POCA Fun Rally - Reno 2011
The months are counting down and the planning is moving ahead full steam for the 40th birthday celebration of the Pantera and the 30th anniversary of the Fun Rally. We hope that you’ll join us this year for the festivities at the annual POCA Fun Rally.
Let me cut to the chase. Our desire is to create an event that is so compelling - you will be eager to attend. Frankly, the camaraderie of the people in attendance is, for most, the most rewarding aspect of the Event. Here are additional reasons to attend
1) An enjoyable and memorable week with your spouse.
2) Laughter and Fun with existing and new friends
3) An opportunity to drive your car on a fast road course to exercise your demons
4) Safe and clean accommodations at Circus Circus. Nice restaurants, shopping & gambling at multiple casinos attached via indoor walkways.
5) Enjoy owners’ latest automotive tweaks and creativity while viewing De Tomasos in the Hospitality Suite and Car Show.
6) Enjoy a spirited drive with new friends through the spectacular Sierra Nevada Hills.
7) Dinner at the National Automobile Museum to view the extraordinary Harrah collection
8) PCNC will provide tech support upon your arrival in Reno should your De Tomaso require it.
9) Water to wash your car in the parking area and a local Pantera shop available for advanced needs.
10) Enjoy caravanning with other owners in their Panteras to and from the event.
11) An open bar, snacks and club stores in the Hospitality Suite.
12) A potential opportunity to exhibit your prized De Tomaso in the Hospitality Suite. Please contact Bill Harris or John Schirmer by phone or e-mail to nominate your car for the Suite. John’s contact info is 714-307-0728 or schirmers1@sbcglobal.net.
13) Strut your racer ego at the go-cart races.
14) Attend “Catch a Rising Star” Comedy Club with new and old friends.
15) Drive your Pantera around beautiful Lake Tahoe and visit historic homes with incredible vistas of Tahoe
16) Sample the charms of Lake Tahoe on a Catamaran
17) Raft the rapids for an exhilarating commune with nature
18) Be part of the De Tomaso Street Car Show and Concerto De Tomaso Symphony.
19) Got Pantera questions – Get answers at the Technical session featuring “those in the know”
20) Enjoy our Saturday Banquet with new and existing friends.
21) Possibly be the big winner at the POCA Raffle at the Saturday Banquet.
22) Value – Registration fees remain unchanged. A discount is available through March 25th!
Of course, my list isn’t exhaustive, perhaps you have other reasons that I’ve missed.
To help you get the most out of your fun rally experience, the organizers will be e-mailing the Event’s Itinerary to you shortly after you register. If you have not attended, the event recently, the Event Itinerary provides almost all the information available about how the event runs and why it is set up as so. It includes a description of each activity, the organizer, when and where to meet the group for the activity’s departure and the anticipated return time to the hotel. The itinerary allows you and your significant other to plan ahead so as that you can extract the most from your stay in Reno. Of course, you are not limited to the activities that have been planned by the Chapters and Event Committee. However, advance knowledge allows you to appreciate the opportunities available for both the De Tomaso enthusiast and your guest who may prefer more balance.
The Fun Rally Committee will be updating planned activities regularly on the POCA Website. Please visit at www.POCA.com for the latest info and to register.
Circus Circus Hotel has set aside a block of rooms for us until May 11th. Our single / double occupancy rates are $57/per night in the North Tower Thursday, $87 North Tower per night Friday and Saturday, with a $10 per person per night charge for the third and fourth person in the room. The rates do not include a 13.5% room tax and a Resort Fee of 4.99 per night. The Resort Fee is new and includes wireless internet in your room, unlimited local calls, Valet Parking, in-room coffee, access to fitness center, $55 in Circuc Circus Reno Funbucks Coupons and more.
These room rates expire Saturday, May 11th, so make your reservations early. You can always cancel with a full refund up to 48 hours prior to your confirmed arrival time. You must contact the hotel directly at 1-800-648-5010 to make your reservations. Be sure to mention group code “Pantera Owners Club of America”. Do not say “POCA” as that has been misconstrued (i.e. Polka) in the past and we have not gotten full credit. The cost of our Hospitality Suite rental is a function of how many rooms our group reserves. Please be certain that the hotel registrar knows you are with the “Pantera Owners Club of America”.
This year’s event registration will remain $200 per person. If you make your plans now or register prior to March 25th, 2011, the cost is discounted to only $175 per adult.
Event information, updates, registration forms and payment through Credit Card or PayPal is available through the new POCA website at www.POCA.com
Please plan early for an enjoyable week. Your early commitment makes it easier for the organizers and helps us plan a superior event. I recognize many do not have the flexibility at work to know whether they can escape until the last moment. I appreciate that as well and will have my fingers crossed that you will be able to join us at the 2011 POCA Fun Rally. I and the other enthusiasts, look forward to seeing you there. The more the merrier!
John Taphorn
Fun Rally Co-Chair
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