Jim, I hate to say this but that pic isn't far off from how it was at 9 or 10 am that morning. I was there and had a clear view of the hill. I had thought about walking up and looking, but all I saw was green grass and scattered cars. The infield of the circle track had most of the GN and turbo cars, but again, it was pretty desolate looking to me. I don't care what the actual number of cars was, be it 150 or 200 or 300. ALL I KNOW is that it was a fraction of what it has been in the past. That hill has always been COVERED up with cars. And the infield of the circle track was always packed. I'm not taking pot shots at any of the GSCA people. I've got no beef with Richard Lasseter. Hell, I'm a Valdosta, GA native and lived in the same town with the guy for a long time. BUT THE FACT IS the event was WAY DOWN from the past. And the fact that its May doesn't figure in because for the most part (except for 2 years I know of), its been in May for at least the last 10 years. Now, I have heard that the event is supposed to be moved to June next year. I think this will only HELP things, but we'll see. I've never understood the Family event that was held during a time when the Family couldn't come. I've heard that the timing of the event was due to track management/ownership who is hard to deal with and somewhat uncompromising. Well, if that's the case, then here's a piece of advice to any GSCA people that read this to use with him and others like him. IF YOU CAN'T DO IT, I CAN'T USE YOU. Nothing personal, but if you can't help me, then I can't use you. Its that stinkin simple. I need something done on Sat., the one's that can't do it by then I can't use. They probably do fine work, but the key is that they can't do what I NEED. BTW, the move to the Columbus track and the en masse revolt against it doesn't count. That may be a fine drag strip, but its not a very nice track in the sense of scenery, grass, comfort, etc. The track picked by the BPG looks a lot more like Beech Bend. And Bristol is an AWESOME track. Very beautiful. Very comfortable. Very Scenic. Lots of grass and trees around the place. The columbus track was like a concrete/gravel wasteland. I don't mind a move away from BG, but that was, in my opinion, not a very good choice of a substitute track. Alan
Well Al I agree however the Bristol track would take me from ever making it back to Nats again. The Heartland park new management is advertizing that they cater to the car clubs. Sounds like its time to look for a track that is open to helping us put on a quality event not hindering us.... but its just my opinion..................ou:
That would be great if it is that packed next year. But what will it look like in 20 years? The GSCA enjoyed it greatest turnouts when the GN and Turbo cars were still a hot item. Now that the new has worn off a lot of former Buick owners have sold out for whatever the newest hot car on the block is at the moment. That has caused a significant decline in attendance. The diehards that were there in the early 80s when I started going are still attending. I do think a lot of the GS guys have quit racing there cars. In 1990 when I won bracket 3 there were over 300 cars in that class alone. Maybe a new event will bring some more people out of the woodwork that have had bad experiences with BJ and his shining personality traits. LOL I brought my front wheel driver down and raced it this year because I'm getting some chassis and cage work done on my 71. I ended up winning the class but it just wasn't the same as racing the big block. I think Mike has a great idea. Heartland would be awesome. :laugh:
some advise...maybe Without going into who's better than who and my opinion's on the why's (those who know me already know my views). For those who don't sorry been there done that I would prefer to move ahead in progress than backwards with criticism. And I am one of those "die hard" Buick guys. I attended the GS Nats from '83 through '96 missing '91 and since then it's been off and on mostly off, for reasons I won't go into. I did have some great times there, and by all means would never tell you not to attend it or any other Buick event. This is not up to me and not my place to do so. Being directly involved with the Buick Community since 1981, Editor of the NE Chapter (GS/GN Club) and the BPG along with being a member of the ROA, BCA and GSCA. My only advise to any big event is you MUST bend with the times and LISTEN and openly communicate to the people in order to survive. I know you cannot keep everyone happy, but to be successful you have to try your best. You also have to be flexible and be able to change on the fly to follow the mood of your participant. Sounds simple but I think it's almost too simple that it sometimes gets forgotten or lost until it bites you in the "you know what". Yes weather does play a big factor in things but look at the past Norwalk (13 years), E-Town (13 years), Cecil County (7 years) Meets, they all have been hampered with rain yet Norwalk for example pulled close to 400 cars with a Quick 16 bump of a 9.56, the lowest in Buick History! E-Town pulled over 250 cars with a $1300 Q-16 winning payout! For the most part those two meets are still growing. Cecil has become sort of a cult event yet is also growing. These events haven't suffered. Now MIND YOU ALL this is no attack on any event or on how events are run or the people involved organizing an event. It is just my own belief and method that I stick to when I am involved with any large scale Buick Meet. And no doubt I will be applying this belief to the First BPG Event in August of 04 along with the yearly Buick Performance Weekend at E-Town and the Cecil County, MD Meet in October. Just some food for thought. Rick Martinez
