The West Coast Z Car Nationals returns to the Streets of MSA!

http://www.zcarparts.com/events/2011/the-countdown.html

Never did care for much the street in front of the shop as a venue. For the smaller turnouts of the earlier years it was okay but the last one I went had vehicles parked on the back streets and back lots. It seemed to me like the event had outgrown the venue.

the majority of attendees told us they missed having the show on the street ]

Are they serious? I have been at the last two store shows and have yet to meet an individual that prefers the show on the streets. The park was phenomenal, the store shows are lame.

Why?

1) That blacktop is dog gone hot. Much nicer to have it at a park with grass and trees for shade. At the 2011 show there was a crowd (standing room only) against the side of the building which provided the only fixed shade in the area. The other crowd was in the shade provided by the RV's and the In-and-OUT truck.

The park environment is orders of magnitude better and winding road to get there was sweet. The park also provides great background for photo shoots.

2) It's a waste of your time to try and get in the store to pick up something for your car. The line is 50 people deep OUTSIDE the store trying to get in to buy something. No telling how many are inside. I'll just pay the shipping and order from my house or office.

3) Parking was a fiasco. Took about 30 minutes of waiting in long line wrapped around corner to finally get parked. A lot of Z's overheating, you could smell the coolant in the parking lot after the cars finally got in.

So, sorry to vent and be negative, but that's my opinion. Plus ZCON's in Phoenix in 2012. I'm goin' there.

This is very disappointing news. It's just not worth it to drive from Colorado to a one-day show in the parking lot. I went to the 1st show at the park and was very impressed with the venue. Not so much the shows I went to in the parking lot/street. I've always wanted to be in the show since I went to my first one in 2005, but not enough to put up with the heat and crowds at the store (not to mention the local cops waiting behind every bush to pick off the unwary). Oh well, I know it was expensive to put on the show in the park, but many here have offered good suggestions to MSA on how to alleviate some of the costs, but there hasn't been much of a response from the MSA guys. Too bad.

Cheers all, Mike

I've been to both venues as well .. I was at the last street show and the first park show. Each has it's 'plus/minus attributes. If you to the show, expecting issues .. you'll find them. I go with the idea of having a great time and will make the most of it. .. to me the biggest concern is the drive to/from the show. If my Z makes it to the show .. it's WIN! If my Z makes it home .. it's WIN! Enjoying the event .. seeing all the awesome Z's and meeting old/new friends is what it's all about.

Now with ZCon 2012 in AZ .. my challenge will be to decide which to go to? I don't think my budget will allow both events ..