OK... So I tried to post this once, and since I had too many pics on the 1st page- it ate my whole post. That's a bit frustrating.
For starters, I'm not really that upset about the whole thing. I just feel the need to share with everyone! (so bear with me as I am long-winded).
My 9 hour drive down was uneventful. My choice of roads was simple and good, with the only exception being route 87 from I70 to 52/54. It was about 60 miles of wonderful 2 lane hills and twisties which would've been quite enjoyable if it weren't for the fact that I had already been driving for 8 hours!
So I arrived at about 6pm, where I stretched and said hi to a few people nearby- then headed in to cool down, and register. This is when I am informed that registration is $75 ($55 for on-site registration and $20 for the banquet ticket). It's a bit steep, but I figured that's why we came- to show! That was until they informed me that there was no "work in progress" class. When asked about the classifications on the net: "Classifications on the internet? They don't mean nothing... the classes we're using are printed in the FOCOA magazine..." Great, I drove 9 hours to find out that my class had been eliminated. Crap.
So after discussing it with a few other people (peer pressure)- I decided to enter my car anyway. Due to my bodywork and 3.1L engine swap, I was placed in "Pro Street/Late Fastback GT" class. I was annoyed, but then again I wasn't there for a tropy- but I do prefer to have a class that suits the car.
Anyway- I visited with my friends (Jack&Coke) for a short while, then rode along to the local Go-Kart track where I relaxed and watched everyone else race. It was a great time watching everyone... kinda wish I had joined in, but I was trying to work on a budget. The last of us returned to the hotel at 12:30am, where I met up with the recently-arrived Cheever3000 who I was to room with (thanks Chuck!).
I began Saturday morning with a trip to the local Burger King for breakfast, and a stop at the local powerwash to clean the car (and remove a bit more of the bad black primer from my front hood- further exposing the bright orange filler I shouldn't have used). So upon returning to the hotel lot/show field, I took the open spot between PaulV[Nife]'s V8 Formula, and Clinton Whitehead's Flaming 3800 S/C "IcyHot". Great people to park between, but not the place to be if you want your car to be noticed!
By the time judging came around (they had us pull our cars from their show spots to the shaded overhang in front of the hotel for judging), I was thinking of not even bothering with the judges. But did anyway. I don't think I've ever seen all the judges shake their heads in such a disapproving way at any judged event! They weren't too thrilled with the dirt in the engine compartment (this is my daily driver) or the junk under the trunk cover (that's why the cover is there), and many other details- not to mention the black primered finish. So I could've passed on the whole show deal- kind of a bust for me.
One more thing about the show. I know that the stock classes were people's choice votes, and the mod classes were all judged. But how many people in the mod classes recieved people's choice ballots? I sure as heck didn't!?
On the flip side, I'm glad I went for the people. I got to meet many new people, and re-aquint myself with new & old friends who I don't get to see nearly enough. I'd like to greatly thank all of you for making my weekend a fun time. Especially 86seyellow, Fierochic88, and Kyle (FC88's BF) for hanging out at the bar with me until they kicked us out. And then staying up until 3:30am in the Hotel Lobby just talking away our remaining time together there! Thanks again- that really was one of the highlights of my weekend).
After a brief 4 hours of sleep, I awoke and was back on the road by 8am. I still haven't recovered from my lack of sleep that night.
Enough of my ramblings- here are my pics (which are a bit different from others, in that my car does appear in some of these shots).
What a place to park! Does anybody even notice my GT in there?!
Yup, it's in there! Right between those two beautiful cars...
PaulV's sweet V8 Formula
My "GreenGT" Display of old FOCOA Nationals T-Shirts, and Green Apple Jones Soda with my GreenGT on the label (people loved 'em BTW).
Clinton Whitehead's "IcyHot" S/C3800...
Sweet yellow Artero Kit from Ontario- just needs a bigger engine now (currently stock 2.8)
Chris West's Turbo 3400... nothing further necessary- you already know about it.
Fran Passuite's sweet Indy GT... gotta love that car.
Finally- this is Ryan, more commonly known as FieroX at the awards banquet. Yes, the sticker says "STONER" Proof of Purchase... and the hat? It was a table decoration! Can you believ this guy drives an 11 second Fiero!? Hahaha!
Well I will be the first to say that "THIS THREAD ROCKS." Okay Okay...I swear the Margaritas have really worn off...as for the shots well....j/k
Anyways, this was an awesome time! Definitely the best Nationals yet. Come on Rob, you didn't get your magazine? You and many other subscribers I'm sure...however I can't complain, I did get mine!
And I did like your "In Progress" car. If they judged your workmanship you definitely woulda scored high! However, if they judged your V8 driving ability well....that's another story!
Alrighty, well I best be getting on my way before i start "rambling"!
Jennifer
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11:26 PM
litespd Member
Posts: 8128 From: No where you want to be Registered: Aug 99
Rob, I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to meet you. 86SEYellow was going to introduce me to you, but I was running late, and still had to shower before the banquet. I told him I'd catch up with him at the banquet, and have him introduce us then, but I never DID see him that night. Hope to get a chance to meet you at a future meet. I, too, was under the impression that there was going to be a work in progress class...also a "best rebuild from a wreck" class, and several others that were posted IN THE MAGAZINE, but never materialized. For what it's worth, I know that more than one judge was a bit disgruntled with the classes they were given to work with. In many cases, it was extremely hard to determine what class a car should be in, even after looking it over carefully. So, for what little comfort it might bring you, you weren't the only one that was upset at the classes. In my case, it worked out to my advantage, but I was the exception, rather than the rule.
For what it's worth...*I* DID look at your car...and was impressed with what you've done with it. Wait till you're done with it...then we'll see who has the last laugh!
[This message has been edited by litespd (edited 08-08-2002).]
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11:31 PM
Aug 9th, 2002
fieroX Member
Posts: 5234 From: wichita, Ks Registered: Oct 2001
Crap, the pics are coming up for me. Maybe I'll have better luck at home.
FOCOA changed the classes on you? No way! :rollseyes: Similar stuff happened to me last year at Williamsburg. That's one reason I didn't go to the show. Mainly the travel distance, but the distance on top of my previous experience with FOCOA first hand wasn't a big incentive to go.
You did hit on the main reason to go, though. Really, the ONLY reason, IMO. The people. You get to meet all the friends you've made here in person, you can see all these great cars. Really, the fact that a show is going on is secondary to me. I'll probably attend the shows if it's a reasonable driving distance, but I don't think I'll be entering my car if it's run by FOCOA. Too much
I would like to take this time to thank Phil Huff for all he's done for the Fiero community. His work is not without my appreciation. But my first hand experiences with FOCOA have not been good ones.
ltespd- sorry I missed you as well. Ron (86seyellow) pointed you out at the baquet (we were buired in the middle of the crowd), but we never managed to cross paths. Next time And yeah, I heard that the judges weren't too thrilled with the classes. Even Fred who was in charge of assigning cars to classes thought the system "sucked". Thanks for the compliments- I hope my car turns out as well as everyone else thinks it will!
fieroX- Hmmm... incriminating posters? Yeah! Now for sale- $20-$50 depending on sizes... hehe. Some of the proceeds will go to helping Ryan purchase an interior for his Fiero!
GTFiero1- don't know for certain which model they are. You'd probably have to ask him to be sure, but I think Turbo Sunbird sounds right.
After attending last years show, the only reason to attend an FOCOA event, is to meet people. If you go for the show, you will be disappointed. I know I pissed off a few people on here who were running that show last year by my comments about the show. I will agree, they probably did their best with what they were given, but FOCOA needs to do a better job with..well..everything.
I will say, the Columbus show was well done. Organized, classes, etc.
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10:53 AM
PFF
System Bot
86seyellow Member
Posts: 1147 From: wabasha, Minnesota, 55981 Registered: May 2001
I first of all want to say I had a blast with you and getting to know you even more. I view our friendship as a strong one..You have tremodous knowledge. The best thing that happened to me at nationals was not the trophy, it was not seeign the other cars, it was not showing my work i did on my car. The The absolute best thing was conversing with YOU and having fun.. I really appreciate the Fiero people. You should have told me you were on a budget, I would have helped you out, thats what I do for friends. I stayed with Fred and Annette. I will tell you that they are both Fantastic people and really put 200% into their jobs at the show. They did not get the respect or thanks from the FOCOA officials either. I for one respect and admire their Knowledge, friendship and enthusiasm for the Fiero and the Feiro community.. I was not happy about the show, but I looked at it different and concentrated on the poeple. Boy do we have some excellent Fiero owners out there.. and MinnGreen is at the top of the list...
------------------ 17" wheels, 215 front 245 back-3.1-custom side and door scoops-Flush Mount Headlights-Custom Yellow and Black Leather Interior-Clear LED tailights-all sotck Items will be gone soon!!! COulee Region Fieros OF Wisconsin and Minneosta Fieros Forever!! Coulee Region Fieros - http://couleefieros.tripod.com
Fiero56- I know the feeling. I attended FOCOA nationals from '93-'96, and quickly realized how poor some of the organization skills were. My Dad still has two trophies with the incorrect plaques on them!
I will say that Fred & Annette did a wonderful job with what they were given. They are troopers and provided us with a fun weekend, their dedication to the Fiero community makes them an obvious asset!
Ron (86seyellow)- I really appreciate your kind words. The budget thing was no big deal... I was just looking for a good time without spending much (I've got two projects going you know). And I think I spent enough at the bar to keep me pretty happy. (OK, so I was smashed Saturday night- I think it was a total of 8-9 drinks). A Good time was certainly had!
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12:56 PM
Fierochic88 Member
Posts: 4981 From: Staunton, VA Registered: May 2001
Originally posted by 86seyellow: Jenn, I think I will bring the lapdance money again to the ducth classic!!!!LOL
well - I can fab up a T304 SS Stripper Pole for the next Nationals in Vegas, I can have it engraved w/ Jen's name - hmmmmm
perhaps maybe we can turn up the heat a bit and make a Fiero National similar to "Hot Import Nights"
I know that we will certainly be bringing the nargarita machine w/ us again to the Nationals ( except we will need more than 2000 servings this time )
I am almost tempted to cruise down to FOCOA today ti light some fire under Phil's ass to to get some motivation out of him to make one hell of a National - I mean its going to be in Vegas for cryin out loud!!!
------------------ ( the above was the thoughts, views, and opinions of a disgruntled Fiero mechanic, and do not express or imply those of West Coast Fiero, Fieros West, or any other organization - just that of this poor bastard ) :) Eric Nelson Technician, West Coast Fiero 310-305-4111
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02:38 PM
Old Lar Member
Posts: 13797 From: Palm Bay, Florida Registered: Nov 1999
I just hope that all the people crying about how the FOCOA show gets planned and executed will be the first ones to volunteer to put on a show scheduled a year in advance for the many who wait for the last minute to register. Try setting up clasifications for all the cars that you don't know will be there. There was no class for a stock med red 87 GT with a sunroof, so I didn't get a tropy either.
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08:08 PM
Formula88 Member
Posts: 53788 From: Raleigh NC Registered: Jan 2001
Originally posted by Old Lar: There was no class for a stock med red 87 GT with a sunroof, so I didn't get a tropy either.
I can only say one thing about that, but it's in reference to the Williamburg show.
According to FOCOA's show classes, I was in the following class:
Stock Class Formula With Sunroof 100K-150K miles Less than 50% restored
Based on that, I thought my car would make a good showing. When I got there, AFTER I paid my money and got to the show field I found out I was in:
Stock Formula.
Gee, all of the sudden, I'm in the same class as low mileage original cars that I don't have a snow ball's chance in hell of competing against. Had I known that, I would have just attended the show and enjoyed the poeple, and saved the $$ for the entry fee.
Apparently, this year had more of the same.
If you only have 1 Indy Fiero show up, does that mean you're gonna get rid of the "Indy" class because there's no one to compete against? How about if 50 Indys show up?
Yes, making the show classes is difficult. But when you finalize the classes, don't change them. And changing them DURING the show is very bad form.
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08:32 PM
Denny Member
Posts: 1410 From: Leola, PA USA Registered: Apr 2001
You know, this happens every year after every FOCOA convention.
People complain about how their car was classified. Or how there were no bathrooms available at the show grounds. They complain about how there wasn't enough food at the banquet or how the show was held in some hot Hotel parking lot when it was supposed to be in a nice park like setting. They complain about the high registration costs and expensive Banquet tickets. They complain about missing newsletters and combined issues of newsletters and missing or poor delivery or quality of parts that have been ordered.
It's the same every year but they keep on going back to fPhil's show. By now you'd think that those attending would have it figured out that something is going to go wrong to screw up the show.
The 1st show fPhil had in Vegas was like 1989 or something. It was supposed to be held in one of the main ballrooms at the Tropicana or Sahara (Can't remember which). Instead the convention took place on the non-airconditioned indoor tennis courts behind the Casino. There were like 47 cars there. fPhil let me park my car back in some corner away from everyone else as my reward for driving 2100 miles to get there.
Then there was the show in Pigeon Forge. It must have been 110 in the shade. I took 3 kit cars there. Show was held in newlt paved Hotel parking lot when fPhil found out that he had to have a permit to use the park he had advertized as the show location. Hotter than he11...... Then the Pig gets there..... where do they put the pig?..... let's put it the non airconditioned glass enclosed, superheated swimming pool area. Have you ever wondered how roast pig tastes in a super hot area with the heavy smell of chlorine? Well you didn't need to worry about it there, the pig was gone before we even got into the door. Banquet tickets were like $17.50 back then, I had 4 of them. We ate at the Big Boy resturant next door. Now, did we sit around and complain? No we didn't, there wasn't any accomidations for sitting down unless you wanted to sit in your car. All was not lost though, my cars won 3 trophies at that show. Well fPhil had forgotten to pack the awards for that class and they were still back in CA. He will mail them as soon as he gets home.....sure he will.....still waiting. To top it off, by the time fPhils next newsletter was out he was telling people I was out of business and a drunk.
Then there's the show in Detroit.... at the Banquet, I had donated a door prize of an economy V-8 kit ($850 value). fPhil goes thru all the door prizes including a $100 off coupon from Zumwalt and NEVER gives away my door prize. Several months later, someone from CA, tries to redeem that gift certificate with me for a V-8 kit.
Then there was the 2nd visit to Indy..... I'd registered and paid the whole bit for 3 people and had my 3 goodie bags in my hand. When fPhil pulled a stunt in the crowded basement that made me drop my goodie bags at his feet and declare to him that I'd never be back to one of his shows.
Lately he has been getting some local Clubs to do the dirty work getting the show together. That way he has somebody to blame when things go bad. And he has those local people as his Internet defense team. From what I've heard the shows have been a lot better with the local help, but the I don't care we're doing this for the money attitude remains.
When are people going to learn? If you want to go to a show that goes as planned and as scheduled go to shows like the Dells, the FieroRama or the Carlisle show. These 3 shows are put on by people who actually care what you think of their shows.
Firesuit has been donned.
Archie
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11:08 PM
Fierochic88 Member
Posts: 4981 From: Staunton, VA Registered: May 2001
Originally posted by West Coast Fiero: can someone help me out here - I fail to see how mileage can determine whether a car is cleaner than the other
Well I think they're reasoning is that higher mileage cars are more likely to have more faded paint, a ding or two (due to the unfortunately usual abuse of driving lots of places) etc. Garage kept cars that are barely driven definitely get dusty and dirty but usually have nicer paint, rims etc. Many high mileage cars are bought with many miles already on and some damage already done.
However, I am more likely to vote for a higher mileage car that looks just as nice or pretty close to the low mileage honey. It certainly shows that someone worked their tail off to maintain/restore it to it's current condition.
Just my 2 cents...
Jennifer
BTW Eric - How's my pole coming along
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11:11 PM
West Coast Fiero Member
Posts: 2044 From: Los Angeles, CA, USA Registered: Jun 2001
Originally posted by Fierochic88: Well I think they're reasoning is that higher mileage cars are more likely to have more faded paint, a ding or two (due to the unfortunately usual abuse of driving lots of places) etc. Garage kept cars that are barely driven definitely get dusty and dirty but usually have nicer paint, rims etc. Many high mileage cars are bought with many miles already on and some damage already done.
However, I am more likely to vote for a higher mileage car that looks just as nice or pretty close to the low mileage honey. It certainly shows that someone worked their tail off to maintain/restore it to it's current condition.
Just my 2 cents...
Jennifer
BTW Eric - How's my pole coming along
my EXACT same sentiments to the T!!
For example Larry Haveman with an 84 that is seriously cleaner than a clean room at Microsoft has racked up 450,000+ miles on the car, with the original engine no less ( never been rebuilt )
This is what I love to see at any car show, a car that has been extrememly taken care of and at the same time enjoyed to it's fullest extent. What I dislike is a car that has been trailered all its life, doors and other panels never closed so as not to distort the rubber seals and etc. and less mileage than a car made an hour ago take presidence ( i.e. more show points ) than a car that is potentially cleaner.
So where I am going with this......
If my car had 200,000+ miles on it but looked like the day it was built vs. a trailer queen that looked like the day it was built ( stock for stock/ everything the same ) - should the car with less miles necessarily win?
Jen - you mind if the pole has an integrated beer bong?
------------------ ( the above was the thoughts, views, and opinions of a disgruntled Fiero mechanic, and do not express or imply those of West Coast Fiero, Fieros West, or any other organization - just that of this poor bastard ) :) Eric Nelson Technician, West Coast Fiero 310-305-4111
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11:27 PM
CoolBlue87GT Member
Posts: 8461 From: Punta Gorda, Florida, USA Registered: Apr 2001
I like to see a car driven and not trailored. Ivory Fiero still manages to take first prize even though he crossed the 1/4 million mile mark with the original engine and trans on the way home. I have driven my Artero almost 15000 miles to shows in just over a year. BTW the Artero has a 3.2 with a 3.1 crank,roller rockers, hot cam, ported & polished, underdrive pulley, MSD, chip, 19lb injectors, just to name a few things. The Garrett turbo wasn't quite ready for the show so I ran without it. I hoping to get back to Windsor to have it finished this month. ZOOM ZOOM!
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12:07 AM
Custom84cp Member
Posts: 295 From: Dallas, TX, USA Registered: May 2000
Originally posted by CoolBlue87GT: Of course you saw someone w/low mileage working their butts off for two days getting their car ready for the show. lol
Dave this was definitely not a hit on you or your car (I'm sure you knew that anyways). Your car is beautiful and I do realize it takes work to keep it in that condition. If it weren't for people like you a lot of Fiero history might not be preserved. Plus you are showing in a historical class which is cool too! You better keep bringing your car anyways, Lisa and I need a backdrop!
Jennifer
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12:18 AM
Formula88 Member
Posts: 53788 From: Raleigh NC Registered: Jan 2001
Originally posted by West Coast Fiero: can someone help me out here - I fail to see how mileage can determine whether a car is cleaner than the other
You don't need to understand it. Who knows why that was originally part of the classes? The point is, it WAS part of the classification, and then during the show, it was changed.
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12:38 AM
Formula88 Member
Posts: 53788 From: Raleigh NC Registered: Jan 2001
Originally posted by West Coast Fiero: If my car had 200,000+ miles on it but looked like the day it was built vs. a trailer queen that looked like the day it was built ( stock for stock/ everything the same ) - should the car with less miles necessarily win?
Actually, in every professionally judged car show I've been to, if the 2 cars were judged identically, the one with MORE miles would win. I guess the theory is it's more difficult to have a perfect high mileage car than a perfect no miles car.
Originally posted by Archie: If you want to go to a show that goes as planned and as scheduled go to shows like the Dells Archie
I will say right now that this is by far the best Fiero show I have ever been to. The people are very nice, the accomodations are nice, and there is a lot of things to do when you're there!
------------------ '87GT 3" Drop, 17" Primax 618s/Nitto450 205/40, 4" Monza exhaust, flowmaster/no cat, "Mr.Shift" kit, custom intake, mudstain decklid scoop, FOCOA 7" wing stands & front spoiler, clear front and rear lights, custom interior, purple neons, Weapon R accessories, all optioned. '91 Beretta GT: Gets through the winters.
MinnGreenGT has a legitimate gripe. I personaly looked at 119 cars and I would say that 80% of the cars that I classed, I had to apologized to the owner of the car. As I classed these cars all I could see is Phil's money machine rolling back to California. I did not really see a classification that awarded the effort of the owner to preserve the Fiero excitement. According to the classifications I was given, I was putting low mileage cars against high mileage cars against fully restored cars against daily driven cars against mildly modified cars against totally stock cars in the same class.
And to be totally honest, I feel that the show was pretty much thrown together when we all arrived at the hotel. After all FOCOA, there has had 18 of these festivals before. Is'nt there a game plan yet? I had asked since January for the criteia in which I volunteered. All I got was a copy of the actual judging sheet but no clue as to how I was expected to conduct my duties at the event. I went on pure instinct after getting open ended answers to my specific questions. Not to add the duties I had no clue about until show day. i.e. people's choice ballots on the custom class.
Rob, there was no "correct" place to put your car. I apologize for the fact that you feel that the judges shook thier head at your car. The head shaking had nothing to do with your car. I had 8 outstanding judges whom 3 of them have extensive POCI judge experience who could not understand why a absolutely perfect modified car was classed the same as a car that was obviously on it's way to being something unique. I will say that we did look past the dirt and the primer and the exposed filler and looked at what you were trying ot present us. I personally looked harder at the cars like yours because I could see the effort that you had put forth.
After this little experience, I feel that I need to maintain my focus on the local clubs. Our Midwestern clubs are so closely knit that I do not need a national club. We have so much fun at our regional stuff like the Dells, the NIFE show, Michigan Fiero Owners, MFF, that an event like the Nats does not seem that significant at all. Even a newly organized event in Indiana can pull over 80 cars the first year and a 18 year veteran can only pull 119 cars. What is this saying??
Ooopps; Was I talking out loud again?? I hate that. I have to stop before I get in to deep. I guess my bottom line is that I am happy to see so many people enthusiastic about our little cars. Time has passed enough that the passion for the Fiero is the only thing keeping the car alive. So, screw the organization and have some fun with YOUR Fiero.
------------------ Fred Bartemeyer Chairman Heartland Fieros http://www.heartlandfieros.com 86 GT 4spd 26k miles 87 GT 5spd. Blue 37k miles 88 Silver T-Top Formula 262,000 miles 87 GT 5 spd Annette's Sunshine Driver
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03:56 AM
West Coast Fiero Member
Posts: 2044 From: Los Angeles, CA, USA Registered: Jun 2001
Originally posted by Formula88: You don't need to understand it. Who knows why that was originally part of the classes? The point is, it WAS part of the classification, and then during the show, it was changed.
AH - I see what your saying, now thats downright not cool at all - to just jump and change classification for those who applied for another, seems to be the way to fill catagories or simply a way to distribute all the trophies, or both
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04:00 AM
rogergarrison Member
Posts: 49601 From: A Western Caribbean Island/ Columbus, Ohio Registered: Apr 99
Thats why I usually only make Carlisle the one big long distance show for me. I go for the fun of just hanging out, meeting and talking with everyone. Big plus is the drive there and back. I just love driving. Once drove from columbus to dallas and back the next day just for a short family visit. I dont worry about trophies. If I get them ok, if not dont care. I can tell the work in a car whether its like glass in 20 different colors or bare primer. I seldom pay much attention to trailered cars, I just think that its a waste of car. A few exceptions are like Cools GT. Its got such low milage its worth keeping it like that if thats what he wants. I drive the wheels off of everything I have, but its hard to rack up miles when you split it among 3 or 4. I used to really only have the Ferraro and racked up 20 or 25K a year. Nothing to drive 250 miles for a burger and shake on a nice weekend day. My show prep is usually a squirt of water from a spray bottle and quick towelling, maybe wipe off the tires and clean out the burger and candy wrappers. Sometimes dont even bother to fill out the window entry sheet.
------------------
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07:45 AM
Dragon Member
Posts: 1352 From: Space Coast, Florida Registered: Jun 2001
- Attempting to put together a show is a bear and quite a challenge. Sometimes certain factors require flexibility, but should be kept to a minimum.
- Getting classes set up to spread out trophies fairly is rough, and deciding whether to use judged or popular vote classes.
- Dinner and/or Breakfast banquet prices are not cheap. We always thought the more people you have the better the prices - rarely so. Normally there is a set rate. Then throw the service charge (21%) and taxes (6%) on top of the price. We have looked at both the dinner and breakfast in an attempt to keep the cost down at Daytona - but might even have to skip it this year.
- As far as attending - being there, seeing the people and the cars are great. Bringing a car is even better. It's a lonely feeling to go to a Fiero show and not have a Fiero. Sometimes though, you have no choice. My way - I'd drive. Of the four running Fieros here at the house, all have over 180,000+ miles on them.
- Regarding organization or set-up - some shows are put together and flow better than others. The big shows (more than a day) that we have attended - we personnally like the Dells the best. Great location, attitude and well organized. Best of all: Fun, Fun, Fun.
Shows are a chance for us to get together for some good old face-to-face comunications - heck of a lot better than the Internet. I like to be able to shake hands; have the ability to ramble on verbally rather than type; and to look at the cars in person (Internet pictures are nice but do not do the cars justice).
If you have been to the Daytona show and have recommendations - feedback is always appreciated. We are in the planning stages now and are here to please when possible. Contact us at:
Originally posted by Formula88: Actually, in every professionally judged car show I've been to, if the 2 cars were judged identically, the one with MORE miles would win. I guess the theory is it's more difficult to have a perfect high mileage car than a perfect no miles car.
That's true in in all classes - except for historic.
If 2 cars were judged identically, the one with LESS miles would win.
That certainly did not happen in this show.
That upsets me a little, but the time spent meeting old / new friends & talking with everyone more than makes up for it.
Fiero owners are great, and we all have a common love.
Old Lar: I just hope that all the people crying about how the FOCOA show gets planned and executed will be the first ones to volunteer to put on a show scheduled a year in advance for the many who wait for the last minute to register. Try setting up clasifications for all the cars that you don't know will be there. There was no class for a stock med red 87 GT with a sunroof, so I didn't get a tropy either.
Thanks for your input, but that's not how it happened. For quite somtime, there was a webpage posted with a very thorough/complex class system... that's what we all expected when we arrived there. And yes Restoration/Work in Progress was listed there as part of most classes (visit the pre-national thread by CoolBlue87GT for details). So I drove 9 hours for a misrepresented show. That's totally different from your complaint. Sorry. Oh yeah... they listed the revised classes in their magazine- Mag? What Mag? When is the last time I recieved a FOCOA Magazine on time? If at all? Ummm... sometime in 1996!
Archie- Thanks for your commentary. Sadly I really did know what to expect. I even told my wife (who was worried that by not coming she'd be missing a "Dells Run" class event) that it wasn't even close to being the same. Just typical FOCOA practices. I attended FOCOA Nationals from 93-96 (2 each in Pontiac & Indy), and boy did I learn a lot then! I recall hearing about the newsletter incident... but never anything about the Indy nationals- I'd love to hear that story (feel free to PM or Email me on that one)! As for you & you're firesuit? I've got a fire extinguisher and a bottle of water for 'ya if it gets warm!
WCF- as to your complaint about the mileage issue. I agree on some levels... but not entirely. There is certainly something to be said about near-0 mile cars- but I'm also glad to not see them in the "stock" class, but rather the recently created "historic" class.
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by 2749 BTW the Artero has a 3.2 with a 3.1 crank,roller rockers, hot cam, ported & polished, underdrive pulley, MSD, chip, 19lb injectors, just to name a few things. The Garrett turbo wasn't quite ready for the show so I ran without it. I hoping to get back to Windsor to have it finished this month. ZOOM ZOOM!
I apologize and stand corrected! Wish I could've seen it with a turbo- that makes a world of difference! And thanks for driving that beautiful piece down from Canada!
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Custom84cp: With all due respect, but I don't beleave that Ryans car is running 11's now, is it? Somebody had to much punch at the banquet!!
I think you may be missing the point of this post. I don't care what Ryan's car is currently running... 12's, 11's, whatever. As for punch? They served us each 1 glass of iced tea (with limited sugar packets), and water. Thankfully FieroChic stopped by the bar for me- that was a glass of Scotch. Not Punch!
RareW66- I didn't mean any disrespect to the judges in any way. They more than had their work cut out for them! But they were actually shaking their heads at the car simply 'cause I hadn't cleaned it all that... if I had known that they had call to "look past" my car's obvious flaws... I'd have done things like scrub the engine and clean the interior a bit more. But I wasn't told that until I was heading to get in my car to bring it down to the judging station. I still feel that you (and the other judges) did the best you could with what you were given- and again I thank you for that.
Dragon- 1st off, it was great talking with you Saturday morning...thanks for stopping by. As far as your first few comments- many of them certainly would apply to newer shows... but by the 18th year- you'd figure that someone at FOCOA would've come up with a solid system for once. The price of the Banquet was fair (food was good too). And about your request for input on the Daytona show (I flew down for it 3 years ago)- can you move it any closer? That's nearly a 24 hour drive for me?! Keep up the good work.
CoolBlue- Your car was beautiful, and we were all somewhat shocked that you only took 2nd in your class. But having gone home with 3 trophies, we think you did at least OK!
To all those who have read and responded to this thread, I thank you. And Keep the commentary coming! Maybe in the future, this can be used as reference for improvement (what not to do).
Edited for Spelling & Coding Errors...
[This message has been edited by MinnGreenGT (edited 08-10-2002).]
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10:36 AM
Fierochic88 Member
Posts: 4981 From: Staunton, VA Registered: May 2001
Here is what you look like before you go to the banquet:
And here is what you look like while FieroPhil finds it necessary to embarass the living daylights out of you as he tells a ten minute story that was basically centered around what else? My boobs! I needed some of that scotch I fetched Rob to get through this!
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And yeah, I heard that the judges weren't too thrilled with the classes. Even Fred who was in charge of assigning cars to classes thought the system "sucked". Thanks for the compliments- I hope my car turns out as well as everyone else thinks it will!
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