09 Car Craft complaints

I've been attending the Car Craft Summer Nationals here in St.Paul for at least 8 or more years and every year it appears to go downhill. I agree that more and more cars have been attending in the past few years which makes it great but things have become way too uptight. Many people are aware of the 11 p.m. shut down time on University avenue but maybe the answer to late night cruising would be to keep the show open till after 6 p.m.?  I mean come on if the fair grounds were open until at least 8 or later what would it hurt? I've seen first hand the huge crack down on street racing this year and has become almost non-existent except for some very carefully planned out big money, big horsepower races in which we keep very low key and hidden. Still though a later show will allow less people to need to be on the street at once.

Next what is with the fairgrounds security and they're extreme power trips? I watched a very nice blue 70 Chevelle give it a little throttle while on the very outskirts of the exit and received a ticket as well as a long lecture from miss rent-a-cop. She also proceeded to scream at a man in his truck for turning a corner going less that 10 miles per hour, spool causing the tires to chirp naturally, and listen to no reasoning from the guy himself. The woman eventually told us we must leave immediately due to a smart remark of a man along the street. She even called back up to make sure we left in a very timely fashion and even felt the need to rush me in loading my truck onto my trailer. I am aware many other people received actual tickets within the fairgrounds for doing small burn outs and whatnot. Why not section off a street with barricades and allow people to show some of their power? Keep in under control with officials but let some people have some fun. A friend of mine which was leaving the Autocross event literally chirped his tires and proceeded to no more than 5 miles per hour was kicked out of the fairgrounds itself. Security was even insistent in having everyone who was in the car removed as well, some of which had vehicles in the show itself.

Now I do understand all security it trying to keep everyone safe and I do agree they help sometimes, but why to the extremes that they carry it out to. Many use the excuse take it to the burnout contest "thats why we have it". I agree somewhat but what is with the damn 20 second time limit? Before some people even get started they receive a friendly blow of the airhorn to the face. And whatever happened to some very nice and powerful cars signing up for the contest... could it be the lack of prize? Past years I believe had a Detroit Locker as a prize or a set of  Mickey Thompson tires, why not both? I know for a fact that it would bring more competitors in as well as a higher caliber of cars. Cars used to blow tires, throw blower belts, hell even rip quarter pannels off when the tire blows when they had unlimited time. Now I am not a fan of wrecking a very nice car or the danger included with those types of things but they are not even given the chance to "win" the contest. Last I checked a contest is won and whoever wants it the most will put out the most effort. What happened to that idea?

As for the Autocross my only question with that was why such a small course this year? Everything else was great about it.

The new Launch Box Challenge was unique but my only ripe about that was the severe lack of prep at the launch point. A single trans-brake launch from me would have resulted in violent spinning. Prep it even just a little better for next year. Maybe even introduce a longer version for people to really open it up and truly test they're brakes but still have a ample amount of safety shut down time and space after the stopping area.

Another thing that I questioned this year is where was the Braking challenge from last year? Was a neat concept and drew quite a crowd. Offer a set of brakes as a prize for the person who does it the best or at least something to shoot or compete for. I know the infamous Mustang crash from last year raised concern but still everyone was alright and the only thing hurt was some pride.

As for the Chassis Dyno this year it still was interesting but I gotta admit when Dynomax was there last year hyping it up and giving motor specs as well as horsepower and torque readings after the pull made it a huge attraction. I understand the Dynomax challenge is over but you cannot tell me they didn't sell quite a bit of product being a major sponsor like that? The lack of vendors is becoming more obvious and for what reason? A show of close to 5000 cars and thousands of spectators what more do sponsors, vendors and companies need to set up a stand or display? Major advertisement as well as product demonstration takes place at live car shows.

Another major ripe many have had as well as myself is the lack of coverage in the magazine of the event itself. Usually at most there's 6 or so pages of sometimes small pictures and even pictures of the oddball or different cars. With this event being the second biggest in Minnesota and promoted so much through Car Craft itself, please dedicate like 10 or more pages to its coverage. I buy the magazine and have had a subscription for almost 10 years to see the great cars and events that Car Craft puts on. I know for a fact everyone would appreciate a lengthy and interesting coverage of the Summer Nationals. Not a single person will complain about a couple extra pages during that issue. Hey maybe even make an entire bonus issue specifically covering the event, showcasing the coolest cars, generous coverage of each competition and maybe even some interesting facts or information. Just an idea that I think people would enjoy and appreciate.

I really hate to rant but Its been years of growing problems out there and would absolutely hate to have the show start losing spectators, participants or even the venue to host the show. I love bringing my 9 second S10 pickup out there and cruising around all weekend. The weather, food, people and cars are always great and the fairgrounds is a perfect location for that size of a show. I just would like a little more of a friendly St. Paul feeling and welcome during the 3 day event. (if you can consider us friendly haha) Hopefully the Summer Nationals will be here for many many more years and only continue to grow.

My main point of this is to hopefully have anyone from the Car Craft staff or anyone who can do anything about it to take notice. I don't expect everything to be perfect and for all my dislikes to be fixed but to just have some one or anyone who can do anything about it be aware of my and other peoples concerns and questions. I know I'm just another car guy with an opinion but I do know i share the same opinion with many other participants and spectators at this years nationals and can only hope someone takes notice and works to only improve on this great event.

Sorry for the long rant, hopefully others can input they're ideas or opinions. Everything I've stated is just my opinion and mean no disrespect towards anyone. Just another voice in the car world.
Thanks for reading, Preston  

I agree with you 100%!  Well written Post.  
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1997 Dodge Avenger
http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/707177

I agree about the shortness of the autocross course. It was difficult to get serious about a course that took 13 secs.(my times) to run when I'm used to running on courses that take me at least 1:30 to run.
One other thing, I've never been here before(from MI) and had no idea where things were at.  I saw some sort of information boards all over the place, but they had nothing on them, some sort of map would've been nice.  

One of the big complants I have is that GM Performance is the big sponser, but yet this year they had no display? All the Car Craft Nationals shirts have to have GM products on them then. They would sell alot more shirts if they also had Ford and Mopar shirts too. GM cars are not the only ones there so why cater to them? I also agree the amount of vendors was down but so is the economy. Lets hope both are higher next year.

One thing that could help the after hours issues listed above would be a night cruise. After driving around at a idle all day lets have a cruise that would take everyone out on the highway (20+ miles total).

I also have a question about the burnout contest. What is with the barriers? The crowd is in the stand so it can't be safety.  

GM performance did not have a presence at any events this summer because of their bankruptcy.  But since they are the title sponsor you will not see Ford or Mopar on the shirts.

My big complaint is allowing peoplke to rope off parking for the whole weekend.  I think they should do as other event we attend such as Goodyguys.  They do not allow any saving of places until after 10am.  You want the prime plkaces then drag your butts out of bed and get in line.  

yeah saving places is for the birds.  

back to DuQuoin!!!!!!