Members of the PI Forum
I have been receiving several e-mails with questions about the forthcoming Fun Rally. Here is an update.
Registrations are ahead of last year; so, please join us for an extraordinary experience at the 26th Annual POCA Las Vegas Fun Rally! The Event calendar is filling fast and includes activities for both the track and cruising enthusiast. If you have not yet secured your room, don’t delay any longer as our reserved rooms are forfeited on March 22nd. After this date, room availability will be uncertain and your rates will vary. Also, registrations received after April 4th incurs a $20 penalty. Despite the extra Jackson, the Rally is still a great value.
Wednesday the 25th is arrival and registration day at the Orleans Resort and Casino Hotel, the legendary Hospitality Suite will be open in the afternoon for welcoming old and new friends and be accompanied by Vendor and Chapter merchandise displays and video.
Thursday offers a choice of enjoying the track experience and camaraderie at the Spring Mountain Race Facility hosted by PCNC or a more relaxed drive to Red Rocks State Park and Lunch with fellow enthusiasts hosted by the PONE Chapter.
The Evening welcomes a choice of dining experiences. Michael Fillmore of the CHPIE Chapter will lead a cadre of enthusiasts to the Hot Rod Grill, and Pantera International will be hosting a Poker Run that will conclude at Hooters. Prizes will be awarded to the drivers collecting the best hand!
Friday also fills the needs of various driving styles. At Spring Mountain, the Annual Pantera Race will occur around noon and the rest of the day will offer track time for those who would like to improve their driving skills at their own pace in a safe environment with professional instruction. For the adventurers, late morning begins with a visit to the Sun Belt Auto Museum, whose inventory of classic and antique autos changes frequently. Following this visual treat, lunch will be enjoyed on the north side of town and serve as the launch point for the drivers to caravan to Valley of the Fire State Park. This is another beautiful drive on scenic roads.
For Friday evening, we have a group rate for tickets to see Richard Marxs, singer songwriter. * He had a string of successful hit singles in the late 1980s and early 1990s, including "Right Here Waiting", "Hazard", and "Hold On to the Nights". Although most of his successful songs were slow ballads like these, many of his songs had a classic rock style, such as "Don't Mean Nothing," "Should've Known Better," "Satisfied," and "Too Late To Say Goodbye". Marx placed himself in the record books by being the first solo artist to have his first seven singles hit the top 5 on the US charts.
The Hospitality Suite with Open Bar will be available for meeting friends, making new ones and checking the inventory at vendor booths and Chapter Stores.
Saturday morning the drivers stage their cars for a delightful drive to Mt. Charleston. As you climb the mountain, temperatures drop measurably and we dine for lunch at a rustic hunting lodge offering expansive views of the valley below. Dan Courtney spearheads this activity.
At noon, Cars are corralled for the biggest DeTomaso Car show on the Planet. Ever wondered what such and such accessory might look like on your car. Well, this is the opportunity to check it out as almost every Pantera accessory ever devised seems to be present. The event is followed by a Technical Session Q&A led by Jack DeRyke with an assist from other experts.
Saturday night features our celebration dinner with the announcement of our Race Track and Car Show winners, The POCA Raffle and Don Coleman, the Banquet’s Keynote Speaker. Don was the Ford Manager sent to work in the DeTomaso Factory in 1971 with the task of improving the Pantera’s readiness for deliver to the public. This is a rare opportunity for an insider’s look at the construction of your car.
By Sunday morning, everything has passed in a blur. Finally you have a face to go with that name on the e-mail list that you have been responding to the last twelve months and new ideas as to how to fix-up your DeTomaso. New friends are embraced as you speak about getting together next year.
Of course to experience this fun, you must be present; the April 25th-29th dates are fast approaching and require from you the following actions:
1) Contact the Orleans hotel and get a room. 1.800.675.3267
2) Send in your registration now –
Event prices this year are the same as last – no increases! We accept most credit cards, debit cards, or you may pay directly from your checking or savings account. Just go to www.PayPal.com, log on, and list our email address; treasurer@panteraclub.com, to make your payment. In this addition of the newsletter you will find the Registration Form for the Fun Rally. Once again you will have to make your hotel reservation direct with the Orleans. Remember, after March 22nd, your rates and room availability will vary. For negotiation leverage, our block purchase rate was for Sunday thru Thursday - $59.00, Friday and Saturday - $119.00.
When you book your room, try our group name, “POCA,” as this was our practice for receiving our guaranteed rate and we get “credit” for your reservation. Last year, many waited until too late to get a room; so, delay no longer.
Don’t forget that The Orleans offers a free shuttle service to the strip, which sure beats driving to the strip, and this convenience will provide access to the full Vegas experience should that be your goal.
See you in Las Vegas!!!!!
John Taphorn
POCA President
* Marx info from Wikipedia
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