Sportmachines
Active member
I've been writing this post in my head for the last week. Reviewing thoughts and highlights, and also recovering from the overworked, overtired, sleep deprived state leading up to Carlisle, and getting back to business as usual in the shop, put everything back in order and catch up on things. Its taken a bit longer than planned. I have to keep reminding myself that all this happened just last week. One week ago we were loading up trucks and trailers and still having trucks roll in on sunday afternoon! Still a sucker for S10s and blazers with body kits.
What a great event! You know it was great because within 48hours of being home, emails were going out, thoughts and ideas were culminating and files were started for next years show. The attendance was incredible. The sheer number of trucks all in one place, 46 total for the weekend, was awesome. The number and caliber of people that attended, was even more awesome. The florida crew, 3 deep, picking up trucks to deliver, buying trucks on the way, enduring a 20+ hour drive and when they do roll in, the first thing they do is unload all of the stuff they've been collecting for Harmon's Tiki Bar so we have an crazy and awesome place to hang out all weekend. And that was just the beginning. A member that was in town from California for work that extended his stay to come check out trucks and meet some people. A father and son from California, that recently purchased a Syclone, flew in for the weekend to meet other owners, learn more about the trucks and community and make plans for their project. Folks from the surrounding states that brought friends and family to be part of our gang for the weekend. Midwest guys and girls that made a sizable journey themselves, and then drove more with their truck and trailer to assist another owner that had broken down on the way to the show. The Canadians that made the trek from the north dodging snow storms, polar bears, and were able to gather significant dignitaries to join us for the weekend. New members that graciously brought and cooked for us all. The guys that couldn't attend, but still found a way to bring trucks for us to have on display for the weekend. All of you that left jobs, businesses, families and countless other things to be a part of this. My deepest and sincerest THANK YOU to you all! The effort and energy you put in to make it to these events is what makes it all possible and so great.
The usual antics that all of us were accustomed to from meets up the past were dusted off and enhanced. Long time members and owners and newbies all together. "SHOT GUNS" Harmon bombs. Pools and inflatable couches. Palm trees. Jello shots. Decorations. Snacks. For sale signs. Fixing broken trucks. Parking lot sessions. Cigars. Wienie roasting. Trucks of the FUTURE. Random birthday shots. Burnouts. Wrong turns and extended rides on the PENN turnpike. The caravans there, and on the ride home. Theres so much to recall, Its hard to remember everything. You can see some of it in the pics, but the best thing to do is be a part of it next year!
Thank you to my TEAM. Its the combined effort, understanding and support I have from everyone that helps me put this all together, make it work through the weekend and get things back to normal once we return.
This community is great. These events that bring us all together so that we can share our passion for these trucks. The memories we make. The stories and knowledge and share. The friendships we forge. Thats what makes it all worth it. It is truly a family. A family I'm proud to be a part of.
My deepest and sincerest thanks to you all! I look forward to next years event!
Tom
Pics: http://www.sportmachines.net/events-and-happenings/carlisle-truck-nationals-2016
What a great event! You know it was great because within 48hours of being home, emails were going out, thoughts and ideas were culminating and files were started for next years show. The attendance was incredible. The sheer number of trucks all in one place, 46 total for the weekend, was awesome. The number and caliber of people that attended, was even more awesome. The florida crew, 3 deep, picking up trucks to deliver, buying trucks on the way, enduring a 20+ hour drive and when they do roll in, the first thing they do is unload all of the stuff they've been collecting for Harmon's Tiki Bar so we have an crazy and awesome place to hang out all weekend. And that was just the beginning. A member that was in town from California for work that extended his stay to come check out trucks and meet some people. A father and son from California, that recently purchased a Syclone, flew in for the weekend to meet other owners, learn more about the trucks and community and make plans for their project. Folks from the surrounding states that brought friends and family to be part of our gang for the weekend. Midwest guys and girls that made a sizable journey themselves, and then drove more with their truck and trailer to assist another owner that had broken down on the way to the show. The Canadians that made the trek from the north dodging snow storms, polar bears, and were able to gather significant dignitaries to join us for the weekend. New members that graciously brought and cooked for us all. The guys that couldn't attend, but still found a way to bring trucks for us to have on display for the weekend. All of you that left jobs, businesses, families and countless other things to be a part of this. My deepest and sincerest THANK YOU to you all! The effort and energy you put in to make it to these events is what makes it all possible and so great.
The usual antics that all of us were accustomed to from meets up the past were dusted off and enhanced. Long time members and owners and newbies all together. "SHOT GUNS" Harmon bombs. Pools and inflatable couches. Palm trees. Jello shots. Decorations. Snacks. For sale signs. Fixing broken trucks. Parking lot sessions. Cigars. Wienie roasting. Trucks of the FUTURE. Random birthday shots. Burnouts. Wrong turns and extended rides on the PENN turnpike. The caravans there, and on the ride home. Theres so much to recall, Its hard to remember everything. You can see some of it in the pics, but the best thing to do is be a part of it next year!
Thank you to my TEAM. Its the combined effort, understanding and support I have from everyone that helps me put this all together, make it work through the weekend and get things back to normal once we return.
This community is great. These events that bring us all together so that we can share our passion for these trucks. The memories we make. The stories and knowledge and share. The friendships we forge. Thats what makes it all worth it. It is truly a family. A family I'm proud to be a part of.
My deepest and sincerest thanks to you all! I look forward to next years event!
Tom
Pics: http://www.sportmachines.net/events-and-happenings/carlisle-truck-nationals-2016
Thirteen years in this community and many of the faces have not changed. It's nice. Can't imagine there are too many car clubs that can say that.
