How would y'all feel about coming back to Tennessee in 2014 for the British V8 meet? Jim Watson had so much fun putting on the 2011 meet that he wants to do it again in 2014.
What do you think? Good idea? Or would you rather have it somewhere else?
If you think you'd like to come back here again, let us know what you think should be changed from the 2011 meet, and what you think should be the same. What time of year would you prefer? Time of week - MTW? WTF? FSS?
Sounds ok to me Dan, just as long as it's not raining! LOL
I always enjoy Tennessee...Mid-week works for me.
Try to get it away from mother's day and graduation season (often the last two weeks of May).
I know that the all-British show is held that time of year, but it's not really a necessity (in my opinion) to tag on to it.
Have we had no one step up to the plate for 2014 yet?
If so, let them have a go at it and come back to Townsend in 2016.
2012 - Palestine, Texas
2013 - Omaha, Nebraska
2014 - ???
2015 - Three Stooges
2016 - ???
YOMV
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Colorado would be fun, too.
TN is good with me
PJ Lenihan
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We'll come back to Tennessee anytime!
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So you want to skip Minnesota huh?
I understand Iowa but... ;-)
-BMC.
Sorry Brian, didn't hear you speak up earlier. I think Minnesota would be a fine place to meet. I'll have to add some weight to my Midget so the mosquitos don't carry me away, but I'll be there if you host a meet.
There are others that I think we could rope into this thus not placing it in my hands alone with lots of stuff to do in MN for the guys and gals. I have a few people in particular that would jump on board very quickly for a meet here. MN is a conversion brewing location although you might not get it until you've seen it.
-BMC.
I'm voting Colorado for 2014, but I may be biased a bit.
But I think one further west would be a good plan either way.
I think a meet in Minnesota would be awesome !!
I recently learned of a local road course about 15-20 minutes from here, so maybe a meet in Florence could become a possibility at some point. Here is the link to their web site, have a look and let me know what you think.
http://www.drivebluegrass.com/road_course/track_rental.html
I don't know if I'd be able to drum up any local assistance, maybe Eddie Cole would be interested in helping. Anyway, I've sent off an e-mail to the track to see what I can find out. Local motels are quite numerous so lodging won't be an issue and we have plenty of space here for a gathering. The one thing that is missing is a selection of local driving roads, and I'll admit to being just a little jaded in trying to select those, as well as not familiar enough with what there is available. Possibly those deficiencies can be overcome. After I have a few more questions answered I'll be in a better position to determine the feasibility and then perhaps consider possible future dates.
JB
I can find no evidence that Bluegrass Motorsports Park will ever be finished & opened for racing. What a shame.
Still trying to get the story on that, I know some people who have been out there, apparently the track dies get some sort of use.
I vote for Tennessee, but I'm just an info gatherer right now. Looking to start my project later this year.
Tim
Tennessee always gets my vote! The scenery alone is worth the trip!
Any chance of it being held out west maybe Reno or Vegas?
I've had to cancel out on the last two Townsend meets due to circumstances. The Townsend area is still in my sights, got to do even without the V8 Meet............all the better to be there with a group of like-minded friends.
Phil,
Come on down to Townsend this year for the British Car Gathering May 11-13. Should be several V8s there, the Roadmaster and mine for sure. All of you - come on down!
http://www.blountbritishcars.org/2012gathering.htm
Those of you who are planning on attending the 2012 V8 meet in Texas the next weekend, make it a two-fer. Come here first, and then spend a lesurely few days driving over to Palistine. Someone will be driving the Roadmaster from here, so you can caravan over with them.
Apparently there are some on the forum that don't realize just how one of these events happens in any location. People step up and volunteer to host the event in their location. That requires a bit of work planning and putting together the packages for the participants etc. Much like a regular car show, but in our case it's more about the driving than the spit and polish. If you want a meet in Colorado or such then someone has to step up. I think that most of those suggestions are somewhat aimed at Curtis in a kind hearted way, but he doesn't have much help out there and it usually takes a group of at least three or so to spread out the work and make it all run well. Kudos to those who have done it before, hope that we here in the KC and Omaha areas can do as well in 2013. So far most of the meets have been along the east coast areas with Wisconsin being the fartherest west so far as I know. We're moving west as people in the group step up, this year Texas, next year we're moving to Omaha to try to make the trip more drivable for our friends out on the west coast.
Since the Cleveland V8 show in 2000, I've only missed Sebring (2001) and I hate to spoil the streak - so, any show East of the Great Divide works for me....That way, if the car breaks down, I can coast home.
You missed a great time in Sebring, Graham!
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Looks like this thread is about due for some updated info...
YEAH! Why is all of the info about BRITISHV8 2014 on the MG E site? Not a word of it over here? What's up with that?
Jim
Back in Townsend again, right?
There is discussion of 2014 being in Colorado. Looks to be a good venue.
Colorado would be neat, but Curtis would need some help and our membership is kind of thin out that way. 2013 is coming along nicely, made contact with the kart track and that is looking very good for us. Now just need to line up some tech sessions and a few restaraunts and we'll be in business. Planning a trip up to Omaha after I retire in August to select a host hotel and restaraunts and finalize some other details.
Larry Barnes is planning to host it in Colorado Springs.
http://www.mgexperience.net/phorum/read.php?40,2019119
Sounds great Dan. I hadn't seen the post on the other board. Either the Midget or the Jag will be there in 14.
Trust me, Bill.
Trust me.
<grin>
Rick, sorry I had a lapse of faith, especially after you've backed three loosers in the tournament so far! Jab , jab. I think that's one I'll have to bring Jenny to, but I hope she'll be in Omaha next year to help me and keep me company.
But I did pick kentucky over kansas, Bill!
mgexperience?
Yes, MG Experience.
Not all of us are MG guys. Is the prospective 2014 host trying to exclude us "inferior" marques, or does he have something against this site?
Yeah I've been remiss about posting details here. Thanks to Dan for reminding me.
British V8 2014
Location: Colorado Springs
Dates: June 15 - June 18
I've got mostly set in mud commitments on hotel costs, a group rate discount on the Pikes Peak toll road. A run to the Bucksnort saloon. and a wild west evening meal and entertainment at the Flying W ranch. Working on a drive through at the Air Force academy and some other such diversions.
Excellent!
I'll make my calendar now to "save the date"!
Guess he didn't really answer your question....
Judging from the scuttlebutt during the Texas meet there is an issue about where the meet is going to be in 2014. Nobody seems to know who Larry Barnes is, he has only made one single post on this forum, and he has never been to a BritishV8 meet. These factors are causing a lot of concern for many participants of the yearly meet. I personally am aware that he is a regular participant on the MGE forum and seems to enjoy a decent reputation there, and it is true that in the early days of the group MGE was one of the two primary forums used to discuss matters related to the yearly meets (I've forgotten the name of the other one.) but there was and have always been two huge problem with continuing this practice after the formation of the BritishV8 site. You will recall that the BritishV8 Newsletter was the de-facto semi-official source for all BritishV8 plans, and before that all MGB-V8 plans, as founded by Kurt Schley, and it was very much through Kurt's efforts that the meets were organized. I don't think there is any question in anyone's mind that the BritishV8 website is the legitimate heir to everything the BritishV8 Newsletter was or had aspirations to become.
So here is the gist of the problems:
First, no or minimal notice has been given here on what has to now be considered the official BritishV8 website. True, one post has been made, but by someone nobody seems to know or to have met, in the middle of a thread he did not start, and with NO follow-up. At least so far other than me, nobody has vouched for Larry, and I have never met the man. That by itself is problem enough, but when you consider that we typically send seed money to the organizer of the next year's event, and sometimes a considerable sum, it is clear that we have an economic interest in performing due diligence to see to it that certain standards are met. I'm not saying Larry might make off with the money, just that it sets a very bad precedent and some day somebody might. I would not want to be the guy who sent that check, and I know for sure that Bill doesn't. My most sincere apologies to Larry, and I honestly admire your intentions, but things must be done in the proper manner as I'm sure you can appreciate.
At the same time, Steve Carrick, proprietor of Advance Auto Wire, a very essential and important BritishV8 vendor and someone known to all of us, well respected, and of impeccable credentials and reputation, has been planning to host BritishV8 2014 in Michigan. Who would I send the check to? You shouldn't even need to ask.
The second problem, is that if we are going to claim to be an organization that welcomes all makes of British sports cars, then we'd damned sure better act like it. That does NOT mean that we can go around organizing a meet on the website of a single marque that others do not go to. That is EXACTLY what is going on here with MGE and to be honest, I'm mad as hell about it. I know quite a few others are too. If it is going to be an MG event that is one thing, but if so, we can't stand idly by and let it be called BritishV8 2014, because it isn't, and you can't expect Triumph, Jag, or any of the other makes to attend. And you DAMNED sure can't send seed money from BritishV8 2013.
That's all I have to say about it, but somebody had better post a link over on MGE and get Larry and his friends over here to discuss the issues and come to a resolution because I know for a fact some of us are going to be making plans to be in Michigan.
Jim
Geez.
Jim....I've already been in contact with Larry; I'm on board with him with advise and offers of assistance.
A post such as this is detrimental to the success of the event.....and can very possibly alienate not only Larry, but any other enthusiast who might be willing to host an event....but has not yet stepped up to the plate for fear of ....well....this type of reception.
You say that others are "mad as hell"....who stoked that fire, Jim?
LET IT GO....I know that there was considerable "discussion" at BritishV8 2012 regarding this topic....even though NO ONE bothered to talk with me/ask me at the time (gee, I wonder why?) I found out about these discussions on Tuesday and chose not to say anything. I know that alternative locations and hosts have already been kicked around for discussion. I squealched one discussion at the banquet on Wednesday night as there were completely uneducated comments being made about the event, its location, and its coordinator.
This type of behaviour really disappoints me out of this group of enthusiasts.
You have to remember....any one of us who have coordinated this event was a newbie the first time around.
It's hard enough to get volunteers to host these events.....why make it even harder?????
Larry will have plenty of assistance in planning this event; the area is fantastic; we've never been there before; we have enthusiasts who reside west of the Rockies who just may be more likely to register and attend this event.
What's the problem?
Could it be that the event is not in your back yard???
What will your reaction be if Calvin Grannis or Bill Guzman plans a BritishV8 event in the future.
BritishV8 events are not tied to BritishV8.org...both BritishV8.org and the MGExperience.net are used as tools to communicate with each other.
It's up to us to cross-reference informational posts found on other Bulletin Boards.....not bad-mouth them. Coordination....not defamation....is the key here.
Larry was simply more familiar with the MGE...hehas NOT made a LOT of posts regarding BritishV8 2014...we do have to get through BritishV8 2013 first!
Larry, if you read this thread/post, please let me be the first to apologize regarding its tone. I feel that others owe you an apology as well.
I have confidence in you....BritishV8 2014 will be an enjoyable, successful event.
Posted with complete sincerity along with disappointment and amazement.....
rick
Why would you be amazed Rick?
First, let me be clear that I was not badmouthing Larry. I don't know him personally, but I have no reason to question his bona-fides.
There are TWO and only two things that I am ticked off about. First and foremost is the planning of an activity that purports to be inclusive to all British makes on the site of a single manufacturer. Do you think a Healey or a Morgan or a Riley owner is going to see it? No, they will not. so in effect you are planning an exclusive, single make event which presumably will not turn other makes away if they happen to show up. That may be fine for MG owners, but for someone who owns one of those other makes it'd be enough to make them swear off BritishV8 forever.
Do you think that is a good thing?
Second, it is the planning of the event exclusively OUTSIDE of BritishV8. I would have been fine with it IF a reasonable number of postings had been made here to keep us abreast of developments, but that has not happened. The fact of the matter is that Larry has made ONE and ONLY ONE post on BritishV8, and that appears to be somewhat grudgingly, and even then only after he was prompted to do so.
Now you are quite correct that there is no official site connected with the BritishV8 meets, just the same as there is no official organization to the BritishV8 meets, and that is the way we always wanted it. HOWEVER. SHOW ME any other web site that even purports in one forum to represent all makes of British cars which have been modified. Show me one single reason, good or bad, why information about the meets should not be posted on BritishV8.org. Or show me one single break in the chain of continuity from the first days of the MGB-V8 newsletter to today's BritishV8.org and I'll be happy to argue your side.
Truthfully, we should never have reached this point. Whether you agree or not, The MGB-V8 Newsletter was tied more closely to the MGB-V8 meets than any other organization of any sort. Today's BritishV8.org is poised to more closely spread information for that group to all makes that need it than any other forum on the web. Excluding this forum from the planning of the BritishV8 meets is therefore, to my mind one of the most destructive acts that can be committed against the group.
Jim
FWIW, I too have been talking with Larry about the 2014 meet.
At the V8 meets in 2002, and again in 2010, I decided AT THE CLOSING BANQUET to hold the next V8 meet here in Townsend, TN. I did so because no one else had, and at that time it looked as if no one would. I can't remember what promted me to do it in 2006. The point being, it's hard to find someone willing to do the legwork to put on one of these V8 meets, so when someone does, we better jump on it and take them up on their offer. Jim Watson volunteered to do the 2014 meet here in Tennesse, and Larry Barnes volunteered to do a meet in Colorado. A vote was taken on the MGE forum and Colorado won. Until I read the post on here, I had no idea that Steve was planning an event. It's unheard of to have two volunteers, let alone three! We're often lucky to get one.
Larry posted a notice on this very forum thread back on April 19, 2012, giving a tentative outline of his planned program. That was two years and two months prior to the event. I don't think we can expect to get hard, fast details any earlier than that.
One of the remarkable things about these V8 meets is that we've had 16 of them so far, without any central planning or control what ever. Nevertheless, all 16 of them have been very successful. The only thing required is volunteers. Do we want to start now with centralized planning? If we want to make the British V8 Newsletter the controlling authority, then that means Curtis would be in charge of who has the events, when, and where. I'm not sure he would want that added responsibility. And, what gives any of us the authority to assign control anyway?
For the history of planning for the 2014 meet:
This thread, beginning with my post on July 15, 2011
My post on the MGE forum:
http://www.mgexperience.net/phorum/read.php?40,1802776,1802776#msg-1802776
Larry's poll on the MGE forum July 16, 2011:
http://www.mgexperience.net/phorum/read.php?40,1803925,1803925#msg-1803925
Larry's announcement on MGE March 22, 2012:
http://www.mgexperience.net/phorum/read.php?40,2019119,2019119#msg-2019119
and last, Larry's announcement here on this forum April 19, 2012
All that notwithstanding, I can see where Jim is coming from. I'm sure Larry had/has no intention of slighting the British V8 forum, or any other British marques, it's just that he is a regular denizon of the MGE forums, and is just not accustomed to posting here. I can well imagine that Rick has contacted him about this by now, so I won't. I believe we'll see more from Larry on here in the future.
Jim...
First....you owe Larry an apology....better than what I've read above. A statement saying you were not bad-mouthing him is a far cry from an apology.
Second....why are your panties is such a bunch over the MGE? You need to do your homework a little better. Larry has NOT been exclusively planning BritishV8 2014 on that site; he has made VERY FEW posts on the MGE site regarding BritishV8 2014. If you will do an "author search" over there, you'll find that in the past 12 months, Larry has made 19 posts on 4 different threads specific to BritishV8 2014. He set up a couple of polls for comments/wants/wishes; he replied to a few questions; advised of some of his progress. Seems to me that you even made a comment or two on one of the threads without implying all of this hostility. He was not utilizing the MGE a single source of information. As I stated before, it is sometimes up to US to assist in dissemination of information. To imply that he was intentionally coordinating an MG-only event under the guise of BritishV8 2014 is pure bullshit.
As I stated before, Larry was more familiar with the MGE than he was with BritishV8.org...and got involved with discussions regarding the event on the MGE. Priority should be given to BritishV8 2013 now that BritishV8 2012 is in the record books. I'm sure that Bill will be filling us in on his plans.......as will Larry when the time approaches closer and is more relevant. I'm sure that Larry will be posting more here on BritishV8.org in the future.
Third...Is better left unsaid.
Fourth....I was amazed at the lack of respect that you (and others) showed Larry by "shaking the tree" at BritishV8 2012 in an effort to relocate the event to Michigan. It was thinly veiled, my friend. I was amazed at the lack of respect you showed in your entire post, to tell you the truth.
Fifth....Why did you avoid me (and Jean) whilst stirring the pot in Palestine regarding the proposed site for BritishV8 2014? Why did I have to learn about topic this through the grapevine (and I ain't talkin' Grapevine, TX.)?
Sixth...I've already stated that I've been in contact with Larry....I did so on Friday after I got home from Texas.
Seventh...Perhaps someone else should step up to the plate to coordinate BritishV8 2015....this thread has certainly put a sour taste in my mouth for now.
FWIW....YOMV
rick
Thank you, Dan.
Rick, I wasn't avoiding you, and I wasn't "shaking the tree" as you put it. I happened upon a discussion where I learned of Steve's plans after the fact. I may have stated my opinion, but that is no different than you would have done. If you feel I owe Larry an apology, then that is fine by me.
Larry, I hereby publicly apologize if I have in any way offended you with my comments regarding the 2014 meet or for that matter, any other subject whatsoever. Should the meet be held at your locale I will do my utmost to support it. I only ask that all relevant information about that meet be posted on this forum.
Is that sufficient?
I quite agree with most of the things Rick and Dan have had to say. However, I still stand by my original complaints and will defend them if called upon to do so. As time passes I find myself identifying more closely with ALL makes of British sports cars and not just MG's. I quite well understand that being left out can cause resentment. I do not doubt that this result was entirely unintentional on Larry's part, but once we became "BritishV8" rather than "MGB-V8" we took on the responsibility to represent all makes equally, and if that duty applies anywhere it applies the very most where planning of the annual meets is concerned. I do realize that this planning is mostly done over the phone or by private email, but when you have multiple threads and a large number of posts and discussions on an MG board and then only ONE single post ever by the organizer on the one forum that represents all enthusiasts equally, and no follow up whatsoever of a VERY relevant question by an owner of a non-MG make, how can you help seeing how that looks? I don't expect our perspectives to mesh perfectly, but in my opinion, this discussion, far from being a negative thing, is just what is needed to bring this forum back front and center where it should have been all along.
I'm just saying that you can't be all inclusive and then behave as if you were exclusive. Your actions belie your perceived intentions even if they are not your true ones. In the public eye you must pay strict attention to perceptions and this perception definitely needs to be corrected. So will somebody with the authority to do so PLEASE state for the record that this is NOT an MG only event? Please? So far, that particular question has shamefully remained unanswered, even though the answer is quite obvious to, I would think, every single one of us. Here on this forum, in this thread, it still sticks out like a glowing sore thumb. I would answer it myself but I am not qualified to do so, and even though it could have been asked in jest, there it stands, an embarrassment to us all. Rick, you want to know what has me wound up? It just might be that as much as anything.
Dan, Rick, I appreciate both of you guys and maybe more than you know. I consider your counsel wise. I pay attention when you speak. I no more want the planning and execution of the annual meet to be regulated by any person or organization than Dan does, and I am in harmony with you both on most matters. But there is this one thing. I have many times been subjected to prejudices resulting from incorrect perceptions and they are deadly. I love this group of individuals like I love my own family and I do not want to see incorrect perceptions disrupt the harmony we have seen so widespread in the group. In order to prevent that, I am willing to stir the pot a little if it is needed and here, I can most clearly see that it is. I will apologize to both of you, to the entire group, and to anyone else that you think I should if I have caused any offense but I most certainly will not apologize for bringing up matters that must be remedied for the good of the whole.
And by the way, If you can point me to a forum other than this one that fairly represents all modified British sports cars and in which a matter as central to the group as the annual meet has been discussed in any more detail than it has here I will withdraw all of my objections. But you have to admit, there has been FAR more discussion on MGE, and the unavoidable result is that it looks cliquish and that is very very bad.
Jim
You have different sun glasses on than I do, Jim.
I certainly do NOT view the MGE's limited discussions of BritishV8 2014 to date as being cliquish.
That might have been the wrong word. The problem is the perception by the non-MG makes. Think about it. If you're a Triumph man and all you see are the posts here and the question of whether it is an MG exclusive event goes unanswered for over a month, plus you have no clue who this organizer is and nobody is vouching for him or for his commitment to all makes and then you learn the planning has been more extensively discussed on an MG only site, what would you think? I know exactly what I've been told by owners of other makes and I'm pretty sure you don't want to know, but it is most definitely not a step in the direction we want to go. It seems to me that the question was an opportunity to include all non-MG makes. It should have been answered promptly and enthusiastically, but that opportunity was heedlessly squandered. Now it MUST be answered, at the risk of excluding all but MG. Or would you prefer to regress to MGB-V8 only? For that is the choice. Once alienated, you can not expect someone to continue their support, and once their peers begin to leave, a mass exit is inevitable.
Believe it or not, some are still waiting for an official answer to the question: Is this an MG event? And refusing to answer simply affirms it. Since you Rick, are a leader in the group and because you are heavily involved in organizing the annual meets, you are such an authority as is needed and it does fall to you to answer the question in lieu of Larry, who we have not heard from. I hate to lay that one on you, but is it really so difficult? I certainly would think not.
Jim
Jim....I didn't respond to Dan's query because he already knew the answer.
Rick, that is NOT the point. Dan is NOT the only one who has read that question. And despite what you or even I may think we know about what Dan considers the answer to be, I'm sorry to have to tell you that we are mistaken. I would much rather not go into all of the specifics of why that is here on this forum, but what I am willing to tell you is that as far as I can tell his reasoning is valid, his logic is impeccable, and his results could just as easily be arrived at by the owner of any other make who happened to take note. Just that alone practically guarantees that others have already arrived at the same conclusions. Again, his question provided the chance to put the matter to rest and we should have jumped on it with both feet.
Honestly Rick, I can't understand your reluctance. Is this costing you anything? This is not the time to argue for the sake of the argument. If it seems like a contest of wills between you and me, it isn't. The question is not mine, and I will accept either answer. One I think better, but my loyalty does not depend upon it.
Jim
WTF are you trying to imply, Jim?
I really hate this kind of discussions. But I will give you my 2 cents and no one has to read my post.
Why should you and others have a preference of Steve C over someone who is already doing some leg work. Why? Because his name is Steve and he owns autowire. Instead we and that includes you Jim should offer some sort of help if you think he is not doing the right job to fit your taste.
I am going to stop right here. I have lots to say about this preference over others that sometimes is very ovious. I do not want to get in a fifth grader recess word war, so I will stop.
Larry if you need my help, let me know.
Fine Rick. Assume I don't own an MG and try to follow the hypothetical.
No news of a site for 2014
April. Short blurb about Colorado. Nothing on any other site I go to.
Question is raised: Since planning is taking place on MG site, is meet an MG meet?
No answer.
Who is organizer? Some MG guy I don't know and don't know anything about.
Nobody vouches for him.
Clarification is requested. Water is muddied with everything but the one answer I want. MG, or all British?
The one person in the discussion qualified to say refuses to answer.
My inescapable conclusion? MG only meet.
There you go.
Jim
Oh, and I just have to say, it is the absolute height of arrogance to think that any non-MG owner would ever go to an MG only site for any reason, and especially to get info about an all British meet.
In my opinion Rick, it you and not I who owes an apology.
Jim
Geezusfrickinkrist, Jim.
So...you expect me to apologize for my attempt to extinguish the firestorm that you started with your post?
I have NEVER stated that I expected a non-MG owner to visit the MGE for information regarding any of these meets.
Have you even gone back and re-read anything on the MGE?
The posts made by Larry (or any other enthusiast) regarding BritishV8 2014 over there in the past 12 months are MINIMAL!!!
With an event over two years out....there has been NO PLANNING other than some WHAT-IF's.
I feel that Dan's question was PLANTED here on BritishV8.org...(you certainly jumped right on with a response!) and I was completely unaware that YOU ***ASSUMED*** that it fell into my court to answer his question....which because of the souce, I already KNEW that he KNEW the answer to.
Should that question have come from someone who had not attended an event prior to this, someone I'm sure would have answered.
This whole ordeal is becoming a MOUNTAIN being built out of a MOLEHILL.
We need to get through BritishV8 2013...then focus on promotion of BritishV8 2014.
I would really like to find the truth that instigated this whole thread. I've now received two different stories....and the truth lies between the two.
Have a nice day.
There is more popcorn available for those of you reading this thread for entertainment value only.
For the record: I did not plant my question. I thought Dan Masters had said Jim Watson was hosting the meet in Tennessee again. That is all the information I had seen. I do not visit MG Experience, I don't own an MG. I did not know there was discussion about Colorado. I had never heard of Larry. There was one post from him on our forum. I was looking forward to meeting him in Palestine but he was not there. Obviously some of you guys know him. So you say he polled folks on MG Experience? Why not on British V8?
I guess I started all this by asking. I did expect some sort of answer, so folks exclusive of MG Experience (including me) would feel comfortable with the decision. Excuse me for asking.....
For the record...
Jim Watson had expressed an interest in hosting 2014.
Larry Barnes had expressed an interest in hosting 2014.
We've been to Townsend in 2003, 2006, and 2011.
We've never been to Colorado.
In an effort of making the event available to enthusiasts without constantly being in the midwest or east coast, it was thought that Colorado would make for a nice venue, a little more convenient for our west cost enthusiasts.
I did not know that I was the "designated responder" for any of these questions.
Your original question could have been worded a little differently, ie: "For those who have never attended one of these meets, is the event open to all British marques, or is it restricted to MG?" This would have alleviated a lot of this "misunderstanding" that has transpired since March.....
WHOA I did not say that I was planning the 2014 event. What I said is that I had ideas for another event here in michigan and that IF for some reason someone wasn't able to complete what they had planned to do, that I was available I would do it. AT NO TIME DID I SAY THAT I WAS PLANNING THE EVENT.
JIM I told you to talk to Rick about your concerns, and you choose not to. YOU OWE ALOT OF PEOPLE AN APOLOGY
I love the rockies and look forward to the trip
Steve Carrick
Steve, if you said that to me I didn't hear it. Seemed to me it was more your concern than mine anyway whether or not you hosted the meet. So don't yell at me about apologies. As far as I can tell, you were the one who started that conversation. I was just agreeing with you.
Guys, can we take this down a notch? Why is it so hard for anybody to just say it IS an all British event? Just because it was Dan who asked the question? You think I put him up to it or something??!! Honestly, I was as surprised as anyone, and I asked him, are you serious?
He was. And as far as I can tell, still is. And if he is, what about the average TR guy who has never been to a meet?
So if someone as close to the action as he is can seriously ask that question, how about those we are trying to bring in? Wouldn't it be better to squelch any shade of a question about it as early as we could? Is it really more important to rear up and say, "I shouldn't have to answer" than it is to create the best impression we can for our group by saying, "Of course it's an all inclusive event, you of all people should know that by now." Or "Anyone who has that question may rest assured that we will never exclude them" or something like that.
Why you Rick? Just because there is no other respondent to this thread more qualified than you. It should be Larry but he is noticeably absent. Who else could do it? Dan Masters? Steve Carrick? Me? Would an answer by any of us carry the same weight? Dan's probably would but not the rest of us.
Jim
I guess I owe everyone an apology. I took the initiative to get the 2014 discussion going, but then I failed to follow up and spread the word properly. Mea Culpa! I'm guilty of tunnel vision - I assumed, evidently, that because I read the MGE forum, every one does. Surprisingly, there are lots of folks who don't read any forum, and there are still lots of British Car conversion owners that still don't know about our annual meets. We (including me) need to do a lot better job of spreading the word.
Nevertheless, it should not be a problem this far out. We're still waiting for the final details of the 2013 event - no matter how good Bill Y is at planning (and he seems to be pretty good), final details can't be arranged until much closer to the actual date. For 2014, a date and location is about as good as we can expect now (actually, that's a full year ahead of where we normally are).
Rest assured, the 2014 meet WILL BE the British V8 2014, all inclusive - Triumphs, Minis, Wolseys, MGs, Austin Healeys, V8, V6, V4, I4 - any British car with any engine or engine modification. You're even welcome if you come in a Toyota (as I have), rental car (as many of us have done), walk in, ride your bike (motorised or not), or, for Bill G, a wheelchair (just kidding, Bill).
Awesome!
V6 wheel chair Dan. LOL :-)
Thank you Dan Masters! (I really do think you are considered by most to be the senior authority in these kind of matters, though I know you don't ask for that. But your word carries a lot of weight.)
As for you other low-lifes ;-)
All is forgiven.
Jim
Come on guys,, lets settle down, remember even though it's called British V8 a lot of guys read between the lines
and attend with their V6s and turbo fours etc,etc.I'd hate to see this subject get ink like the HAMB , or heaven forbid the SCCA prod site,,, sheesh....................
Dave Craddock
When you girls get done....;)
We have Meet hosts for 2013, 2014, 2015, and 3 more people interested in reprising their roles beyond that. Once upon a time, we weren't sure anyone would step up & host a Meet. Odds are very good we will be celebrating #20 in 2016!
I do think it would be good if the organizer attended a Meet to get an overall feel for the event & the people (and vice versa).
QuoteOdds are very good we will be celebrating #20 in 2016!
I think so. If no-one else, Jim Watson and I will step up and do it here (if I can get my wheelchair kick-started).
I will do 2020 in Hawaii any volunteers to help me out???
My new friend Jerry who I met at the Coal Miner's Lounge knows that tunnel you are looking for says he can help host in Hawaii.
This is fitting.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwirWWnzJKM&feature=youtu.be
Cheers.
Indeed!
Is it possible that if an event was actually held out west, it might improve western membership ? I know majority rules, but it seems all the polling booths are in the east. Think of it as sharing, for the common good. Cheers, Art.
Art, it's not so much that the majority rules, but rather that members of the group from those areas have stepped up and volunteered to host a meeting. I'm hoping that an event more in the middle of the country such as next year's meet in Omaha will be close enough to both coasts to allow guys from both sides to make it. We can meet anywhere we want and there is someone willing to host, but just as travel is a problem for you guys on the west coast to a site back east, so it is in reverse.
Seems like a majority of the members are from the east, but the original V8 meet was held in St. Louis as I remember, so the traditon for more westernly venues is well established.
It's not that the polling booths are in the east, it just seems that those willing to volunteer are mostly in the east. All it takes to have the meet in any given locale is for someone from that locale to step up and volunteer to host it. I've hosted the meet twice, and co-hosted it twice, and there are several others who have hosted it more than once. We need more volunteers.
I don't see why we don't have two meets each year - one out west and one in the east. We just need someone to volunteer for the west coast. Art?
British V8 West and British V8 East - sounds like a good plan to me.
That sounds like a good idea, Dan. Every five years or so have one big meet, and welcome everyone to attend either East or West or Both. If there are enough folks out west to have that meet. We know there is interest. And although I wasn't able to make it, I like the idea of the get together you hosted in fall a couple of years ago too.
Dan B
All it takes is someone to volunteer.
Um.... I thought "somebody" did, and then things got nasty ? The world is watching-sort of, roverman.
QuoteIt's not that the polling booths are in the east, it just seems that those willing to volunteer are mostly in the east.
If you chart out where participants are from, meet after meet, I expect you'll see that the biggest number are from the midwest (not the east) and there's usually a strong contingent from southern Ontario.
This year, Calvin's drive time from the Sacramento area must have been about 27 hours. The two cars that came from Canada had to drive about 23 hours each. (Although I think Ken and Katie made big detours...)
FWIW, if we WERE voting I'd be pulling for Canada or New England. A longer road trip means I get to enjoy my car more.
However, I don't see how I can possibly make it to two meets in one summer. I doubt many people could.
My intuition is that Colorado won't be far enough west to draw more than a handful of participants from the west coast. (I guess we'll find out.) On the other hand, it will be our third meet in a row west of the Mississippi.
I'm fairly new to the group, this year was only my 5th meet to attend but I have learned a bit from the others that have hosted events in the past. I'm not ashamed to admit that I have asked Rick a lot of questions about hosting the meet in Omaha next year. Art and Larry should know that part of the questions about their hosting an event may well come because we haven't had the chance to meet them in person. There is a pretty good fund that the group has put together from our yearly auctions and such to help defray expenses for a meet and some of us are just being careful that our reserves are truely going to be used in an appropriate manner, trusting the persons involved is a big part of that and having the chance to meet someone and talk to them goes a long way in helping form that bond of trust. I have no doubt that both Larry and Art are very sincere guys and will do us proud if they host an event, but at the same time posting on the forum or the MGE isn't the same as meeting a guy in person and sharing a few stories over a beer. I doubt if either of them wouldn't be a bit careful if someone that they didn't know personally said hey, I"ll host an event please send me $6000 to pay for the initial expenses. Please understand the reluctance of many of our group from that perspective.
The actual location of the meet isn't that big a deal to most of us, so Colorado or Califorinia would be fine with me, I could have the Jag towed back from either location I guess!
Seems to me that we're trying to fix something that is not broken.
If you want to host a meet, step up to the table and make the offer.
If there are two meets in the same year, separated by thousands of miles, so be it.
Just don't plan them so close together that someone who may want to attend both cannot attend both. (We all have lives outside of our cars, right?!)
But I fear that this may precipitate a "division" of the group that even a "five year meet" could not fix.
These meets are like homecomings/reunions to me.
Let's not make them too difficult to plan or attend.
If you divide the contiguous US into two parts, east and west, the dividing line would be the longitude running through Lebanon, KS. By that criterion, every V8 meet, including the next two, were held in the east. Not every one is willing (nor has the spare time) to drive 1500-2500 miles for one of our meets, as wonderful as these meets are. Splitting into two meets might divide us a bit, but no more than geography already does. It would, however, give more people a chance to participate.
No matter where we hold the meets, how many we have, they will still be out of reach for some. The U.S. of A. is a BIG country!
Someone mentioned maybe 1 year near/in the west, 1 near/in the east and 3 rd in MW ? In this way, folks might get to see special events, not directly associated with LBC's. Events like "Hot August Nights"-Reno or Vintage Auto Races(perhaps a British featured marque), at Laguna Seca with Concour de Elegance, Pebble Beach all the same weekend,all close to Carmel and 17 mile drive. These are big events that could coincide with our function. Cheers, roverman.
Personally, I do not want to coinicide with a big event.
These events are like a homecoming.
We don't need other distractions.
As for alternating locations...it takes volunteers willing to work on these events two to three years in advance. They don't happen overnight.
The work load is tremendous and time frame seems to be 2 Years +. Bill Y. has been involved for over 2 years on the 2013 event.
I have not helped in a V8 event , but just getting the Shreveport La. Rendevous set up and price agreed on the 1 night hotel took quite a bit of time and effort. The job done in the past by our volunteers has been great and all are to congratulated, especially Emily Fulton and maybe Max:). Having our event with another could be OK if not running concurrently. The meet Dan had in Townsend began after the Blount Co. Club had their show. Usually there are adequate events to keep us busy and not having another venue to split us up is a plus. Thanks to anyone that is willing to devote enough time and effort to host any futre events!
Sometimes it works out to schedule our meets back-to-back with other events, and I actually think it's a very good idea. Vintage races particularly appeal to me.
By happy coincidence, the 2009 meet in Durham NC started one day after the "Gold Cup" race weekend at Virginia International Raceway (about an hour away) - and it was especially worthwhile for BritishV8 fans to be there because that weekend four MGB GT V8 racecars gathered to race.
BritishV8s at VIR
(http://www.britishv8.org/Articles/Images-V17-2/BritishV8-2009-Kickoff.jpg)
MGB GT V8 racecars at VIR
(http://www.britishv8.org/Photos/MGB-GT-V8-Race-Cars.jpg)
Actually, I was stunned the previous year when we met in Wisconsin that no one stayed over for Brian Redman's (Kohler) International Challenge weekend at Road America... huge vintage race weekend! A chance to see Can-Am and Formula 5000 cars at speed on one of America's finest and fastest road courses. Go figure.
Our 2006 meet in Townsend TN was back to back with MG2006 in Gatlinburg (less than an hour away) - and I'm sure that was one of the reasons why turnout was especially high and also why folks like the Milners and the Guzmans were willing to drive from California to participate.
I'm afraid we're going to scare off any potential volunteers. Having 2-3 years to plan and lots of help is nice, but not required. Both the '03 and the '06 meets here in Townsend were planned and cordinated entirely by my self in less than one year. If I can do it, it ain't all that difficult. Perhaps they would have been better if I had more help, but they were adequate as they were, and adequate is better than no meet at all.
Once the meet begins, you will need help, but that is readlily available from the participants, family members, and/or a few locals, not necessarily club members. In the case of the Townsend meets, that help involved such things as picking up fried chicken, setting up tables, refilling ice chests, frying burgers, brewing coffee, etc.
As for tying in with other events, I'm ambivelant. All three of the Townsend events have been in conjuction with other events, either at the same time, or before or after. In '03, we had the local British car gathering at the motel next door and the Street Rod show in Knoxville at the same time. In '06, we had MG 2006 in Gatlinburg right after. In '11, we had the Local British car gathering right before. I think the other events helped us in all three cases, but not significantly. I don't think they hurt us at all. At each, some of the participants at our meet attended the other events so we helped them as well.
I concur whole-heartily with Rick on the homecoming/reunion aspect of these meets. For that reason, I would not like to see them get too big. That may sound a bit cliquish, but we certainly don't act like a clique. I don't know of any newcomer to one of our meets that didn't feel like part of the family within a few minutes. The problem for me with getting too big is that you can't know and talk to every one if there's too many. It would lose the family feel. I'm happy to see people coming to the meet as a stranger, but I hate to see them leave that way.
Well the wildfire has just consumed one of the venues I had planned and another two are threatened. The Pikes Peak Hill Climb is scheduled for the end of next week and that may have to be canceled.
To allay any "fears", anyone in the Denver area is welcome at our ad-hoc bi-weekly LBC breakfast meetings at the Patty Jewett Golf club at 9:00am. The next one is scheduled for the July 6th. That's assuming we are all still here of course. http://www.pikespeaklbcgroup.com/