A big thanks to our sponsors who really came through for us on such short notice! Please, take a minute to let them know how much you appreciate their contributions towards ECG; a PM, e-mail or post in their sponsor subforum thanking them would be much appreciated.
Auto Velocity made the trophies possible, and arranged certificates for five dyno sessions, as well as made some of the calls to organize and co-ordinate. Seth was the first to step up and offer to sponsor ECG this year.
The Tire Rack sent along some hats, shirts, and a Tire Rack banner which we put up at the car show at Hooters.
Maximal Performance donated two $50 certificates.
GT PRO contributed a certificate good for their intake manifold polishing service, one for their valve cover polishing, and a certificate good for a genuine JDM "GTO" center garnish.
Snapper's Saloon, the original ECG sponsor, donated four $25 gift certificates as well as a Red Bull wall light, and trophies.
DelMarVa 3S members contributed a number of door prizes. Craig (jedi) donated a HID conversion kit (wow!), and I donated an original '97 3000GT dealer brochure, a set of front OEM replacement brake pads, a set of baseball coasters, and some other random stuff but I forget what.
Other members also brought door prize contributions, which we appreciated! Nav brought a World of Warcraft game and strategy guide and a yellow 3000GT model, and Alan (91STT) donated two five quart jugs of Mobil One.
There was also some K&N oil filters donated, along with other goodies, so if you let me know what you brought, I will add your name as well. I couldn't keep track of it all! Also I'd like to thank those who contributed towards the incidental expenses; it wasn't necessary but definitely appreciated; little stuff does add up after a while.
If I have left anyone out, I apologize; so many people helped out and volunteered, that it really showed the dedication and determination we have collectively, to make ECG a huge success.
Alan (91STT) designed the Poker Run score sheets and rules, and he, Scott (darksurfr) and Dan made the Poker Run a success. They made sure everyone got their cards drawn, and we stayed on schedule so we made all our planned stops. Ended up with an unplanned one at McD's, though, for food and potty breaks.
James (Nosferatu Dracon) did a much more efficient job at getting the registration rolling, than I ever could! He counted the ballots, determined the winners, and overall did everything and anything he could, to make ECG a success! Thank you, thank you, and thank you!
Al Bautista (al3k) created the registration sheets and certificates, and helped figure out the logistics of it all.
Since Adam didn't show up at the banquet, we were in need of a mouth, and a big one, to do the announcements and awards. Craig (jedi3000gt) stepped up and did an awesome job of winging it! He's nominated for the job next year!
I created a memorial picture, with a picture I found of DomGT's car and a quote I always liked, from the thread where he sold his car. It dedicated ECG '08 to the members we have lost over the past year...DomGT and Dorotea, who was my own sister. I gave the original to Dom's family, and made a copy for everyone's registration folder.
I'll post the picture perhaps this evening.
Thank you ALL for coming, even those who couldn't make it until late. Next year there will be some changes based upon the feedback and comments over the years, and the Poker Run was just the beginning.
Mark your calendars...
ECG will be the FIRST WEEKEND IN MAY next year, and will be THREE days. So plan to arrive Thursday or earlier because we will be scheduling events and fun stuff all day Friday, as well. Most people want some kind of racing, other than that which "just happens"! Not sure what that will be just yet, it's up to you guys, really, as far as what YOU want to do, and to see.
ECG is about YOU, and the cars, so please let me or one of the others mentioned above, know what worked for you, what you liked and didn't like, and what you'd like to see changed, and any suggestions you may have.
We had a great crowd this year, despite some regulars bailing on us. Almost 20% of the attendees were first timers! Still saw people there who'd been coming for 10 or more years, but good to know we're attracting new people as well, to keep it going. It was more mellow and laidback this year, no real drama other than the hit and run on Sunday morning to Craig's car. I had a great time, despite being exhausted from all the last minute stuff that needed doing.
A special thanks to Brian (brreyeNo2L), who washed and cleaned up the Straman for me Friday evening, so I could spend the last hour or so finishing the trophies and so on. I hated to come with a filthy car, so I really appreciated him taking the time to come by and get it looking decent while I got the trophies ready.