Messages

1

General Discussion / Re: Camaro Nationals Moving

« on: March 28, 2011, 04:23:27 PM »

Looks like most of the "emotional" comments have been made and those that prefer, have spoken their piece. So, I'll state mine.

Most of you know I'm from Carlisle Events, and the proud owner of a 1970 Z/28. Some will attempt to discredit my statements and accuse me of prejudice, some of which will be valid as I believe we put on a mighty fine event. So, with all that in mind, my response is short and to the point. We welcome ALL Camaro enthusiasts as well as other GM enthusiasts to the GM Nationals to enjoy a larger and much more complete event. Camaro classes are included and judged by professional and expert judges. And, as has been mentioned before, Steve Shauger will continue to conduct and expand his Vintage Certification program at Carlisle.

And to clear up a misconception, Building Y is NOT a quarter of a mile from the Camaro showfield. In fact, Gate 3 is NOT even a quarter of a mile away. Any communication problems would have been the issue with the responsible parties involved. No one else had any problems. The judging in Building Y was communicated via our public address system as well signage at various locations around the fairgrounds. Not to mention the ACA registration tent was aware of and promoting the judging in Building Y.

The MD show has a short list of manufacturers compared to those at Carlisle. Yes, Tom Henry Racing will be at both locations. However, unfortunately for Tom and enthusiasts he has to separate some of his display of cars in order to try and not to miss any Camaro enthusiasts.

Finally, one more fact, and then I will not respond to any more posts, which I'm sure will make some people happy, (Here come the jibes.) the GM Nationals in 2010 had approximately 1400 registered GM vehicles. Approximately 462 were Camaros. You do the numbers...

Best wishes to the MCC for a good show. And best wishes to Carlisle Events as well! I think that's fair. If you can attend both shows, please do. Then select the show you prefer in 2012. We enjoyed the partnership and will always have a soft spot for the Camaro Nationals, and prefer they were to remain at the Carlsile Fairgrounds. We have no hard feelings or ill will to anyone at the ACA or the MCC! Everyone must do what they feel is best!

Have a great day and a great summer cruising season! Hope to see you at an event in Carlisle!
Rick

2

General Discussion / Re: Camaro Nationals Moving

« on: March 20, 2011, 11:05:35 PM »

Once again inaccurate information is posted. Please be sure of the facts before posting to insure other enthusiasts are not mislead.

Here's a few facts:
1) Rick has stated that the ACA, and he and Karl, are NOT involved in the planning of the MD show.
2) Steve Shauger will continue and expand his Vintage Program at Carlisle.
3) SLP and other manufactures will be attending Carlisle.
4) The GM Nationals will present a complete event with much to see and do, including a full compliment of Camaro classes judged by our professional judges.

If anyone would like straight facts without Carlisle adding a "spin" please feel free to contact me at one of my contacts below.

RickM@CarlisleEvents.com
717-243-7855 x124

Thanks everyone for staying involved and being concerned about our hobby and favorite car, the Camaro!
Rick

3

General Discussion / Camaro Nationals Moving

« on: November 12, 2010, 02:36:51 PM »

"Is the big bitch from the Camaro Club that they were being parked away from the building where the indoor judging is ?  I think I was told that that area is for vendors just like at other Carlisle shows. Is that correct ?"

Why would you put parts vendors where the high level Camaro judging is being conducted? Does that sound logical to you?

There obviously is alot more but the decision has been made. We'll just have to see how this plays out for both parties.

Rick H.

Camaros were moved to the BIGGER field (west field, just inside Gate 3) to accommodate the growth! The east field was too small to park ALL Camaros.
Show classes & Manufacturers Midway are on the north side of Bldg. Y with Bldg. T to the south.
Feel free to call or email if you need more info.
Thanks!
Rick
Rick

4

General Discussion / Re: Camaro Nationals Moving

« on: November 12, 2010, 01:07:02 PM »

Charley is correct, my statement was required because the ACA decided to move their event and there were inquiries from Camaro enthusiasts regarding that fact and if there were going to be Camaro classes at the GM Nationals. It was simply the same message as the ACA/MCC statement. To let those Camaro enthusiasts know what is happening at our event and how to get more info. That is, the GM Nationals will include Camaro classes. Nothing more, nothing less. There really is no reason for anyone to make disparaging remarks about either organization. In reality we are different organizations presenting a car show on the same date. It is the choice of the enthusiasts of which to attend, based upon the amenities offered at each that appeals to them. I remain available and easy to reach for those that may have more comments or questions at the following sources:
Email: RickM@yahoo.com
Office: 717-422-5445
Thanks!
Rick

5

General Discussion / Camaro Nationals Moving

« on: November 11, 2010, 11:10:22 PM »

Sonny, The offense is not in using MY screen name and none taken. That is why mine is very clear. Glad you used your name. Thanks for that and the best wishes for the GM Nationals!
Unfortunately you are correct in that a lot of misinformation gets spread around sites like this, even though that is not what they were intended for. And yes, at times innocent folks get hurt by that misinformation.
It is not my intention to do that or offer any negative comments about anyone and I would hope the folks from the ACA would do the same. Anything less serves no useful purpose to the hobby.
Like I said we had a great 12 years with the ACA. And like I said, I believe it is not in the best interest of the hobby or enthusiasts to have conflicting dates when it can be avoided.
Also unfortunately, these sites were not designed for more than short blurbs or blogs. My intention is to offer a direct connection to me for ANYONE interested in hearing accurate information. Please feel free to call and we can chat. Perhaps with the time and a free exchange of info my statement will be more clear? In the meantime, whatever show or shows you attend, thanks for supporting the hobby! Hope to chat with you soon.
Thanks!
Rick

6

General Discussion / Re: Camaro Nationals Moving

« on: November 11, 2010, 08:14:16 PM »

Quote: "restore-z28: Carlisle Rick can you please help clarify something for us? You went through the effort to register on this website, suggest these are just false rumours and yet did nothing to clarify any of the allegations. Seem very odd to me that you would go through this much effort just to put a sales spin on people attending your event....There are some very suggestive posts here and other website from very reputable Camaro people, people I myself have done business with and know their word is everything. Maybe take some time and post something worth reading, not just a PR response to the posts. I wish you best of luck with the GM Nationals but I know for my dollar I want to be around other Camaro folks."

It's not productive to engage in dialogues such as this with nicknames. That is why my screen name identifies me. There are indeed many reputable Camaro folks in this hobby. I have been around this industry since the 80's and know most of the players and their reputations. Some just may not have accurate info and speak without complete knowledge of the facts.  I have provided multiple sources in my initial post for those interested in getting accurate information. My personal interest is in the state of the hobby. We all need to stick together to foster growth and keep the hobby strong & healthy. We cannot do that by challenging one another with concficts. We wish ALL clubs the very best with their shows and events.

7

General Discussion / Camaro Nationals Moving

« on: November 10, 2010, 02:08:59 PM »

Thanks for taking the time to express your thoughts about the GM Nationals. I apologize for the stories and rumors currently circulating the internet regarding the future of the event and Camaros in particular. It appears Jerry has some misinformation and is perpetuating inaccurate information. So please read the following regarding the Camaro Nationals. And truth be told, we have only positive feelings and respect for both the ACA and the MCC for 12 great years in Carlisle. I believe we're all here for the same thing, to enjoy the Camaro and foster and grow the hobby.

As the event manager of the GM Nationals I can share some facts with you. The GM Nationals is actually one of our fastest growing shows and we certainly want that trend to continue. Camaros are a large part of that growth with about 500 registered Camaros in attendance in 2010 (that does not account for the other 100+ that were display only Camaros). As a passionate Camaro owner and enthusiast I probably work a bit harder to make sure Camaro continues to lead the growth at the event.
 
I was in Vegas attending SEMA, the industry's largest trade show when the ACA made their show plans public. By their own words, they have asked the MCC to present the Camaro Nationals for them in 2011 at a location other than the Carlisle Fairgrounds. They chose to announce on their web site and did not copy me or Carlisle Events. It was first reported to me by industry professionals at SEMA after appearing on various forums.

I was not able to respond sooner due to the time difference and my responsibilities at SEMA. However, after the news broke, I did have the opportunity to chat with a number of industry professionals representing manufacturers, sponsors, electronic media, print magazines and participants associated with the hobby. We have their assurances that they will continue to support our event both in the short and long terms.

Of those I spoke with at SEMA, all think it is unfortunate that the ACA & MCC chose to conduct their inaugural event on the same date as the GM Nationals. Making Camaro enthusiasts choose between two events is never a good thing. Rest assured there will be Camaros at the GM Nationals in 2011 and beyond. However, there will not be a Camaro Nationals presented by the ACA. Even so, we will continue to reach out to ALL Camaro clubs and enthusiasts to reassure ALL GM enthusiasts that the show will go on and be better than ever.

We are currently reviewing the show logistics with the entire Carlisle Events team, as we do every post-season. We are fast preparing Camaro classes for posting on our web site to facilitate registration. Don’t forget about our Gate-N-Go procedures allowing speedy entry to the grounds if pre-registered by the cutoff date. To register for the GM Nationals, or for more info and the most up to date news head to our web site (CarlisleEvents.com).

 If you have any thoughts you would like to share, please do so. I will take them into consideration as we continue to plan the 2011 event. I recommend that if you want accurate, current and concise information that you contact me directly using the following resources:

My email (RickM@CarlisleEvents.com)
Office phone (717-243-7855 x124)
GM Nationals Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/GMNationals).
 
Thanks & please feel free to contact me at any time with any thoughts and/or concerns.
Rick Markko