I just want to point out that the GS Nationals is NOT actually run by the GSCA. It is a stand alone corporation separate from the GSCA.
At this point I'm not expecting anything back. It's done and over with but a lesson was learned. It's actually more about getting taken advantage of, their greed, and principal than the money. I have a friend who will run TSO next year and he needs help with the car so I will go and help him instead of bringing my car again. Like I said, I had a great time with the Buick peeps and meeting people. I want to go again next year but they will get much less of my money... Jake, I was told you have to bring your Saturday run sticker along with the form that was filled out and signed by the GSCA person at the tent. But don't expect to get in free or get much of a refund because the spectator part of the ticket is not refunded and you will still have to pay the registration fee again. Understand this ahead of time so you don't go postal at the tent next year...:blast: LOL.
Guys' Complaining here isnt going to help you at all. Richard has stated over and over in the GSXtra to call him personally if you have a problem. So call him.
putting a face with the screen name lol. it was nice meeting you and your buddies too, see you next year.
If that happened to me....someone would be getting a ride in an ambulance....that's total B.S. !!! Seems things haven't changed. Lesson learned....that's how they roll !
Hi Jim, I think it's more venting than complaining. I'm not familiar with GSCA and don't know who Richard is or his number. I don't get the GSXtra. I guess the fact that the guy at the gate (don't know him either) said they were positively racing even under the lights if necessary kind of got me mad. However, I'll give him the benefit of the doubt, maybe that's what he actually thought. I understand better how things are run. If I take my car there again, I won't buy a race ticket until I actually see cars going down the track...:laugh: My friend Dave bought a spectator ticket Saturday just to get in to get his trailer. True Story....he didn't know better and is easy going so he didn't question them. That's it....nice to meet you Jim, hope to see you next year.
As far as Super-16 entry fees are concerned: If you paid the $50.00 to enter this year, I will be keeping the signup list for next year so that you can enter without having to pay again. Anyone who comes to see me and tells me they aren't going to re-enter can get their $50.00 back. Finishline Motorsports has graciously agreed to roll their $1,000.00 sponsorship over to next year as well as re-sponsoring next year for another $1,000.00. I'll be asking the rest of our S-16 sponsors if they might follow suit. Two of them are on board already. The last time this happened, we got the total Super-16 payout up to $6,000.00 the following year. Rob Giroux won that race and received $2,500.00. It'll probably get up near there again next year. I don't know if this info helps anyone, but I'm doing my best for the racers I represent. PS - any Super-16 qualifier who didn't get their t-shirt can contact me and we'll work on getting it out to you. send me an email at stagetwo65@yahoo.com
Thank you Doug for the info,and thanks for all the hard work you put into the S-16 to make it as successful as it is. gary
Well if it make you feel any better it cost me 120.00 to pick my trailer up.That was at 9 AM and I told the guy they would not be running I have been down this road to many times.He insisted OHHH YEA YEA we will be running for sure .I tried to get a 100.00 bet going with him but for some reason he wouldnt take the bet
Thanks Doug...This was my first Q-16 and I was proud to be part of it. Amazing how your one post has got me wanting to bringing my car again next year...LOLOLOL:laugh: Do you by any chance have the qualifying order for the Q16. I ran Q-1 but missed Q-2 didn't hear the call because I was working on a friends TSO car changing the coil pack onto a new module.....Damn Turbo Cars. Just curious where I qualified with all those very fast cars..... ---------- Post added at 05:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:10 PM ---------- BobbyBuick -- It was recommended to call a Richard Lasseter at 229-244-0577, He should be able to resolve this issue with you. I have talked to several guys in my Buick Club and have learned the following rules for attending the GS Nationals: 1. Never pre-register even though it saves a little money. One rainout day negates the small savings. 2. Purchase your tickets daily after you have confirmed it will not rain and the race is not cancelled, or in case you have a mechanical failure and can't race the next day or two. 3. If payouts determine whether you go or not, find out what the payouts are going to be before heading to BG. Payouts vary year to year. GSCA / Richard Lasseter does not give back to the class payouts like other Buick events. Payouts come only from our gracious sponsors. 4. Many have said, "It is what it is" and you have to be able to accept the way the event is run by Mr Lasseter & the GSCA and just enjoy the event and the great Buick People and new friends that you will inevitably make. Guys like Doug who runs Q-16, Cal Hartline, Jim Rodgers, and others who run the individual classes work hard so we at least enjoy the racing. The Indiana chapter organizes the car show and the many volunteers who help make the event successful. As far as I know none of them get paid to do this. 5. I personally know 2 people who will not attend the GS Nats. They attend the BPG and Norwalk events instead. I would highly recommend BPG and/or Norwalk. You will not be disappointed in either of them. I hope this TidBit helps save a few people from getting blind sided while attending the GS Nationals. BTW - I mean no disrespect towards anybody, I don't know Mr Lasseter and have never met him. And Please If I'm wrong with what I have posted Let Me Know....Opinions welcome from those who have been more involved with the GS Nats than I have.
Joe , I will try to call Richard. However it is my understanding that Richard runs The GSCA and not the Buick Nationals. For the record I have called the GSCA at least a dozen times over the last 15 years and never talked to Richard always got Mark Also I have attended Norwalk, BPG,and the Nationals every year all 3 events since 1998,Also when I can I attend Midwest Buick Challenge I wasnt Blind sided .Charging someone dues for services that were never provided well thats just wrong! BTW thanks for posting and for the phone number
I must admit I felt the same way I spent a good chunk of change to race 2 days and Q-16. It was 12 or earlier when the called it. You have buick guy from all over coming I think a better effort could have been put forward to track prep. Norwalk experienced same issue and took care of track. Yes I know there equipment is diff but Im sure guy would have been willing to stick around for the track to come around. I disagree people need to know whats going on. I personally and happy im not the only one who felt like that.
Mark is Richard. His way of not having to deal with members wanting answers. The GS nats are usually a good time if you can stay away from the politics behind them. Everyone who volunteers does a great job at helping to make sure things run as smooth as possible.
Jerry Wilson - Thank You for the pictures. I thought my Apollo was fast until it's first visit to the GS Nationals.......9.50's just doesn't get it done at the GS Nationals. I lost all four runs I made to really fast Buicks. There sure are a lot of fast Buicks out there...!!!
Yes! Everyone call King Richard (aka Mark). Won't do any good....it all comes down to $$$....unfortunately.
I will say this as far as Richard goes. You won't get far with him with $ talk because he will always defer to Bennet on the $ issues regarding the Nats. I find it hard to believe that some other guy has all the control on an event that involves YOUR club but that's how it is. I will not bash the GSCA or the BPG because that's pretty much all we have. Would I like to see some things done differently....sure....but I am thankful to have both clubs. As stated earlier it truly is a good time in BG if you stay away from the politics.
