Part of the NCRS problem....

[Harry S.]

Re: Part of the NCRS problem....

We are graying and sometimes the driving fun is not like the past. I drove 340 miles round trip today to Judge at the Northeast Judging meet. I was in my C6 not the 63. We do need a way to find a new spark!

[Kenneth B.]

Re: Part of the NCRS problem....

Ken,
Well I'm 69 I agree it's not as much fun but it is still fun.
I drove my 62 4 speed car and once I figure out how to get into the car, loosen up my legs so I can work the clutch & brake it's time to go. Run through the gears and have a ball.
We old guys react sort of like are Corvettes; The longer we sit the more that goes wrong and has to be fixed. Believe me after driving nice country roads for 40 miles it feels real good to get out of the damn car and stretch.
But I would not give it up for anything else.

Bruce
I still go to some car shows & show NCRS but it's not as fun as it was in the day I have my 2 67'S here & love to drive them here. I belong to the Scottsdale Corvette club & most have newer cars. To me they are just drivers. O well time passes us by

[Doug L.]

Re: Part of the NCRS problem....

In a related issue, I wonder what percentage of members belong to the National Organization only and not to a chapter? I don't belong to my local chapter for no other reason than that I found I never had the time to participate in their events. They have many good ones, but it seemed I was always doing something else. I also am not the kind of person who enjoys being at a show for more than an hour. I have more fun driving there and back.

The "greying" problem is pervasive throughout almost all the specialty hobbies and by specialty I mean those that require real commitment to participate. General aviation has the same issue, maybe worse.

Rich

General Aviation may be another issue such as $8.00+ per gallon for gas. It is a LOT cheaper to fly commercial today.

Doug

[Mike E.]

Re: Part of the NCRS problem....

I've always consider NCRS to be more involved in just showing cars, and the correct bolt stuff. Then NCCC was more for gymkhanas, social event & partying. (Lord knows I've done my share of that in the past) I’m very new to NCRS but old timer to Corvettes having being a continuous owned owner since I bought a new one when I was 19 in 1976.

I’ll agree physical limitations of aging do have its effects. That’s why now at 55 I decided if I was going to get my ‘65 back on the road it’s time to do while I still can. Over Labor Day weekend I changed the clutch on my C5 Z06. It took me a good week to recover. I kept saying to myself, Damn-it Jim, I’m computer programmer not an auto mechanic. Truth be-told I loved the low tech stuff of turning a wrench. Worse yet I kept noting gee…Look at the finish or head pattern of that bolt…See the monster you guys have created! Now my darkest secret, I’ve never had the Z above 85….But I will say this…It sure doesn’t take long to get there.

I do think the Internet doesn’t help, in the old days the only way we can could get together and talk about our passion was to go to events. Now it’s far easier to simply log in to the forum and discuss our hobby. IMO NCRS and the current group of veterans have done an amazing job of documenting these cars for future generations to cherish and enjoy. You guys will be known as Corvette's Greatest Generation!

Let’s also be honest, with fuel cost what they are today to drive to an event several hundred miles can get expensive especially if your car has special fuel requirements that can be a real challenge. IMO NCRS may not be what it once was, but because of the virtualization of our world today it may just take on another face.

And Kenneth…You mentioned ND Football, are you near South Bend?...It’s a little early to tell but the Irish could be back?

Mike

[Clark K.]

Re: Part of the NCRS problem....

Yesterday some members of the Queen City NCRS Chapter participated in a road tour (about 35 Miles each way) to the ECTA land speed trials at Wilmington Ohio. Out of a membership of approximately 119, 6 (six) cars made the trip. The weather was perfect, the racing was great and we had a great time.
To bad some of the other 113 members could not attend. Obviously there are many good reasons some could not participate but the overall participation was rather pathetic. Do we belong to NCRS to preserve and enjoy our cars or just do it as an investment, or what?
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Bruce, I am sorry to hear about the low event turnout. I know that my '65 would have made your trip if only I lived in your chapter. Here in Texas, when we have an event, Houston is 250 miles from me, San Antonio is about 300 miles away, and El Paso, Texas is a twelve hour drive! But, come on, you Queen City Chapter members, 35 miles (only) one-way on a day with no wet weather? To watch Corvettes race a measured mile? There can be no excuse.

I am drivin' my "2012 National Top Flight/2012 Keels & Wheels Concours Best in Class" '65 L76 A/C Coupe the 30 miles to the Lone Star Regional in Frisco, TX in two weeks. I hope to see you Texas Chapter members, there.
-Clark

[Patrick H.]

Re: Part of the NCRS problem....

We are graying and sometimes the driving fun is not like the past. I drove 340 miles round trip today to Judge at the Northeast Judging meet. I was in my C6 not the 63. We do need a way to find a new spark!

Sounds like when many of us went to the Altoona Regional a few weeks ago.
The older cars stayed at home and the C6's make the trip.

I drive my C6 to work most days of the week and whenever else I can. I just rarely drive the older ones.

[Greg C.]

Re: Part of the NCRS problem....

I guess we, as individuals, have to step up to promote the NCRS and Corvettes in general to help combat the "gray-ing". Does your chpater/local group have business cards with meeting times/contacts on them? When you drive your vette, and someone asks, hand them a card and welcome them to a meeting.

I know that a lot of folks think you might have to own a Vette to be a member (I don't own one myself, and am looking to buy my first one) but the trick is getting other folks involved.

Its kind of amazing how many folks toil away on their cars, alone in their garage. Maybe invite a young(er) guy over to help work on your car? Enthusiasm is contagious.

[Rich G.]

Re: Part of the NCRS problem....

General Aviation may be another issue such as $8.00+ per gallon for gas. It is a LOT cheaper to fly commercial today.

Doug

Right. It's cheaper to take the bus than drive a corvette, too.

I guess I was trying to make the analogy that many factors in our society today make it harder for new blood to participate or worse, want to participate. Another post said it better.

Meanwhile, I don't think it is that bad. NCRS is a strong organization and does provide great benefits to us. This forum is one and the publications are fantastic. Any hobby has many facets. It's a challenge to cater to all of them effectively. When somebody I don't know contacts me because they know I have corvettes and they just got one or they want one, the first thing I tell them is to join NCRS.

Rich

[Dale M.]

Re: Part of the NCRS problem....

It seems to me that the younger people are not that much interested in these older, not-up-to-new-technology cars. I cannot get my sons interested, or its that they really don't have the time or money. One of my sons races an LT1 Camero with Nitrous and won the LTX shoot out the year before last. Another son is an airline mechanic. so it seems to be a natural for one of them to take over, but I can't seem to get them involved. I am not sure what happens to my car when I am gone. I am approaching 70 years myself. I have three stepsons, and this was their dads car and he raced it. So even with this connection, they don't seem to have an interest.

If we did more outside events, then we could get more exposurer. It seems lilke you stated, our member work alone in their garages and don't get their cars out. We have almost 120 members, but about 6-10 may drive their cars.

I do appreciate your suggestions, and maybe there is something I can bring up to our club.

[Greg C.]

Re: Part of the NCRS problem....

As a "younger" guy (44) it does seem that the price of entry is a deterrent for most folks in my age bracket...
I have wanted a C1/C2 since I was 10, and finally decided to do something about it and am slowly getting my ducks in a row (I have sold off just about everything I own that doesn't effect the family finances except for a Class III gun..) but that still only puts me at right around $30K, which doesn't get much in the Vette game.

Regardless, I am plugging away at it... and will make it a reality.

But back to some suggestions on upping membership/interest.

Another Idea would be to partner with OTHER car groups. Say a drive with a local mustang or Porsche group? And a prize for the group that has the most member's cars? That SHOULD bring out the Vette faithful right? Don't want to be shown up by some Kraut machine (with all due respect!)

Home Coming season is just about over... but that is an opportunity to show off the cars and get young peoples eyes on early vettes. When I was in HS, the local club volunteered to ride the Home Coming court around the track... you know the drill... but it was always a thrill to see the girls and those cars!

I know that HS Shop classes may be a thing of the past, but if you have a VOTECH or similar school in your area, your local club could partner with a school and show em how this stuff was done old school.

Keep your ear to the ground as far as home coming troop celebrations. If there is a parade or opportunity to show off the cars with the troops, it gets a lot of attention and is GREAT PR for the military folks as well....

[Dale M.]

Re: Part of the NCRS problem....

Greg, great suggestions, Thanks.

We transported a homecoming queen in our car many years ago. This does get some exposurer, The prices of vettes have been coming down. Be careful of vettes without good titles and/or trim tags. I really want a C1, but don't have the funds to spend or the space to keep it.

[Kenneth B.]

Re: Part of the NCRS problem....

Ken,
Well I'm 69 I agree it's not as much fun but it is still fun.
I drove my 62 4 speed car and once I figure out how to get into the car, loosen up my legs so I can work the clutch & brake it's time to go. Run through the gears and have a ball.
We old guys react sort of like are Corvettes; The longer we sit the more that goes wrong and has to be fixed. Believe me after driving nice country roads for 40 miles it feels real good to get out of the damn car and stretch.
But I would not give it up for anything else.

Im with you Bruce. I love to drive my 67'S but like you I like to go for long drives clean out the carbs as we used to say. Puts a smile on my face 7 makes me feel 25 again. I just don't go to as many events as i used too.

[Joe C.]

Re: Part of the NCRS problem....

I have a lot of fun with my "souped-up" '65.

In fact, too much fun sometimes. Yesterday, I wanted to test a new piece of equipment, which required taking the engine to 7500 RPM through the gears. Everything worked well, and I was very excited and pleased. Pleased, until the trooper pulled out of the speed trap and pulled me over.

When he reached my passenger door, he remarked at what a nice car I have. He asked where I was coming from, and where I was going. After the required "I'm sorry, sir", I told him. He came back and handed me a ticket for the fuzzy dice hanging from the rearview mirror. No points offense and cheap fine. Whew!

To get back to the original post: What bothers me more than lack of participation, is the fact that too many enthusiasts drive their modern Corvettes to events and leave the classics at home.

[Kenneth B.]

Re: Part of the NCRS problem....

MIKE
I lived in Auburn In. 2 hours from Notre Dame. My brother graduated from there & still gets tickets. I went to IU so I watch IU basketball & ND football. I moved to Az. last year so I don't go now. I think they will do well this year. GO IRISH

[David L.]

Re: Part of the NCRS problem....

I bought my 1966 Corvette in 1979 at the age of 32 and joined the NCRS in 1980. Being a "rookie" Corvette owner at the time I did not even realize that the engine was not original. On Thanksgiving weekend in 1980 I began dismantling the Corvette right down to the frame. The articles in the NCRS magazine, collecting vintage Chevrolet parts catalogs, shopping at the local salvage yards, and attending auto swap meets have helped me reassemble the Corvette closer to what it was in 1966. I finally drove it in the Summer of 1995. I am more interested in collecting and researching parts right down to the nuts and bolts. I really have no interest in showing off the car. The NCRS website has been a great way to share information about original parts.

Dave