GS Nationals Dying

Re: GS Nationals dieing

I've only been to the GSCA three times, 2004, 2006, and 2011 and have noticed a dramatic change in the turnout this year as opposed to the last time we attended. I've only attended as a spectator (Chevy motor keeps the car outside the gate). I don't have any real answers but am confident that a solution is only as far away as the folks who run the event. As has already been suggested, if they don't care enough to change things it will likely get worse, which is disappointing. I'm not thrilled with paying $20 apiece to get in anywhere but won't hestitate as long as I feel it's worth it. It's about value, not so much the money.

I've seen this sort of thing before and as I'm sure most of us have. Here's just one example I've witnessed: One of our local restaurants has an all you can eat seafood buffet on Friday and Saturday nights, including crab legs. The price used to be $10 and if you didn't get there before 5:00pm you would be standing in line out the door and down the sidewalk. Business is great, right? So what do they do next? Yep, raised the price to $15. Food is still good but the line is much shorter. Next, they stop having crab legs but the price is still $15. If there is a plus side to this it's that you can walk right in and have just about any table you like. After awhile they lowered their price back down to $10 but the patrons never returned. It's only a matter of time before their doors close because, in most cases, once you drive the customers away it's very difficult to get them back.

In todays economy we all have to make sacrifices. In the case of the restaurant I mentioned, apparently they weren't willing to make them and they lost in the long run. It's those who see the problems and address them so they keep their customers that will survive. If the GSCA doesn't care then it's highly unlikely things will ever get better.

Bowling Green is 500 miles from here, Ohio is obviously even further. I've never been to the BPG event but once again, it's about value. Just something to think about next time.

 

Re: GS Nationals dieing

I think Richard does care if not for his love of the club then to maintain his income. Why do you think the nationals are still in October...people including me approached Richard at the event and told him we wanted in October from now on and he listened.

 

Re: GS Nationals dieing

Eveyrone needs to be realistic: it is a business venture. However to most that attend it's for the love of Buicks and seeing friends. The best quote in this thread is the one of dropping the negativity and trying to attend with new people. I don't go to the Peterson Museuem because of Bob Peterson but to see the cars. It seems that some love to gripe (on many different sites) rather than enjoy themselves.

 

Re: GS Nationals dieing

That's my point exactly, when people expressed their opinions to him directly, he listened. He's not the type of guy to go onto V8Buick searching for feedback. People should call him and speak to him.

 

Re: GS Nationals dieing

I personally am sad about the event Dieing.
I did invite someone to come down and he was ready to come and bring his wife and car when I got a call ."what is all the BS fee stuff going on with this event "I was like what do you mean as I have been used to it as I have attended racing or not since 97.This year I showed up on thursday at 4.00PM the tent was closed and the gate was letting me in until I told him I wasnt preregistered.He said oh I need to charge you 20 then."I told him I was just dropping the trailer and I figured 20 okay then he said "no twenty each"I F,N Exploded!!!!
40 dollars to park a Fn trailer?
I then explained how this event was going to DIE "ONE MEMBER AT A TIME THAT HOW! He gave me 15 minutes to unload and get out to give my money back
I like october due to the weather the past few years.I think of all the people I miss that gave up on the GSCA.I also agree with John Stevens on about every point he made.By the way guy I invited decided it was just to much money to join attend and be able to park his car inside and declind the invite.He wasnt going to race or show.I think the fees for someone like that or a local need to come down and I havent got a problem with the race fees .

 

Re: GS Nationals dieing

Why are people saying it is dying, the numbers were up this year

 

Re: GS Nationals dieing

I had a great time & I think numbers were up as well compared to the last time I was I was there 4 or 5 years ago. They should definately have payouts for the brackets or at least then do a gamblers race Saturday & have the club match the gamblers money for a larger purse. As far as security at the hotels that really is not the GSCA's concern but should be addressed with the town. It is not easy to put on an event of this size and all the backseat drivers complaining are mostly the same ones that have never built a high dollar engine and made an 8 second pass that say it is easy to go fast. It is easy to comment behind the computer but unless we call Richard things will go on as in the past. Just my 2cents here

 

Re: GS Nationals dieing

I had a great time this year at the GS Nats.

On several occasions I looked around and Beech Bend was hopping with cars and people everywhere.

Does it compare to the heyday of the GS nats from 88-98 ...no but is still a fantastic event.

Enjoy it for what it is and participate.

 

Re: GS Nationals dieing

While I will not get involved or comment on the "politics/past history" of the GS Nationals I will answer the following questions and offer the following opportunity, out of friendship, to the people putting on the GSCA car show.

The questions asked about the show here were;

Originally Posted by greatscat
The car show seems to have waned big time, is it due to the frame off restos or expensive frame ons where the car is never driven? most owners drive their cars and can't compete against these fine cars, should a daily drive class, or a survivor class be formed?


MeanBuicks states,
You're spot on as to why I don't show anymore. It's way too expensive to participate with a driver quality car that will never come close to placing in the show.


I developed the Concours Class judging rules for both the GSCA & the BPG and the rules seem to work well with both clubs.

However the rules we originally had for the regular classes at the BPG seemed to favor the restored cars over the street driven cars and they also did not take into consideration any additions of performance options.

This situation was un-acceptable to me because we are a performance based club and were "faulting" people for doing this on the show field.

I took it upon myself to create a set of rules that would be fair to all concerned, and when presented to the Board of Directors (BOD) of the BPG it was adopted the following year.

This set of rules, called the "Street/Driven Classes", levels the playing field with a restored car having the same chance to win as a nice "Driver" car, an original unrestored car, and one with a few "performance" options added.

It also gives guidelines and makes allowances for heavily "modified" cars. (basically it kicks them into the modified class if there are too many mods.)

These are rules that I developed and are not owned by anyone but myself. I formally offer these rules to the GSCA free of charge, to use, alter, or reject as they see fit. I also agree to explain how the rules work with the people putting on the GSCA car show.

If the GSCA car show people would like to review the Streeet/Driven rules they can either send me a PM here or call me after 7:30 PM eastern @ 610-544-6776.
Duane

 

Re: GS Nationals dieing

I've only been to Bowling Green once and did not take my car. I guess if I'm gonna spend that kind of money I'd much rather go to some muscle car thing and beat up on other manufactures. I don't care to race other Buicks but give me a dodge or ford and I'm turnin her loose. I can't think of anything thats make me happier than hearin " theres that damn old man in that fricken old brown BUICK again" .Thats what make my heart soar ! Just sayin. Its also cool when I get in the staging lane everyone jocking around to get away from me, you'd think I haven't showered in awhile or something. I GOT FEELINGS TO, anyway I'm lovin it big time ! Thanks for listening
o No:

 

Re: GS Nationals dieing

The BCA is holding a National event in the Southeast. Charlotte N.C.

The Carolina Chapter of the Buick Club of America is pleased to announce the 2012 Buick Club of America National Meet is coming to Concord, NC June 27-30, 2012. We would like to invite all Buick owners to join us for this event.

http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=231830

Looks like I will be attending this one next year.

 

Re: GS Nationals dieing

Trust me, the GSCA and the GS Nationals are not dieing. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Here is my take after looking over this thread and talking to many members on the phone who actually WENT to the event.

All who actually attended the event said they had a great time. Yes, its not perfect and it never has been, yes the payouts can be better, but the GS Nationals is still the biggest and best all Buick event out there, and the GSCA is still the biggest and best Buick group out there, with the largest membership and with the best publication.

I have also noticed that the few people doing the most complaining or otherwise posting in bold red print etc arent even GSCA members, and werent even at the event and havent been to a GS Nationals in many years! What kind of person does it take to complain about and demand answers from a Club to which they arent even a member?? :eek2: Imagine that! :eek2: Instead, it appears they and a few others are only in this thread to complain about an event they didnt attend, and about a club to which they arent even a member. It makes one think their actual objective is to promote their own agenda and/or their own club. Or maybe they just like to hear themselves talk.

I have spoken to Richard (he isnt hard to talk to), and he has assured me that he is always willing to listen to GSCA members and their ideas for improvement. I think Herb has confirmed that in this very thread. All they have to do is call. Anyone who was at the Nationals could have pulled him to the side at any time as he was available all week. I know that he does not make a point to monitor nor does he respond to internet banter, and I dont blame him. The GSCA is not an internet based club like some others. If you are a GSCA member with ideas for improvement or if you want to file a complaint then give him a call. As was stated earlier, doing so here will do nothing.

Like was mentioned earlier, instead of complaining, why not invite 3 or 4 people next year and get involved in a positive way to make things better. I know for a fact any help and ideas will be welcomed. The people are what makes the GSCA and the Nationals what it is. Not the payouts or how many port-a-lets you have access to although a lot of both are nice at times. I had a long conversation with Carl Rychlik and Phil Roitman at the Nationals, and we all agreed that if you dont go then the only one you are hurting is yourself. They also advised me to ignore the few who constantly complain and try to tear down (I'm sure we all know who they are by now) , and thats the best advice I have gotten in years.

To the GSCA members and others who have posted their support for the GSCA and the Nationals in this thread I want to applaud you for being able to think for yourself. And Richard sends his thanks for your support.

Oh, before I forget, BIG CONGRATS go out to my good friend Carl Rychlik for his concours GOLD and BEST OF SHOW at the 2011 GS Nationals. No body is more deserving of this honor than Carl.

The Nationals to me is about the friends and cars from all over this country and others that I only get to see once a year. I'm not about to hurt myself by missing one just because some guy on the internet wants to run it into the ground. :3gears:

 

Re: GS Nationals dieing

I have my thoughts, having been to every GS Nationals since 1985, as a spectator, racer, car show, and just this year concours car show. And I was going to stay out of this conversation, cause that's what it is, a conversation. Why would anyone want to go to something every year for 26 years? I've had my concerns said, been sent nasty letters to my home by who knows who, been the director of the Michigan Chapter for going on 22 years. and still go to this event to see my friends, have some time on the track, expensive, yeah, but once your are there, what the heck.
I had some chat with Richard at the show, he'd like me to write an article about my GSX, for the GSXTRA, and he's written me before for an article on the Skylark race car, you know what, maybe I should get on it and do that. The only way to keep the GS Nats going is what has already been said, call Richard, and tell him what you think! You want his number, let me know!!:3gears:

 

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o No: Anyone that I talked to that went to BG spoke very highly of the event, its a must go and see they said. The BPG has had its problems in the past, post any of that and your post and you will be gone before you can blink and eye but this thread is 4 pages long. All this thread does is under mind the hard work of the people that volunteered and don't forget about the achievements of the people that raced or showed there cars for the enjoyment of others that appreciate and love are cars. Jim, thank you too you and all the other people that helped make it happen, great job!:TU:

 

Re: GS Nationals dieing

Great pictures Greg Friend!

 

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Roberta,

I also think you should "get right on it". As you being one of the "long timers" at the Nationals, a lot of us newer folks like to hear about your exploits as well as those of Gary Paine, John C., Jim Turner, Dave and Doug and all of the other old timers. I had never seen your GSX or Garys original Stage 2, and would def like to read more about both. So put something together, and if you need my help getting it submitted just let me know. I will make sure it gets in the right hands. p

 

Re: GS Nationals dieing

Ron,

You should know by now, I dont want you to assume anything about me.

I dont know why you asked because as you already know Ron, I am not an official with the GSCA in any capacity. So no, dont engage me. As has been repeated here numerous times, you need to engage Richard.

I am just a member that wants to see things get better and wants everyone to have fun at the Nationals. I saw a need and I tried my best to fill that need in a positive way. I have many many friends in the GSCA from all over the country and Canada, thus I try to help the Nationals in a positive way by getting involved. Pretty simple. Besides, how would you know anything about the "attitude" of the powers that be? You havent spoken to Richard in many years, if ever. However, I did see many folks speaking to Richard "the power that be" Lasseter at this years Nationals including John Csordas. Seems like both of their attitudes were fine to me. In fact, they appeared to be getting along great!!! I would think if you cared so much about the future of the GSCA then you would at least be a current member. As a member, you could direct all of your ideas and concerns to Richard Lasseter. His number is published in each and every GSXtra. Give him a call. Posting your concerns here isnt going to do any good.

Come on Ron, we all know how you feel about the GSCA and the Nationals. You have made your feelings known on this site and MANY others numerous times over the years. Which is why no body believes you are here for the good of the cause. If you truly want to see the Nationals survive and prosper, then join the club, get involved in a positive way and participate.

The ball is now in your court.

 

Re: GS Nationals dieing

Chris,

Your thoughts are shared by MANY, MANY others, including me. I appreciate you posting this, and you know I appreciate the help you have given me in the past. (I may need to call on you again soon after my last pass at this years Nationals ou: )

Hope you are enjoying your new home. Shoot me a PM with your new #. I will be needing to bounce some ideas off of you in the near future! :Brow:

 

Re: GS Nationals dieing

I'm sorry you feel that way Ron.

To everyone else including Wayne Emmott:

Give Richard a call. As has been stated in this very thread by Herb and others, Richard listens to his members and is willing to make changes to make things better. But you need to give him a call, voicing our concerns here isnt going to do the job.

Wayne,

You should call Richard as well. I have known him as long or longer than you have, and I'm sure if you talked to him you both could get back on the right track with eachother. I've never known Richard to hold a grudge, much less for 18 years. Life is too short for all of this bickering.

 

Re: GS Nationals dieing

Your negative posts on ALL of the other boards, especially the GSCA board say otherwise Ron. The people here are smarter than that.