well...not what i expected, thats for sure. IT WAS BETTER!
Well, as everyone knows, we got the storm of the year at the hotel, and it was nothing short of chaos. People were lapping the hotel praying to find safety somewhere, yet none were to be found. I felt sick knowing all these people's pride and joy was at the mercy of the weather that was dealt to us.
Due to weather, we had a LOT of things go sour on us, and we just had to make the best of what we had.
Overall, we pulled it off. A lot of people give me credit, but I really feel the credit goes to those whom attended. It was without a doubt, the best attendance I've seen at a bash since 2002 (first bash I attended) Everyone jumped at the opportunity to help someone if it was within their power. No one ever complained of anything that I heard at all. I learned a lot from doing this, and the storm sure didn't make things any easier for me AT ALL lol.
The Show - I'm still torn about the public judging idea. The cons are obvious, groups can vote a car into a trophy. One of the pro's that I didn't think of, was that judging the cars as an individual, made you look at the car closer, and really get a feel for how much work went into that car. So I think maybe next year I'll do a mix, but do expect a crowd favorite award of some sorts playing into the cars
Quick 8 - we almost didn't have one. running with the locals made it hard, and I wasn't nearly organized enough. Lessons learned for next year no doubt on this.
I did a good chunk of the bash by myself, and got help in a few areas when possible. Next year, I will have a larger staff, but now I know what to ask of them next year, and how to get things set up. I'm hoping things go smoother next year, weather and itinerary both.
There are a few standouts that I need to thank. These guys went above and beyond what was asked of them, and are what makes the bash what it is supposed to be about.
PJ (flyin skwirl) - He recognized that I was having troubles getting everything set up correctly for the quick 8, and just said here, let me help, and made it happen. ALL WHILE ALSO PARTICIPATING! I have so much respect for you man, can't wait to have you back next year!
Darren and Chris (GTPSunfire and SweetnessGT) - jumped in and did a record breaking axle change install. no one asked you guys to get your hands dirty, but ya jumped in and did anyways!
Chris (TaetschZ24) - for supplying the axle, and on top of that, didn't ask for a red cent for it, just said here, go make more runs! (which he couldn't cuz he found out his trans was shot too) Also thanks for taking a look at my own engine issues. a little Team Green diagnosis goes a long ways!
Perry Hansen (z22cavsrus) - Not only did you make the longest drive of anyone, you jumped in to help phewes get a push, AND you helped us get andy's car on the trailer. Thanks for letting us count on you man. Hope to see you back next year!
also to all the guys who helped push Phewes' car to safety, and helped get andy off the track when he broke.
For those who paid track admission in advance, I will be paypalling those entries back to you, as I did not receive a bill from the track, therefore you should not have to pay for it since you paid to get in the gate anyways.
In summary, I had a BLAST. Without a doubt, the most fun, and most respected bash I've ever been to (or hosted)
We had a lot of curve balls thrown at us for this year's event, but nothing can stop us. The answer to everyone's biggest question already is...."Will there be one next year?" The answer is yes, I have plans to do one next year, bigger and better of course. Some things will change, some will be left alone, but the one thing I hope to never change, is the willingness of anyone and everyone to volunteer and lend a hand to anyone in need. My goal was to make the bash about the people again, and I feel we came through more then I could have ever expected. Thanks again to everyone!
Next year will be a dfferent story... Also, weather permitting, Ill be staying all weekend next year 
<~~~~PWN3D!!
