2012 Fun Rally Announcement - Event open to all DeTomaso Owners
POCA is pleased to announce that the 2012 POCA Fun Rally will be hosted at the WildHorsePass Hotel and Casino (WHP) in Chandler, Arizona. http://www.wingilariver.com/wild-horse-pass Chandler is just south of Phoenix; perhaps, 20 minutes from the Phoenix airport. The Fun Rally will be held April 25 th through the 30th, 2012.
Many POCA members have articulated a desire to move the Fun Rally’s location around to accommodate owners in different locations, encourage exposure to Panteras in other geographies and to bring new experiences to the event’s participants. The 2012 Fun Rally location will accomplish all the above.
As co-chairpersons of the event, Judy McCartney and I have worked to help the Fun Rally evolve, over the years, in response to feedback from the membership. Changes have included better communication and organization of scheduled activities at the Rally, better quality facilities, a previous move to Reno, and changes in the orchestration of the Raffle.
Sensitive to comments from participants regarding the desire for a new venue, we sought interest from POCA Chapters in spring 2011 to learn whether there was any enthusiasm for supporting a Rally in their community of owners.
It was fortunate that the Arizona Chapter rallied behind the inquiry. Several volunteers needed to support the event in Reno felt it time for new blood to contribute and resigned following the 2011 event. No new volunteers to support the Rally in Reno have stepped forward. Couple that challenge with a measurable decline in participants bringing their De Tomaso to Reno and it was telling that it was time for a change.
The Arizona Chapter's enthusiastic support is an operational advantage to hosting the Fun Rally in Phoenix. The leadership exhibited by Gil Mares, Arizona Chapter President, and local POCA member, Jim Cozzolino, has been a important catalyst in spearheading the transition. The Chapter’s involvement is a huge help for the POCA Event organizers. For the record, there is no shortage of ideas from members as to where to hold the Fun Rally. I get suggestions all the time – Vegas, etc. However, it takes many volunteers to pull the Event off and without significant assistance from local volunteers, it simply isn’t workable.
To confirm that the comments for change we had received reflected the will of the majority, we sought feedback via a survey of the membership and past Rally participants. Indeed, we received 106 responses for Phoenix and 41 for Reno. The foremost reason provided by the respondents for a change to WHP was driving distance followed by a desire for new experiences.
The WHP facility offers a different rally dynamic than we have experienced in the past. First, the facility is new – only 2 years old. Secondly, the resort is literally across the street from the Firebird Road Course and Drag facility. If one was determined, they could actually walk to it. The Hospitality Suite opens to an outside patio that is adjacent to the Pool area. Guests can take their drinks out poolside. We would have tables in the patio area. Cars would be displayed in the Patio area and made available for public viewing. WHP also has a Casino, and is both close to the airport and local shopping.
Working with the Arizona Chapter, activities for the Phoenix based Fun Rally have been considered. A preliminary Agenda that outlines the timing of the proposed activities is available through this link at the POCA website. http://www.poca.com/media/2012POCAFunRallyAgenda.pdf
New experiences in Phoenix include:
• Drive to the Franklin Museum, Tucson, www.franklinmuseum.org
• Drive to Tortilla Flats, Goldfield Ghost Town, www.tortillaflataz.com
• Rustler’s Rooste, Dinner & Line Dancing, www.rustlersrooste.com
• Drive to Payson – Italian Bistro & Auto Museum, www.paysonrimcountry.com
• Drive to Penske Racing Museum, Scottsdale, www.penskeracingmuseum.
• Shopping in Old Town Scottsdale and Fashion Square, www.insider-scottsdale.com/old_town.htm
• De Tomaso Car Show at Wild Horse Pass or Other Venue
• Track Day Event on the road course - A Firebird Raceway
• Pantera Drag Race Event – Firebird Raceway firebirdraceway.com/web/streetdrags.html
The track Event at Firebird Raceway would be held in conjunction with NASA using experienced corner workers and the requisite safety equipment. Jim Cozzolino is organizing the event.
More information about the event will be coming shortly. I look forward to seeing you in Chandler next spring.
Cordially
John Taphorn
Judy McCartney
Fun-Rally Co-Chairpersons
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