2009 Opel Nationals Location?

[Ooooner]

I was just thinking about where the 2009 Opel Nationals will be held next year and realized that a location has not been determined. I know the 2010 (California), 2011 (Carlisle), 2012 (Springfield) and 2013 (Charlotte) are tentatively set. These could change if the people hosting change their minds but as of now, this is what I understand the calander to be.
Anyone out there want to host the 2009 Opel Nationals next year? There had been talk of the Texas or Tacoma Washington people hosting it but nothing ever came of it. I also know the the Georgia guys (Gene, Dieter?) had talked about it as well.
Knowing what I know now, I think it would be wise to go ahead and get the site set. The more time you have to plan, the easier it is to pull it off. I would be glad to help anyone get started in planning for a Nationals in your area.
Any thoughts?

[opelspyder]

The official site for the 2009 Nationals is Cookeville, TN Dyno days. Okay, just kidding-but wish I could get something going towards Nashville, or Chattanooga. But being the 08 Nationals were in the Southeast, maybe out West would be fair
Keith

[heimue]

Originally Posted by opelspyder But being the 08 Nationals were in the Southeast, maybe out West would be fair Keith

Doesn't make any sense if the 2010 are out west also.
As mentioned in other posts before, the GA group is ready to go for 09.

Dieter

[Ooooner]

Originally Posted by heimue Doesn't make any sense if the 2010 are out west also. As mentioned in other posts before, the GA group is ready to go for 09. Dieter

I think if the Georgia guys are the only ones that are willing to host the Opel Nationals in 2009, then they should be given the opportunity to show us a good time in 2009! (Sort of rhymes, huh? )
I think input is needed... Anybody?

[hrcollinsjr]

Since the only ones seeming to be chomping at the bit to host the Nationals is the GA group, then why not? Pa then NC next GA, moving southward. Makes sense to me.

Harold

[opelspyder]

Then GA Opelers need to get together to make some decisions...you know
The 3 "W's"
When
Where
Why

Does it need to be with a larger car show like the Orphan show, or a two day show like at the Atlanta Speedway. Don't they have a Goodguys Show down there? It really needs to be a two or three day event that it joins if that is the case. But I wondered if it was in a great location with things to do all around it, why it couldn't be Opels only. If you got a decent setup, the Dyno could travel????
Keith

[Aardvaark]

Originally Posted by opelspyder Then GA Opelers need to get together to make some decisions...you know The 3 "W's" When Where Why Does it need to be with a larger car show like the Orphan show, or a two day show like at the Atlanta Speedway. Don't they have a Goodguys Show down there? It really needs to be a two or three day event that it joins if that is the case. But I wondered if it was in a great location with things to do all around it, why it couldn't be Opels only. If you got a decent setup, the Dyno could travel???? Keith

Most Goodguys Shows are for up 1972 and older vehicles. I belong and take my '63 Thunderbird but my '75 Manta is not eligible. Not that I wouldn't change the plates and sneak it in on the TB's entry......

[BQS4]

Originally Posted by opelspyder then ga opelers need to get together to make some decisions...you know the 3 "w's" when where why does it need to be with a larger car show like the orphan show, or a two day show like at the atlanta speedway. Don't they have a goodguys show down there? It really needs to be a two or three day event that it joins if that is the case. But i wondered if it was in a great location with things to do all around it, why it couldn't be opels only. If you got a decent setup, the dyno could travel???? Keith

keith, et-al;
(sorry for the all caps, this keyboard is fried) we have all the ability to do whatever everyone wants, 1-3 day event, we can have it at road atlanta, stone mountain, snellville, atlanta motor speedway, whatever. Tag it with snellville days, the super chevy show, the walter mitty at road atlanta, hell we can be just ourselve at beautiful alpine helen, ga iff we want. It's no use in starting unless people are willing to come this far south. Tony has checked into the super chevy show at atlanta dragway in commerce, they said "cool", we can do it at snellville days as this coming year the ga opelers are working in conjunction with the studebaker club to put it on. So the sky's the limit. Do we actually need to have a poll to see who would come this far south?

[hrcollinsjr]

Originally Posted by BQS4 ... we have all the ability to do whatever everyone wants, 1-3 day event, we can have it at road atlanta, stone mountain, snellville, atlanta motor speedway, whatever. Tag it with snellville days, the super chevy show, the walter mitty at road atlanta, hell we can be just ourselve at beautiful alpine helen, ga iff we want. It's no use in starting unless people are willing to come this far south.

That many options! What do you mean not willing to go that far south? Oops I forgot alot of them would be passing through TN. As long as they're Opel owners or wannabe Opel owners they're more than welcome to settle in.

How about some details on the different events when you can. Atmosphere of the different shows, times of the year and facilities are just a few of the things I can think of.

Harold

[opelspyder]

If you host it, they will come.

I don't think it is a distance issue, if they want to be a part of it, they will travel. I'm having to save right now to make the Charlotte show
Keith

[jerseydave]

I see plenty of people travel 750-1000+ miles to come up to the Carlisle show so why wouldn't the people up north not want to return the favor and visit the southern part of the country, Atlanta and Snellville are in the northeastern corner of GA aren't they? I for one am doing the Charlotte show this year, not sure about Route 66 yet but am looking forward to seeing other parts of the USA.

I say give a description of the above mentioned events and maybe open it up for discussion and polls OR have the Georgia Opel group pick when and where! I think those that want and are able to come are going to show up no matter what you choose.

[Ooooner]

Originally Posted by jerseydave I see plenty of people travel 750-1000+ miles to come up to the Carlisle show so why wouldn't the people up north not want to return the favor and visit the southern part of the country, Atlanta and Snellville are in the northeastern corner of GA aren't they? I for one am doing the Charlotte show this year, not sure about Route 66 yet but am looking forward to seeing other parts of the USA. I say give a description of the above mentioned events and maybe open it up for discussion and polls OR have the Georgia Opel group pick when and where! I think those that want and are able to come are going to show up no matter what you choose.

I agree. I could not have said it any better!

[Aardvaark]

Atlanta would not be a problem for me as long as gas doesn't get alot higher next year. I just drove to Chatanooga and back two weeks ago and did the trip both directions in one day each. I don't think Atlanta is much different drivewise then Charlotte will be. I just Hopel my Opel makes it.

[Ooooner]

Gene and (It's his fault) Dieter have graciously volunteered to host the 2009 Opel Nationals in Georgia sometime next year! Thank you Gene and Dieter! I know they will a fantastic job organizing this show and showing us what good ole' Southern Hospitality is all about! I am sure you will be hearing from them in the near future about plans for the site, dates, times, etc.

Future dates are now set: 2009 Georgia, 2010 California, 2011 Carlisle, PA, 2012 Springfield, Ill. and 2013 Charlotte. Of course, these can change but as it stands now, these are the years and places the Nationals will be held.

[BQS4]

Well, as Roy has announced, we the GA Opelers are going to do the 2009 Nations. We have already looked into various venues and are looking at more. We'll keep everyone posted as news developes, so watch this thread and we welcome ideas and thoughts.

STAY TUNED.....

[MawandPawOpel]

:eek: O.K Folks, what is this? 2009 Nationals ???? I thougt WE were going to host..at least one year? I mean, someone out there please let me know WHAT is going on??
Thanks all lot.
MAWANDPAWOPEL

[kwilford]

Originally Posted by MawandPawOpel O.K Folks, what is this? 2009 Nationals ???? I thought WE were going to host..at least one year? I mean, someone out there please let me know WHAT is going on?? Thanks all lot. MAWANDPAWOPEL

I was having the same thought. It would seem that having the "Nationals" in the west only one year out of six is not so much. Myrna and I went to Tacoma back in 2004 and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. It is quite a bit closer to us Western Canadians, not to mention one or two hundred million Americans in the west. Mary, is there enough interest and support in the Tacoma/Seattle area to host the Opel Nationals in 2009?

[MawandPawOpel]

Heck yes, Keith. I think that we have a Great place here! Something new all the time, something old all of the time. Hey gentlemen in the South...You are talking to "The Southern Lady" here. Don't under-estimate the power of
a woman especially one from the South...transplanted in the Pacific North West. Sounds really dull to me North Carolina, Georgia, Carlisle..... Now really have you all ever seen Snow in July? How about an active Volcano?
Tall Ships cruising on the water front? Jets buzzing above? Nope you can't beat Washington State!
O.K. KEITH DON"T LET ME DOWN NOW.
CRUZ ARE YOU OUT THERE?
WEST COAST GT....WHERE ARE YOU?
ANYONE ELSE? PINE TREES PINE TREES PINE TREES

[Ooooner]

MawandPawOpel, I understand. I was just trying to get something going for the 2009 Opel Nationals because it had been discussed many times but no one ever committed to hosting it. At least, I didn't see that anybody officially did. It seemed that no one, except the Georgia guys, wanted to host it. No one from Tacoma said anything over the last year or so, so I thought no one was interested. I am glad to hear that you are, though!
I may have jumped the gun in this but I was just going by the responses we have had on this site over the last year or so.
Let's open this debate up. MawandPawOpel, if you feel that you had the 2009 Opel Nationals coming to Tacoma next year, then I think that Gene and Dieter would understand. We just need to get this out there for everyone to see.
I am very sorry if I stepped on anyone's toe's here!

[hrcollinsjr]

Originally Posted by Ooooner I am very sorry if I stepped on anyone's toe's here!

That sad face is well practiced. I've seen it multiple times when his wife catches him at different things.

Seriously though Roy and I had discussed this over a period time. If the WA bunch is going to host it, then it should be posted! Obviously I'd love for it to be closer to me. The idea I believe was for it to move around the US so more people would have a chance to attend without having to travel the length of the country to get there.

Harold

[Aardvaark]

Since I live sort of midway between the south and the northwest and would have a longish drive to either, I'd like to suggest that both groups gather their folks together and come up with general proposals in the next two or three weeks for next year's OMC National and let the membership vote on which goes first next year in 2009 and who may have to wait for an open date in the future. I think it would be good to have a decision made and an announcement made in Charlotte next month.
However if either group did make a bid in the past, let them show the post and that will settle in.

[Ooooner]

Originally Posted by hrcollinsjr That sad face is well practiced. I've seen it multiple times when his wife catches him at different things. Seriously though Roy and I had discussed this over a period time. If the WA bunch is going to host it, then it should be posted! Obviously I'd love for it to be closer to me. The idea I believe was for it to move around the US so more people would have a chance to attend without having to travel the length of the country to get there. Harold

Harold,
I agree 100%. The purpose of the Nationals was to move the event around the country so everyone could attend a National Opel Event from time to time. I was just concerned that there had not been an "official" place for the 09 Nationals and I know that whoever was going to host the show needed all the time they could get to organize and plan for the show.

[West Coast GT]

Well, from a purely selfish perspective, Tacoma's a lot closer for me. And of course, the coastal route getting there can not be beat for raw scenic beauty and a fun sports car drive.

Judging from the turnout and quality of planning for the Gathering they hosted two weeks ago, Nationals would be hard to top if hosted in the Pacific Northwest. And let's face it, it never hurts that the host is a pretty southern girl and apparently a force to be reckoned with.

On the flip side, I checked the Map and found a significant Opel cluster near Atlanta with slightly smaller clusters in Tennessee and Florida. If hosted in Georgia, Nationals would allow access to a larger Opeler population than, unfortunately, Tacoma.

But hey, I’ve haven’t heard talk yet of free margaritas and nachos.
Personally, I vote for Tacoma. Again, purely selfish motivation.

[BQS4]

I have spoken to Gary via phone about an hour ago. He's in WI and not accessable to a computer. If we can just wait till we can get Gary online (Friday night I think he said) then we'll get through this.

[MawandPawOpel]

Well, Well Gentlemen and Ladies, WE most certainly have a good debate going on here. First of all I want to make it clear..NO TOES HAVE BEEN STEPPED ON! Now as far as a commitment to host the 2009 Opel Nationals,
We would love to be the hosts for 2009. I see that the need to decide just Where and When with no competition between the Opel Clubs. After all, we are here for the preservation, and enjoyment of OPELS. I feel that it is asking too much of the members to travel the many miles from coast to coast. Driving an Opel the distance OR flying has become something of a chore instead of a pleasure. So,to keep things happy, without undue inconveniences
(Only a Suggestion) Why don't we have an East Coast Opel National AND a
West Coast National? IS this not fair? This way everyone from every where
will have the chance to attend a national meet? Approve or disapprove?
I agree to wait until Gary can respond, but the members should also have a say. Not just a few, but all, the ones who make these events happen.
MAWANDPAWOPEL