Sorta OT: How did this year's Ford Expo in Columbus compare to years past?

[1320stang]

As far as nostalgia-wide stuff? Has it turned into just another late model race?

This should probably go into talk, but it does relate to the swap meet where there were typically lots of vendors of old parts. In other words, it relates to the future of this hobby.

 

[HHStang]

Do you mean the Mustang show that was this weekend?

 

[thehueypilot]

Yes!!!!!!!! I totally agree! In the time before the NMRA took over it was a good show where you would find some good used classic parts and a good classic car show. You could even run your car down the track just to see what it would do. I entered the "B2" bracket race and it cost me $80.00 for three days in which I only wanted to run one day but you had to pay for all three in advance on Friday. The whole time we ran (we the budget racers) you could tell they did not really want us there. We were the only class that did not dump oil on the track (30 minute cleanup X at least 4 times) or crash into the wall. I got one time trial Friday and two Saturday, but only after they told us they were doing us a favor because we were taking too long to get to the line so we needed to speed it up. I met a lot of great people there thoughout the years and they felt the same way. The purse for 120 cars was only $600 and they did not post the winnings for the late model classes? I don't know if I am going to attend next year yet.

 

[1320stang]

Do you mean the Mustang show that was this weekend?

If your talking about the NMRA race in Columbus, Ohio, then yes, that's what I'm talking about. ProMedia has purchased the Ford Expo rights from Charles Crites. This was the 27th year for the event and it has been traditionally, a nostalgia event. Big all Ford swap meet, big all Ford car show, bracket racing, old Super Stock cars making passes, etc. Not that there is anything wrong with late models, but they have the NMRA races, the FFW races, the WFC, the NSCA, the PRO/NMCA, then you have OSCA, COTT, KOTH, PSCA and others that they run in. The Expo was an event that sorta featured the old stuff, but apparently no more. I had planned on holding an FE event there next year, but I'm afraid that this year left such a bad taste in everyone's mouth, there won't be a very good turnout and it'll be a lot of work on my part for nothing.

I'm going to try and gather support and approach George Gonzales, who owns the WFC, to possibly create another event in the Fall centered around older cars with maybe Pro Street being the top class. Let's look at it from both ends, it's fun to run brackets, go round and win money, but for most people, if you don't know someone running, it's pretty boring. Crowds want to come see fast cars, might have to run some Pro Mods like Mike Atchley or something.

 

[thehueypilot]

I like the fast cars.....in the NHRA. I would be interested in an event centered around the older cars especially with a classic/late model parts swap meet and the icing on the cake would be bracket racing amoung the older cars. I would be willing to drive 9 hours to get there like I have for the last four years.

 

[1320stang]

The only thing is, I'm not sure how well received a classic Ford only show would be. If it were just a classic show with multiple makes, would it still interest you? Reason I ask is because there are several big vendors that make parts for more than one brand and they would be more likely to sponsor and attend as a vendor to such an event.

 

[thehueypilot]

Anything classic Ford I would attend. I just bought a late model (90 Mustang LX for daily driver), but I like the classics. I'm thinking about driving to Bowling Green, KY this weekend for the "Muscle Car" drags.

 

[SitDown]

I was pretty impressed as this is the first nmra event where ive seen an emphasis on vintage parts/cars.

We were the only class that did not dump oil on the track (30 minute cleanup X at least 4 times) or crash into the wall.

i hear ya, we didnt make one pass where we weren sitting on our ass for an hour in the staging lanes while they cleaned up an oildown. As for the wall contact on friday, that was a friend, his blower belt let loose into into the rad hose pouring water under him at 150+mph...

 

[thehueypilot]

I was pretty impressed as this is the first nmra event where ive seen an emphasis on vintage parts/cars.



i hear ya, we didnt make one pass where we weren sitting on our ass for an hour in the staging lanes while they cleaned up an oildown. As for the wall contact on friday, that was a friend, his blower belt let loose into into the rad hose pouring water under him at 150+mph...

Don't get me wrong I don't want to see anyone get hurt or mess their car up, but they were blaming us little guys (bracket group) for taking too long getting to the staging lanes. This event started its life as a vintage show but the NMRA took it over and I get the feeling we are now in their way.......

 

[SitDown]

sad to say, but your likely right in that assumption.

how did u do atleast? what color is your car?

 

[thehueypilot]

I got put out in the second round by falling asleep at the light but my "dial in" was spot on. My excuse is that I was used to incondesent lights on the tree and not LED's so it affected my reaction time. I have a white 68 Mustang Coupe with a black vinyl top. The announcer kept saying I was from TX for some reason? I got a nice sunburn as a parting gift from camping out in the staging lanes so I did get something....