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2009 POCA Fun Rally Location - Options

jtpanterajtpanteraMember
Forum Members;

For 27 years the POCA Fun Rally has been hosted in Las Vegas, NV. The location has served us well and the Orleans is prepared to host it again in 2009.

While many are content to continue this tradition, other POCA Members have encouraged the Board to consider alternative locations to create a new experience and potentially broaden the appeal of the Fun Rally.

In view of this, the Fun Rally Committee has explored the feasibility of holding the Event in 2009 at Circus Circus in Reno, NV and is prepared to host the 2009 Fun Rally there should that be the popular opinion. There is no question that each site has it's own advantages and disadvantages and the feedback will not be unanimous.

You have two methods at your disposal to make your voice heard. In your September POCA Newsletter, there will be a survey that your may take and return via snail mail to Fun Rally Co-Chairperson, Judy McCartney. The alternative it to point your browser to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=QWr9MLBa83JDZ46KuNPZdw_3d_3d

At this site is an overview about the Reno Fun Rally option, track event and pluses and minuses of the new venue. Following the overview is an on-line survey that allows your feedback to be registered immediately.

I apologize if this e-mail is a duplicate of one you have already received, The Fun Rally committee wanted to ensure that POCA members not affiliated with a Chapter and Fun Rally participants who are not affiliated with POCA received the opportunity to share their opinion.

Of course, the feedback from non-attendees is welcome; especially to the extent it includes comments as to how the Fun Rally could be modified to attract you in the future; however, the survey input of persons who would strongly consider attending in 2009 and have participated in past Fun Rallies takes priority.

Thank You
John Taphorn
POCA Fun Rally Co-Chairperson
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lf-tp2511lf-tp2511Member
Some of you will no doubt ask -

What about the PCNC Speed Trials track event?

I have done all the preliminary legwork with the Reno area track, Reno-Fernley Raceway:

http://www.reno-fernleyraceway.com/

Their track is longer with more course options than the track at Pahrump. Pricing would be very comparable to our previous pricing in Pahrump - maybe no change at all.

The Fun Rally Committee / POCA Board has always insisted there would be no change in location without the retention of the PCNC Speed Trials, and I am happy to assure everyone they WILL have a track event to enjoy should we all move to Reno.

Larry

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joulesjoules"Racing is Life, anything before or after is just waiting" - Steve McQueen
From what I understand;

1. The event would be held at Circus Circus, who will allow cars in the Ballroom.
2. Reno City will allow closure of downtown Virginia St. for a car display.
3. The RFR track is closer to Reno than Spring Mountain from Vegas (Also RFR is a full 4.1 mile course).
4. Timing would be moved into June, maybe permitting more owners with children to attend.
5. Vegas attendance has been dwindling steadily for years.

Don't discount what Reno has to offer, personally I think it offers more (and afresher perspective) than Vegas, it has gambling (maybe not to the same surreal scale, but that's a good thing), plus the likes of Lake Tahoe & Virginia City with some great scenic drives on the doorstep.

I'd even bring two Pantera's out if it was in Reno!
bosswrenchbosswrenchMember
quote:
Originally posted by Whiplash: Didn't NorCal Panteras already stage events in Reno with mixed success?


No. That was the Reno-Tahoe chapter of POCA who staged the event 7 separate years with little or no support from Southern California owners, where most Panteras live. And for a variety of theoretical reasons the Nevada chapter still broke even or made a small (emphasis on small!) profit each year.
bosswrenchbosswrenchMember
HEE'S BAAACK! For the third time in a dozen years, Jack DeRyke's managed to get his perennial password problem straightened out with the people who do software for this website. Seems like each time they do a website "upgrade", they lose my old password and all the records for a year or so. We'll see how long their 'fix' lasts this time. In the meantime, I'll post on subjects I know something about. Cheers-
cuveecuveeMember
If the Fun Rally is held in Reno at the Circus Circus, for those that don't know Reno. The Circus Curcus, the Silver Legacy, and the Eldorado are all attached on the second floor! So, if you choose not to stay at the Circus Circus, the walk from Silver Legacy or the Eldorado is not that far! That said, if your not the Curcis Curcis type, (and thats OK) you could stay at one of these Hotels (at extra cost) AND for a few more steps!, still participate in the Fun Rally! Just a thought? OH, and the Silver Legacy has the BEST SPA in town!
Curt
J jffrMember
quote:
Originally posted by RobertVegas:
When will this be decided?

R.


For what it is worth to anyone, I attended a couple of the events in Reno. I was there for the first one, but on company business and did not have the Pantera. I also attended one a few years ago and did drive the Pantera. Both events were small, but still nice. The problem that I see with moving the main POCA event from Las Vegas to Reno, will be that even fewer people will drive their Panteras than we have going to Las Vegas now. The year that I drove mine from southeastern Arizona to Reno, it was 1000 miles of desert driving during the hottest part of the year. If anyone thinks that driving a Pantera in 113 degree heat is fun, they better try it. I understand that the weather in the Reno area can be a little unpredicable in early May, so the early June date makes sense.

I have been to every POCA Las Vegas event since 1989 (and drove the Pantera) and have always heard some people complain about the Plaza and how we needed a better place. We now have a better place at the Orleans and there are still issues with attendance and that place. In my opinion, if we move this event to Reno, even fewer people will be driving their Panteras and the end result after a few years will be that there will be no rally at all. Change is good, but I don't think moving this event is going to get more people to go to it. Las Vegas is about an equal distance for most of the people that still do drive their Panteras and it makes sense as a location for the event.
4nford4nford"Live wrong and Perspire"
For the Hawaiians, we use a travel service that gives us a air, hotel and food package (at the Orleans) for an affordable price. If we have to add in travel, room and food to Reno, the added expense is substantial. Our girlfriends and wives also look at it as a vacation for them; shopping, the glitter of the strip and casinos are great draws. I've been to Reno several times and no offense meant towards anyone but compared to Las Vegas, it is boring with limited attractions.

It looks like a great place for the racers due to the track, but I noticed at past events that a lot of of the racers don't participate in any other aspect of the Fun Rally itself. If moved to Reno, the attendance at the track will likely increase but will the attendance at the actual events dwindle?

If the venue is changed, I will not be attending due to the added cost and hassle getting to Reno, none of my members have indicated that they will attend in Reno either. My prediction is the same as JFFR's; it will ultimately decrease the number of attendees. If we lose attendees moving the event to Reno this year, how many will return even if we move back to Vegas the following year?
Last edited by 4nford
cuveecuveeMember
Julian...

I've been going to Vegas for about 15 years, and it's been fun! When I started going Vegas there were over 700 people and close too 200 cars! But times change like everything, attendance has dropped! For what ever reason? Event Cost, Gas prices? Other things? Change can be tuff sometimes.

Lets give Reno a chance! Go in with a open mind!
Hell, we can always go back to Vegas!

There's alot to do in and around Reno! The track is alot closer, the casino's can take your money as well as in Vegas, Summit Racing is close, (make a parts list) and Mallory is in Carson City, oh, and they have a great Mall, for those who need to shop!
Hope to see old friends, and make new friends in RENO 09!

See Ya There
Curt
joulesjoules"Racing is Life, anything before or after is just waiting" - Steve McQueen
Curt,

Now the decision is made I'm right behind it. I did note on my vote that a big part of the Rally for me is driving to the event. Hopefully others will see it that way and be willing to drive to Reno. On the flip side for me I can bring both Pantera's out, oh that reminds me gotta go start piecing one back together....

quote:
and Mallory is in Carson City

Unfortunately Mallory shut up shop in Carson City, a shame as one of the popular events on the RTP Fun Rally was the Dyno Day.

Summit Racing is more addictive than the Casino's, so be careful.... Wink Larry Stock has shop here too, so for the Pantera specific stuff you can save on shipping, although I think he took most of it to Vegas anyway.
robertvegasrobertvegasMember
quote:
Originally posted by 4NFORD:
Is the vote finalized and the event to be held in Reno for sure?


I also want to know if the next event will be in Reno. I will be bummed if it is...I won't drive my car through the desert that time of the year. My hot rod motor doesn't like the heat.

I was too busy to make it to the last event, but I did get to stop by the parking garage in the middle of the night to see everyone's cars. I swore that next year I would make it, but I probably wouldn't make it to Reno. :-(

R.
J jffrMember
quote:
Originally posted by RobertVegas:
quote:
Originally posted by 4NFORD:
Is the vote finalized and the event to be held in Reno for sure?


I also want to know if the next event will be in Reno. I will be bummed if it is...I won't drive my car through the desert that time of the year. My hot rod motor doesn't like the heat.

I was too busy to make it to the last event, but I did get to stop by the parking garage in the middle of the night to see everyone's cars. I swore that next year I would make it, but I probably wouldn't make it to Reno. :-(

R.


I think that there will be a lot of people that are going to question driving through some of the hottest places in the United States in a Pantera that time of year.
joulesjoules"Racing is Life, anything before or after is just waiting" - Steve McQueen
quote:
I swore that next year I would make it, but I probably wouldn't make it to Reno. :-(


We all drove down to Vegas through the desert in years past. God man it's in the same state not gone International!

I understand the official announcement will be in the next POCA newsletter.
lf-tp2511lf-tp2511Member
quote:
I think that there will be a lot of people that are going to question driving through some of the hottest places in the United States in a Pantera that time of year.

And why would that be?

AC not working? Fix it. Or drive naked with the windows down, cooler full of iced beverages.

Car runs hot? How hot? A road worthy Pantera will drive all day at 180-210 without blowing up. Just don't look at the temp gauge; put a photo of your favorite pin-up over it.

The drive to Reno is on highways, not bumper-to-bumper rush hour. If your Pantera runs hot while at cruising speeds, something is VERY wrong. Fix it.

Average temperature of Reno vs Vegas?

Vegas in May has, on average, 15 days above 90.
Reno in June has, on average, 7 days above 90.

Some of the other "Why I can't make it to a Reno Fun Rally" excuses involve the driving distance and lack of cheap vacation packages.

Those looking at a longer drive should be overjoyed for the chance to do what our cars were meant to do - BE DRIVEN!!

I am surely not the only one who is scanning California/Nevada road maps for a route into Reno that avoids the boredom of I-5 or State Route 99. I suspect by Fun Rally time there will be a couple of fun-drive caravans offered for those with the BALLS to actually drive their cars.

Economy got you down? No getting around that, there is a financial disaster affecting all of us. But an inaugural Reno Fun Rally could be just the ticket to clear your head and give you a fresh perspective. Tighten your money belt starting now; skip the Starbucks, only go out to dinner once every couple of months, and skip the three drinks and the calorie-laden dessert when you do. Buy your oil and a filter at Kragen and skip the $39 oil changes at the nearby garage. Instead of buying your Grandkids every plastic toy they see on TV this Christmas, find them one good gift that will last longer than three weeks; microscope, telescope, erector set, Legos or a good old box of wooden building blocks. Take the cell phones away from your teenagers, and put them on a Pay-as-you-go plan; they don't NEED to send 400 text messages every month!

In short, a Reno Fun Rally is like most things in life; if you really want to do it, you can.

If you don't want to do it, you'll find an excuse and stand behind it.

Your choice.

I'll be there with 2511. Look for me at the Reno Fernley Raceway all day Thursday and Friday, and Saturday night I'll be the guy winning all the neat raffle prizes because dozens of guys would rather find excuses than make things happen.

Flame suit on.

Larry

PCNC Motorsports Director
J jffrMember
quote:
Originally posted by LF - TP 2511:
quote:
I think that there will be a lot of people that are going to question driving through some of the hottest places in the United States in a Pantera that time of year.

And why would that be?

AC not working? Fix it. Or drive naked with the windows down, cooler full of iced beverages.

Car runs hot? How hot? A road worthy Pantera will drive all day at 180-210 without blowing up. Just don't look at the temp gauge; put a photo of your favorite pin-up over it.

The drive to Reno is on highways, not bumper-to-bumper rush hour. If your Pantera runs hot while at cruising speeds, something is VERY wrong. Fix it.

Average temperature of Reno vs Vegas?

Vegas in May has, on average, 15 days above 90.
Reno in June has, on average, 7 days above 90.

Some of the other "Why I can't make it to a Reno Fun Rally" excuses involve the driving distance and lack of cheap vacation packages.

Those looking at a longer drive should be overjoyed for the chance to do what our cars were meant to do - BE DRIVEN!!

I am surely not the only one who is scanning California/Nevada road maps for a route into Reno that avoids the boredom of I-5 or State Route 99. I suspect by Fun Rally time there will be a couple of fun-drive caravans offered for those with the BALLS to actually drive their cars.

Economy got you down? No getting around that, there is a financial disaster affecting all of us. But an inaugural Reno Fun Rally could be just the ticket to clear your head and give you a fresh perspective. Tighten your money belt starting now; skip the Starbucks, only go out to dinner once every couple of months, and skip the three drinks and the calorie-laden dessert when you do. Buy your oil and a filter at Kragen and skip the $39 oil changes at the nearby garage. Instead of buying your Grandkids every plastic toy they see on TV this Christmas, find them one good gift that will last longer than three weeks; microscope, telescope, erector set, Legos or a good old box of wooden building blocks. Take the cell phones away from your teenagers, and put them on a Pay-as-you-go plan; they don't NEED to send 400 text messages every month!

In short, a Reno Fun Rally is like most things in life; if you really want to do it, you can.

If you don't want to do it, you'll find an excuse and stand behind it.

Your choice.

I'll be there with 2511. Look for me at the Reno Fernley Raceway all day Thursday and Friday, and Saturday night I'll be the guy winning all the neat raffle prizes because dozens of guys would rather find excuses than make things happen.

Flame suit on.

Larry

PCNC Motorsports Director


For what it is worth to you my Pantera runs fine at highway speeds even in 113 degree weather and the a/c works about as good as it will get in a Pantera. It also runs cooler than ever at lows speeds also, but 1000 miles one way in a Pantera through the hottest desert in the country is a bit much. My trip does require going though two major cities (Phoenix and Las Vegas) to get to Reno and both can be a problem with some of the traffic jams there. You should try getting stuck at Hoover dam when it is 110 degrees and you will understand how hot things can get in a Pantera.

I will be there even if this event does move to Reno, but it is because my wife and I have made many good friends in the club and it is the only time we get to see some of them. If it were not for our friends, we most likely would not attend this event and my wife will either drive her own car or fly up and back because she does not want to put up with being in a Pantera for that distance during the hottest part of the year. As for the club raffle, I want you to know that I cleaned up at the last Reno event that I attended, so beware of that because I am a big very big spender when it comes to that raffle. I have many $150.00 tee shirts and I am proud of every one of them.
parapanteraparapanteraIf you can't fix it with a hammer.....you have an electrical problem.
FWIW, I have not read this entire thread, but Reno is a much more attractive option (in my opinion) to those of us that live in the Northwest. From my zip code, Reno is 583 miles, where as Vegas is 1,186 miles.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE driving my Pantera, but with the handles-great-but-kill-me-now Aldan shock spring rates, black on black minus A/C, and an exhaust note that rivals Rockfest my furthest one day trip to date is 400 miles.
J jffrMember
quote:
Originally posted by ParaPantera:
FWIW, I have not read this entire thread, but Reno is a much more attractive option (in my opinion) to those of us that live in the Northwest. From my zip code, Reno is 583 miles, where as Vegas is 1,186 miles.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE driving my Pantera, but with the handles-great-but-kill-me-now Aldan shock spring rates, black on black minus A/C, and an exhaust note that rivals Rockfest my furthest one day trip to date is 400 miles.


I have the Aldan shock/springs on my car and now with the 17 inch wheel and tire combination. The ride is rougher, but not bad if the road is not too rough. Ear plugs are a must in my car with the Mind Train header exhaust system, but by wearing the plugs, you can at least still hear after a full day in the car. Having a working A/C unit in the car is going to at least take the edge off of a 100 degree plus day.

It will be interesting to see how many people do drive over 500 miles to this event if it is moved to Reno. I have a 1000 mile one way drive from my home, so it will be interesting to see if we get some of the east cost people to make this drive.
robertvegasrobertvegasMember
quote:
Originally posted by Joules5:
We all drove down to Vegas through the desert in years past. God man it's in the same state not gone International!


Yeah, but I don't have to drive to Vegas like everyone else...I live here. :-)

My car doesn't like the heat, and if I lived in California I probably wouldn't drive it to either Reno or Vegas in the summer.

Maybe it is memories of our last "guys trip" were we drove to Tahoe and back. We lost a Ferrari 550 to a defective catalytic converter, a Ferrari 355 to a new, defective throw out bearing and a Lamborghini Countach to a few loose head bolts resulting in overheating.

Wanna see exotics on tow trucks? :-)

R.
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