[DeTomaso] 2012 POCA Fun Rally Destination

Art Stephens artstephens at verizon.net
Sat Oct 22 13:40:38 EDT 2011


John,
To you, Judy and everyone else involved, thank you for all your hard work.

Art





-----Original Message----- 
From: John Taphorn
Sent: Saturday, October 22, 2011 6:16 AM
To: detomaso at realbig.com
Subject: [DeTomaso] 2012 POCA Fun Rally Destination

2012 Fun Rally Announcement



POCA is pleased to announce that the 2012 POCA Fun Rally will be hosted at 
the WildHorsePass Hotel and Casino (WHP) in Chandler, Arizona. 
http://www.wingilariver.com/wild-horse-pass Chandler is just south of 
Phoenix; perhaps, 20 minutes from the Phoenix airport. The Fun Rally will be 
held April 25th through the 30th, 2012.



Many POCA members have articulated a desire to move the Fun Rally's location 
around to accommodate owners in different locations, encourage exposure to 
Panteras in other geographies and to bring new experiences to the event's 
participants.  The 2012 Fun Rally location will accomplish all the above.



As co-chairpersons of the event, Judy McCartney and I have worked to help 
the Fun Rally evolve, over the years, in response to feedback from the 
membership. Changes have included better communication and organization of 
scheduled activities at the Rally, better quality facilities, a previous 
move to Reno, and changes in the orchestration of the Raffle.



Sensitive to comments from participants regarding the desire for a new 
venue, we sought interest from POCA Chapters in spring 2011 to learn whether 
there was any enthusiasm for supporting a Rally in their community of 
owners.



It was fortunate that the Arizona Chapter rallied behind the inquiry. 
Several volunteers needed to support the event in Reno felt it time for new 
blood to contribute and resigned following the 2011 event. No new volunteers 
to support the Rally in Reno have stepped forward.  Couple that challenge 
with a measurable decline in participants bringing their De Tomaso to Reno 
and it was telling that it was time for a change.



The Arizona Chapter's enthusiastic support is an operational advantage to 
hosting the Fun Rally in Phoenix. The leadership exhibited by Gil Mares, 
Arizona Chapter President, and local POCA member, Jim Cozzolino, has been a 
important catalyst in spearheading the transition. The Chapter's involvement 
is a huge help for the POCA Event organizers.  For the record, there is no 
shortage of ideas from members as to where to hold the Fun Rally.  I get 
suggestions all the time - Vegas, etc.  However, it takes many volunteers to 
pull the Event off and without significant assistance from local volunteers, 
it simply isn't workable.



To confirm that the comments for change we had received reflected the will 
of the majority, we sought feedback via a survey of the membership and past 
Rally participants.  Indeed, we received 106 responses for Phoenix and 41 
for Reno.  The foremost reason provided by the respondents for a change to 
WHP was driving distance followed by a desire for new experiences.



The WHP facility offers a different rally dynamic than we have experienced 
in the past.  First, the facility is new - only 2 years old.  Secondly, the 
resort is literally across the street from the Firebird Road Course and Drag 
facility.  If one was determined, they could actually walk to it.  The 
Hospitality Suite opens to an outside patio that is adjacent to the Pool 
area.  Guests can take their drinks out poolside.  We would have tables in 
the patio area.  Cars would be displayed in the Patio area and made 
available for public viewing.  WHP also has a Casino, and is both close to 
the airport and local shopping.



Working with the Arizona Chapter, activities for the Phoenix based Fun Rally 
have been considered.  A preliminary Agenda that outlines the timing of the 
proposed activities is available through this link at the POCA website. 
http://www.poca.com/media/2012POCAFunRallyAgenda.pdf



New experiences in Phoenix include:



.           Drive to the Franklin Museum, Tucson, www.franklinmuseum.org

.           Drive to Tortilla Flats, Goldfield Ghost Town, 
www.tortillaflataz.com

.           Rustler's Rooste, Dinner & Line Dancing, www.rustlersrooste.com

.           Drive to Payson - Italian Bistro & Auto Museum, 
www.paysonrimcountry.com

.           Drive to Penske Racing Museum, Scottsdale, 
www.penskeracingmuseum.

.           Shopping in Old Town Scottsdale and Fashion Square, 
www.insider-scottsdale.com/old_town.htm

.           De Tomaso Car Show at Wild Horse Pass or Other Venue

.           Track Day Event on the road course - A Firebird Raceway

.           Pantera Drag Race Event - Firebird Raceway 
firebirdraceway.com/web/streetdrags.html



The track Event at Firebird Raceway would be held in conjunction with NASA 
using experienced corner workers and the requisite safety equipment. Jim 
Cozzolino is organizing the event.



More information about the event will be coming shortly.  I look forward to 
seeing you in Chandler next spring.



Cordially



John Taphorn



Judy McCartney

Fun-Rally Co-Chairpersons
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