Moparts

Moparty in Bowling Green September 17-19, 2021

Posted By: RP's R/T's

Moparty in Bowling Green September 17-19, 2021 - 08/16/21 04:43 PM

Anyone been there?
How is it?
Show and swap?
Where to stay?
Posted By: SNK-EYZ

Re: Moparty in Bowling Green - 08/16/21 05:29 PM

The first one was last year, great event.

We''l be there next month.

There are plenty of motels in Bowling Green, just don't wait too long to book.
We're staying at the Best Western on Mel Browning Drive again this year.
Booked it on Hotels.com months ago for $70 a night.
It takes 15-20 minutes to get to the track from there.
Posted By: Mastershake340

Re: Moparty in Bowling Green - 08/16/21 05:49 PM

Hi Ron,
I went last year and had a great time. I didn't take a car, I was fortunate to find a local Mopar guy who was looking for someone to ride shotgun with him in his rig and share expenses on his hotel room,
I had a good enough time that I hope to be a regular and registered to take a car next month.
Here are my pictures
https://www.flickr.com/photos/111914442@N04/albums/72157716092820516

https://www.flickr.com/photos/111914442@N04/albums/72157716105815828
(sorry these links aren't live/clickable, I am confused why in recent times on Moparts half the time when I post a link it is live, and the other half it is not, and readers need to copy and paste them to see??)

We stayed at a Marriot facility and were happy with it. Some friends of mine were asking me about going a few months ago and found that hotel was full, but found another hotel to reserve a room. I'd be concerned if any rooms are available now?
All expectations are for the show to at least double this year so I am concerned it will get crowded. Getting a seat in a restaurant for breakfast and dinner involved a bit of a wait last year so with twice as many people there potentially that could be a challenge.
The facility itself is very nice. The car show area by the gate where you enter is hilly and some of the areas adjacent to the roads were a bit recessed so be very careful if you are parking your car there for display that you don't bottom out or scrape your mufflers!
There was a ton of room where they had us park our rigs but again it was really hilly and other than a road through the middle, no paved area to unload so bring some wood scraps or bricks to help support your trailer ramp on an uneven surface if need be when you load and unload.
With the event getting closer, I am getting nervous. I have my T/A registered for the show and a Mr Norms tribute display. I have barely touched it over the last year and a half and need to get it going. And I don't have a trailer. A friend offered to lend me his trailer, but I need to find a place to store the car he keeps in it, and worry if he has kept the bearings and brakes etc up to date so it's ready for a 800 mile round trip!
And Rich, I hope we can meet at the show, I owe you a beer or lunch or something in thanks for the Friend and Family code you gave me earlier this year that I used to buy my new 2500!
Posted By: Rhinodart

Re: Moparty in Bowling Green - 08/17/21 12:03 AM

It is the up and coming show and was great last year! I stay in my LQ trailer right on grounds as it has a full hook-up RV park and amusement park on grounds. I will never miss this show as Holley is in Bowling Green and is putting a bunch of money in this show so it is only going to get better! There is a cruise to Johnsons Hot Rod Garage in Columbia, TN Thursday before the show which will be epic! The swap meet needs to grow, but the word is getting out so it should.
Posted By: gtx6970

Re: Moparty in Bowling Green - 08/17/21 12:15 AM

I know several people who went last year and more plan to this year. So odds are its only going to grow as time goes forward

I wish it well.
Posted By: cudaboy

Re: Moparty in Bowling Green - 08/17/21 12:23 AM

Great show last year, the weather was perfect. It’s only going to get bigger.

There are plenty of hotels in BG but if they do get full, Park City or Cave City will only add 20-30 minutes to your drive.

Dennis
Posted By: Remy-Z

Re: Moparty in Bowling Green - 08/19/21 04:02 PM

I'll be seeing you all there. Be sure to smile big for the camera.
Posted By: 71TA

Re: Moparty in Bowling Green - 08/19/21 09:10 PM

I looked into the show and sent an email

Because I sell new stuff they said I HAVE to be in the expensive midway. Told them I'm not selling big ticket items like sheet metal or engines. That I usually vend in the "regular car guy" swap areas at other shows. They said tough.

The registration paperwork for the Midway says you MUST remain at your spots from 9AM till 6PM. Also not allowed to break down till Sunday at 4PM?!?! WHAT? Takes us hours to break down then a 9 hour drive back to Michigan

3 deal breakers for me.
Posted By: 340SIX

Re: Moparty in Bowling Green - 08/19/21 09:50 PM

Great pics master shake
Posted By: justinp61

Re: Moparty in Bowling Green - 08/20/21 02:53 AM

I went on Saturday last year and enjoyed it. I'm not much into show poodles or the swap meet bud did enjoy the drag racing. This year I'm taking my Dart to run the 1/4 mile T&T and have my hotel reservations made.
Posted By: ghinmi

Re: Moparty in Bowling Green - 08/23/21 01:53 PM

I went last year and had a blast! Will be there again this year running the Grand Champion/autocross package.
Posted By: jughed

Re: Moparty in Bowling Green - 08/23/21 03:20 PM

Originally Posted by 71TA
I looked into the show and sent an email

Because I sell new stuff they said I HAVE to be in the expensive midway. Told them I'm not selling big ticket items like sheet metal or engines. That I usually vend in the "regular car guy" swap areas at other shows. They said tough.

The registration paperwork for the Midway says you MUST remain at your spots from 9AM till 6PM. Also not allowed to break down till Sunday at 4PM?!?! WHAT? Takes us hours to break down then a 9 hour drive back to Michigan

3 deal breakers for me.


3 good reason right there..

Not understanding why they require a D.L. # to register for the car show.
Is that required to get in the show grounds?? Don't they send credentials/tickets via mail??
Posted By: Mastershake340

Re: Moparty in Bowling Green - 08/23/21 05:26 PM

Did they require a DL number to register a car for the show? I registered a few months ago and don’t remember now.
They have a registration tent outside the drag strip/show grounds. When you first arrive you check in there and they give you your credentials and wristbands for the weekend at that tent. They did ask for an ID or something there, I was a guest with a friend with a car in the show and at some point he called me over and I had to sign in myself as his guest at a computer terminal set up in the tent.
I’m wondering if I can switch cars for my registration, the trailer I was promised to borrow is looking less likely by the day so I’m discouraged about getting my show poodle there for the Mr Norms tribute. Maybe I can drive my 09 there I need to sell and display with a for sale sign so I don’t totally waste my $65 fee. shruggy
Posted By: jughed

Re: Moparty in Bowling Green - 08/23/21 06:07 PM

Originally Posted by Mastershake340
Did they require a DL number to register a car for the show? I registered a few months ago and don’t remember now.
They have a registration tent outside the drag strip/show grounds. When you first arrive you check in there and they give you your credentials and wristbands for the weekend at that tent. They did ask for an ID or something there, I was a guest with a friend with a car in the show and at some point he called me over and I had to sign in myself as his guest at a computer terminal set up in the tent.
I’m wondering if I can switch cars for my registration, the trailer I was promised to borrow is looking less likely by the day so I’m discouraged about getting my show poodle there for the Mr Norms tribute. Maybe I can drive my 09 there I need to sell and display with a for sale sign so I don’t totally waste my $65 fee. shruggy


They do require a DL # to enter the 'show and shine'.

https://www.holley.com/events/sponsored/moparty/car_show/
Posted By: Remy-Z

Re: Moparty in Bowling Green - 09/01/21 06:15 PM

Here's the schedule for this year's MoParty. You can find more information by clicking here: 2021 Holley MoParty

Attached picture MoParty Schedule.jpg
Posted By: BlwnCrcab

Re: Moparty in Bowling Green - 09/02/21 01:42 AM

anybody know if you can rent a golf cart there? My brother don't walk so good any more bad knees, back. hell I don't either anymore
or can you bring your own?
bringing 93 2wd Ramcharger
Posted By: cudaboy

Re: Moparty in Bowling Green - 09/02/21 11:57 PM



Dennis

Attached picture A282C85C-7FAB-4953-AF6D-E877787F5B28.png
Posted By: gtx6970

Re: Moparty in Bowling Green - 09/03/21 04:56 PM

Shame,
I will be in the general area the weekend before . Or I might have tossed the idea around for a stop in for a while
Posted By: SNK-EYZ

Re: Moparty in Bowling Green - 09/04/21 03:05 AM

Originally Posted by BlwnCrcab
anybody know if you can rent a golf cart there? My brother don't walk so good any more bad knees, back. hell I don't either anymore
or can you bring your own?
bringing 93 2wd Ramcharger



Last year several buddies that were racing took their own golf carts.
I'm planning on taking mine this year.
Posted By: BlwnCrcab

Re: Moparty in Bowling Green - 09/04/21 11:27 PM

we are not racing just bringing nice driver Ramcharger we entered the show part just to be on the grounds
my brother has a AMF golf cart needs belts might try to take it
thanks
Posted By: B3422W5

Re: Moparty in Bowling Green - 09/05/21 11:49 AM

Originally Posted by Rhinodart
It is the up and coming show and was great last year! I stay in my LQ trailer right on grounds as it has a full hook-up RV park and amusement park on grounds. I will never miss this show as Holley is in Bowling Green and is putting a bunch of money in this show so it is only going to get better! There is a cruise to Johnsons Hot Rod Garage in Columbia, TN Thursday before the show which will be epic! The swap meet needs to grow, but the word is getting out so it should.



Epic is for sure. Thats a 2.5 hour drive( at least) each way.
Posted By: Rhinodart

Re: Moparty in Bowling Green - 09/09/21 03:18 AM

Looks like the cruise is FROM Johnson's Horsepowered Garage in Columbia, TN with the party starting at 9AM on Thursday with the cruise to the event in Bowling Green at NOON so we can be at the grounds by 3PM. I just got word about an hour ago, so you just have to show up there at 9AM...
Posted By: Devil

Re: Moparty in Bowling Green - 09/09/21 05:24 AM

This is a great show, I highly recommend it. It has something for everyone.

Here's my pictures from last year, sadly can't make this year.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/hemipwr70/albums/72157716026980761

https://www.flickr.com/photos/hemipwr70/albums/72157716040291608

https://www.flickr.com/photos/hemipwr70/albums/72157716053415483
Posted By: Rhinodart

Re: Moparty in Bowling Green - 09/16/21 03:14 AM

I got to the track at 9:00 tonight and the lady said it rained all day! Lots of flooded areas and got stuck pulling into the camping spot, thank goodness for four wheel drive! It looks like the forecast has improved greatly over the last few days, should be an awesome weekend! boogie COME ONE COME ALL!
Posted By: B3422W5

Re: Moparty in Bowling Green - 09/17/21 12:55 AM

Originally Posted by Rhinodart
I got to the track at 9:00 tonight and the lady said it rained all day! Lots of flooded areas and got stuck pulling into the camping spot, thank goodness for four wheel drive! It looks like the forecast has improved greatly over the last few days, should be an awesome weekend! boogie COME ONE COME ALL!



Rained yesterday, didn't rain today.
They ran Challenger fest all day, still running when i got here at 2:30 this afternoon….bright sunshine and humid as all get out.
Saw a little standing water in a couple low places in the pits, but no flooding..lol

Oops just figured out you must of been talking about Wednesday, not today..cause it isn't 9 here yet
Posted By: justinp61

Re: Moparty in Bowling Green - 09/17/21 02:18 AM

Originally Posted by B3422W5
Originally Posted by Rhinodart
I got to the track at 9:00 tonight and the lady said it rained all day! Lots of flooded areas and got stuck pulling into the camping spot, thank goodness for four wheel drive! It looks like the forecast has improved greatly over the last few days, should be an awesome weekend! boogie COME ONE COME ALL!



Rained yesterday, didn't rain today.
They ran Challenger fest all day, still running when i got here at 2:30 this afternoon….bright sunshine and humid as all get out.
Saw a little standing water in a couple low places in the pits, but no flooding..lol

Oops just figured out you must of been talking about Wednesday, not today..cause it isn't 9 here yet


Welcome to Kentucky! LOL

I have the car loaded but still have some loose ends to tie up before I can leave in the AM.
Posted By: Remy-Z

Re: Moparty in Bowling Green - 09/17/21 01:19 PM

The sun is shining, the temperatures look great and the rain chances are low. MoParty has kicked off and we're looking forward to seeing everybody out here!

Photo: Brian Hogan Photography

Attached picture 242300841_10107653308046532_7948744727265219866_n.jpg
Posted By: SNK-EYZ

Re: Moparty in Bowling Green - 09/20/21 06:58 AM

Well, the rain Sunday cleared everyone out. frowwn

So much for the weatherman's accuracy of it being a nice day.

It must be nice to be wrong so much at a job and still be employed.. whistling
Posted By: Rhinodart

Re: Moparty in Bowling Green - 09/21/21 12:39 AM

It was a great day on Friday, and most of the day on Saturday. Was in the Mr. Norms tribute parade driving the silver 2008 Challenger SRT8 with the six pack hood. Had a fun time with friends after the festivities in the RV park. Decided it was not going to be a good day on Sunday so left before 10AM and glad we did! It was a fun show, but they really have to figure out the swap area, this isn't rocket science since the Hot Rod Reunion has been doing it for twenty years. The registration process still needs work too, again not rocket science. I will go again next year, still a great venue and whats not to like about an all-Mopar show!
Posted By: justinp61

Re: Moparty in Bowling Green - 09/21/21 01:10 PM

I went and had a great time, yeah the weather put a damper on things but there is nothing we can do about it so I won't complain. I plan on going again next year.
Posted By: Mastershake340

Re: Moparty in Bowling Green - 09/21/21 01:23 PM

Despite some rain still had a great time!
Here are my pictures of the show:
Moparty car show
Moparty Racing
Posted By: Red383

Re: Moparty in Bowling Green - 09/21/21 03:22 PM

Looks like it is not overcrowded with new car like the Mapar Nats always are.

Hopefully I can make it there next year.
Posted By: Tony21

Re: Moparty in Bowling Green - 09/21/21 03:30 PM

Originally Posted by Remy-Z
The sun is shining, the temperatures look great and the rain chances are low. MoParty has kicked off and we're looking forward to seeing everybody out here!

Photo: Brian Hogan Photography



Nice photo!
Posted By: Mastershake340

Re: Moparty in Bowling Green - 09/21/21 03:51 PM

Originally Posted by Red383
Looks like it is not overcrowded with new car like the Mapar Nats always are.

Hopefully I can make it there next year.

There were a ton of late model Challengers and Chargers there. If you get the idea there weren't based on my pictures, that is just because I completely ignore most of them! laugh2
In fact, the show grew out of a LX fest or something like that, and they opened it up to everything Mopar last year to create Moparty.
But the vintage turnout is large also, so there is something for everyone!
One suggestion I would make would be to try to organize the show so that the vintage cars are in one area of the grounds and the newer cars in another, then those who are interested in vintage wouldn't have to wander through areas of mostly newer cars to see the older vehicles and visa versa for the late model fans.
With the beautiful facilities, 2 racing tracks, room for a big show and swap meet, along with a central USA location and Holley's deep pockets helping fund the event, I think this show will continue to grow to be one of the premiere yearly Mopar events.
Posted By: RoadRunnerLuva

Re: Moparty in Bowling Green - 09/21/21 05:19 PM

Originally Posted by Mastershake340
Despite some rain still had a great time!
Here are my pictures of the show:
Moparty car show
Moparty Racing


Thanks for the pics! up
I know the previous owner of that Mr. Norm's 340 SixPak '71 Demon, it's a badass car!
Posted By: Rhinodart

Re: Moparty in Bowling Green - 09/21/21 06:50 PM

Originally Posted by RoadRunnerLuva
Originally Posted by Mastershake340
Despite some rain still had a great time!
Here are my pictures of the show:
Moparty car show
Moparty Racing


Thanks for the pics! up
I know the previous owner of that Mr. Norm's 340 SixPak '71 Demon, it's a badass car!


We owned it for quite a while, I only drove it a few times before it was mothballed then sold at Mecum in 2013. The dealer installed vinyl top is whacky...
Posted By: Remy-Z

Re: Moparty in Bowling Green - 09/22/21 09:35 PM

Originally Posted by Mastershake340

There were a ton of late model Challengers and Chargers there. If you get the idea there weren't based on my pictures, that is just because I completely ignore most of them! laugh2
In fact, the show grew out of a LX fest or something like that, and they opened it up to everything Mopar last year to create Moparty.
But the vintage turnout is large also, so there is something for everyone!
One suggestion I would make would be to try to organize the show so that the vintage cars are in one area of the grounds and the newer cars in another, then those who are interested in vintage wouldn't have to wander through areas of mostly newer cars to see the older vehicles and visa versa for the late model fans.
With the beautiful facilities, 2 racing tracks, room for a big show and swap meet, along with a central USA location and Holley's deep pockets helping fund the event, I think this show will continue to grow to be one of the premiere yearly Mopar events.


MoParty and ChallengerFest came together naturally...Speedy's show was cancelled due to the pandemic, but when MoParty got the green light, it only made sense to give them a place to play. As far as separating the show fields...why? The point is to celebrate all things Mopar related. Besides the fact that Beech Bend isn't that large of a venue (especially compared to the Nats), avoiding the whole "us vs. them" approach that many Mopar shows have can only be a bonus. Modern cars can move out, and let those who don't deal in older machines a chance to see them up close and in person. Variety is what makes the other Holley shows work. I'm not the biggest LS fan, but when I see a fourth-gen Camaro, a 1974 GMC with a camper in the bed and a 1990 Nissan Sentra come together with the same powerplant, that's awesome in my book. I overheard many people who pointed out vehicles like the blue StreetVan, or the Omni GLH that was hiking it's rear tires in the autocross, or the Viper hanging it's hoops when launching. That's what makes the show for me.
Posted By: Mastershake340

Re: Moparty in Bowling Green - 09/22/21 10:38 PM

A little organization of a show field does not create a "us versus them" attitude. I have not been able to make the 13 hour jaunt out to Carlisle but I certainly have heard many talk about it, and the fact the cars on display are organized into categories has been something I have heard people compliment the quality of the show for.
On the other hand, I have heard people who have top quality restoration or customs considering going to the Nats but say they aren't going to take their car to the show unless they can get invited into one of the feature displays, as they don't want to get stuck in the "Fun Field". Suggest they are snobs all you want, but if these cars that many spectators are excited to see aren't there, they aren't there, and that diminishes the quality of the show. I was registered to bring my MCACN Concours gold winning Challenger to be in the Mr Norms display at Moparty and sadly the trailer I was promised to borrow to bring it fell through, and instead I just came as a spectator. I hopefully will buy a trailer by next year and won't have to take a chance on getting let down again like this year, but I am now thinking more about if I am really motivated to bring that car, or if one of my more "nice driver/local show" quality cars would be more appropriate, and that's where I am leaning given that although I think Moparty is a great show, it is not an appropriate show for a high level show car as it is currently organized.
It might not be practical to organize it to the level of Carlisle, but it could be organized somewhat better I think, with maybe 4 or 5 show car areas such as post 1990, pre 1990, truck, and customs for example.
Everyone talks about how the Nats has gone downhill so much over the years, and many have told me how much they hope Moparty will take over being the great show the Nats used to be. So far it's a great start! I watched a lot of drag racing and it was excellent. Maybe some of the racers have some concerns or ideas for improvement though? A good friend of mine participated in the rally racing both last year and this year and loved it, has nothing but praise for how that part of the show was organized.
My point isn't to rip on the show, on the contrary just give suggestions to help improve it from a great start. I have been involved with MCACN for 10 years including working at the show, and Bob Ashton strives to make the show better every year, he's always open to suggestions for improvement. And the show does get better every year! As he always reminds us during the employee meetings, the people who display their cars at our show spend a ton of money on transporting their cars to the show, entry fees and hotels etc and we must bend over backwards to make them feel appreciated and to feel that their effort and money spent was worthwhile. And I believe we succeed and that the vast majority of participants at MCACN are very satisfied with their experience. This should be the attitude of every car show organizer. twocents
Posted By: MOPARMIKE69

Re: Moparty in Bowling Green - 09/27/21 04:52 PM

Originally Posted by Mastershake340
A little organization of a show field does not create a "us versus them" attitude. I have not been able to make the 13 hour jaunt out to Carlisle but I certainly have heard many talk about it, and the fact the cars on display are organized into categories has been something I have heard people compliment the quality of the show for.
On the other hand, I have heard people who have top quality restoration or customs considering going to the Nats but say they aren't going to take their car to the show unless they can get invited into one of the feature displays, as they don't want to get stuck in the "Fun Field". Suggest they are snobs all you want, but if these cars that many spectators are excited to see aren't there, they aren't there, and that diminishes the quality of the show. I was registered to bring my MCACN Concours gold winning Challenger to be in the Mr Norms display at Moparty and sadly the trailer I was promised to borrow to bring it fell through, and instead I just came as a spectator. I hopefully will buy a trailer by next year and won't have to take a chance on getting let down again like this year, but I am now thinking more about if I am really motivated to bring that car, or if one of my more "nice driver/local show" quality cars would be more appropriate, and that's where I am leaning given that although I think Moparty is a great show, it is not an appropriate show for a high level show car as it is currently organized.
It might not be practical to organize it to the level of Carlisle, but it could be organized somewhat better I think, with maybe 4 or 5 show car areas such as post 1990, pre 1990, truck, and customs for example.
Everyone talks about how the Nats has gone downhill so much over the years, and many have told me how much they hope Moparty will take over being the great show the Nats used to be. So far it's a great start! I watched a lot of drag racing and it was excellent. Maybe some of the racers have some concerns or ideas for improvement though? A good friend of mine participated in the rally racing both last year and this year and loved it, has nothing but praise for how that part of the show was organized.
My point isn't to rip on the show, on the contrary just give suggestions to help improve it from a great start. I have been involved with MCACN for 10 years including working at the show, and Bob Ashton strives to make the show better every year, he's always open to suggestions for improvement. And the show does get better every year! As he always reminds us during the employee meetings, the people who display their cars at our show spend a ton of money on transporting their cars to the show, entry fees and hotels etc and we must bend over backwards to make them feel appreciated and to feel that their effort and money spent was worthwhile. And I believe we succeed and that the vast majority of participants at MCACN are very satisfied with their experience. This should be the attitude of every car show organizer. twocents


For you to even bring up MCACN and try to compare it to the Moparty is laughable. How much do you spend to attend an indoor show at MCACN and $200 a night Hotels compared to the Moparty event? Then as a judge you have to get the owner of the car to sign off on the judging sheet. Really? That just makes the award less special because what judge wants to have to fight with an owner about his judging??? I know because I have experienced it personally. Oh and is MCACN an all Mopar show? Nope. Is it an awesome show that has it's niche and should be appreciated for what it is.

I am not a fan of Carlisle. You can't park with your friends. You do not get Judged it is just a dog and pony show with friends voting for friends. No night life or drag racing. Oh but you have nice bathrooms and they do have a great swap meet. We took a friends car to Carlisle that had just been shipped to SEMA on Ma Mopars dime and in their display and it got nothing at Carlisle. Again it has it's niche and should be appreciated for what it is.

You can bad mouth the Nats all you want but it still has drag racing, an organized Judged show field and everyone else can park with whomever they want. Great night life and plenty of Hotels. This year there were 2 Million dollar cars Judged in O.E. and they both received a Gold. A Gold award at the Nats is WAY more difficult than a Gold at MCACN. Does a Gold car at MCACN get Judged for 4 hours and the undercarriage Judged? A First place in the regular show classes at the Nats still carries more weight than a Gold at MCACN. I know because I have seen cars with these awards up close and personal. Plus the Nats still has a great swap meet. Again it has it's unique niche and should be appreciated for it.

These discussions remind me of the bad attitudes I often see on here with guys trashing Trailer Queen guys who trash driver guys who trash race guys who trash modern Mopar guys etc. As a Mopar guy you should accept and celebrate every Mopar out there and accept and support all the shows since they all have there place in the hobby.

The Moparty is an fun event. One that we didn't have 2 years ago. Celebrate it for what it is and respect it's unique niche and support for our beloved Mopars! So what if new cars are parked with classic cars, you get to see Mopars everywhere! Drag racing. Autocross. Mopar experience. Daily cruises. Vendors. Swap meet. Heck you can even bring your family to the water park on Saturday.

Final thought, and I am done. Either support ALL Mopar cars and hobbyists and ALL Mopar events, or sell your Mopar and buy another brand. Your either on the team or not.
Posted By: Rhinodart

Re: Moparty in Bowling Green - 09/28/21 02:25 AM

Originally Posted by MOPARMIKE69
Originally Posted by Mastershake340
A little organization of a show field does not create a "us versus them" attitude. I have not been able to make the 13 hour jaunt out to Carlisle but I certainly have heard many talk about it, and the fact the cars on display are organized into categories has been something I have heard people compliment the quality of the show for.
On the other hand, I have heard people who have top quality restoration or customs considering going to the Nats but say they aren't going to take their car to the show unless they can get invited into one of the feature displays, as they don't want to get stuck in the "Fun Field". Suggest they are snobs all you want, but if these cars that many spectators are excited to see aren't there, they aren't there, and that diminishes the quality of the show. I was registered to bring my MCACN Concours gold winning Challenger to be in the Mr Norms display at Moparty and sadly the trailer I was promised to borrow to bring it fell through, and instead I just came as a spectator. I hopefully will buy a trailer by next year and won't have to take a chance on getting let down again like this year, but I am now thinking more about if I am really motivated to bring that car, or if one of my more "nice driver/local show" quality cars would be more appropriate, and that's where I am leaning given that although I think Moparty is a great show, it is not an appropriate show for a high level show car as it is currently organized.
It might not be practical to organize it to the level of Carlisle, but it could be organized somewhat better I think, with maybe 4 or 5 show car areas such as post 1990, pre 1990, truck, and customs for example.
Everyone talks about how the Nats has gone downhill so much over the years, and many have told me how much they hope Moparty will take over being the great show the Nats used to be. So far it's a great start! I watched a lot of drag racing and it was excellent. Maybe some of the racers have some concerns or ideas for improvement though? A good friend of mine participated in the rally racing both last year and this year and loved it, has nothing but praise for how that part of the show was organized.
My point isn't to rip on the show, on the contrary just give suggestions to help improve it from a great start. I have been involved with MCACN for 10 years including working at the show, and Bob Ashton strives to make the show better every year, he's always open to suggestions for improvement. And the show does get better every year! As he always reminds us during the employee meetings, the people who display their cars at our show spend a ton of money on transporting their cars to the show, entry fees and hotels etc and we must bend over backwards to make them feel appreciated and to feel that their effort and money spent was worthwhile. And I believe we succeed and that the vast majority of participants at MCACN are very satisfied with their experience. This should be the attitude of every car show organizer. twocents


For you to even bring up MCACN and try to compare it to the Moparty is laughable. How much do you spend to attend an indoor show at MCACN and $200 a night Hotels compared to the Moparty event? Then as a judge you have to get the owner of the car to sign off on the judging sheet. Really? That just makes the award less special because what judge wants to have to fight with an owner about his judging??? I know because I have experienced it personally. Oh and is MCACN an all Mopar show? Nope. Is it an awesome show that has it's niche and should be appreciated for what it is.

I am not a fan of Carlisle. You can't park with your friends. You do not get Judged it is just a dog and pony show with friends voting for friends. No night life or drag racing. Oh but you have nice bathrooms and they do have a great swap meet. We took a friends car to Carlisle that had just been shipped to SEMA on Ma Mopars dime and in their display and it got nothing at Carlisle. Again it has it's niche and should be appreciated for what it is.

You can bad mouth the Nats all you want but it still has drag racing, an organized Judged show field and everyone else can park with whomever they want. Great night life and plenty of Hotels. This year there were 2 Million dollar cars Judged in O.E. and they both received a Gold. A Gold award at the Nats is WAY more difficult than a Gold at MCACN. Does a Gold car at MCACN get Judged for 4 hours and the undercarriage Judged? A First place in the regular show classes at the Nats still carries more weight than a Gold at MCACN. I know because I have seen cars with these awards up close and personal. Plus the Nats still has a great swap meet. Again it has it's unique niche and should be appreciated for it.

These discussions remind me of the bad attitudes I often see on here with guys trashing Trailer Queen guys who trash driver guys who trash race guys who trash modern Mopar guys etc. As a Mopar guy you should accept and celebrate every Mopar out there and accept and support all the shows since they all have there place in the hobby.

The Moparty is an fun event. One that we didn't have 2 years ago. Celebrate it for what it is and respect it's unique niche and support for our beloved Mopars! So what if new cars are parked with classic cars, you get to see Mopars everywhere! Drag racing. Autocross. Mopar experience. Daily cruises. Vendors. Swap meet. Heck you can even bring your family to the water park on Saturday.

Final thought, and I am done. Either support ALL Mopar cars and hobbyists and ALL Mopar events, or sell your Mopar and buy another brand. Your either on the team or not.


Damn dude, lighten up Francis! I have been going to the Nats for over 30 years plus being a judge there for over 10 years, and going to Carlisle since 1992, and have been the head Mopar judge at MCACN for 9 of the 11 years, plus 10 17 years of Mopars at the Strip most of the time as a judge, and both years of Moparty, so I feel I have the experience to defend what Brad said. I offered my help at Moparty but they told me they got it and didn't need any help, but that is just not the case. Each show does have its good and bad, and I do support ALL Mopar events and I can tell you this, the Nats is way overblown for their judging and still make mistakes that I have personally seen, one reason I quit judging there. You sound like you are more disgruntled than Brad, sit back and re-read what you typed! Only once at MCACN was there an issue with a car me or my team judged, and it was with one of the owners of the show who had just bought a freakin' Cuda at that show! Nobody else has flat out refused to sign their judging sheet, yes there were some questions that were resolved quickly to the satisfacation of everyone. Carlise does indeed have a nightlife, and if you want racing there is a track close by. Me thinks you need to get out more...
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