Chevy Vettefest; My THANK YOU's

[bashton]

Well...where can I start?

When my company first came to me with the idea of purchasing the Chevy Vettefest shows, I was a bit skeptical. I had been a spectator in the past but in all honesty, it was not a "Must See" show for me.

After countless hours of discussion and looking at mounds of papers and meeting with Ken and Al, I agreed to "head up" the rebirth of the Chevy Vettefest shows. I knew it would be a LOT of work, but I am one who loves a challenge and I am not very easily discouraged.

I am happy to say I feel that Championship Auto Shows, Inc. made the right decision. YES, it needs a lot more and yes, attendance was not that good, but hey, this was only our first go around at bringing this back to life. And with that said...

A HUGE THANKS go out to Tom Clary for his hard work and dedication. Not only to working with me directly to put together an absolutely awe-inspiring sYc Showcase, but for also working with Stefano and his crew and the Nickey Showcase and also for being a great ambassador to our (sickness?) I mean sport.

To Stefano Bimbi; I think Steve may well be the only guy I know that is as committed to and crazy about all of this madness as I am. I look forward to many, many years of working with you and your fine crew. The future looks bright for Nickey/Chicago!

The sYc Members that participated and also who I was able to meet in passing. You are all awesome and your enthusiasm is great. And your cars...excuse me while I hold this newspaper in front of my private area! For someone as into cars as me, it is an unbelieveable pleasure to be able to not only see these vehicles, but to actually get a chance to be "up close and personal" to the cars and their owners. And NO...I didn't jump in them while you guys were sleeping!

Midwest Gassers and Mike Escorn; cool cars, cool guys, awesome Motorhome and great coffee...it just doen't get any better! And about that impromptu "Drag race?" Oh yeah...I didn't hear anything about that!

Mike Guarise; what can I say, not one, not two, not even THREE Original Nickey cars, but FIVE! That must be a record! For anyone who has seen Mikes's cars, you know what a treat it is to see even one of them in person...just imagine FIVE of them lined up. Mike is a true Gentleman and it was a pleasure meeting you. Now one other question...can I visit the "Estate" and see the rest of them?

There are many others who played a big part in the succes of this show and I apologize to anyone who I overlooked. You know who you are and I do too. I could not of done it without you guys and for that, I truly am grateful.

Sorry for the "onstage breakdown", but the very best part of my job is actually seeing the end result of all the hours spent setting the show up and realizing all the headaches and late nights (early mornings)are worth it. As I siad onstage, my wife Vicki played a HUGE part in this show and she was not able to feel that "high" that we get when the doors finally open to the public and everything is in place, as she was back in Michigan with my terminally ill Mother. I cannot express how much she does, not only for the shows I am involved with but also for supporting me for all these year's, no matter how crazy my idea's were.

It will only get better andthe future of the Chevy Vettefest is indeed looking great...Thanks to all and see you at Mecum in May and also at SCR in September!



Oh...and by the way...I will continue to spend way too many hours on this awesome Forum!