Same issues at the East Coast Nationals, Z1 put on a hell of a show for free, and most people didn't participate in the raffle-the one way they actually try to recoup some of the immediate costs, and still give everyone a great opportunity to win some seriously valuable prizes! A big brake kit, a Camera Mount, Titanium Lugnuts to name but a few...of the items a ticket gave you a chance to win.

I know most of the participants at the East Coast Nationals did not buy any raffle tickets because I spent $100 on tickets and won every prize I entered for-the odds of that are astronomical unless the actual participation was minuscule!

While I was happy to win so many great prizes, It also let me know that while the event was a success for participation, it was a complete failure as in terms of covering its own expenses. When a company offers me something for free, and is a supporter of the Z community, I always make a point of adding to their bottom line-whether in the form of $100 worth of raffle tickets-with no expectation of winning anything, or adding a $700 parts order to the shipment containing what I won from the raffle tickets.

If a company can't afford to keep supporting us, it is usually because we quit supporting them.

I volunteer to help at every Z event I attend-if for no other reason to show organizers and facilitators that I appreciate all their hard work! Words are nice to hear, but actually doing something requires and conveys a lot more value.

  AZ2NV said:

$40 is fine for those enthusiasts who are spending serious money (gas, hotel, food) just to get to the show from either out-of-state or more than just locally in the Orange County / LA area. That is why those of us driving long distance really want a 3 day event.

Unfortunately many locals expect this show to be free and don't realize or care what the cost is to put these events on. As one pointed out we don't drive Ferrari's, but those who bitch about $40 never will.

Exactly. I don't mind an entrance fee. Hell, I pay $25 to enter the "Crusin to Colby, a local show that has next to no Japanese cars, with the exception of mine and MAYBE 2 other Z's, and it's only 10 miles away and I Never win anything cause "It's not a Hot-Rod" even though it easily gets just as many, if not more spectaters than the other cars. But I pay.

If I can afford to drive a 2400 mile round trip, pay for a Hotel for 4 nights for 2 people, pay for food for a 7 day trip (2 days there, 2 days back and a 3 day event) and everything else that comes with it, I'm pretty sure that $30 or $40 dollar entry is Nothing, if not expected.

I brought all that up with Greg when I spoke with him in Mid January. He seemed to like the idea but aparently, the plans were already in motion for a 1 day event. I won't do all (the above paragraph) for a 1 day BBQ.

Oh well, maybe next year.

Dave

There is a party scheduled for the evening of the event and this years food draw is the In-N-Out Burger truck rather than a BBQ.

So, yes, a one day event. But a little different from last year.

Pre-registration starts March 1st at their site for the Dyno (fee) and In-N-Out (no Fee).

I'm sure next year will be back to a multi-day deal with a car show in front of the store with the street blocked off. I too miss the excitement of the classic West Coast Nationals and really have no desire to go to Savannah Georgia for ZCCA's event later this year.

But next year in Phoenix, that sounds good.

  H4LIGHTS said:

But next year in Phoenix, that sounds good.

I can make Phoenix. Not a bad drive from SD.

  motorman7 said:

Not a bad drive from SD.

That all depends... took me three days when I was trying to drive the BRE Baja Z back to Florida from SD.

Gave up on that idea in Phoenix, loaded the Z in a trasport and flew home.

That was the only time the AZ State Highway Patrol issued me a ticket for "Driving too slow on the Freeway.

As such fun....

Carl B.

I'm planning on hitting the Irvine Cars and Coffee with my 3 Z's before the MSA event. Would be nice to have a bunch of us that are going to the MSA show at the Cars and Coffee before hand. I am planning on being at the C&C from 6:30AM to 8:30AM, then off to the MSA show that starts at 9:00. Bring your Z and lets have a great event.

Rich

motorman7,

A friend and I plan to make the trip down to Orange County for that weekend. I do not know if we are going to bring our Z's or not, as it is a far drive for San Jose. But we definitely will stop by the Cars and Coffee meet if we go. The Z BASH should be a great day out =)

I'm interested meeting you guys before going to MSA. I also have one friend that is bringing his 370z.

Hey Glenn,

I also plan to drive down to LA friday night if you are interested? Maybe we could get a group of Zeds heading down from SF to LA?

Hey JC,

Thinking about it... I don't know if I want to drive my Z that far . I will speak to a few friends in my area to see if they are interested. I'll keep in contact

Rich. Ya got the C&C address handy? I'll try to make it.

http://irvine.carsandcoffee.info/

Hi Randy,

Here is the web site with directions. It's not far from MSA, I think 5-10 miles. It really is an impressive show of cars. We did this last year and it was great. Get there early, about 6:30AM, or you won't get a space. I will try and save some spots for the Z's that show up.

Hope to see you there,

Rich