Hello,
I as well as several BADROC'rs think that a National Meet would be wonderful.
Sure, every Datsun model ever made would be welcome. Roadsters and 510's
and trucks and Silvias and even those Z cars. ;>) I am and have always been
a proponent for such an idea.
Les and Dennis and even Marc Sayer all have had great ideas for an event. Do
you remember? They spoke of it a few years ago. Then last year even more
talk was generated. More interest has been built up on the Roadster List
too. It was somewhat decided that the show should be held in Colorado. It
isn't exactly in the middle of the States but it is more than likely the best
place in the area. Then everyone started to bring in ideas such as multi-day
events, rallies, track days at a local racetrack, etc., And then silence ...
until now.
Well, this is my own personal opinion on why this is not happening. Please
understand that I would like to attend a National Meet for all Datsuns. I
also think that it is possible. But there are many obstacles and I would
like to voice what I feel are the "problems according to Calspeed."
1. Why should we go to a National Event when we have several in the area
already? We have Shasta ... Solvang ... Surfside ... BADROC runs ... SoCal
runs... Carlisle... Limerock... Ross's BBQ... etc etc etc....!
Answer: Well of course you should go and participate because it is the
National Event. You get to meet great people from all over the country and
possibly from other countries too. It will be fun...? It is a good
cause...? Yes and yes. But there has got to be more. Right?
2. We need many people to help set up this grand National Show. We need
people to get information on renting a racetrack. We need to get instructors
and corner workers. We need people to arrange accommodation info and rates.
We need to get a place to hold the show. We need to figure out the
liabilities and insurance needed for such a show. We need to schedule a date
that is good for maximum attendance. We need people to coordinate with other
Datsun Clubs. We need judges for the car show.
Answer: Why do we need so many events in the first place? I understand that
we want to make the first show a grand show. I know alot of people want to
drive their car on the racetrack. Well, it takes alot more than just renting
a track for the day. I know alot of people want to have a car show too.
Well, hundreds of cars will require more than Mr. Katayama being driven
around the parking lot in his Nissan minivan pointing his finger at what he
likes the best. Okay, I am being alittle sarcastic here. Mr.K is a most
honored guest at any event. But, how many judges and how long do you think
it will take to pick out the top three P510, PL510, 210, 310, 280Z, 260Z,
240Z, 280ZX, SPL/SRL...the 300ZX ? Yes they were Datsuns until 1984 or so.
What about the modern Nissans? Included? Not included? Display only? How
can it be possible to tell a Z Club that half its membership is not allowed
to show? Is it possible? Would they sponsor such a show? Do you have the
guts to tell them that. How about the gall to do such a thing.
3. There are so many Datsun "clicks". 510's are better than Roadsters. Z's
are the best! Roadsters are more classy.
Answer: Yeah.... yeah... yeah... Sure there are those folks but all in all
I dont think that is a problem. Times are changing and people are thinking
alittle differently. Even if they did think that way I am sure they would
not object to showing off their car to other inferior Datsun owners. I have
faith in the average person. Whatever average is...?
4. Would the classic Datsun owner be willing to drive their old Datsun 1500
miles oneway to attend a weekend event? Are their enough old Datsuns around
to be able to make the journey? Are these folks willing to take the chance?
Answer: Some folks would do it. I might. But most would not make the
drive. It is just to difficult. I know from the experience of driving to NM
and back, about three thousand miles in 10 days. It was not pleasant. And
yes, my car broke down twice. The car and drivers abilities would certainly
be taxed. Oh, air conditioning is so important.
There are others issues to deal with and I am sure that if asked I would find
a problem. No, I am not a pessimist. I am a realist and I just think it is
important to bring out what I feel is a potential problem.
Okay, now this is what I consider the biggest obstacle Getting the man/women
power to do this thing. I can already hear the "Gung-ho" folks saying that
it can be done. But can it? We would need a board to manage and run this
effort. We need people to delegate duties to willing folks. Willing folks
who are able to put in a lot of time. Yes... the key word is able to put in
the time. We all want to and there is the experience out there to do it.
But do we have the time? Do we know what we are getting into?
My suggestion for a first time meet would be to "Piggyback" off of an
established Datsun show. For instance, the Z Car National Convention. I
attended the '98 convention in New Mexico and it included Roadsters along
with the Z's in all of the events. Although there were no other models
present. The New Mexico club had some foresight and included another model
in their events. It brought in much needed revenue and brought Datsun folks
alittle closer. What I feel is necessary is to work with the next sponsoring
Z Club with a joint effort. We have to find out what their feelings are
about this type of show. What there requirements are if they were to allow
such an event to happen.
How about an annual event effort with the Z Clubs. What does that mean?
That means that it isn't going to happen in Colorado Springs. That means
every year it will be a different location. It also means that every year it
will be closer to someone else's backyard. 1998 was in New Mexico, 1999 was
in Texas, 2000 was in Las Vegas, NV, 2000 is going to be in Canada somewhere.
Does this make sense? If it doesn't then I stand noted. If it does then I
didn't mean for it to make sense. I am just throwing out ideas.
Please understand that these are my views. I have no definite answers but I
think I am pretty good at figuring out what might be needed. What problems
might arise. Don't get me wrong either. I really want to see something like
this happen. Just like the BMWCCA / Octoberfest or the Annual Z Car National
Convention. An Annual All Datsun Convention Meet is a possibility. But I
don't think it will be anything what everyone is currently dreaming about.
Lets work off of what is already working. Teamwork with other clubs.
Okay ... enough from me. I am tired now.
Michael "Calspeed" Carion
BADROC / ZONE
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