Any word yet on what location and venue Concours Judging will be? Thanks.
Most likely will be in the same location or pretty close to where its been in past years at that raceway. West of the grandstands. Don't know if the map I've seen is the final - final so I've not chosen not to share it right at this moment. Same benefits and challenges as the other times.
Thanks, is that inside a building or is it outside?
Quote from: Mikelj5S230 on June 06, 2025, 08:54:43 AMThanks, is that inside a building or is it outside?
Don't see any plans or really the space to put all the Concours cars inside a building given the design and space available at this track plus the number of cars entered so far.
That's too bad, I may have to reconsider if I want to bring 5S230 in that case.
How many national SAAC concours events have been indoors??
Quote from: Coralsnake on June 06, 2025, 09:33:08 PMHow many national SAAC concours events have been indoors??
Lots of variables. At some shows a few (3 or 4) were covered the rest judged out doors and at some they were moved into a covered area during judging but outside before and after. Also we can't forget the requirement of the car being available and on display before and after judging so that people attending can enjoy and learn from the car and the owners/builders efforts.
Don't think a single SAAC National in California has ever had all of the Concours cars inside on display. Typically no great concern of high winds, thunderstorms, sand storms and the like as we have had in other regions of the country.
Quote from: Mikelj5S230 on June 06, 2025, 09:07:56 PMThat's too bad, I may have to reconsider if I want to bring 5S230 in that case.
Shelby is rolling over in his urn(s) at various locations in CA, NV and TX.
This is a new one - "I may not take my car if it has to be outside"
Shelby said many moons ago:
"These cars are meant to be driven", so enjoy the hell out of all of it - not just the look of it when it is all clean".
Knowing Shelby, there are probably multiple urns
Quote from: Coralsnake on June 07, 2025, 06:47:19 AMKnowing Shelby, there are probably multiple urns
Like his wives we'll never know the true number. Each of the 3 kids were to get a portion. 1 portion was to be interred at a cemetary in Texas. Some ware scattered at his ranch. And then there was the portion Cleo sued to obtain.
SAAC 40 was my last Concours judging experience, and it was indoors, luckily, since it rained lots even as we were unloading the cars from the trailers to the inside huge ballroom. I just don't want to be camping out in an old asphalt parking lot in the sun, rain, wind, etc. with a very expensive car and my 75 year old body. I don't do outdoor car events anymore, NCRS, where I am a 300+ Master judge, would never have a National outside, or even a Regional. Here was the latest regional judging meet we did in Glendale, Arizona last month......even the display cars are indoors, as they should be.
And how many members are in the Corvette club?
10,000, give or take a few. But usually only about 100-200 show up at judging meets like regionals or a national. Judging is usually not that popular. This Arizona meet had about 60 judged cars and about 80 total inside here.
I respectfully say this ... I think your expectations are unrealistic. The Shelby club probably peaked at 5,000 members many years ago...
In the history of the club, indoors events are very atypical. It is a much smaller club and even though the judged events are popular, the focus has never been on them.
I also think this perpetuates negative stereotypes and thats coming from a judge and show participant. 80 cars might be total attendance. Judged cars 12-20
Having been a SAAC member for 25 years, I am not arguing with all that. I knew the risks of an outdoor meet when I signed up, but was hoping for something better. I remember at SAAC 40 how people talked about how unusual it was to be at such a nice venue and have all the cars indoors. But actually, it seemed like the banquet dinner had about as many people as any NCRS National I had been to, though the number of judged cars was much smaller.
And I know people like to drive their cars on a track at SAAC, something NCRS would never do. I guess I will just have to find other ways to enjoy such a perfectly restored '65 GT350, one I have been searching for for many years after having several '68s, you remember those.
It is sad even Mid-America has ditched any Concours judging, and MCA is always outdoors these days. Oh well, I guess I will just keep driving it around the mountain roads here with the Team Shelby Mountain Chapter, and to local Cars and Coffee events like the one I took it to this morning......
Quote from: Mikelj5S230 on June 07, 2025, 05:24:28 PMHaving been a SAAC member for 25 years, I am not arguing with all that. I knew the risks of an outdoor meet when I signed up, but was hoping for something better. I remember at SAAC 40 how people talked about how unusual it was to be at such a nice venue and have all the cars indoors. But actually, it seemed like the banquet dinner had about as many people as any NCRS National I had been to, though the number of judged cars was much smaller.
And I know people like to drive their cars on a track at SAAC, something NCRS would never do. I guess I will just have to find other ways to enjoy such a perfectly restored '65 GT350, one I have been searching for for many years after having several '68s, you remember those.
It is sad even Mid-America has ditched any Concours judging, and MCA is always outdoors these days. Oh well, I guess I will just keep driving it around the mountain roads here with the Team Shelby Mountain Chapter, and to local Cars and Coffee events like the one I took it to this morning......
So.... Just to clarity your post...
You will drive your "Perfectly Restored" 65 GT350 around to cars and coffee and other events, however you will not bring it so SAAC 50 as it will have to sit outside for the "Concours Class"???? 8)
Quote from: SBCARGUY on June 07, 2025, 06:57:52 PMSo.... Just to clarity your post...
You will drive your "Perfectly Restored" 65 GT350 around to cars and coffee and other events, however you will not bring it so SAAC 50 as it will have to sit outside for the "Concours Class"???? 8)
Exactly!! You got it, as those things are far more fun than what is happening at SAAC 50.
'and MCA is always outdoors these days. '.......not totally true. if the host regional club can afford it and an inside venue is available the concours & t-bred cars are inside. nothing wrong with comfort.
Some that has been around SAAC concours as long as Mike, should know a driven car is at a significant disadvantage in a concours event.
Sounds like a lot of hopping and down about a nothing burger to me
It was really not driven much at all since restoration until today's 30 mile trip, when I decided to do more driving since I am not going to SAAC 50 for judging (but now apparently ruined from any future Concourse SAAC judging), but yes Pete, that is the kind of response I have come to expect from you. You never disappoint.
Quote from: carlite65 on June 07, 2025, 07:32:59 PM'and MCA is always outdoors these days. '.......not totally true. if the host regional club can afford it and an inside venue is available the concours & t-bred cars are inside. nothing wrong with comfort.
Thank you very much, true, though I have never been to any, the last was the 2023 National locally for our club here in New Mexico. I will check my membership newsletters closely and look for one indoors close to me, maybe the Tulsa meet next year? And MCA has a Driven Concours Class, which allows the cars to be driven, as my '64 1/2 was entered 2 years ago. So I could still drive the '65 and have it judged, unlike SAAC.
Keep in mind that the French Lick show in the Fall offers SAAC National judged classes with SAAC judges and is completely indoors. The concours cars are judged on a lift, unlike normal SAAC conventions.
It's close to $1k to rent just a 20x20 tent at Sonoma, which would barely hold 2 cars, so it's cost prohibitive to consider that an option. Was hoping with Mecum being one of the SAAC sponsors that maybe they could help us there. It's not completely off the table, but wouldn't count on it.
Quote from: CharlesTurner on June 07, 2025, 10:39:11 PMKeep in mind that the French Lick show in the Fall offers SAAC National judged classes with SAAC judges and is completely indoors. The concours cars are judged on a lift, unlike normal SAAC conventions.
It's close to $1k to rent just a 20x20 tent at Sonoma, which would barely hold 2 cars, so it's cost prohibitive to consider that an option. Was hoping with Mecum being one of the SAAC sponsors that maybe they could help us there. It's not completely off the table, but wouldn't count on it.
I was going to mention French Lick. Great indoor event. OK, Mike Johnson, bring your car there. you might even get lucky in the casino. While your car is Restored Mike ,one of my best friends trailered his SURVIVOR Gold 69 Boss 429 from Detroit to French lick on an OPEN trailer. Not a restored car but an original paint survivor. So lets see your 65 at French Lick. Great show.
Quote from: Coralsnake on June 07, 2025, 08:14:58 PMSome that has been around SAAC concours as long as Mike, should know a driven car is at a significant disadvantage in a concours event.
Sounds like a lot of hopping and down about a nothing burger to me
As a previous owner of (2) Concours 1965 R models and have owned (9) 1965 GT350s...
I am not sure it matters where they are judged...
Yep...I understand as a CURRENT owner of CSX21XX and CSX31XX...
It is my belief sometimes we lose sight of the objective or plan.
No Offense...
This topic causes me to recall one of the SAAC conventions at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The temperature was in the 90 degree range and someone had a thoroughbred GT350 shod with original Blue Dots. He told the judges "It's in the trailer if you want to judge it but I'm not putting those valuable tires on this hot pavement"...and that's what they did!
Thanks for the mention of French Lick, I didn't know that was an annual SAAC Concours judged event. It is a great venue, we had our NCRS National there in 2023, and will again in 2027. I'l have to pay closer attention to announcements, I have missed them. Now I see them, under Indiana.
Quote from: Mikelj5S230 on June 07, 2025, 08:21:05 PMIt was really not driven much at all since restoration until today's 30 mile trip, when I decided to do more driving since I am not going to SAAC 50 for judging (but now apparently ruined from any future Concourse SAAC judging), but yes Pete, that is the kind of response I have come to expect from you. You never disappoint.
Listen to what the Maestro said
Enjoy the ride ....that is all
Quote from: FL SAAC on June 08, 2025, 10:04:52 AMListen to what the Maestro said
Enjoy the ride ....that is all
Oh, I am, I do wish it didn't steer and ride like an old truck though.....
Quote from: Mikelj5S230 on June 08, 2025, 10:45:21 AMQuote from: FL SAAC on June 08, 2025, 10:04:52 AMListen to what the Maestro said
Enjoy the ride ....that is all
Oh, I am, I do wish it didn't steer and ride like an old truck though.....
Gotcha, we love the old relics they are fun and nothing takes you back to then than riding in these old p.o.s. and come out smelling like spent 93 octane with booster in it.
That's why we love our S197 and S550 AC with all the comforts in the world.
The best stopping, handling and great performance combined.
Both of ours have been lowered and the suspensions massaged by our good friends at Steeda.
Both handle extremely well, second to none
We are looking into the even newer mustang's the S650 a modern work of art, just add BOOST and you have an unbeatable
package
Again ENJOY the ride cause in the end, that's all we got
I do have to admit I enjoy driving my 2022 GT500 HE much more than the '65. All that extra creature comfort and, at least, perceived reliability on long trips is superior. But nothing looks like the '65......
This thread reminds me of the Pebble Beach Concours. It's outdoors, and some of the cars did the 17-Mile Drive the day before. Some very nice cars.
But I'm never going to have a car nice enough to enter in any Concours so I barely have a clue about even keeping a car clean...but I can drive them
Quote from: last2brake on June 08, 2025, 07:06:23 PMThis thread reminds me of the Pebble Beach Concours. It's outdoors, and some of the cars did the 17-Mile Drive the day before. Some very nice cars.
Cobras and Shelbys are low value cars in that crowd. They also have judging as critical as the Riddler award.
Quote from: Mikelj5S230 on June 08, 2025, 01:51:51 PMI do have to admit I enjoy driving my 2022 GT500 HE much more than the '65. All that extra creature comfort and, at least, perceived reliability on long trips is superior. But nothing looks like the '65......
You sir have the best of both worlds!
Quote from: 98SVT - was 06GT on June 08, 2025, 07:13:13 PMQuote from: last2brake on June 08, 2025, 07:06:23 PMThis thread reminds me of the Pebble Beach Concours. It's outdoors, and some of the cars did the 17-Mile Drive the day before. Some very nice cars.
Cobras and Shelbys are low value cars in that crowd. They also have judging as critical as the Riddler award.
Yep. It's the premier Concours, for sure. But it's kool that some of them are driven and parked outdoors.
I do wonder what they'd do at Pebble if it rained in August, but I can't remember it EVER raining in August unless it's in the Sierras. It did rain twice in July, in the last 60 years.
But that sun might fade the paint.
Quote from: last2brake on June 09, 2025, 11:20:41 AMYep. It's the premier Concours, for sure. But it's kool that some of them are driven and parked outdoors.
About 80% get driven 50-75 miles. I haven't gone for years. We always went very early as the fog was clearing. The cars/fog made for some great pix. Tickets were $10-20 - if you didn't wander in with the dawn patrol. Today they are $500-4,500. I'd want a share of the gate if I had a car in the show today.
Quote from: last2brake on June 09, 2025, 11:20:41 AMI do wonder what they'd do at Pebble if it rained in August, but I can't remember it EVER raining in August unless it's in the Sierras. It did rain twice in July, in the last 60 years.
But that sun might fade the paint.
I've seen pics of PB with plastic over cars during rain. Guess they have contingency plans, especially for open cars without a top.
Quote from: CharlesTurner on June 09, 2025, 02:14:24 PMI've seen pics of PB with plastic over cars during rain. Guess they have contingency plans, especially for open cars without a top.
+1
Quote from: CharlesTurner on June 09, 2025, 02:14:24 PMQuote from: last2brake on June 09, 2025, 11:20:41 AMI do wonder what they'd do at Pebble if it rained in August, but I can't remember it EVER raining in August unless it's in the Sierras. It did rain twice in July, in the last 60 years.
But that sun might fade the paint.
I've seen pics of PB with plastic over cars during rain. Guess they have contingency plans, especially for open cars without a top.
Guess so. I just don't remember it.
Somewhat back on topic, I've lived near Sears Point (which is more inland) since before there was a race track there. I remember it raining enough for the pavement to get wet here maybe a couple of times in July in sixty years, but I doubt we've had more than a tenth-of-an-inch rain TOTAL in ALL of the last sixty Augusts.
If it rains at Sears Point during the Convention Concours, I'll dry off all the cars that aren't convertibles. I won't declare it won't rain, because that's a sure way to make it rain.
Sorry. Hijack off....
Quote from: last2brake on June 10, 2025, 03:08:57 AMSomewhat back on topic, I've lived near Sears Point (which is more inland) since before there was a race track there. I remember it raining enough for the pavement to get wet here maybe a couple of times in July in sixty years, but I doubt we've had more than a tenth-of-an-inch rain TOTAL in ALL of the last sixty Augusts.
The Sonoma Valley wine region generally experiences a mild, Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The proximity to the Pacific Ocean and the effects of marine fog create a microclimate that can be particularly beneficial for certain grape varieties, like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Sometimes fog in the morning, rolls up from the SF bay. Clears by 9-10am.
But, never say never. I got snowed on at a COCOA track day in June at Willow Springs.
Track weather history - https://www.myweather2.com/Motor-Racing/United-States-Of-America/Infineon-Raceway/climate-profile.aspx?month=8
Quote from: Coralsnake on June 06, 2025, 09:33:08 PMHow many national SAAC concours events have been indoors??
French Lick ;D
French Lick is an exceptional venue and its a great event.
The question was directed at the 50 previous SAAC conventions.
😁
Quote from: TLea on July 01, 2025, 04:30:45 PMQuote from: Coralsnake on June 06, 2025, 09:33:08 PMHow many national SAAC concours events have been indoors??
French Lick ;D
And don't forget Pocono. I still remember struggling to get '68 KR #2506 out of your trailer and into the ballroom for the Concours Judging while it was raining cats and dogs....
Quote from: Mikelj5S230 on July 01, 2025, 05:51:21 PMAnd don't forget Pocono. I still remember struggling to get '68 KR #2506 out of your trailer and into the ballroom for the Concours Judging while it was raining cats and dogs....
I still have that image seared into my memory! :-)
I remember a guy with a Cobra complaining every time the door opened about "moisture" being let in the building. Meanwhile I parked my car in the parking lot and tossed cover over it.