What happened to the "old" Nationals?

Discussion in 'GSCA events' started by ranger, Oct 28, 2012.

  1. ranger

    ranger Well-Known Member

    Hi folks,

    Just attented the Nationals after an unplanned 14-year absence! It was a little depressing.

    I attended from 1994-1998 and had planned on attending every year until I died! However, "life" intervened, as it so often does, and didn't get a chance to make it back until this year. I guess I waited WAY too long!

    When did it start its decline, and why? I know that the economy tanked in 2001, along w/ the stock market; what I didn't lose then, I lost when the economy went sour again in 2007--wiping out the rest of my life savings. I take some comfort in that I am among millions of folks with a similar story.

    As well, I suppose that some of our members have died, along with many providers of parts for the V-8's and the V-6's--Kenne Bell, ATR, Dynotech, the list goes on and on. Still, I head Mike T. was there; why didn't at least he have a T/A booth? When was the last time he brought/raced his wagon.

    I did run into John, from Casper Electronics, but I don't believe he had a booth. Geez, the last time I was there he had a booth, his machine for cleaning/balancing fuel injectors, his chip burning equipment, AND his turbo V-6 Cobra.

    I would have thought that Jim Wiese would have a booth? Gessler didn't even make an appearance (though maybe is business is so good that he doesn't have to, I hope).

    I realize that E-BAY and digital photos have removed the necessity of folks hauling down a bunch of parts to try to sell on vendors' row, but I sure as hell miss the personal interaction!

    I remember the line to get into the Nationals was at least a mile long; so long that some cars would begin to overhead! When I came down that same road on Friday afternoon I thought the place was closed! I sure missed getting my picture taken (along w/ a lot of other folks) in front of a beautiful old barn that apparentlhy is now gone, and being able to buy a copy of that picture at a booth before leaving the show (from Event Pics?).

    I miss sitting on the outside porch at Rafferty's Restaurante, on Scottsdale ave. and just watch all the Buicks fly by!

    I know that nothing stays the same for very long and this is just a fact of life, but I wonder how long the Nationals can continue its downward spiral until it no longer is profitable to hold the event.

    Thanks for letting me vent, but I would like to know when the decline started and if any other variables contributed to iti other than the ones I mentioned.

    Best,

    Ranger (Craig Stangohr)
    Aiken, SC

    "And so we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past." F.Scott Fitzgerald
     
  2. Duane

    Duane Member

    Craig,
    The big years of the Nats went to a few years after you stopped going.

    There were probably many factors in the decline, including the fact that many of us ARE getting older. Some people went year after year, like myself, but after 20+ years people I have talked to often wonder what is there left to see.

    I see many of the "early year group" going back every other year, or every 3rd year to say hi to their old friends. You have the economy, plus the addition of the internet, which had a huge impact with parts sales. Back in the day, I used to gather my parts all year long and then sell them at the event. With the internet we sell/buy parts everyday, so many people do not need to go to any event to find parts.

    There are other factors like our age group that come into play. Many of my friends have their kids in College now, so there are no funds available, plus we now have health issues that we didn't have when we were in our 20's-30's. I myself had health issues that kept me out of circulation for 1 1/2 years.

    You add all this up, plus the fact that some guys got "pissed off" over the years, and it couldn't help but make an impact.


    Personally I am happy right now to see as much of an event as we did. I went this year with 3 friends, and we got to be with people we have not seen in years. One of my friends is just getting over serious health issues of his own, it was enough for us just to be there and enjoy. It is still tons bigger then it was in 1988.
    Duane
     
  3. alan

    alan High-tech Dinosaur

    In '82, a '70 GS was 12 years old. Now, an '87 GN is 25 yearss old! The cars are worth more now, and it's a little harder to pull into a parts store and get what you need when it breaks.

    Everyone is older, some aren't with us anymore, and there aren't any performance cars to get young people interested in Buicks.
     
  4. Briz

    Briz Founders Club Member

    This year was my first trip to the Nats. Although I had a good time I still felt, based on what I had read over the last few years, it was somewhat over rated. The GS cars were out numbered 2/1 by the GN and GNX cars. maybe it should be called the GN Nats? Not trying to ruffle any feathers, Just saying...
     
  5. alan

    alan High-tech Dinosaur

    There's a thought! If everybody talked someone else into coming next year, there would be a crowd!
     
  6. mygs462

    mygs462 Well-Known Member

    I've been going since 1989, LOVE to see all my friends from around the country. My bud won Bracket 1 this year and thanks to the GREAT sponsors who donate money for prizes won 200 bux. But i DID NOT know that the club offers NO CASH PRIZES in the race classes?? I Don't expect them to win huge money, But you can't tell me that Richard couldn't put 500 bux towards each class. Just to make it worth winning. I have another friend who was runner up at the BPG race and won 3100 bux. SEE THE DIFFERENCE HERE?? Win at the nats get $200 ( not even enough to cover GAS)... runner up BPG $3100.
     
  7. tufbuick

    tufbuick RIP

    The GSCA was the "Mother Club", the BG Nationals was the only game in town and beleive me it was the best time any Buick nut could have.
    Things change, new Buick events to go to that don't try to squeeze every penny out of you and are dedicated to treat you like they want you there. (notice I am not slanting this towards anyone elses event) I must admit that age of Buick owners and the economy play a big part in any events downturn of attendance, but you must adjust to the situation and roll with the times. How long would you go to your favorite parts place if they continued to bang you out when everyone else was giving deals to stay ahead of the competiton...not long.

    Competition, let explore competition. Being an successful independant business man all my life I think I know a little about how to deal with the competition...............

    "Do it better than they do", if they cut prices, show your customers you are willing to do the same. Make your venue better then everyone elses. A nice payout in race programs would be a good start. A deal on vendor spaces might help to. Be innovative, do something "NEW" that no one else is doing, "SELL" yourself to your customers, show them you care about "THEM" and not just yourself. If you can't comprehend how to be successful.....time to turn it over to someone who can.

    The GSCA ain't dead yet, it needs some new blood to step in to breath some "NEW" inovative life into it. Get with the times, adjust accordingly and they will come back to make this a great event once more. Without satisfied customers....you have "NO" business !!!

    Just my 2 cents !!! :)
     
  8. ranger

    ranger Well-Known Member

    Hi folks,

    First, thanks for responding with many good points!

    1. Yea, $200 bux don't even pay for the round-trip gas--and that's if you are "local."

    2. Inexcusable that Richard couldn't donate ANY money to the race winners--thus, the "chump change" of a coupla hundred bux.

    3. Yes, Richard, back in "the day," was the ONLY game in town. He was late in getting caught up w/ technology, and was still only mailing out his 6 newsletters per year (late) when lots of guys were on the internet with better, more innovative, info and experience. I realize that he did open up his own machine shop (Wildcat performance?) , but where are all the "big winners" who used it?

    4. Where was Richard's car, 'Ol Blue? Could it not make even a "tribute" appearance?

    5. Agreed-a "runner-up" in a class should receive a coupla grand--with the winner receiving even more. Didn't it used to be that way? I seem to recall, and my memory is weak, that the top winners at the Nationals received a pretty big "purse" back in "Da Day." Perhaps I'm wrong.

    6. Yes, treat folks as if you want them to be there (even if you don't!). $80 bux for my wife and me to get in for just two dayh seemed a bit much; I mean, we weren't racing, showing, or anything...

    Keep the comments comin'!

    Best,

    Ranger
    Aiken, SC
     
  9. tufbuick

    tufbuick RIP

    Sorry to say, this will probably windup like this...... beatdeadhorse5.gif
     
  10. Steve Reynolds

    Steve Reynolds SRE Inc

    Just letting you know that the $200 for winner of B1 came from me, SRE Performance Fabrications and not from the GSCA Nationals. I sponsored $300 to Super 16 and $300 to B1 for a total of $600. I bitched and complained last year when a friend of mine won B1 and received nothing and since I won Super 16 I thought I would step up and help sponsor a few classes. I didn't realize that the GSCA Nationals paid ZERO once again.

    I really wish that Bennett would call and talk to me or some of us about this. I know for a fact that right after the completion of the Nat's this year he sent out letters to certain individuals trying to get them to come next year with their cars (that most of us would recognize). Sorry man, but that's not what it's going to take to reignite this event. There are real good ideas floating around here if he would only listen to them.

    I had a great time there this year and that part is very important, but there is more to the whole Buick experience than just that. Without something new and fresh (and offering a GOOD VALUE) we will continue to shrink in car count and spectators.... and that's a shame!

    Steve
     
  11. TROSE11SECGN

    TROSE11SECGN Boost is my drug

    This topic has been gone round and round many a time. I have been going since 1990 and first time back since 2003 after my family didnt miss an event for close to 14 years. The infusion of turbo regals back then propelled the attendance to surge. Plus those years in late 80s early 90s as young as i was perpetuated the revival of muscle cars. At age 6 or 7 i subscribed to muscle car review. Stepfather gave me tons of issues of hemi vs stage 1 shootout and the like but the crowd is much older now and economy has soured. The cars have gone down in value as Mecum the past weekend was a lot of no shows.

    The last few years i have helped out the BPG and we are growing. I would still in a heartbeat help out the GSCA as i have a few things working for both clubs for the 50th anniversary of the GS in 2015 that i think could be the very last big tribute event that the vast majority of the Buick contingent will witness before their time is done. Keep your eyes and ears pealed!:laugh:

    Many GS guys i know are up there in age and a few in BG told me personally they are going to start looking at thinning the herd of cars. Not many guys my age with exception of Jacob and Herb L are really into these cars. Turbo cars attract quite a following among younger/tuner guys. GS to most young guys are just another Chevelle which is aggravating but if you werent exposed to Buicks like i was with my stepfather as well as Shawn who is a close friend, what else would you get involved with? LS Nats are huge and do a massive cruise to the track to prove road worthiness, plus auto cross, car show and packs the lanes full of cars to race. young crowd, chevys are mass produced, etc. you could write 20 reasons why they are attracting this number of people same for mopars and fords, etc.

    Believe me i would love to see the lanes packed with GS and TRs. A lot of cars i inquired about in the past have been raced, destroyed, or sitting broke, some for many years. A lot more than i thought have sadly bit the dust. Plus economy, as Duane says when you go and see everything so many times some people just get bored or lose interest and sell everything. Turbo Regals were a new car but the original guys are dying off slowly. A lot of people bought them bc they were the it car of their time now diehards still come through but a lot of them were just new cars and beat on then sold to various owners who didnt realize the collectibility and then were run into the ground and crushed. Same for probably GS. You read a GTO article in the 80s and its crazy that around 50-60 percent of 64 gto hard tops in the mid 80s had already been crushed or destroyed. Buicks came in lesser numbers and obviously especially now harder to find parts, find originals , locate, etc. They dont grow on trees.

    Hopefully the command will see this. I like the cooler October weather as BG is a beautiful area the track is breathtaking. Bump prize money make people want to bring their car and feel they are getting a deal and value with the event, with driving a car, racing/showing, gifts for attendees, etc. Little stuff counts. All i hear is people saying they leave their car at home bc they dont see the value in attending. Back in the day everyone drove their cars and few people except all out race cars were trailered. That day is probably done with fear of accident, cost to fix, replace parts, insurance, people who cant drive and text and drive, old age, too expensive to repair etc. Lots of factors but to keep the group and hobby alive you offer value and the masses will come. i know a few v8 original super 16 guys got the fire and hopefully see them back soon.

    case in point im a nobody in the Buick world but the last 2 years i have helped raise over $15k for prize money for racers at BPG. This year hopefully will even be better. We gave away $1k in money for the car show. Next year block party, type cruising theme, having fun is the name of the game.

    Anyone can do this if they have the fire and passion to keep these cars and the events a live. i have a great many friends across the globe from Buicks and have met a great many people in columbus for bpg and BG for gs nats. I hope it continues, it would be really sad if i no longer could see these people and the cars if people give up!:(
     
  12. Steve Reynolds

    Steve Reynolds SRE Inc

    I agree Tony,
    I look at it the same way as if you are running a profitable business. If you stay stagnant you will lose business to the competition. The GS Nationals is basically staying stagnant. There is nothing truly being done to "raise the bar". Auto-X is a good example. If new and exiting things were to be implemented, (along with a better VALUE) they could promote the heck out of the event.

    I don't have all the answers that's for sure, but I'm positive that way more could be done to help create more interest, therefore creating more cash flow in both directions!

    And THANKS Tony, for rounding up prize money for the BPG event and for any future support with the GSCA Nat's! :TU::TU:

    Steve
     
  13. TROSE11SECGN

    TROSE11SECGN Boost is my drug

    Thanks Steve! I will introduce myself next time. Im usually with Rod and Danie playing their servant of packing parachutes, detailing the Regal and assorted other duties. Nice car btw and hope you sell your other GS. Pretty car someone will get a sweet ride with the power to match the looks!:TU:
     
  14. alan

    alan High-tech Dinosaur

    Everytime I walk by everybodys as busy as can be, so I don't stop by and talk.

    Next year! (busy or not!)


     
  15. gbsean

    gbsean Moderator

    The BPG as a group got donations for the BPG Event Tony was a huge part but Renee Moore and myself also got donations. The BPG will continue to support all Buick Events...last year we sponsored TSO because we were asked by the race coordinator..We did the same this year for q-16 because we were asked. I really want the GSCA event to continue...if it was not for the GSCA Event the BPG would not have come to be..I plan on going to GSCA event next year
     
  16. tufbuick

    tufbuick RIP

    Sean, I think we all want to see the GSCA event to continue, but it is very frustrating when you cannot get a responce from anyone in an official capacity who has the authority to speak for that club.

    I've been told by certain self appointed spokesman, that I have no right to express my opinion because I am no longer a member. If they had something of value to offer (not just a newsletter with reprinted articles) ...I would become a member again. Show me something that would entice me to send in a check and be a happy member once again. Hell, when I was a member for more than 10 years the powers to be were unaproachable then. At other clubs or events if you have a beef or want to make a positive comment about something....they at least listen to you with interest. In the past I've been told, "if you don't like it, don't come", or if you do come, "you ain't gettin' in"! Great public relations right there.

    This is no longer the only game in town and the management or owners or whoever run this club better realize this or pass on the damn club to people who at least care.

    Competition is nipping at your heals, get off your butts and rise to the occasion, get people to think you care about them again. We want to see the GSCA event continue.

    Thank you!
     
  17. ranger

    ranger Well-Known Member

    Hi folks,

    Well, I didn't mean to open up a lot of old wounds, and I didn't realize that this thread is "beating a horse to death."

    It is my fault that I have not kept up with what has been going on since I last attended in 1998.

    Could someone please send me a link to the BPG group, I cannot seem to find it on GOOGLE. I assume that it is the Buick/Pontiac group?

    As well, good point made that perhaps it should be called the Turbo Buick Nationals, due to the shifting demographics. Thanks to you great guys who donated money, and shame on Richard for not! I guess that speaks volumes.

    Best,

    Ranger
    Aiken, SC
     
  18. sriley531

    sriley531 Excommunicado

    Look up Buick Performance Group. Bet youll have better luck!:D
     
  19. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

  20. GSX-PKV

    GSX-PKV registered user

    The "old nationals" was always in May and we looked forward to going to it all winter long. We bought parts and worked on our cars during the winter for that 1st big event. I know the October weather can sometimes be better than May weather, but it's dark and cold early in the evening in October so cruising in the evening is another cool thing about the nationals that is gone. I know I'm in the minority but I wish the dates were back in the spring.
     

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