Last year was my first year attending the show as it exist now. It started to rain around 1 on Friday afternoon for a short while, so the drag racing was cancelled for the evening. Saturday morning brought more drizzle and light sprinkles, so that was pretty much a bummer for drawing cars. I think that car count would probably be in the 200 range. The preregistered account was like 243. Most of the cars were pretty much I would say from within a 150 miles radius. It has the potential to be a good get together.
The Chattanooga area has a lots to offer. The Coker Tire Company sponsored a hot dog / hamburger picnic style lunch on Friday. It was worth the price of the admission to see the collection and to view the inner workings of the variety of shops located within the complex.
For hotels / motels, the Holiday Inn Express is good and is on the same exit as the show site. We stayed at the Hamilton Road exit which is approximately four miles away. Wide selection available and this is the mall exit, so plenty of places to eat. The only problem is that there is limited parking at all of the motels. Most of the trailered cars that came in on Friday were left on the grounds. Friends left their car and trailer there on Thursday and Friday night to avoid the hassle.
Ken is working to promote the show and hopefully it will be blessed with good weather. Mother's Day weekend and the Farmington, NC. show does impact the show, I feel. I know that Ken wanted to have judging available on certain classes this year, but I do not see it listed on the flier. Last year was the first year to my knowledge that vendors were invited. I would say that a dozen or so guys selling parts would be about right. I did hear that some very good buys were made, which probably made both parties happy.
Hames Restorations and myself sponsored a spot on the inside arena and Ted Stephens was there with some AMD product as well on the arena floor with the Daytona.
I do not know if it is a show that I would drive 9 hours for one way, but you will see some cars that do not venture that far North to Carlisle. I would love to see the show grow to what it was back in the late 80s. Back in those days, the show was a one day only event held at Honest Charley's. Cars from 500 miles away were showing up as well as vendors. The good old days!!
If you have more questions, drop me a message or send a message to Ken. We would love to see the event to become a true marquee event.
Thanks,
Richard