Hey Everyone
I spoke with the Co-Chair of the POCA Fun Rally, Judy McCartney, yesterday and she informed me that early registrations for the Reno Rally are on pace with previous years; although, with a subtle difference. We have more couples registering early than in the past. I suspect that there may be two reasons for this. First, the Reno venue offers new experiences, that I'll address below, that couples will enjoy and secondly, with the weak economy, substantial savings are to be extracted if you register before March 27th. These savings may be more important than in more robust economies. Their are only about eight days left to nab the discount - send in your registration today.
Overachievement! That is the theme for the 1st Reno Fun Rally. Hey, we get it - difficult economy, a different venue, change, a longer driving distance for some. These all add up to reasons that this year’s Fun Rally needs to be over the top to get you engaged. The Fun Rally Committee is working hard to deliver the goods.
The Space City Texas guys are working with local gas traders in Houston to keep the cost of gasoline low through June to accommodate the Rally. So far, they seem to be on board.
There is plenty for all who participate; a superior race facility, clean and safe accommodations at Circus Circus, beautiful destination drives, cars to be featured in the hospitality suite, a De Tomaso Street display, a visit to Harrah’s Auto Collection and access to old and new friends in the hospitality suite.
To encourage making the drive in your Pantera, many Chapters are planning to make the drive an enjoyable part of the Event and caravan. Those driving from southern California are planning to make the trip over the course of two days with an overnight stop in Bishop near Mammoth.
Our plan is also to have a lift and basic tools available to perform a cursory inspection of vehicles arriving in Reno to ensure they are ready for the rest of the destination drives and return trip home. Fortunately, a Pantera shop and parts supply is close at hand for those with more serious ailments. Otherwise, our volunteers will endeavor to ensure your car is capable. However, this inspection is not for teching cars for the Track Event.
Our ability to bring cars into the Hospitality Suite will be a welcome aspect of this year’s Rally. The Fun Rally Committee is inviting each Chapter to display a DeTomaso of their choice. The Fun Rally Committee will vote on their favorite car displayed in the Suite during the Rally. The criteria for judging –well, lets say it is flexible and not as formal as a Concours.
The track event is designed to satisfy the first timers and faster “Dennis Quella” machines as well. Larry Finch, Mike Drew and others have visited the Reno Fernley facility and selected a layout that is as fast and flowing as possible, favors relatively big, heavy, powerful cars like the Pantera and has broad sweeping corners and long straights that are preferred over tight, technical, twisty go-kart corners. The track is safe with plenty of runoff area and not so technical that it can’t be quickly learned. The facility accommodates spectators with excellent track visibility and shaded paddock areas with picnic tables. It is always important to remind new members that the track event includes run groups for owners to push their cars and improve their driving skills in a non-competitive controlled passing environment. This is a safe way to enjoy your Pantera at higher speeds without being pulled over by flashing lights on a police cruiser.
Go cart races are back this year sponsored by Pantera International and on another evening we have reserved the National Automobile Museum featuring the Harrahs Collection for private tours and dinner.
Our destination drives include Wineries, therapeutic Hot Springs, Shopping in Virginia City and a drive to and tour of Lake Tahoe on a Riverboat.
This plans to be an exceptional Rally this year. Setting aside the Virginia Street Car Show, gorgeous destination drives, race track events, cars in the hospitality suite, keynote speakers, a party atmosphere, it is YOU that makes the event what it is. There is no party without you! If you haven’t attended in the past, here are ten good reasons to attend!
1) The people: This is a fantastic place to make new friends.
2) Win wonderful parts and accessories at the Raffle.
3) See other DeTomasos at the Car Show in the Hospitality Suite and on Virginia Street to glean ideas for enhancing yours.
4) Have fun with people who enjoy the same passion for Italian Cars.
5) Meet people who have supported the Marque over the years and hear their stories.
6) Learn how to better execute that Pantera enhancement you have considered at a Tech Session or around a cocktail table.
7) Meet the people who have helped you and you may have helped on the DeTomaso and PI Forum. It is wonderful putting that face to a name.
8) Drive your car safely at speed on a real racetrack without actually racing.
9) Watch more seasoned drivers challenge each other for 1st Place in the Pantera Race.
10) Drive your car to beautiful destinations around Reno with other enthusiasts
Truly, this is an outstanding Event for DeTomaso owners. It is safe to say that the Event is sensation overload for those attending for the first time. All the cars and all the new friends and faces can be a bit overwhelming. That said, I promise you will not be disappointed.
With this in mind, it is time to open your Blackberry, other planning software, Franklin, Day Timer, etc and check off the week of Wednesday June 10th through Sunday, June 14th. Now is the time to communicate with your employer, and for those not driving, begin your airfare search.
Circus Circus Hotel has set aside a block of rooms for us until May 11th. Our single / double occupancy rates are $69 North Tower or $59 Sky Tower per night Sunday through Thursday, $89 North Tower or $79 Sky 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. The rates expire Thursday 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”.
This year’s event cost has been reduced and when adding in the discount for early registration prior to March 27th, 2009, the cost is only $175 per adult. Based on the will of the majority, an open bar in the Hospitality Suite will continue. Other activities including the Go-Cart races, Track Event, Dinner at the Museum and Paddle Wheel excursion are extra.
Event information, updates, registration forms and payment through 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 2009 Fun Rally. I and the other DeTomaso enthusiasts, look forward to seeing you there. The more the merrier!
John & Judy
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