With apologies to all in advance, this thread is getting ridiculous. It would be nice if those detractors would stop, think about the implications and before they criticize the NSRA decision to allow newer cars, at least ATTEND a show. Look at my AVATAR to see what is my preference. Yes, it would be very nice to have that kind of attitude that pre '49 is best. IT SIMPLY WILL NOT FLY IN TODAY'S ECONOMY. There are a limited number of, 1, restorable vehicles available at an acceptable cost. 2, There are a limited number of fiberglass and steel replicas available. 3, There are a limited number of folks that can even do automobile mechanics or body work any longer. 4. There are a limited amount of discretionary income dollars in today's economy that can be funneled to personal hobbies with food, families and homes taking up most of those funds. 5, NSRA/Goodguys and others are not hobbies run for our enjoyment for those operating those groups regardless of their advertising. They are a business and if they don't show a profit - they're gone. And NSRA York - most of the really poorly done cars - they were the 1948 and older cars - I specifically spent my time looking for the later crapola cars - and they were not there!!!!!!!
Now, let's get back to that discretionary income and the spending those funds. Take a look at those attending. How many of those folks are in their 20's to 40's? Damn few!!! They just can't afford that expensive weekend trip. I'm guessing that the average age has moved from the late 40's of the 1980's to over 60 (I can tell by the numbers of electric scooters and hanging guts, gray or lack of hair and the oxygen tanks). My weekend at NSRA York cost over $450 - and I didn't have my car there and was alone for two nights. Had my wife attended, a better hotel would have been at least another $100, food another $100 and that's just for the two nights. a third or fourth night, add another $125 to $250 for a hotel and another $150 for food and gas.
Now, I haven't added the employment or should I say UNemployment. The 9.7% is downright gooberment lie!!! The real number is somewhere in the 16 to 20 percent. Don't look at CNN/ABC/CBS/NBC or even Fox, look elsewhere. This too has taken its' toll. If you don't have work, you don't have money. Your car may have been sold or possibly in the garage and under a tarp as you can't afford to register or insure your toy.
This all leads to an economic decision - how can we continue to offer this event and stay in the black.
Now with all that said - boycott these shows, and when they're gone, then you can enjoy a trip to the store, a parade or maybe even a 50 car local show where the '76 Ford LTD Station Wagon with a "custom" Rustoleum paint job shows up and is top dog.
And these - they are only a few points.