An Australian travelling the USA in a 1976 Buick Electra Limited 2-door Hardtop

Re: An Australian travelling the USA in a 1976 Buick Electra Limited 2-door Coupe

Hi cstanley-gs, as I just said to Briz - it's not 'Good-bye' just yet. I'd like to catch up with you before I leave and will do everything I can to do that. I and am looking to come back after doing my visa turn around in Costa Rica, if I can. Stephen

 

Hi Patrick, as I've just said to Briz and cstanley-gs, it's not 'Good-bye' just yet - I'd like to catch up with you before I leave and will do my best to make that happen, and am looking to come back after doing my visa turn around in Costa Rica, if I can. Stephen. What is happening in Bowling Green Kentucky?? Stephen

 

It's the GS Nationals--the original annual gathering for Buick powered fun, still going strong (mostly) and drawing old friends and new faces from all over the US and beyond. Test and Tune Wednesday, Thursday, Friday afternoon, and Saturday. Car show Friday, racing Saturday, swap meet all days, socializing, beer drinking and general hoonery in the hotel parking lots every evening. I sent you a text invite; in case you didn't get it here it is. Rooms may be scarce but I'm sure there's floor space or better to offer. Come on up! Seriously!
Patrick

 

Sounds excellent - Briz mentioned same a couple of months ago but I thought it was in Nov. What day are you going there??

 

Re: An Australian travelling the USA in a 1976 Buick Electra Limited 2-door Coupe

Hi Curtis. Are you going to the GS Nationals this week / weekend?

 

Re: An Australian travelling the USA in a 1976 Buick Electra Limited 2-door Coupe

Hi Briz. Are you going to the GS Nationals this week / weekend?

 

Re: An Australian travelling the USA in a 1976 Buick Electra Limited 2-door Coupe

Aye! Leaving tonight for a Thursday AM arrival

 

Well, I had the most amazing and enjoyable time at the GS Nationals in Bowling Green, Kentucky and to think I almost didn't go - Briz had mentioned the Nationals when I first arrived back in the US but as I wasn't expecting to still be in the US at the time, I forgot all about it. Thankfully PBR400 mentioned it in a Post to me on Wednesday afternoon so I had time to attend.

It was an excellent drive from Madison in northern Florida to Bowling Green - perfect weather that continued through-out the event.

I expected to be on the sidelines watching the racing so was surprised at the suggestion that I join in the fun and race in the Electra!! And I am sooooo glad I did! What a blast! Highly addictive! By the end of Thursday I was looking for a spare NO2 cylinder to help along the 16.6 sec 1/4 mile times!!

Looking back over my life, I have to say that this sits right up there in the 'Most enjoyable' category of my life experiences and made made so not just by the racing but also by the immediate welcome, hands of friendship and never-ending camaraderie I was shown from the moment I arrived and through-out the event.

Thank you Bryan for suggesting I race; thank you 'Carbi' Dave for so willingly working on my Q-jet (as it sorely needed it); thank you to Starc and Jim and Pete and Briz and Gary and Bubba (and Bryan and 'Carbi' Dave) for all the suggestions on how work with the tree and on how to improve my times - your support was enormously appreciated.

In the larger picture - thank you to the organizers of this event and all those who volunteered and made it run so well.

The only negative - having to wait another year to do it all over again.

If anyone has some pictures of my racing would you let me know and I'll ask you to email them to me.

Thanks again, Stephen

 

While sitting in the stands I over heard a great many people talking about you and the Electra. Everyone was very impressed and inspired. You may be the first international participant at the nationals.

 

It was great meeting you at BG Stephen! I'm glad you had a good time. Of course, it is hard (impossible?) to not have a good time at the GSCA Nationals! I have pictures and (I think) a video of you racing. I'll check tonight when I get home.

Mike B. (Red 68 GS400)

 

Stephen! It was great meeting you & was glad to help in anyway. I loved seeing you smoke the right rear tire passed the 330 mark but that didn't help make
your best times. You could see you were enjoying it & that's what the GS Nats are about.
Hope to see you next year.

 

I'm glad you were able to make it (especially on a day's notice) and experienced the GS Nationals in their full WOT glory. I don't think it could have worked out any better. It's something special--more than just the sum of the parts.
Patrick

 

Stephen that is friggin awesome!
Im so jealous!

I thought this might be the year Id get to go but, had to get back home again for other reasons
I say, maybe next year, but your description of the event makes me want to go even more!

 

Thanks Mike. If you do have photos and videos that would be great!!

 

Thanks Bubba. I really enjoyed the tire smoking - once it started I knew that my time had gone out the door, so I decided to just enjoy smoking that right rear. It was great fun! I hope to see you again next year too - it was a great pleasure meeting you. Stephen

 

Hi Curtis, I understand. I hope you can make it next year - it was truly amazing. You would love it! Fingers crossed for next year. Stephen

 

Very true Patrick, very true!

 

Stephen, I uploaded a video of you racing. It is on the "2015 GSCA Nationals Video" thread in "The Bench" section, video 07.

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM THE UK TO EVERYONE IN V8 BUICK FORUM LAND - IT'S BEEN A THE PLEASURE MEETING, OR TALKING, WITH PEOPLE OVER THE PERIOD I'VE BEEN A MEMBER OF THIS FORUM. THANK YOU FOR ALL THE ADVISE AND HELP I HAVE RECEIVED OVER THAT TIME.

I HOPE 2017 IS A YEAR FULL OF NEW BEGINNINGS, NEW POSSIBILITIES AND NEW ADVENTURES FOR YOU ALL (AND THE OCCASIONAL NEW BARN FIND THROWN IN FOR GOOD MEASURE!).

SO AGAIN - HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Stephenintheusa

 

Same to you my good friend! See you soon!