Thoughts from the Inaugural MCACN

[ORIGLS6]

We rolled in home at 11:55 last night so I haven't have time to post any pictures yet, however I want to throw out these thoughts first.

Many of you have much more history with Events of this kind but I doubt if I get too many arguments when I say the Muscle Car And Corvette Nationals is THE venue of the future.

I've read a few comments so far and quickly looked through some of the pictures that have been posted. Fantastic as they may be, you just had to be there to get the full impact. The blend of makes (GM, Ford, Mopar, AMC) was a big hit. EVERYONE I talked to had positive comments on this. And to make it even better, the quality of the cars was remarkable.
One thing I really liked was the layouts of the 'feature' areas. Some remained in the 'traditional' grid pattern but then you had some in-the-round which broke up the flow and made it interesting. I also heard MANY comments about how the display area seemed to be 'cleaned-up', refering to how the vendor area was separated from the show area. Again, positive comments. The one glitch appeared to be a slower move-in issue but when you consider the number of trailered vehicles compared to previous years, the staff did a good job of handling the congestion and IN MY OPINION, ..... THAT was not a problem that is easily controlled. Too many of us (myself included) tend to get distracted when we enter the building with a trailer. WE need to get in, unload and get out ASAP so those behind us (who MAY be our FRIENDS!!!) can do the same! Unfortunately we tend to chat with folks we haven't seen in a while and lose focus on the job at hand. This is a way WE can help the staff do their job. Just a personal observation, for what it's worth.
I can't think of a single negative comment. I tried to find the principals of the event to offer my personal thank you Sunday afternoon but time got short and most of you were understandably busy. It was a Fantastic Show, a totally enjoyable weekend and I applaud Bob & Vicki Ashton, ALL the Sponsors and Supporters and offer my sincere Thanks to all who worked so many hours, days, weeks and months to pull this together. I hope the show met YOUR expectations because it certainly did mine.

I wish you ALL continued success in the future. This is a show that has been needed for years and I'm proud to have been a small part of it, and even prouder to call many of you friends.

[1969grb]

Dennis, Well said. I agree with you. What a great event. I would also like to thank everyone who helped put this event together.

Grady

[Woj]

This was one of the best shows that I have ever attended. The quality and variety of cars in attendance was exceptional.

As previously mentioned the move-in was a little bogged down due to slow trailer unloading inside the building, that was the only glitch that I could see as a participator. This problem was somewhat aided by allowing the cars to be unloaded outside (weather was great) and then driven into the venue. Overall the show was very well run.

The next best aspect of the show was meeting some of the folks that I have only corresponded with via email and pm's over the last few years. I also enjoyed spending time with Grady, Rich, Sam, Dan, Bill and Al. I always learn something new from these guys while having a few laughs.

I'd like to publicly thank Grady for encouraging me to bring my 69 SS Chevelle to the show, and Rich (MrChevy) for trailering my car to and from Chicago.

Hats off to Bob, Vicki and all the sponsors of the show. It was a job well done. I look forward to the next show.

Phil Woj.

[396L35]

I have to agree with everyone above, the show was a great success and the only thing I see wrong with this show is how are you going to top it next year??? Mark

[ORIGLS6]

As Phil pointed out, unloading/loading speed can be improved if WE the participants work with the staff. This show ended at 5 PM on Sunday. A number of us had our trailers staged in designated areas by around 4 PM. I'll speak for myself and Don Stowers here. We drove out of the building, loaded up, tied down and were ready to hit the road home at 5:42. (Then I discovered my truck battery had died! ) With Don's, Judi's and Annie's help we were back and running in less than ten minutes and still hit 294 headed South before 6 PM.

My point is; we as participants can help alleviate some of the minor issues if we ALL work together. I can't imagine going through life without friends, and that is not only what makes this show; if you know the history, it's HOW this show came to be.

And as far as the word 'glitch', I certainly don't mean to be critical of the staff. When you look at the number of cars, the variety of cars and the overall quality of cars that we saw this past weekend, I'm betting it's a "problem" that ANY show promoter would gladly accept. These guys will fix it!

[gwawa]

I have to say that this show was the best blend of muscle cars I have seen in any Chicago venue. I don't know how you top this one, but I sure look forward to next year. The Ashtons and the sponsors did a great job presenting their product.

[Kim_Howie]

I had more fun this year than I've had at the last 4 CVF.
A great display of a lot of the best cars in the country.

[Shevelle]

About all I can add to what has already been said is... That was the most awesome display of some of the most incredible and rare muscle we have ever seen! I tried to pick out my favorite but it was impossible (have to say that Cheetah was waaay at the top of the list). We are truly humbled to have been a part of it. I couldn't begin to list all the really cool people we met (Bruce said we would ). Ken T. and Don S., it was especially nice meeting you...you guys Really Rock!
Charley, I don't quite understand why this sign... ...is here. Whoever is in sign control must have got you mixed up with someone else! Bruce, the unexpected phone call was a hoot...and I look forward to meeting you in a couple of months!!

A special thanks to Bob for squeezing us in even though we were late with our entries...and for putting up with my mind-changing as well. It was obvious the amount of time and hard work you and the rest of the gang put in to making this event a success. This is going to be a tough one to top!

We had a Great time...thanks to everyone for making us feel so welcome. I'm already looking forward to next year and meeting all those I wanted to meet this year but missed.

[Alss]

Another from me too!..show was everything I expected and hoped it would be. The cars were outstanding both in quality and diversity as were the cast of characters in attendance . Bob Ashton you are a gentleman, and your passion for these cars is very evident... kudos to all involved. Thank you for your hard work so the rest of us can come and goof off for the weekend ..next year ??...sure why not, I dont know how it can be topped, but I want to see them try

ALbert

[COPO 70 RS/Z28]

Had a great time, didn't get to talk to a lot of people, sorry about that I had some catching up to do with an old friend from the west coast, Had dinner with Tenney and Jim Wangers , what a great guy Jim is and what great conversation we had.

Most of my photos are of details of a few cars so not much to show but here is a good one of about 1/2 of the show floor!!!!!!





Kudos to the Ashton's for a fabulous show, hope I can come back next year!!