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Posted by: stevegm Nov 18 2015, 09:50 AM

I know it is early. But, in working with the PCA on their 914 calendar ad, I talked to them about letting us park all of the 914s in the concours corral (even though if they are not in the concours). They have agreed to let us have our own area in there to park (we just have to give them a list of cars 10 days in advance).

With that in mind, I was thinking about doing a mini-914 show there, with some awards and all, and having the dinner on Saturday night, after the Swap Meet. What do you think? We would still do the drive on Friday.

WHO'S COMING?
struckn
Big Len
mepstein
stevegm
somd914
saigon71

Posted by: struckn Nov 18 2015, 06:34 PM

Fantastic Steve, thanks for doing this! It will make 2016 the best ever gathering for us at the Swap Meet. I'm in for sure, and really looking forward to being there.

Doug,
from Shrewsbury/ New Freedom, Pa.

Posted by: Big Len Nov 18 2015, 06:52 PM

Steve - I've entered my car in the show corral (it's really a People's Choice award) the last two years. That area is pretty big with lots of space, so it can be done. But would the 914 group come up off as segregating itself from the rest of the show? Why not simply add cars to the regular show? Also, if a 914 owner is not on this site, how would they know to join this group?

Posted by: stevegm Nov 18 2015, 07:08 PM

You might be right. I agree that we don't want to separate ourselves from the other Porsches too much. I was just thinking that many of us might assume that we have to do the concours, and the hassel of all that, or that the car isn't concours material (so to speak), etc.. This way, all the 914s can park there. Just an idea.

Do they let any cars sign up for the show? I didn't realize that it isn't a full concours. Maybe the thing to do is get all the teeners to sign up for the regular show, like you suggested.

Posted by: mepstein Nov 18 2015, 08:14 PM

I'm buying 8 spaces in the swap for our shop so I'm happy to get more for the 914 group. And the guys who just have a couple parts to sell but don't want a space are welcome to drop parts at our shop space.

Posted by: stevegm Nov 18 2015, 09:03 PM

Thanks for doing this again this year. I'll take at least 1 space, maybe 2.

Posted by: somd914 Nov 18 2015, 09:10 PM

I'll be there, probably for Friday's drive/dinner and the swap meet, but probably not for Saturday night events.

As for parking together, I like the idea, but I'm not sure the concourse corral is the place - perhaps have a reserved block in the general Porsche corral.

But either way, I appreciate your efforts with coordinating our Hershey activities!

Posted by: stevegm Nov 18 2015, 09:13 PM

You make a good point. Come to think of it, I asked about being in the councours area, and when they got back with me, I think the words they used were they could put us together "near the concours," if we wanted. So, I don't think we would be in the actual concours area.

Posted by: auerbach Nov 18 2015, 10:17 PM

Do we have a date yet?

Posted by: r_towle Nov 18 2015, 10:30 PM

In the past we did get promised reserve parking but it did not materialize as promised.
They parked about 20 of us over at the very end of the parking lot as far away from the swap meet as possible.

I suggest that in the spirit of mid engine invasion, and it's original intent, we ALL sign up for the concourse and invade it with 914,s.
Otherwise I suspect we will once again be strategically forgotten or placed off to the side and the impact will be lost as they intend.

An invasion was the original idea, and we did it.
It was the most 914,s ever to show up together and we have kept up the event, but may need to re-invigorate the spirit of the NARP aura we all are proud to be a part of.

Rich

Posted by: oldschool Nov 19 2015, 02:18 AM

MY birthday ...the 16th

Posted by: Big Len Nov 19 2015, 05:42 AM

That thought crossed my mind too Rich. Maybe they would think, "The 914 guys want their own show. Good, 'cause now we can stick them in left field where they belong." The show is a bit silly because last year, the mid engine award went to a brand new Cayman GTS. But the show corral area is ideally situated because it's right next to the bathrooms and the food vendors. To me and Linda, the best part of last year was the rally and seeing all you guys. The rest is secondary.

Posted by: dflesburg Nov 19 2015, 07:07 AM

I haven't ever been...

Where do they hold the event?

Specifically what parking lots do they use? Is it actually in Hershey?

Posted by: mepstein Nov 19 2015, 07:27 AM

In the Hershey park, parking lot. You must come. It's a blast.

Posted by: stevegm Nov 19 2015, 09:52 AM

Great point. I didn't know that happened. Maybe we should just push to get as many people to participate in the concours as possible. Then we know we won't be put off to the side. Did you all do awards within the 914 group?

Posted by: saigon71 Nov 19 2015, 09:56 AM

I'll be there.

Thanks for taking the lead on planning again Steve!

Posted by: stevegm Nov 19 2015, 12:54 PM

Bob has offered to help plan the Friday rally/drive again. We are wondering what everyone thought of the length this past year. IIRC we started at about 1:00 pm and ended at about 6:00 pm at the restaurant. Was it about the right length? Too short? Too long?

As an aside, I thought we might be able to pay a "visit" to one or more people in the Challenge, as a part of the drive. But, the closest one is about 1.5 hours away, in Philadelphia.

Posted by: mepstein Nov 19 2015, 01:47 PM

Way too long. I would say drive should be 2 hours max and the rest for socializing. And that's no dig to Bob from last years drive, he did a great job.

Posted by: dflesburg Nov 19 2015, 01:56 PM

Start it later for people arriving in from out of town. if it started at 4 more people could attend.

Posted by: stevegm Nov 19 2015, 02:02 PM

One idea would be to start at about the same time, but, have a location and time about halfway through that late comers could join.

Posted by: rgolia Nov 19 2015, 05:25 PM

I am in and will follow the crowd, whatever you guys want to do works for me. Last year was great and the ride was a blast. Shorten the ride, meet late comers at a mid point, take over the concours area....all sound great to me.

Posted by: r_towle Nov 19 2015, 07:08 PM

Steve, they really try hard to NOT make it a 914 area, so the concours would in my opinion be funny.

If you recall the show layout, we were given about 20 slots, far right, all against the street, and we had nearly 40 cars...

I would suggest we invade the concours and do a fun run rally that you guys design.
Personally, we leave at noon and can make dinner if it's late enough...like 6 pm or later.

Rich

Posted by: somd914 Nov 19 2015, 07:53 PM

Couple thoughts...

As for the duration of the drive, don't forget that we spent an hour or so of that with the lunch and then time at two check points. Actual drive time was likely in the three hour range. But it did get rushed to make it in time for dinner.

Perhaps a drive after the swap meet would make sense given those who can't make it by early Friday afternoon.

As for the swap meet and the show, I agree with Big Len, the drive and social events are better than the swap meet (which seems to have fewer vendors each year). Think I'll have to be faster on the planning and get a room at the Knight's Inn and partake in the parking lot party Friday night...

Another thought is if we can't get some sort of reserved parking, get together for coffee Saturday morning and caravan over together as a group, thus park together. Granted not everyone would join in, but it's a potential option.

- Scott

Posted by: MMW Nov 20 2015, 05:40 AM

The term concours is misleading, it is a peoples choice only. I forget the cost of it but you pay to enter the general parking area first & then just tell them you are entering the show. After being directed to the show parking you then register at the show table & pay $5?? I think. All voting is peoples choice. I think it would be neat to see all the 914s lined up in their division.

I thought dinner was great. Thanks to all who let me & my son tag along.

Posted by: Big Len Dec 29 2015, 09:51 PM

Might be fun to combine several suggestions previously posted -

With 18 weeks to go:

Skip lunch and start the fun run a little later, maybe 2:30, giving extra time to people traveling and checking in. Can still have a 2-3 hour ride with photo stops.

Stop for dinner instead of lunch. Don't forget the daylight is much longer in mid April.

Friday night is for typical Knight's Inn debauchery.

Guarantee the PCA at least 7 914's will register for the show, then petition them to have a separate catagory for 914s. 356's don't show in the same catagory as 996's, why should 914's compete with Boxsters and Caymans?

Everyone who brings a 914 should register for the show, taking up a big chunk of the show field. The beauty of the People's Choice is you don't have to sit there waiting for the judge's arrival. Park the car and go.

Saturday morning can have a breakfast meet with caravan to Hershey.

Thoughts?

Posted by: rgolia Dec 30 2015, 05:59 AM

Len, I like the plan. Count me in. Happy New Year to all.

Posted by: AndyB Dec 30 2015, 06:07 AM

Still on the fence. Going to wait and see what the Dr says about the knee.

Posted by: stevegm Dec 30 2015, 09:09 AM

Good ideas. This is similar to what we have in mind. Plus a Saturday evening dinner.

I hadn't considered the drive that spanned across dinner Friday. Interesting idea because it may allow more people to participate. What does everyone think of that?

Posted by: mepstein Dec 30 2015, 09:52 AM

After dinner I'm driving the 1 mile to my motel.

Posted by: 914forme Dec 30 2015, 11:22 AM

Okay on the calendar, car will not be anywhere near done, but it could make that last run of parts.

Posted by: Garold Shaffer Dec 30 2015, 11:55 AM

I (and Brad Mayeur) will be there with the Big truck & trailer full of 914 crap I mean valuable parts. So We would be looking for two open seats for the fun drives and lunch / dinner.

Posted by: mepstein Dec 30 2015, 12:16 PM

I'll probably have an extra seat and of course either of you guys are welcome to ride. I think it would be fun to trade passengers around and have more time to talk to everyone.

Posted by: Amphicar770 Dec 30 2015, 01:00 PM

Put me down as a definite maybe. I hope to attend but hard to plan out that far with 100% certainty.

Posted by: stevegm Dec 30 2015, 01:20 PM

I was thinking it would be cool to visit someone in the Build-Off Challenge on the Friday drive. But, the closest one looks to be about 1 1/2 hours away from Hershey.

Posted by: struckn Dec 30 2015, 03:21 PM

Count me in for Friday and Saturday where ever we meet, park, drive or eat at.

Posted by: BeatNavy Dec 30 2015, 04:53 PM

It's penciled in on my calendar. I'd really like to be able to make it for once and meet some more of the regional 914 crowd. Life has a tendency to get in the way, but I'm bumping it up on my list of priorities...

Posted by: r_towle Dec 30 2015, 05:45 PM

Too much snow to get over until I can think about this.

Posted by: rmital Dec 31 2015, 08:53 AM

come on Rich...no snow this year; haven't you heard of global warming and El Nino! I'm still working on the 914's with the garage doors open

Posted by: AndyB Dec 31 2015, 09:28 AM

Ok Ray I call

Posted by: rmital Dec 31 2015, 10:46 AM

I have the damage to prove it...hopefully spending the second half of today fixing it...

Posted by: AndyB Dec 31 2015, 03:51 PM

Posted by: cuddyk Dec 31 2015, 04:02 PM

Count me in!

Posted by: oakpark Jan 1 2016, 09:44 PM

I'm coming from Chicago, with my two sons, so the 914 is staying at home, and we'll be in a rental car. That said, we'll look for everyone in the corral.

Posted by: Shadowfax Jan 2 2016, 10:21 AM

Would love to attend but it's an 18-hour drive from here. Maybe next year when I have some more vacation days.

Posted by: rmital Jan 2 2016, 01:24 PM

Why I asked in another thread about proper lug size. Lost a wheel, not sure if not tourqued properly or bad lug. Happened at slow if barely moving speed. Only damage was dust guard and fender.



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Posted by: Zippy69 Jan 3 2016, 01:39 AM

Will be there with gas can.

Paul

Posted by: Zippy69 Jan 4 2016, 01:42 PM

Classified ingredients

Posted by: stevegm Jan 8 2016, 12:41 PM

I just wanted to give everybody an update.

We will have final dinner and hotel info available this coming week. We have been trying to find a venue for the dinner, which we would like to move to Saturday night, after the swap meet. We will do some awards, etc. at the dinner (after the swap meet concours). The drive will be on Friday beginning at about 1 pm, and will have a known route and stop-offs so late-comers can join later if they want.

The thing that has complicated it a bit is that the group is fairly large now. Last year we had over 50 people for dinner on Friday. And we were in a section of the restaurant that only had room for 45. So, the group has reached a size that is really too large to "crash" a restaurant. So we have been looking for meeting rooms where we can have a dinner. We have narrowed it down to Hometown Restaurant and What if (located in the Howard Johnsons). In both places, the dinner will cost around $20 per person. So, we will need a good head count.

If anyone has any comments about these two venues, we would love to hear them before we finalize the plans.

Posted by: jfort Jan 8 2016, 01:04 PM

I am going to try to attend.

Posted by: stevegm Jan 9 2016, 08:54 AM

Thx. I will look into that. We are going to "crash" a restaurant Friday night after the drive (smaller group). On Saturday we need a larger room.

Posted by: wndsnd Jan 10 2016, 01:38 PM

Two for Friday drive and Sat night dinner please. Looking forward to seeing everyone.

Thanks Steve..

Posted by: mepstein Jan 10 2016, 01:43 PM

Mikey/Mark/914rubber should come out to play at Hershey.

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 13 2016, 09:50 AM

Totally in!

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 13 2016, 10:13 AM

I say you're fine, so I will see you there

Posted by: Porschef Jan 13 2016, 10:39 AM

+2

Posted by: injunmort Jan 13 2016, 02:41 PM

I am in as well

Posted by: stevegm Jan 20 2016, 09:25 AM

I have been holding back from posting all of the info about Mid-Engine Invasion this year, because I was waiting to get info back from CPA-PCA. I have been talking to them for a couple weeks about grouping 914s in their own class, as Big Len suggested. It is a great idea.

But, they won't do it. The reason is that they say they have a small turnout of Boxsters and Caymans, and therefore, can't split them off into a separate class. It will remain a class for mid-engine Porsches. They pointed out that last year there were only 8 cars in the class - 5 914's, 2 Boxster's, and 1 Cayman. A new Boxster GTS was 1st, a '74 914 2nd, and a '73 914 3rd.

It looks like we are just going to have to register as many 914s as we have.

I will post all of the hotel, Friday rally, Swap Meet registration, People's Choice concourse, and Saturday dinner info tonight.

Posted by: mepstein Jan 20 2016, 09:33 AM

Or don't enter at all and let the 3 new cars play with themselves. But that's probably why you should be organizing this and not me.

Posted by: North Coast Jim Jan 20 2016, 11:07 AM

My wife and I are going to Hershey as we're on the hunt for parts for our new build. Won't have a Porsche 914 there but will have to rely on the trusty Jeep Cherokee. Would like to join up for Dinner on Sat if that's OK.


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Posted by: struckn Jan 20 2016, 12:15 PM

The Concurse is not a judged event, it's a peoples choice voting award. If all 914's voted for one 914 only I think we would still not have enough votes for first in this class, but actually getting the 2nd and 3rd awards is a big Win for our cars.

One thing that was breifly mentioned in an earlier post, was having us as a group park in the Car Corral area. We actually got away with doing this two or three years ago with out PCA permission and it didn't draw any negative feedback from them. The way it went was a few of us were parked up against the yellow tape that seperated the Car Carrol area from the general parking area. The general area filled up and when I and several others arrived, we just lifted the yellow tape, drove under it into the Carrol area and praked on that other side of the tape. There was alot of empty space over there, a good distance away from the actual Corral Cars that were for sale. We could have parked 20 more cars there and probibly not been noticed. The key to doing it is to have the guys that caravan in early Saturday morning park, at that yellow tape. And as others arrive ignore the direction of the guys pointing to where we are to park and instead find the 914's. I actually asked them where we were and they told me where they saw us.

Posted by: achman_73_2.0 Jan 20 2016, 12:25 PM

Count me in for drive and dinner! Coming from NJ if anyone wants to caravan

Posted by: r_towle Jan 20 2016, 12:47 PM

The best way to overcome the control freaks is to meet offsite somewhere nearby, at an appointed time, then ALL drive in together, in one shot. then we park together.

Posted by: stevegm Jan 20 2016, 01:00 PM

I agree. We are including that on Saturday morning.

Posted by: scotty b Jan 20 2016, 01:53 PM

FWIW Underdogs is open again for those wanting to do the old Friday night routine

http://www.underdogsportsbarandgrill.com/

Posted by: stevegm Jan 20 2016, 02:29 PM

Ya, I can't wait. I think the Friday drove ends there.

Posted by: Big Len Jan 20 2016, 03:34 PM

Steve - First, thanks for communicating with the PCA on this event. It must have been a bit frustrating.

Judging by the fact that there are more 914s than all other mid engine Porsches combined, you would think that the stand alone catagory would be for us and not for the minority. I don't recall the number of different classes of cars, but it leads me to believe there may be a lack of respect for the 914. I don't doubt that if "only" five 356's registered, the PCA would continue with the class. So be it.

Let me also say that I think you're a douchbag if you enter a brand new car. I've seen this at many different shows with Corvettes and M3's alike and I still don't get it. And let me add, if you're a spectator and your people's choice vote goes to a 2015 M3 over a equally beautiful 1972 2002 tii, your vote should be nullified.

In the end, I would still go forward with the goal to enter as many 914's as available. The end result would be having the group together in a very visible area. It would show unity and the love we have for these cars amd maybe, sway a few people to become future owners.

Posted by: stevegm Jan 20 2016, 10:47 PM

For more info - Official Mid-Engine Invasion thread - http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?act=ST&f=2&t=274412&st=0#entry2292122

Posted by: r_towle Jan 21 2016, 10:25 AM

Glad to see you taking the reigns and getting this done.

Just remember the name mid engine invasion was a result of those phone calls and emails back when we started this.....just too many controls on the event from people who still believe the 914 is a NARP.

So, we invade the event, and overcome the prejudice by numbers of nice cars with nice people driving them.

Posted by: stevegm Jan 21 2016, 10:46 AM

Yep. We will stick with the name. Would you mind letting me know who were the people that started it the very first year?

Posted by: stevegm Feb 5 2016, 09:29 AM

Bump to remind everybody that the deadline to send Mark money for spaces is March 1st.

Posted by: jsayre914 Feb 5 2016, 10:46 AM

I will be there. With or without a 914.

Posted by: mepstein Feb 5 2016, 09:45 PM

???
Tangerine racing
PMB
Dr Evil
Garald
914rubber
???

So far it's just me and Stevegm

Posted by: Dr Evil Feb 10 2016, 01:19 PM

Sorry, some heavy personal shit has me a little tied up. I want two spots. Ill contact as I dont have a moment to search for cost and such.

Posted by: mepstein Feb 24 2016, 03:22 PM

Spots

Garold - 5
Stevegm- 2
Evil - 2
Rightpedal- 2
Pmb - 1
David Toppin - 1
Mepstein - 6
Puffinator - 2
Are we good?

Posted by: Garold Shaffer Feb 24 2016, 04:48 PM

For me, yes.

Posted by: stevegm Feb 24 2016, 06:43 PM

For me, yes. Thanks for handling the spaces.

Posted by: 914dave Feb 25 2016, 05:24 AM

Sehr gut!