Re: Bring the Nats to Michigan
...Sorry guys, I`m not saying KC is bad, just thinking about the "possibilities"...
(as in "COULD THE NATS BE IMPROVED" to everyones satisfaction.
1. Of attracting more fast trucks, who probably won't show up at KC
---reasons given: Too much time off work; Too far from north/east/south/west
travel, no big purses/payouts, no big selling point for product demos, etc
It seems that people appear if it is in their own backyard more so. And
the west coast aint attracting vehicles (even tho KC is in the middle of the US).
2. Of getting more coverage (magazine, video footage, word of mouth)
---reason: To attract vendors; To keep resale value high; To attract more fast trucks
and diversity of builds/looks. Every year we keep loosing vendors
(ATR as an example).
3. Of the debates this year about KCIR (and the direction of more Tech Inspections)
---reasons: We definitely need an "understanding" agreement with the track;
No one wants "bracket racing" rules; and Laptop restrictions or lengthly tech inspections.
Granted we want safety, but is the 10-sec max ET rule gonna be standard?
4. Of attracting new agenda items like GM or Power Tour "Crashing"
---reasons; Promoting interest in SyTys (to outsiders); Facilitating a discussion
with GM/PAS (to get more info on vehicles, and develop a partnership for info flow).
I just dont see PAS past employees flying out to KC, or the budget big enough
to invite them (if they even agreed to take time off from their schedule).
5. Of attracting more "Heavy Weights" in the SyTy Community. I may be wrong on this,
but I just dont see Jason, or Marty, or Badnews, or Ed, or Tom Ferrick, or Gerber
(and some others) spending the time off/$$$$ to come to KC. Im not sure even
the Bully Syclone will return. No offense, but seeing 13 sec trucks or tow vehicles
run isnt too encouraging (or even a audience draw). Maybe the best thing this
year was the attention Robert and John brought to the table. Without a yearly
"Hoover"...some incentives for others to race/show is lost.
6. I love the SyTy community and deeply respect the work, energy, and effort
the community puts forth for KC. And I wish we could make it even more grand
(with autocrossing, guest lecturers, larger vendor attendance, sponsorship,etc).
But I also see the downsides to Canadians, CA, FL, Easterners who travel with
the knowledge that a rain out, kinda leaves everyone left to play in the hotel.
It sounds like there are "other" attractions (Plant Tours, Proving Ground Tours,
Power Tour, etc) if bad weather at other locations.
7. Okay, I like the SyTy Community. I (like a lot of others) could not attend, but have
in the past. Seeing everyone is great, so I realize its not just about racing, show
and shine, eating, or drinking. Hats off to that segment. And maybe an
intimate group of 30 - 40 well organized attendees is better off than 100
non-organized attendees. Dunno.
Im just thinking (a bad habit of mine, grin), "Whats the harm in looking at other sites?"
If everyone agreed to set aside politics - and worked together - who would care "where"
the event is held (other than those who have a personal reason, perhaps)?
If no one stepped up to do the work (at moving), then you still have KC (if a cutoff
date was set). Seems a Win-Win to me....(but again, I understand the attachment to KC).
That being comfortable, hotel relationship development, KCIR comfort, and a proven agenda.
Larry
