Let's face it-not all of us can make it to the GTOAA National Convention each Year. Be it the economics of travel or a lack of vacation time, sometimes we just can't swing it. However, as you know if you've read this magazine for any length of time, there are alternatives-regional events like this one-the '05 GTOAA East Coast Regional Meet.
Is it as big as the national convention? No. But with about 175 GTOs and other Pontiacs, it's certainly impressive. Is it as long as the national convention? No, but it doesn't require a bunch of days out of work, either. Are there as many activities as the national convention? Of course not, but if you want to scratch your GTO itch, this regional event is closer for Northeasterners and has plenty of GTOs-along with other models-to see. What's more, it has a parking-lot party to get to know other participants, Concours judging to bring out the best in the area, and tons of Popular Vote classes so you don't need a frame-off resto to win something. Add in an awards dinner with a guest speaker each year, and you basically have a GTOAA National Convention Junior, which is exactly the point of regional events in the first place.
Judges had a strong presence providing a veritable kaleidoscope of colors.
The pressure is off since travel is easier, you won't get killed on hotel rooms and food due to a lengthy stay, and if you choose to compete, it's against a regional crowd not a national one, so a lot of them will be your friends.
Hosted by the Garden State GTOs on August 26 and 27, 2005, and with help from the Delaware Old Goat Club, this event was sponsored by Jim Salerno Pontiac Buick GMC, with additional donations from Franchini Chevrolet and Jeff's Mobil. Individual class trophies were sponsored by various clubs and businesses (see winners' list).
The '05 meet at the Marriott Hotel in Hanover, New Jersey, kicked off on Friday with registration followed by the annual parking-lot party that night, which featured a local oldies band, The Symphonics, to keep the crowd moving. There was food and fun as the day's arrivals got settled in.
Inaugural-year GTOs were a mainstay of the meet as always.
By Saturday morning, the mood was still festive as throngs of GTO owners and fans covered the show field, some relaxing in lawn chairs and others hurriedly preparing their rides for the scrutiny of the Concours judges or to simply catch the eye of enough voting participants to take home a Popular Vote award. DJ Steven Miller provided the soundtrack for the event all afternoon, playing crowd favorites, including lots of classic rock to deliver you back to the halcyon days of drive-ins and 35-cent-per-gallon high-test.
For hours upon hours, the 16-person judging staff toiled under partly sunny skies to determine, which of 25 Concours competitors were to receive Gold, Silver, or Bronze and why. Meanwhile, for treasure hunters, there was a modest swap meet area where participants could stock up on needed items to complete their next project.
Even the hotel got into the act, selling food and drinks on the show field to satiate the appetites of those not satisfied by drinking in the sights and sounds of GTOs alone. Door prizes were awarded to participants, and the whole event took on a block-party atmosphere.
Club president's wife Kelly Murray's '66 LeMans four-door is an interesting piece in that it has no post-it's a four-door hardtop, which is quite rare. This one is currently fitted with a 326 four-barrel engine and a Turbo 350 trans.
By the end of the day, the results had been computer tabulated and winners decided, as thoughts turned to the awards dinner and the special presentation on '04-'05 GTO marketing and advertising by Stan Rarden, the guest speaker. With stomachs full and the anticipation palpable, the awards ceremony ensued. Ultimately, Best of Show Concours was awarded to Steve Kiellar's gorgeous '65 Burgundy GTO, and Best of Show Popular vote was bequeathed upon a non-GTO-Lou Calasibetta's exquisite '57 Safari Wagon. The many other participants who were recognized for their efforts are contained in the winners' list.
While the GTOAA's national convention is a great place to get completely immersed in the GTO hobby for five days each year, and is highly recommended if you can make it, many times a regional event can provide much of the same excitement on a smaller scale, closer to home. So don't rule out events like this because you think they lack size or quality GTOs because you can be assured both are present at this meet.
Who knows, perhaps you are one of the lucky ones who can attend the national convention and a regional event. If you are, then look into the '06 GTOAA East Coast Regional Meet and its new host hotel by going to www.garden-state-gtos.org, or if you don't live in the Northeast, seek out regional events in your area.