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View Full Version : My (Bob Ashton) MCACN Thank You's (Very Long!)


bashton
11-26-2009, 07:17 PM
Now that I have had some time to "de-compress" and gather some thoughts, I want to share some of my feelings and "Thank You's".

I am sure I will forget some very important people, so if I do, please accept my apology. There are just so many people who made this incredible event happen, that I can't possibly remember and acknowledge everyone.

First and foremost, I want to thank my wife Vicki, who put in so many hours, so many late nights, weekends and...well, you get the idea. She did this to make MY dream come true. I can never repay her in any way for her tireless efforts and dedication.

To my "Dream Team", the MCACN, LLC Members. When Stefano suggested we launch a new world-class muscle and supercar show, I had no idea of how much support these guys would lend. Not just financially, but in all aspects. The credibility that the team brings to the table is nothing short of mind-boggling. With nine guys pulling together, (from IL, WI, NY, NV, CA, AZ and VA), each and every member brought so much to the table, something no other show has ever done before.

Stefano Bimbi; you gathered up a team that was responsible for creating not only the biggest, but what I can honestly say is the very best world-class event, that has never been done before. Even with all of the crazy day to day business matters you have to deal with, you are always still willing and able to work with me to create this show.

Mike Guarise; working directly with you is not only a pleasure, but a true honor. After years of seeing your name attached to many amazing cars in various car magazines and books, I am truly honored to consider you not only a business partner, but also a true friend.

Colin Comer; again, a true honor to be affiliated with you (and Cana). To have you as a part of the team is to be among the best of the best.

Charley Lillard; Again, a real honor, as for many years I read your name in many magazines and books and thought about how neat it would be to meet you one day in person. Now, you are an integral part of "my" team!

Bill Sefton; again, seeing your name attached to so many prime cars over the years and looking up to you as the ultimate enthusiast/collector, it is amazing to me to be able to work side by side with you (and your team)in the creation of this show. I never thought I would ever meet anyone as enthusiastic and passionate about this hobby as I am, but there is no doubt, you are that man!

Steve Shauger; Your vast knowledge and commitment to the Vintage program you have created and the hobby in general, brought a new element to the show, and you are true gentleman and enthusiast.

Tony Lucas; I still can't believe we have never met face-to-face. Your unquestioned support of what I do is amazing and your growing collection added something very special to the show.

Curt Schultz; Your insight into financial matters and organization is something that adds much to the professionalism that we all strive for.

Les Quam; Without your insight and advice, in both the show and in general and legal matters concerning my former employer and their attempts to interfere with my dream, would surely have put us out of business before we even started. To add in your participation with some of the finest cars on the show floor and your willingness to share them with all of us, well; http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

The Clary Family; Tom, you have created the ultimate gathering place for those who share our passion and enthusiasm. As we all know, the cars bring us together, but it is the PEOPLE who make it happen. You and your family are responsible for so many contacts and friendships, that it is hard to express my appreciation for what you do.

My sYc Family; Yes; I do mean "Family", as I am truly closer to many of you than I am a majority of my own "real" family. Being able to hang with you and be considered an equal, even though I have never owned a Supercar, is still amazing to me. What more can I say! I can never express how much ALL of you mean to me, with your continuous support and words of encouragement. NON of this would have ever happened without that support!

Our sponsors; This goes without saying, but the group of sponsors for the MCACN show represents the hobby's best and most passionate. The lineup lends so much credibility to the show, that once again, we have something that no other show has. PLEASE support all of our sponsors, as they "get it" and they were all willing to take the gamble on the show, even when many said we were all crazy.

As you all know, I could, (and often do), go on and on, but I will cut this short now.

With all of the negative talk, the bad economy, the war and everything else, I can never express how much I appreciate each and everyone of you who have been a part of the creation of this show, which is indeed, the realization of my long-time dream.

Although this is the end of this post, I can assure you all that this is just the beginning of what has clearly been established as "THE EVENT" for all of us who live, breath and enjoy Musclecars, Dealer Built Supercars and Corvettes and more importantly, the PEOPLE that have come together to enjoy them and all of the memories, past, present and future, that we will enjoy for many years to come.

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Bashton
MCACN Managing Member

SS427
11-26-2009, 08:37 PM
Bob and Vicki,
Not enough can be said about the tireless efforts you have not only put into the previous VetteFest shows and now the MCACN show. The show was great, the cars were the best of the best, the celebs could not have gotten any better and the atmosphere was alive with electricity. The people that came forth with the financial backing and expertise made a very wise decision to hire you both on and continue with what you do best and I feel the show will grow leaps and bounds. Pity to the old VetteFest, their loss!

I heard nothing but great things all weekend long about not only the quality of cars but also the excitement of having all the other makes present. I, who am a diehard Chevy fan thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the other makes there and have a new found respect for those cars.

Just like the Supercar Reunion, this was a reunion of sorts were we no only get to see old friends but make new ones. My customer Mark P and his lovely wife Kim drove all the way from Virginia to see the show and view their car in its present state of restoration. They quickly found that we are all one big family and within minutes joined our group of friends and were treated like they had always been part of that group. That is what these shows are all about.

Thanks to all the owners, backers, sponsors and car owners who made the show possible. What a great time! Lets do it again next year.

In closing, only one thing can be said about Bob and Vicki who said goodbye LATE Sunday evening (somewhere around midnight) and passed me as I was waiting to load the last cars out of the areana (3:30 a.m.)! Bob and Vicki were completely wiped out and Bob could barely focus he was so tired. So much that I was concerned about him driving to the hotel. They asked how I was doing and I commented that I was doing great other than starving as I had not eaten since noon. About 1/2 hour later Bob and Vicki came back to the loading dock door with a complete and large meal for me!!! You cannot imagine not only my surprise but graditude. They had WAY more important things to do than to worry about then me. That my friends is what these two are all about. GREAT people and I thank you for all of it!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

Postsedan
11-26-2009, 10:38 PM
Bob,

What a year its been for you and Vicki, this time last year with the bad news at the time to Wow!!!!!!!! MCACN!!!!!!

I believe your world has been transformed in 365 days, almost like Chip Foose and his show...."You`ve been... "Overhauled!"

I say MCACN, will be even better in 2010!

Thanks again to all you do Mr. Ashton.

Dan.

Tenney
11-26-2009, 10:45 PM
Thanks Bob (and team!). Couldn't imagine a wider array of legendary Detroit iron assembled under one roof - good idea representing all the food groups. Met all kinds of great folks - had a blast! Well done, sir. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

... now go show that turkey who's boss!

70 Forest Green Zee
11-27-2009, 05:57 AM
Bob
I don't personally know you or your wife Vicky, but rest assured this was the greatest showing of muscle cars under one roof of all times! It was absolutely mind blowing to see such numbers and top notch quality cars and I truly hope that you and your group plan on making this an annual event here in Chi town! It was the highlight of the car season for me and I've never attended a show before that I enjoyed as much as I enjoyed this one!! Keep up the great work, I look forward to attending many more of your shows in the future! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

jeff morocco
11-27-2009, 08:04 AM
Bob,

THANK YOU and Vicki for allowing us to have a scavenger hunt for the kids. we received an overwhelming response from the parents, especially the dads, thanking us for "keeping their kids busy" while they looked at all the beautiful cars. i think we had 40 plus kids do the scavenger hunt. i didnt think we would have that many,although some couldnt find all the letters we still gave them their prize for trying. just seeing their faces when they received the limited edition diecast car was enough satisfaction for us. a couple kids opened it right away, some parents didnt let them , saying it needed to stay in the package. overall it was a huge success !! so again, THANKS to you and your wonderful wife Vicki for setting all that up !! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

also, Vicki did a fantastic job announcing all the awards ! you guys were quite comical at times. GREAT job ! you guys should be very proud of yourselves ! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/youguysrock.gif