I completely agree that holding the Nationals in conjunction with a bigger event would be a plus for all the reasons mentioned above. If that is not possible, then shoot for something else that can make it a memorable event.
In planning this year's Nationals we looked at having it at Sonoma Raceway, hooking up with the Shelby Club. If that had worked out we'd be sharing the paddock with 50 years of Mustangs and we'd have access to the track. Yes, you could put on a helmet and take your car out on track, at speed. You would had also had the option of going out as a passenger in one of the Mustangs (Most people at track events are cool with giving rides.) and I had a very firm offer of $50 for a few laps as a passenger in the Tinyvette.
John "Rocket Man" Paxson, who is bringing the Bill Ward Bonneville Opel GT, said he'd even do a couple of demonstration runs down the drag strip, it they'd allow that.
At minimum we would have had lunch with the Shelby folks and been given a parade lap (guided, slower, safer) around the course before heading off to a winery or two, or three, then back to the hotel for dinner and other formalities. Anyway, we'd have a show and a guaranteed audience, plus the chance to experience a race track. Stuff to remember.
So, not being part of another big national show, our approach was to make the event much more than a car meet and show.
Years ago OMC held an event at the Queen Mary and I understand people are still talking about that. That's the kind of thing we should aim for.
The Shelby Club thing didn't work out this year. This was a big anniversary for them as well and they expected a huge turnout, meaning the paddock, as big as it already is, would be full.
What we did was move a little up the road to Rohnert Park. We'll be at a very nice hotel that has everything we could ask for, plus they are located adjacent to a golf course, and is in the middle of the Sonoma Wine Country, and more. There's even a casino nearby. We'll take advantage of what the location has to offer, starting with a several hour long cruise to and along the coast. The banquet will be on Saturday evening and on Sunday Keith has a tour of the hill country planned. For those with other interests we can help arrange for balloon rides and guided tours and area wineries and breweries. Think of this as your Opel vacation.
Maybe the wine country cruises will make up for a chance to run at Sonoma Raceway, or maybe not, but one of the things Gil has been shooting for with this was the chance to be part of the Monterey events the following weekend. Of course there are the historics races, but there is also the prestigious Concours d'Elegance, the Concorso Italiano (Gil and Roy have shown their cars there), the Legeneds of the Autobahn (They are inviting Opels, and we plan to bring as many as we can), and even the Councours d'LeMons (And you know I'll be there).
My plan is to attend the Nationals, then show at "Legends" and "LeMons". If you are traveling from an eastern state, these would provide a lot more bang for your road-tripping buck, plus when these activities are over there's still Yosemite, the redwoods, and many other places to swing through before you head back home.
So, we're not hooked up with a big show, but to make up for that we're linking it to some pretty prestigious ones, and you can take in other sites while here. Hey, drop on over to the Tinyvette garages and help me assemble yet another motor.
I would love to make it to Carlisle next year, Nationals or not. I hear Charles is going to do something to make that an anniversary even to remember. And yes, I'd drive the Tinyvette out and back, assuming that big fat raise in the Blitz's editor's pay comes through.
Mike