West Coast Nationals @ Las Vegas Oct 8th & 9th

[granatl]

As by request, I'm announcing this year's WCN@LV (http://www.westcoastnats.com/) in a separate thread. Most of this info was already posted on TurboBuick.Com.

1. This is NOT a Buick-only event. There is NO way we can afford to rent this track. There are F-Bodies, Mustangs, etc. invited. Historically speaking, their attendance has been small. Saturday evening is the Supra race, not during our event.
2. I do NOT control the weather. Vegas is advertised as "300+ sunny days a year", so if you play the odds, we'll have great weather; I seem to think it's low 80's for the high at the time of year.
3. This is an NHRA track. It is 100% the track's discretion to make sure your car is legal for the times that you plan to run. There has been leanency in year's past, but that is NO guarantee about the coming event.
4. No electronics that control the car. Monitoring equipment is fine. This is to test your driving skills, not your computers'.
5. Breakdown as follows:
Jon has final say on all rules and which cars are allowed to participate.
Craig works with our sponsors and getting the apparel made.
Jack (me) only builds the web page, and tries to answer what questions that come up.
6. If you decide to pre-register, your payment is expected within 2 weeks. Your money gets the T-shirts, etc.
7. There is no way that we can make everyone happy, but we do try hard to please you. So if you have suggestions, comments, etc. get in touch with one of us.

The Hotel this year is Arizona Charlie's East. This is the info as I THINK it is, but when I get confirmation, I'll add it to the WCN web page.
1. Rooms are $30/night weeknights
2. Rooms are $60/night weekends
3. They love car clubs are have no problem with car trailers, etc.
4. There's a block of 125 rooms for your use.

Please spread the word.

Thanks,
Jack Bilger
http://www.westcoastnats.com/pix/westcoast.gif

[NOTNSS]

Jack ole buddy... where's the hotel in relation to the track and the Cannery?

Thanks.

[granatl]

I'll post exact directions soon to the website.
But generally speaking, this place is much closer to the downtown casinos (like Main Street Station) then it is to the Cannery. Via the highway, I'm guessing it's about a 20 mile trip vs. the Cannery's ~5 mile.

[NOTNSS]

The Elko crowd will probably stay at The Cannery. We all live in Nevada so no real excitement here to see downtown LV. Close to the track is Priority 1.

[MikeM]

Gary, for some reason I thought you live in Montana. Is my mind playing tricks on me again?

My first choice is that the 71GS455 Convert is finished for BPG Nats. Second choice, it's finished for West Coast Nats. But I'd like to see one of my cars race out there again, haven't missed it yet... With a car.

[NOTNSS]

Mike,

I'm a Montana native and go there a couple times a year, would like to retire there (I prefer cold over a lot of heat), but live in NE Nevada. Not a lot of difference weather-wise from western Montana.

Would like to see you IN one of your cars at Vegas. Maybe you can coax a little more out of it than Skip.

[MikeM]

Put me in a 4speed (don't mean automatic). I've had a lot more practice, and power shifting is what I really like to do.

Frankly, I'm trying to cope with the automatics and it's not going as well as I'd like it to. They're okay, but 4spds are what I like to race.

If that 71 4spd is ready to go, I will be there. Oct 1 is a holiday week in China so I've got a week off anyhow.

[NOTNSS]

Jack,

I did PayPal to Jon a few days ago. Waiting to see my "Paid" check mark on the WCN webpage.

Thanks.

[Nitro71455]

Hey all......

dispite the new bundle of joy that's showing up in September, I'll be in Vegas again this year. Hopefully I'll get more than 2 TNT runs in before the car dies this year :)

Anyhow...... I just sent my funds via PayPal as well...... Looking forward to it as usual.........

Gary... how about a little more info on your hotel? I'd prefer to stay away from the strip as well.

[bballsam]

Gary, that goes for me too. I'd like
to stay there also. Let me know!!
Thanks, Sam

[NOTNSS]

Rich and Sam,

I'll talk to Ben Sadlier (the red/black '69) and see what he comes up with. He's the one that came up with the Cannery and I think he has a couple more options. For now, I'm planning on The Cannery and will let you know more ASAP. Best of my knowledge is they'll let us 'valet' park our own car/trailer.

Also, Doug Frazier from the SoCal GS Club was going to explore options so I'll try to contact him. As far as I know all the SoCal guys (Len, Skip & crew, Scott..) are planning on The Cannery. Don't like to segregate from the turbo crowd but we small town guys can't handle the twinkle of downtown.. been there, done that, got the t-shirt.

[Nitro71455]

Got the Room reserved at the AZ........ Should be all set now.

[NOTNSS]

Sam,

We're all staying at Arizona Charlie's if you haven't picked up on that.

Gary

[GS455_65]

Jack, been trying to access WCN site without success to register. Will be travelling up with Len Bentley. Should be great to meet with all the "names".

Norman A Lutz

[NOTNSS]

Good deal Norm. Guess the long distance award (if there was one) is in the bag. It looks like the site is down today; I was in there a day or so ago. I'm sure Jack will get it back up.

[71GS455]

It's too bad for me on the timing. I'll be down the weekends of Sep 18th and Oct 29th - but not in between.

[granatl]

1. The WCN website is back online.
2. Arizona Charlie's wants to reclaim the numerous unbooked rooms. If you plan to stay at the host hotel this year, book before next Wednesday! The hotel info can be viewed by going to the website and clicking the HOTEL oval.

[granatl]

GS455_65 said:Jack, been trying to access WCN site without success to register. Will be travelling up with Len Bentley. Should be great to meet with all the "names".

Norman A Lutz

For some reason, I never got e-mailed about your post. Sorry for the long delay. Certain browsers have problems with the forms. If you send me e-mail (granatl@westcoastnats.com) with the following info, I'll register for you (pretty much all the info from the registration page):
Full Name:
Address
e-mail addr
If you're bringing your car overseas, I'll need to know it's make/model and what classes you want to participate in.
List any clothing (with sizes) that you want pre-ordered.

[GS455_65]

Jack, have registered on the WCN site. do you have any numbers of Buick people attending as yet

[granatl]

Basically, I only know by the number that have registered. There's a few that just order T-shirts, etc., so they don't show up on the home page. So count the people on the home page, and add about 5-10%.
I think there was around 80 cars last year.
I've been working on putting on the pictures from the previous years up on the site. That'll give you a good idea of what to expect when it's ready.

[NOTNSS]

Jack,

You guys gonna post us as "Paid". PayPal went through a couple months ago. Just don't wasnt to fall through a crack somewhere.

Thanks.

[granatl]

I apoligize about the checkmark thing. I gave Jon the password on Saturday and he hasn't had the chance to update the site. It should happen any day now.

[NOTNSS]

No problem Jack. It had to be one of those "other two" guys, eh?

Looking forward to it as always. Hope to have more V8 cars this year, donchano.

Thanks.

[Sweesy G&B]

Regarding the race in Las Vegas October 8 and 9--Myself, George Sweesy and Bob Peterson are planning on attending and based on the previous info we should be able to register at the track. I will be bringing by 72 GS and Bob will be bringing his Turbo Regal. If there is other info that we need to have, please forward. We are already registered at Ariz Charlies. Thanks.

[NOTNSS]

Good news George. Glad to hear someone from a distance will be making the event. And it'll be great to see a really fast GS there!

[TA Perf]

We are also planning on attending. Bringing the Wagon and the '70 GSX if all goes well.

[Nitro71455]

Sounds good Mike...... I for one am looking foward to seeing your toys......

[Jim Weise]

Hey Mike, was all ready to get my plane ticket.. till I remembered I am supposed to be delivering a ragtop in Florida that week..

Have to be next year..

[bballsam]

Mike, the Wagon & the X,X,X--YEA!!
Sam

[NOTNSS]

Right on Mike! I talked to your Dad for awhile down there last year; what a nice guy. Will be great to see you guys and the legendary cars there.

[Nitro71455]

What's a mailing address Dave Monsen can send his payment too?

[NOTNSS]

Rich,

Did Dave get a room at Az. Charlie's? I heard the price went to $170 or some ridiculous amount. There's a chance my pal Ben won't make it so would have to cancel his room by next weekend so I'm wondering if they might allow a transfer to someone who needs it without bumping the rate. I'll stay on top of this and see what we can do if needed.

[GS455_65]

Anyone needing accomodation and doesn't mind bunking in with a good looking bald Australian, is quite welcome.
Would prefer an attractive "young" lady with a "good" resume' and car, but will settle for a geriatric male if that's all that's available.

Please forward Picture of car.

[Nitro71455]

Rich,

Did Dave get a room at Az. Charlie's? I heard the price went to $170 or some ridiculous amount. There's a chance my pal Ben won't make it so would have to cancel his room by next weekend so I'm wondering if they might allow a transfer to someone who needs it without bumping the rate. I'll stay on top of this and see what we can do if needed.

Hey Gary,
I think Dave oppted to stay in St. George this year ( I'm not sure what he's smoking he was bitching about the drive to the silverton last year...... Must be some good stuff tho)... So I don't think he's in need of a room unless he changes his mind. I'll verify with him today and let you know.

Rich

[NOTNSS]

Anyone needing accomodation and doesn't mind bunking in with a good looking bald Australian, is quite welcome.
Would prefer an attractive "young" lady with a "good" resume' and car, but will settle for a geriatric male if that's all that's available.

Please forward Picture of car.

Norm,

Depending on how much beer Len and Skip pour down my gullet (Kicking and Screaming of course) it might behoove me (and my marriage) to crash on your bathroom floor. My wife doesn't drink at all so she just can't appreciate that it's funny when I need help getting my American Express card in the cardlock on our room at 0400. She was kind enough to remind me of that situation in 2002 in Vegas. Just kidding, I'll make it on my own but you might want to be careful of what you offer.

[Nitro71455]

Made a mistake in my last post.... he will be staying in Misquite.... no St Goerge.

He doesn't need the room so unless someone else does, it good to give back to the hotel.

Rich

[9secStage1]

Hey Mike, was all ready to get my plane ticket.. till I remembered I am supposed to be delivering a ragtop in Florida that week..

Have to be next year..


Guys

I want to wish you all the best of the best at your event and for everyone participating. Like the past I have read that the Vegas meet is a great one to attend. Back east on the same weekend we will be running our East Coast Meet at Cecil County, MD. No doubt the cell phone activity between Doug Hecker and Mike Tomazewski will be ringing up as the east and west will be racing on the same weekend. And best of all its all BUICKS!

Oh JW traveling to Florida? Why not stop by in MD on your way down...come on Jim, its on the way, you know with all those hurricanes down there they won't miss ya for one or two days :grin:

Please let me know on the event results for the Buildsheet.
Again best of luck and hope the weather is also as good!

[NOTNSS]

Thanks for the well wishes Rick. Backatcha back east. We're expecting some real fast GS cars this year which should give us a boost in attendance I hope, and help grow the event. Of course I'll be looking to best my ET and get those wimpy low 12s.

If I can get my wife to stop jumping up and down long enough to take some pictures (digital Ok?) I'll send some to you and might even try to keep track of what's happening so I can let you know. It's tough to race and document though, especially when I'm in the staging lines while all the other V8 cars are running. But we'll give it a try.

Maybe the other folks doing pictures, etc. can keep track of stuff and pass the info along to me to organize and submit.

:3gears:

[chris lee]

myself and my brother will be there..i'll have the gs there.. and my brother's
bringing 65 skylark with gn drivetrain..should run some mid ten's

chris lee :bglasses: :beer

[JohnK]

Dave Monson may be the smart one of the bunch. One of my coworkers is running a car in the Legends race at the Bullring this same weekend, and he's also staying in Mesquite. He says he can get to the track at exit #56 faster from Mesquite (exit #122), than he can coming north out of Las Vegas. Traffic is stop & go northbound out of Las Vegas on I-15 heading towards LVMS on a big raceday. Says he can cover 66 miles heading south a lot faster than trying to go 20 miles north from LV to LVMS. That Silverton traffic took my temp gauge places its never been before. And I didn't get the Rivie running, so I'm in the GS again this year.

JW - why would anybody still want to be in FL?

[NOTNSS]

That's SO encouraging John. I'll be motoring over to the Cannery Friday to check it out. If it's Ok I'll stay there next year regardless of what the locals say, or I'll stay in Mesquite also. That drive through LV was brutal, especially for we small town folks.

[JohnK]

Hey Gary, when you get to Ely you ought to check out Hiway 318, where they run the SSCC. Just out of Lund you'll see a white starting line painted on the road, with a lot of rubber laid down. :3gears:
The 18-wheelers prefer 318 to 93 because the grades aren't as bad, might be something to consider since your car gets towed on a trailer these days. :shock:

[NOTNSS]

YepSir, we use 318 both ways. Much better drive and 40 miles shorter. Fewer elk on the road, too.

Are you in at AZ Charlie's?

[GS455_65]

Anyone in the LAX area going to WCN that can give me a ride.
Was going with Len and June Bently but June's mother died Tuesday and now they will not be going.

[Stage2Scott]

norm-len shouldve given you my info by now-im driving up fri morning. leaving thousand oaks at 7am. 805-558-7739.

[JohnK]

Gary - yes to AZ Charlie's.
Scott - drove it there - drove it home - out in 1st round - had fun - twice

[Stage2Scott]

john-i lost in the first round-twice-after driving to ohio!!!!! so this is likely the year for someone else to win vegas and ill have a complete streak. but i did buy another car in ohio and had nothing but fun at all 3 events. its cool to win but the fun is still way up there either way.

[NOTNSS]

Scott,

You gonna have room for a crank and some odds'n ends I'm bringing for Norm?

Gary

[Stage2Scott]

guess it depends on how much bigger or smaller odds an ends are-i can squeeze in a crank ok, what else you bringin? and norm if youre readin this, get in touch.

[NOTNSS]

Just the crank and some smaller stuff: windage tray and oil slinger I think was it. Need some BB valve covers Norm?

What kinda numbers did you run in the flatlands Scott?

[Stage2Scott]

car went 13.19/104 early on sunday morning on sept 12th. ran a 106 mph in may at norwalk but there was a tailwind and evefryone was higher than normal so im discounting that. the 13.19 is the fastest this engine/converter/gear combo has ever run!! what a fantastic track that place is. I also ran 13.21,13.22,13.23,13.24,13.25, 13.30 between the 2 times iw as there. then 13.40 in first round after temp went to about 85 and humidity went to about 90%. dialed 13.30, couldnt get near the number with the heat and humidity rise. had similar problems dialing in in quaker- i am used to accounting for how temp affects my ET but not humidity! cya in 10 days!

[chris lee]

hey scott are you passing this way on the way to vegas?? let me know i'll
tag along..i think some san diego guys are wanten to caravan..

thanks chris. 909-415-7766 :3gears:

[NOTNSS]

Man, that some consistent stuff. What's your best at LVMS? Just trying to estimate what I might run in the midwest.

[Stage2Scott]

my best ever at vegas, early in the day when it was cool was 13.55, 101. as day warms up car slows to 13.65-13.75 if its really hot. went 13.42 at fontana last week-same as quaker city, not near as good as norwalk, and it was at night in fontana, nice and cool. easy .30 between vegas and norwalk for my car. norwalk is likely the exception though, as quaker was slower for everyone that attended both. norwalk if just a really well prepped track and is nearly sea level i believe.

[opeltwinturbo]

Sorry to say I won't be making the Las Vegas trip this year. As Rick M. stated in an earlier reply, the Cecil County race is the same weekend. I had already committed to attend Cecil County long before the LV date was set. The past 4 years were great times at LV. Hopefully, the schedule for next year will allow me to return, possibly with the Riviera. :Brow: Good luck to everyone and never double down on sixes.

[NOTNSS]

We'll miss you John. What a blast watching that little red Opel run 200mph and straight as a string. Good luck back "there". Too bad we don't have a video link between the two venues and a couple BIG screens.

[granatl]

I'm sorry to hear that you won't be there John. The Opel is a real crowd pleaser.
Next year is our 5th anniversary for this event. I sort of expect it to remain in October since that stops a lot of attendees from fighting with snow. As soon as I know a date for next year, I'll put it up on the site. (It'll probably be posted February/March timeframe).

Jack Bilger

[JohnK]

We like Las Vegas because that's where to go to get a break from the snow and cold. :beer :bglasses: :3gears: