[DeTomaso] 2014 Fun Rally Enclosed Car Shipping...UPDATE

[MikeLDrew at aol.com]

In a message dated 7/26/13 18 16 39, jtaphorn at kingwoodcable.com writes:


> Our hope was that centrally located we may draw some folks from the East
> as well.
> 

>>>I have always been a huge fan of the notion of rotating the location of 
the national convention on a periodic basis, perhaps even every year.   It's 
a lot of work to put one of these on, and I suspect people would appreciate 
the opportunity to take a bit of a rest afterwards.   Too, it both enables 
us and forces us to see different regions, and allow different hosts to 
share their hospitality.

At different times, several different Pantera vendors have approached me 
with the idea of hosting the event in the Sonoma/Napa region.   It makes an 
enormous amount of sense--close to a major air terminal, close to arguably the 
best tourist city in the USA (which would serve as further incentive for 
people to come who might not otherwise be inclined to come to a car 
convention, i.e. Significant Others), lots to see and do in the region, and even a 
racetrack where a track day could be held (and with numerous other 
organizations around, it would be quite easy to leverage their strengths to increase our 
numbers, as the Alfa club did just recently by having Hooked On Driving run 
the Sears Point track day for their Sonoma national convention a few weeks 
ago).

But I have never pursued the idea, mostly because the other venues we have 
enjoyed, we have ENJOYED!   I suppose if there was enough interest, we might 
be able to get people on board to do the mega-work to stage such an event 
here, but my participation would necessarily be limited due to work 
constraints.   As I'm not much of a "Hey, you guys oughta...." kinda guy, I've never 
broached the subject with anybody else....

I do think a Texas event is long overdue though.   They have the critical 
mass of enthusiasm, plus access to great venues and scenic drives and two 
tracks.   I say go for it!

Mike