The Hot Rod season is here and small, medium and large events are taking place throughout the World. Most events cost money for spectators and participants. The fees usually run $35-$50 and require registration and $20-$30 for spectators at the event or earlier by mail. I have always paid admission or entry fee at most events over the years except for Woodie events. They are always free and supported by raffles, donations and merchandise sales.
Clubs or promotors put the money up front and hope to make a profit for their investment. This has been the case since I started building and driving Hot Rods. I never felt it was unusual paying a fee for these events. After all, these events cost money to implement. Space rental, insurance, security and many more hidden expenses are incurred by the event promotor. Someone has to pay for these services. Clubs and promotors don’t plan these events to loose money or break-even. Profit is not a dirty work in business it is a requirement for success.
The group that maintains they are not going to pay to bring their Hot Rod to a show that charges them and spectators to see the show are still present. The exceptions are street shows that allow spectators to view the cars for free. Stores seem to thrive on increased business from the increased foot traffic. Cruise nights in shopping centers or malls are common place all over the world and are expected to generate business for the stores in the location or vendors. This doesn’t always prove true, in which case the promotor will move on to a new location.
The point of this discussion is that car events were the direct result of car clubs and organizations that cater to enthusiasts all over the world. We as owners love to show off our rides and meet people with a similar passion. The growth of our hobby is a direct result of NSRA and Goodguy’s as well as several other organizations such as NHRA. I for one, am very grateful for the opportunity to go to and support these events. Resisting a fee, jealous of the promotors becoming rich or any other negative thoughts never entered my mind over these past 50 years. In fact, I always felt they deserve the enrichment for all of their efforts in making the event successful. If you choose to leave your Hot Rod in the garage and boycott events because of the cost involved, that is your choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy these events and want to continue the enjoyment, even if it cost you a little more money, then by all means keep attending and supporting your true passion for Hot Rods.
The Flame needs to continue to burn!
Stay Tooned!
Lynn
click on photo for a large image
The Southern California Woodie Club puts on this event each year and is enjoyed by all who attended. The support for this free show is raffles, merchandise sales and donations. These events don’t just happen. There is lots of work by the club members each year to make it a successful event.
Our group really has a good time relaxing, eating and enjoying the camaraderie of the social environment.
NSRA provides free inspections of your ride to keep you safe on the road.
Sometimes they work with the local rod shop so you can have repairs done immediately.
Dale is a strong supporter of all car events and drives to all of them no matter how far from MN.
Spending the weekend at the hotel allows you to meet new and old friends year after year.
Goodguy’s has a special parking place for Deuce lovers to park.
Yes, late models are welcome also and have a special parking spot also.
Most major events have a huge swap area that all die hards tramp through looking for their next project.
Local parks are great spots for car shows but they too now are charging for use and causes the club or promotor to charge entrants for putting their Hot Rod in the show. Spectators are normally free as they can’t keep them out.
The Johnny Carson Park was home to the Road Kings for many years and will be back this year. I liked this 40 hiboy sedan.
Lots of creative metal work in the dash area.
The flatty was connected to a QC in the rear.
Comments 1
Hey Lynn,
Thanks for this post. As part of a club that does the Hot Rod Hundred series of reliability runs, and working out the “budget” to provide meals and t-shirts, and event stickers to the participants, it’s great to see some acknowledgement of the “costs” that are associated with any kind of event. We’re definitely not on a large scale as an NSRA or GoodGuys type event, but there are definitely costs involved that we are trying to cover. Our goal is to keep them slightly in the black, but spend as much of the “registration funds” back on the participants, to ensure a decent value for their entry fee.
Glad to see Pepe back on the road, too!