Moparts
2014 Hemi Reunion
Posted By: mr_340
2014 Hemi Reunion - 05/27/12 04:02 PM
Anyone know of any reunion plans for the 50th anniversary of the debut of the 426 Hemi in 1964? I put a post on Classracer and got some feedback over there. Most said it won't be as good as the 2008 Reunion, but I think it would be worth having nonetheless. Any suggestions as to the location preferences would be appreciated. The main players behind the 2008 reunion won't be involved apparently as Dick Tower has passed and I'm told that Kramer won't be able to do it again because of family concerns. Try to keep comments positive and constructive. I've e-mailed the Hemi guys I know and also Mopar magazine to generate some interest. I think Chrysler could get some good PR and promote the new Hemi engines, so I'm hoping they can help out in some way.
Posted By: B G Racing
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 05/27/12 04:24 PM
If we are still around in 2014 we can include the "Hemi Reunion" at PRP along with the "Curt George,All Mopar Memorial Race"
Posted By: StewartP
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 05/27/12 05:28 PM
I would really like to see/come to a 2014 Hemi Reunion. The 50th Anniversary would really be special. If it is held somewhere East of the Mississipi would even be better. I like Bob George's suggestion also. I went to Salem, that was very SPECIAL. Can it be worked out, I don't know. But I sure hope so.
StewartP
would like to see it at a better track than pittsburgh,, maybe if mopar action keeps doing the mopar thing at maple grove in june,, they are having a 68 ss/ah shootout thing there again,, if it keeps going on there,, it would be good to house a hemi reunion around them
jeff
Posted By: Steve1118
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 05/27/12 09:37 PM
MG is nice, but Pittsburgh has developed into a pretty decent place by itself.
The big issue I have with MG is that there is not a whole lot of Hemi cars in the general area. There are some good ones, but every time we race out east we are lost in a sea of Chevs. It seems that Western Pa through the midwest is full of them.
As nice as MG is, I really don't think you'd get as big a turnout there as you would further west.
Posted By: THE GLASS MAN
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 05/27/12 09:42 PM
Quote:
MG is nice, but Pittsburgh has developed into a pretty decent place by itself.
The big issue I have with MG is that there is not a whole lot of Hemi cars in the general area. There are some good ones, but every time we race out east we are lost in a sea of Chevs. It seems that Western Pa through the midwest is full of them.
As nice as MG is, I really don't think you'd get as big a turnout there as you would further west.
Just make it a Hemi reunion---If you don't have a HEMI, you don't get in the door. No Chevys , Fords or Hondas.
ive heard the track surface and shutdown is not that good there,,, so i just thought it would be good to be at a good hooking track that the quality of the track was good enough for anything that went down,, the a cars wont goto pittsburgh,, though they really arent needed for a hemi show,, but they do draw crowds by themselves
Posted By: Steve1118
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 05/27/12 11:26 PM
PRP's shutdown is not as long as some, but is certainly adequate. As far as hook goes, the starting line there is as good as anywhere else, as is the track service. The facility is very good, and it is easy to get to....four lane highways right to the gate.
I'll go whereever it is, I have no vested interest either way. But, MG is a long, long tow for the midwest guys, and there is not a great deal of Mopars, let alone Hemis, in the east Pa/NJ/NY area. You'd get some good AH cars, but if you want to draw a lot of the NSS guys, etc. I'm not sure. I think it would be tough to draw cars, especially those from Western Pa, Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan, where an awful lot of the Hemi racers come from, and where a lot of the restored race cars seem to wind up.
It really doesn't matter to me. I just hope it materializes.
Posted By: mr_340
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 05/27/12 11:30 PM
I'd like to see it a Mopar only event. The other guys have plenty of their own shows and events. I went to the Mopar Action site and e-mail Ehrenberg to get him on board. I see him on here occassionally, so hopefully he will chime in and maybe add some momentum to the cause. So far it looks like an east coast deal, with PA leading.
Posted By: Steve1118
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 05/27/12 11:35 PM
Like I say, Jim...it really doesn't matter...but, I do feel it needs to be decent towing distance for the majority of cars....with a decent amount of lodging and eateries nearby.
Absolutely has to be MoPar only. Brother Bob has a good idea....I don't see him going anywhere very soon. I know the Hemi showdown over the upcoming weekend is generating a lot of interest.
Posted By: mr_340
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 05/27/12 11:53 PM
Quote:
Like I say, Jim...it really doesn't matter...but, I do feel it needs to be decent towing distance for the majority of cars....with a decent amount of lodging and eateries nearby.
I agree on the towing distance to get the people and cars to show up. Anywhere up there is a 1300-1500 mile trip one way for me. I'm trying to get some interest from anyone, but especially people that have some connections. Tagging on to an existing event seems like the easiest way to get it done whether it's the Curt Memorial event, Carlisle, MG or where ever. I'm with you on where ever it ends up, I will try to make it. The 2008 reunion was really cool. If it's half as good as that, then I'd be happy. 
Posted By: fourgearsavoy
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 05/28/12 01:09 AM
Well I don't have a HEMI but I drove the Savoy to the 08 show and it was the GREATEST gathering Mopar cars and people I have ever seen
I liked the way Quaker let us camp all weekend
Gus
Posted By: hemi-itis
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 05/28/12 01:19 AM
MP is only 3.5 hrs for me.
I'll drag my junk wherever it is
Posted By: Michael
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 05/28/12 02:21 AM
Heck yes---bring it back to Quaker City----doesn't matter if the track is good or not, 90% of the cars don't go down the track anyway---I'm in!!!!
Posted By: HemiRick
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 05/28/12 04:54 AM
Memphis has a great track and is in the middle of the country so East coast and west coast guys have to travel about the same....
Posted By: moparguy7074
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 05/28/12 05:15 AM
Talk to Bill Bader at Norwalk, you will be hard pressed to find a better facility, and it can handle any amount of cars/spectators!
Posted By: SSDAcuda
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 05/28/12 11:34 AM
Quote:
Talk to Bill Bader at Norwalk, you will be hard pressed to find a better facility, and it can handle any amount of cars/spectators!
Good Idea!
It needs to be centrally located. As much as I would love to have it at Maple Grove, I think too far east and you will lose some cars.
And I think a Hemi Shootout needs to be included. SS/AH
Posted By: liteweight
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 05/28/12 03:21 PM
X2 Norwalk
I applaude James for starting this, as an event like this doesn't get put together overnight. I believe it should be open to anything hemi, since 1964 was the birth of the hemi.
I live in central Canada, so towing just about anywhere south is a 2-3 day trip.
Count me in, no matter where it is.
There definately needs to be a track where guys can wring out there cars, even tho the majority of the original cars will probably spend the time in the show field.
And I agree, it needs to be a stand alone event
liteweight
Posted By: hemi-itis
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 05/28/12 03:33 PM
i would be all for a reunion at norwalk at the cyrysler classic race in sept, or the mopar action maple grove race in june,, both are good tracks and can have some form of a hemi shootout
jeff
Posted By: Hemi Joe
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 05/28/12 05:12 PM
Quaker City would be OK - However, NORWALK is the place to be. Facilities are great the traction is excellent, easy to get to from Detroit-Chicago-Indy-Erie-Pittsburgh-Columbus. I do not like the idea of it being part of the September Chrysler Event, because the feature is the HEMI CARS and somehow we would have to have a gamblers race and the HEMI would be put on the back burner for the $$$$$ side of it.
I think that a possibility of having MAX WEDGE CARS might add to the event. Hopefully it happens!!! HEMI JOE
Posted By: mr_340
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 05/29/12 05:03 AM
Norwalk is an interesting idea. I'm wondering if Jeg's can be approached for some sponsorship for the event? Especially if there is an SS/AH Hemi Shootout. I don't think a lot of those racers would show up without some decent purse (a.k.a., WC).
As a side note, I got an e-mail from Hemi Fred telling me he wouldn't show up without some tow money. I can't see that happening since right now this thing is without a sponsor. If it was at Maple Grove, he might be coaxed into that haul from Philly. I will try to hit up Jeggie when they come down to Ennis in September, and maybe talk to AJ to see if he has some connections with Ma Mopar that can help? Anyone have a contact for David Hakim?
Posted By: Labratt
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 05/29/12 02:20 PM
Posted By: 64HemiSavoy
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 05/29/12 04:05 PM
Since I missed the first one due to family concerns I for one would love to see another one on the books. Would not have a preferance as to which track as long as there is one held somewhere.
Posted By: joshking440
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 05/29/12 04:10 PM
Indy???
Posted By: RodStRace
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 05/29/12 04:23 PM
I have no bird in this hunt; no hemi and I won't tow way out east.
I will mention something that has been discussed here before though. PA as a state is not a destination I want to consider due to the BS with the tow rigs getting pulled over and cited.
Sorry if this steps on the toes of residents, but I sure would not tow to a place that treats tourists that way, and I'm sure there are others that share this feeling.
Trying to locate this for the most attendance and best experience means PA should not be considered.
Posted By: mr_340
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 05/29/12 04:26 PM
I checked the Norwalk track website and noticed that the track is named the Summit Motorsports Park. I guess getting Jegs to sponsor a reunion there probably won't work.
I'm skeptical that Summit would want to sponsor a Mopar only event.
As for Hemi Fred, I don't know what is going on with him. He told me in an e-mail he is in the mode of selling off some of his parts collection and some cars. It would be great to have him and the Duster there for sure.
Posted By: mr_340
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 05/29/12 05:51 PM
Josh has offered to host the 2014 Hemi Reunion in conjuction with his Monster Mopar Weekend event at Indy in late September, 2014. It sounds like he already has the connections with Mopar, the track rentals paid, and some existing sponsor connections in place. I think Indy is a good pick as Indy was always the top drag race, especially in 1964. The nostalgia of Indy fits the bill well. I'd prefer an earlier date, but everything else looks good to me.
I hope everyone will get behind Josh to host this event and hope that Indy will be a good compromise to the location, although it's still a long haul for the West Coast guys. I look forward to getting out of the Texas heat for a weekend, although summer is almost over for us by the end of September (below 100F).
Posted By: Steve1118
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 05/29/12 07:47 PM
Indy is always good, but the problem with holding any event at the end of September is that we've found that once school starts it really effects the ability of some to travel. But, that is certainly worth considering.
As far as RodStRace's Pennsylvania comments; as one whose raced in this state for the past 45 years I just don't know what to say. I've towed and raced all over the state, the northeast and the east coast, and really don't know what he's talking about.
Either way, though, it doesn't matter. If it works out the end of September at Indy, that's fine. But, I think things would be better served between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Posted By: RodStRace
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 05/29/12 10:07 PM
Posted By: B G Racing
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 05/29/12 11:10 PM
Having been one of the unlucky ones that have been pulled over,I've found that the issues are of federal regulations and apply to all states.The confusion is state and local interpatations of the federal regulations.The crack down over the past few years in Pa. was the result of accidents resulting in fatalities that occurred by vehicles that were towing trailers or equipment that were improperly hooked up or faulty trailers and equipment being towed.I have since been stopping at the weigh stations here in Pa. and have been waved through with out any issues.
The federal regs are too numourous to mention but the Gross Vehicle Combonation is the one that needs to be adhered to,especially if you pulling a tri-axle trailer or any trailer exceeding 10,000#.Most states do not view race rigs as commercial vehicles.Pa.DOT had to address the rash of accidents with fatalities.Keeping the highways safe should be any states first priority.Keep your equipment in safe working order and looking half way decent and you shouldn't have any issues.
I wouldn't be too quick to condemn any state,it can happen anywhere.Remember California and Nevada was enforcing the combo lengths a few years back and no one wanted to travel through those states either.
Stay as legal as you can and always ask for a hearing if you get stopped,the cops,DOT guys,and the courts are just as confused as we are.
Posted By: StewartP
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 05/29/12 11:36 PM
Posted By: mr_340
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 05/29/12 11:39 PM
Well, so far we have two options to hold the event. Bob stepped up first to hold it with his Curt George Memorial race. Josh stepped up today on Classracer offering his event.
I haven't done a lot of towing, but my dad was a truck driver and always bee-itched about Ohio and their state troopers. I know Florida is pretty bad along I-10 between Lake City and Pensacola. The FHP sits out there in the median about 10 miles apart. I like those OK to Bypass signs some states have. Apparently they can weigh your rig and measure the height so you don't have to stop at the "Chicken Coop" as my dad called them.
Posted By: HEMIFRED
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 05/30/12 01:04 AM
tow with a motorhome. no problems with CDL or commercial laws
Posted By: B G Racing
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 05/30/12 12:34 PM
Either track PRP or Josh at Indy,we will support such an event.
Posted By: sixpackbee
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 05/30/12 01:20 PM
Having been to the 2008 deal and knowing most of the pricipals involved I might be able to help out with car participation. I do however feel this should be a stand alone deal. A lot of the folks that have these cars probably would not atend an event with a big race/swap meet/regular show field. It would also loose some of the special meaning if it were crowded into a corner of a big event. Just my thoughts.
Posted By: mr_340
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 05/30/12 03:35 PM
It would be nice to have a dedicated event, but unless someone steps up to rent a track, hire security and folks to man all the gates, etc., I don't see that happening. I got an e-mail from Bill Stiles and he said that Dick Tower and Jim Kramer lost a lot of money on the 2008 reunion. I have no idea how much they lost. And there were a lot of non-Hemi cars at the 2008 event. I would hope whoever holds the 2014 event makes it the centerpiece of the show. It deserves to be in the center ring, not a side show.
Posted By: joshking440
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 05/30/12 05:46 PM
Give me an idea on how many cars?
100 or 500
The reason I ask is that we could really dedicate some prime space at Indy for this, weather it be the Top Eliminator Club Tent or Concrete couryard where all cackle cars are parked during the US Nationals or the entire infield and circle track could be dedicated to this.
To give you an idea for a rental of a nice facility Indy is 40k for a weekend and Norwalk is 60k just an fyi
Posted By: mr_340
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 05/31/12 06:14 AM
Josh, I suppose the car count depends on do you want to put original Race Hemi cars in the preferred spots, limit it to the original 1964 Hemi cars (how many did they make, ~100?), and there is a variable of how much the event is promoted to get the guys to show up with their cars? They had several tents at the 2008 reunion, probably 50-75 cars under them, about 10-15 AFX/AWB cars in the barn, and several hundred cars scattered on both sides of the track.
I can see how you could spend $100k hosting an event given the track rental costs. Maybe the Quaker City track was half the price Indy charges, but that still is a chunk of change for a stand alone event to break even. I haven't made one of your Monster Mopar events, but I'm guessing you already get a decent amount of Hemi cars already. Maybe figure on 100 additional original Race Hemi cars (all years) as a starting point. Maybe you need to have people reserve early to get a prime spot for their cars so you will have a better estimate a couple of months out from the event?
Posted By: mr_340
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 05/31/12 06:18 AM
I was trying to find some good overall shots of some of the name cars like Landy, S&M, etc. Here is one of Landy's Challengers.
Posted By: mr_340
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 05/31/12 06:23 AM
Pit side at the 2008 reunion.
Guys : This is a great idea. I was at Quaker City for the last one, which was done right. My suggestion would be to contact Jim Kramer and see if he would be involved. Jim and the late (Dick Towers)would have a lot of the contacts of the group that was at Quaker. They spent a lot of time getting 2008 to run so smooth. This isn't mean to say that you wouldn't do a good job, just my two cents. Thanks / Gary
Posted By: joshking440
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 05/31/12 05:44 PM
Voicemail left for Mr Kramer just minutes ago.
I think his participation would be extremely important!
Josh
Posted By: Hemi Joe
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 05/31/12 06:41 PM
Love the idea of the event, and as a previous participant of the last HEMI REUNION, I would like to see the Chrysler Corp. take some financial responsibility for their 50th HEMI ANNIVERSARY. We as participants or as spectators would enjoy the nostalgia festivities, however, they would enjoy the financial gains providing they use the 50th to their advantage. Chrysler needs to step up and assist financially for the 2014 HEMI REUNION. THANKS HEMI JOE
Posted By: jake4cars
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 05/31/12 09:39 PM
Quote:
Love the idea of the event, and as a previous participant of the last HEMI REUNION, I would like to see the Chrysler Corp. take some financial responsibility for their 50th HEMI ANNIVERSARY. We as participants or as spectators would enjoy the nostalgia festivities, however, they would enjoy the financial gains providing they use the 50th to their advantage. Chrysler needs to step up and assist financially for the 2014 HEMI REUNION. THANKS HEMI JOE
Not a bad idea, maybe Chrysler could come along at least as an associate sponsor, They could display an original 64 next to a new Hemi Challenger. Kind of like paying due respect to old school at the same time inviting the younger generation to carry on the tradition.
Joey
Posted By: ro23car
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 06/01/12 01:41 AM
Quote:
tow with a motorhome. no problems with CDL or commercial laws
thats not true here in michigan.
Posted By: joshking440
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 06/01/12 03:38 AM
I have made some initial calls to chrysler to start poking around. Lets see where this gets us
Posted By: RSNOMO
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 06/01/12 03:59 AM
It'll be real interesting what kinda response you get from Sergio...
Posted By: HEMIFRED
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 06/01/12 04:32 AM
Quote:
Quote:
tow with a motorhome. no problems with CDL or commercial laws
thats not true here in michigan.
stses follow federal laws for CDL's.below taken from Michigan DMV
Quote:
Are There CDL Exemptions?
The following people do NOT need a Commercial Driver License (CDL) (continued):
 Farmers who carry hazardous materials in amounts requiring placards while operating combination
vehicles whose towing vehicle has a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, or a single vehicle with a GVWR
of 26,001 pounds or more, need a CDL with a hazardous materials endorsement.
 INDIVIDUALS: Operating motor homes or other vehicles used exclusively to transport personal
possessions or family members, for non-business purposes.
Posted By: jake4cars
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 06/01/12 03:33 PM
Quote:
I have made some initial calls to chrysler to start poking around. Lets see where this gets us
Good Luck Josh, I hope you get a positive response. The 2008 reunion was the coolest, I would love to do it again.
Joey
Posted By: joshking440
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 06/01/12 04:25 PM
I had a fantastic conversation with Mr Kramer. I would venture to say this may be Huge
Posted By: mr_340
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 06/02/12 01:07 AM
Josh, I sent an e-mail to Chrysler Power magazine and let them know of the plan. As a side note, a friend of mine has a 45th reunion of the 1968 SS Hemi cars in the works for next year. He only told me about it yesterday. He owns an original BO29 Cuda, so that is near and dear to his heart.
Posted By: hemicar1971
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 06/02/12 01:31 AM
Have not been on this web site for a while and was told about this thread. If the Hemi Reunion is a go I will bring one of the hemi cars this time, likely the the Challenger. I ended up vending last time and just packing every thing back in the truck so I could take in the event. It was the best Mopar Show I have ever attended in the last 30 years. Hats off the the people that organized the event in 2008.
This must be a Hemi Event First and then all other pre 1975 mopars, it can not be a mixed event with brand X. I can go to the track any weekend for one of those events.
Posted By: 64racehemi
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 06/08/12 06:56 PM
I really like the idea of a "2014 All Hemi Reunion", but I do believe it should be a stand alone event. I wouldn't want to take away anything from Josh's event as it stands. It might sound snobby but the 2008 event with only hemi's was great. There was nothing distacting in the background, only hemi's as far as the eye could see. Keeping in mind 2014 would be the 50th anniversary it really should be an all hemi only event. With enough lead time, which there is, it could be done right. I realize a stand alone event means stand alone expenses but there is still enough time to find sponsors.
Posted By: ro23car
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 06/08/12 10:51 PM
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
tow with a motorhome. no problems with CDL or commercial laws
thats not true here in michigan.
stses follow federal laws for CDL's.below taken from Michigan DMV
Quote:
Are There CDL Exemptions?
The following people do NOT need a Commercial Driver License (CDL) (continued):
 Farmers who carry hazardous materials in amounts requiring placards while operating combination
vehicles whose towing vehicle has a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, or a single vehicle with a GVWR
of 26,001 pounds or more, need a CDL with a hazardous materials endorsement.
 INDIVIDUALS: Operating motor homes or other vehicles used exclusively to transport personal
possessions or family members, for non-business purposes.
the problem with that is most mi cops deem a race car business,becaus you have an opportunity to win some type monetary value even if its a trophy.
Posted By: hemi-itis
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 06/09/12 03:16 AM
I have a roll back flatbed and i EVER get hassled
Posted By: hemi-itis
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 02/22/14 07:21 PM
Any updates on a 2014 REUNION?????????????
Posted By: sixpackjeff
Re: 2014 Hemi Reunion - 02/23/14 07:45 PM
Quote:
Any updates on a 2014 REUNION?????????????
Bill and his family do an AWESOME job with events held there! 
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