen your note on your door at the hotel ...it said " Hi Iam 87Regal knock on the door and have a beer with me" (I think that is what it said) I knocked on the door and know one was home so I went and got a beer at the bar .......there is more that I met but I dont remember the names (but I will remember the faces).

I would also like to thank Cal Hartline , Dick kerney & Jason Krammer wifes for showing my wife a great time .......
just remember guys ...its our turn next time


As for the host hotel.....I think it was a great place , I had a lot of fun there ... the rooms were nice and affordable the KOA across the street were the cars were was very clean and nice , I would definitly would go back to the Silverton to stay. I think this Event will grow and the Silverton and its location is perfect for us, I will be there next year



Jesse

 

[granatl]

Originally posted by 2quiktocare
More non-race functions would have been great also and will I'm sure be incorperated into the next event.

With all the insanity of trying to get my car running for the event, I was burned out by the time the event hit. I was supposed to buy a chrome up pipe off someone, but now I don't remember who. Anyhow, I'll try harder next year to make sure that we organize the beer party (and get enough rest before hand to last through it). It would be a nice gesture if some self-proclaimed party animal king would lend a hand in organizing things like this. Sounds like the Canadians are in the lead, eh?

Although it's a year off, feel free to post suggestions. I know it's popular that people going to Bowling Green, also tour the Corvette factory. Here, you could tour the Shelby Cobra factory (I think there's one tour daily at 10 A.M.). I don't know what else. I've lived here for 7+ years and seen most everything many times over.

 

[Jack Evers]

Vegas 2003

Jack, you and the Vegas crew did a great job this year (as always) and thank you all very much. Did like the Silverton's rooms and the pads we were assigned over at the RV park. Even though I liked downtown and Main Street Station, I think this was the best facility so far.

I did miss the opportunity to spend time with some of the people we only get to see once a year and hopefully we can get together for some non-racing time next year. Maybe we can rent a meeting room for a couple of hours Thursday night or Friday after racing, crack a keg or set up a cash bar and and just spent some time with one another.

It was a real fun event and even though my car was put back on the trailer before I made even one pass, I'm still glad I attended.

Thanks again for making this possible.

 

[HighPSI]

Wow!! Where to begin? I'll start by telling everyone what a great time I had. I feel very fortunate to attend this event. I know I will be there again next year, it was just too much fun to miss. I finally got to put a face to the many "West Coast names" I have seen on the board.

My good friends, Dick & Julie Kearney made sure we had a great time. Did I mention his cholestoral is down? I believe Dick won (and lost) more money than any other Buick guy at the event.

I finally got to meet someone from Idaho. And yes, he was just like I expected someone from Idaho to be :b The whole Idaho gang was a great group of guys. Just don't turn your back on the Oldsmobile guy.

Jack Evers managed to get me fired up a few times with his T/A talk I expect a call from him letting me know what he finds wrong with his car.

The RJC "crew" was as hospitable as ever. For those of you that don't like using the public restrooms at the track, feel free to find Tom's RV, I'm sure he won't mind I also need Jason to give me another hat. I sold mine for $40 (I could have gotten $100, but "famous" Jason wouldn't sign it!).

I had a great time at Len Freeman's shop. Enjoyed talking with John Gallina and meeting Chris Carnes (sp?). Len is really a good guy and super honest. He is a die hard racer who isn't afraid to thrash all night, just to make the race. His car ran quite well, and I believe was low qualifier is TSM. Thanks for the hotel room, Len!!

Otto is a great Buick guy. Those of you in the North East need to take advantage of his knowledge. I enjoyed having him with me at the track. I will definitly find him at BG next year. He better bring a car, or he might get cornered into helping me!

I got to visit with some of the West Coast "celebrites". Kenne D took time away from getting his car ready just to visit with me. Margie D was as nice (and nervous when Kenny raced) as ever. John Craig (and Chopper) were much younger than I expected

Jesse and Sheila always kept us entertained. The trip wouldn't have been the same without them. Hopefully, a few of you "left coast" guys can come down to Bradenton next February and see Jesse's event.

Nick was the same old crotchity bastard that he always is I still don't believe he owns a GN. One of these days, I'm going to AZ and see for myself. Thanks for all your hard work Nick. Don't hesitate to call.

I was glad to see Bruce and Mark made the trip. Your new "chip" for the Duramax will be there next week. I won't forget the BlackJack group any time soon, either.

I am sure I have forgotten a LOT of names. Thanks for a REAL, REAL good time out there guys. I can't wait to come back.

 

[Jesse]

Originally posted by HighPSI
I won't forget the BlackJack group any time soon, either.

LOL..... I never thought I say "Nurse I need another drink" @ 5:00am

 

[Jack Evers]

I don't care if my car spent the whole weekend on the trailer, I got some great looking RJC aluminum pulleys out of the trip. No hat though. He had two left and was asking $50.00 each. After buying the pulleys I only had $45.00 left.

 

[Otto J]

Originally posted by HighPSI

Otto is a great Buick guy. Those of you in the North East need to take advantage of his knowledge. I enjoyed having him with me at the track. I will definitly find him at BG next year. He better bring a car, or he might get cornered into helping me!

Thanks for the kind words CAL, Maybe i can make it down to Florida for one of your races( will have to schedule it with a Disney vacation for my wife )
My car will be at BG next year (unless some failure occurs) than ill be there anyway.
Maybe i should open my own shop and stop working for others
Otto
Anyone looking to open a business in CT? My wife wont let me move

 

[Otto J]

Len Freeman

I would also like to thank Len Freeman and his kids (for the entertainment) for letting me stay with the m and shuttling me around and showing me a good time(even though he didnt ket me make a pass in his car) Hes too afraid id go faster ithink)
I met him over the phone 2 weeks before BG and being to broke to go he let me stay with him. Now he puts me up agian in Vegas. Hes a great guy. PLus i stole my RJC pulleys from him. (oops i was i talking out loud)
THanks To Paul helliker also for The plane ride. And agreeing ot sell me his white and chrome T-Type
Anyone need a GN with a roll bar
Otto

 

[WE4]

Boo hoo

I wanted a RJRacing hat too, but I was lucky enough to get a sandwich from Race Jace as Micale would not let me go eat as he made some remark such as "We are going to the racetrack.....Why do you need to eat?"
The answer was pretty simple, I was hungry.... So Race Jace stepped up and gave the undernourished boy a sammich.
I figured I wouldn't push my luck on the hat..........

Would suuurrre like one tho.....

Bruce
WE4

 

[idaho gn]

bruce you didnt need a sammich..............you were running around as usual in high gear .............(where does he git the energy from folks)



shawn

 

[bensttype]

truely a great time!

-Just wanted to say that this was an awesome event. This was my first Buick event and it was great to put the names and faces together. I bought a powerplate from Jason and got to see the airflow demonstation-it was cool! There were some beatiful GS's there as well-Basketball Sam is a real character and a great guy.My wife even said that she had a good time! I look forward to seeing all of you next year.
-I want to give a big thumbs up to Len Freeman and his crew. I drove up early in the week and they did a great rebuild job on my trans. Len and Lisa are great people! They should do a tv program called " Garages I Salavate Over" and Franks garage would be the star. (beatiful silver ttype, MCSS LT4 6speed swap,55 chevy project,etc.)