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Post by stevensolds on Jun 25, 2005 21:13:25 GMT -6
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Post by bLACk AurOrA on Jun 25, 2005 21:37:31 GMT -6
i kinda wish i would have went. seeings how i am in ohio.
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Post by twinswin on Jun 25, 2005 21:53:07 GMT -6
Very cool fellas!! Next year we will be there. Did you guys run into any other Aurora owners? Again thanks and if you have more pics dont be afraid to post em! Looks like it was really fun.
Thanks, BaJ
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Post by Aurora40 on Jun 25, 2005 21:54:45 GMT -6
Hey Steven, great picts! We should have lined our cars up for a nice pict of them all together, though! Or gotten some launch videos. But hey, if people wanted to see/hear it, they should have shown up! We all had a blast. It was great to meet Steven and Steve, Dan, and Amanda. They were all looking around the show when I arrived (somewhat later than everyone else ). Then we hung out for a bit talking cars and such, then went to scout out the auto-cross course, which was a non-event at the time. Stevens dad had to head out, and the rest of us went to grab a bite to eat, cool off, and talk it up. Then we figured, it's time to see what the cars will do. We caravaned the three 'roaras up some winding roads, then pulled off in a parking lot for some impressions. We took two cars out at a time, two people per car and got to experience the Aurora as it first came out in 1995, in 1998 form with revised suspension and brakes, and in 2002 form with a redesign. Steven's car is really noticeable from outside. I could hear his exhaust plainly when we were driving through the fairgrounds. It's not obnoxious loud at all, but you can definitely hear it. When the car pulls up, you can tell immediately that the exhaust is not stock. Hop in the car, though, and it's not that noticeable until he steps on the gas. Then it growls out at you with a nice tone, one that sounds more big-displacement than the 4.0L badge would indicate. I wasn't a fan of the Razzi in pictures, but in person the body looks very nice. It had a good fit and looks fitting with the cars shape. The car looks great. Dan's car has the classic Classic sounds. Some exhaust comes through, but the intake noise is also there. It rode rather firmly and felt not-unlike the 2nd gen. The binders also haul it down not unlike the 2nd gen (which Steven got a taste of ). We didn't get to sample Amanda's Conti, but I seem to recall her saying it was like driving a Ford Festiva after sitting in all these Auroras... That or she said she'd smoke all our cars, I couldn't tell, it was hard to hear her over Steven punching the gas. Here are some pictures. Here's Dan's car and mine: Here is another shot. You can see the tent Dan constructed from materials he found on the side of the road on the trip down: Here's Steven's car next to a Final 500 Alero: And Dan was thoughtful enough to make a nice little plaque for his car. This way when people said "what the heck is an Aurora??" they could just read the plaque. And, there was a booth for Oldsmobile to help the folks who were saying "what the heck is an Oldsmobile??", which was heard by several GM executives who were visiting the show: It was a great group of people, and I had a lot of fun. It was neat to experience the other cars and to meet the faces behind the screennames. And it was cool to hear some Auroras getting on it in front of you. The Corsas sound a lot different from a chase car.
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Post by Aurora40 on Jun 25, 2005 22:02:20 GMT -6
I had an little run-in on the way home from Carlisle. I was driving down I-81 south, and it was wide open straight road. There was a Thunderbird LX, one of the later years of that model, with a 5.0L V8. A gal was driving with a guy shotgun. They had a Kurt Busch license plate bracket and a big "97" in the window. She was driving 80mph in the left lane, and seemed very reluctant to get out of that lane. I was cruising about 80-85mph, so I'd occasionally get in the right lane and gain a bit. Each time, she'd get on it to keep me behind her until we'd eventually reach another car or two and I'd duck in behind her.
So one time I figure, ehh what the hell. She does the same thing again, and I drop the hammer. I blow by them at about 100mph and then coast down some. She punches it when she gets to my rear bumper, and I let her start to pass a little before I floor it. No contest at all, I was just walking away from her. She started out faster, and she never even got her bumper even. I only went up to about 110mph (from about 80mph) and then let off. They cruised past and the guy riding shotgun gave me the thumbs up. I gave him a friendly grin and a wave.
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Post by kobalt on Jun 26, 2005 1:02:38 GMT -6
Looked like a lot of fun, too bad I had to work
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Post by 95mushroom on Jun 26, 2005 2:20:33 GMT -6
I woulda loved to come too but the aurora didn't have a tranny and pushing 1500 miles would've sucked. Hopefully next year for me too... Oh, Steven, none of the pics/vids work. Even your avatar isn't loading for me. Apparently, only me?
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Post by Mr. Javi on Jun 26, 2005 8:16:00 GMT -6
Very nice guys, like the videos.
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Post by JimW on Jun 26, 2005 8:17:32 GMT -6
Great stuff guys!
I really wanted to attend, as Amanda and I discussed this event last summer. Couldn't get the time off. Anyhow, it looks to be great ACNA reprensentation at Carlisle for the first time!
I gotta ask though, who had the old Cutless Sierra there? and was OCA present?
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Post by Letitroll98 on Jun 26, 2005 8:49:36 GMT -6
I placed third in class!!!!
Can't stay to post much more, I'm going to run over and pick up my prize. See ya later.
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Post by stevensolds on Jun 26, 2005 8:54:49 GMT -6
Jim...I shouldve taken a pic of that rusted-out Cutlass Cierra there...what a f'n joke that guy was. Paid $25 to park that POS on the fairgrounds...WOW. It was a hispanic mom and her 3 young kids. Me and Dan were going to set up that tent around the Cutlass if there wasnt a pole in the middle. Btw Dan did a great job bringing all that stuff, i wasnt prepared at all...I had never attended one of these before. I shoudlve brought my 2 Aurora models and put them on the dash, and maybe brought some other stuff. Oh well.
OCA was present..yep. I got a few comments on my Razzi kit. Some people looked at it and laughed..Dan also got a few comments and so did Bob. Mostly older folks commented on the cars though, go figure.
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Post by macadamiaman on Jun 26, 2005 9:16:56 GMT -6
Love the sound of that 2002...
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Post by stevensolds on Jun 26, 2005 9:19:47 GMT -6
So did I. The pictures dont do that car, or any good looking car for that matter justice. I could have drove around all day, lol. Hearing the 02 4.0 floor it from the outside produces a very aggressive growl. It is a great complement to the Northstar V8. Definetly wont be bashing the 2nd gen anymore. The interior is very comfortable and his car was so clean. There wasnt any food or anything inbetween the seats, looks like it had never been eaten in. very nice.
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Post by Custom88 on Jun 26, 2005 10:02:16 GMT -6
Looks like a lot of fun guys!
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Post by Aurora40 on Jun 26, 2005 14:28:12 GMT -6
I placed third in class!!!! Hey man, congrats! I did see a few people writing down the number from your car onto their ballots. I should have submitted mine, maybe it would have bumped you to 2nd. What was the class you won in, and how did you find out you won?
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Post by Letitroll98 on Jun 26, 2005 17:08:21 GMT -6
The class was 1977 and later mid and full size Olds, we were all entered automatically with our registration. It wasn't a giant class, all the cars on our "block" were in it. The rust bucket Ciera was owned by the second place finisher who entered the later model red Cutlass you can just see in your pics. Nice folks, John and Jan. First Place was taken by the '88 you can again just see in you pics. No big deal, but I got to go thru the parade and get my "Major Award" in front of the Grandstand crowd. And I have a temporary 'pride of place' on the mantle for now. For a last detail regarding show goers, the winning ticket for the '87 Olds car sweepstakes was 037873, unclaimed as I left. Back up tickets were 030950, 039326, 030304, a girl came up for that one. You had to be present to win, that's why they had the back ups, but check your goody bag for the might have been winner. Edit: P.S. Steven just PM'd me with a "LMFAO" because we said we'd make up a big lie to razz all the members that didn't make it, like the post I made on the NJ mini meet last year. No, I didn't photoshop my car in the pic, I actual placed third in a stupid little class. Bob asked how I found out. Last night talking with the OCA members, Brad (president of the Baltimore chapter) said the winners get posted on the tree by the grandstand. So this morning I called the office for S&G and the lady informed me of my win by default, er...I mean major victory. Not having anything else to do today and never having won anything for my car before, I decided to run up and get my teeny little plack and pay for an 8x10 of Bill Miller and the Carlisle Babes handing it over. The ignominy of it was highlighted when a guy in the grandstands front row said "Wow, really nice looking Intrigue". I thanked him and moved forward in line.
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Post by Letitroll98 on Jun 26, 2005 18:06:12 GMT -6
Now this is my official 'show report' post. First of all it was a major pleasure meeting everyone there. Bob and Steven are great guys and the lovely Amanda was as charming as I'd imagined. I got along well with Steven's dad, big Steve, and I agreed to team up with Steven the younger on the way home so he could bug out a bit early. It's great to put a face behind the posts and I couldn't have been more pleased with the company and conversation.
Steven and I did get to meet several other Olds owners at the OCA tent after Bob and Amanda left. They were very cordial and noted that they generally open up their large tent to any Olds clubs in attendance, something to link up with next year. They also mentioned a national Olds Toronado/Aurora club (out of the Chicago area I think) they suggested we contact. Perhaps an association/alliance with a larger group may be something our membership may want to consider, we'll see.
The show proper was somewhat of a downer. The heat was stifling and kept everyone from wanting to mingle. Large groups huddled under the shade of tents drinking lots of liquid was the order of the day. Amanda saved us by lugging a huge cooler of bottled water in for everyone (thank you!). There were a lot of venders and really cool cars, but the sun was so oppressive no one wanted to endure it for long. We did each get a really cool bag of goodies and I had Auto Rx samples for everyone. I took a film camera so I'll scan some more pics tomorrow.
With better planning, less heat, and more time we might have taken part in more events like the cook off, the SCCA challenge, Drag Racing was Friday nite, there were seminars and autograph sessions we didn't plan for. All in all, we could have been more involved with activities if the member desired to, but we had such a nice time meeting and talking with each other that it just didn't matter. At the end of the day we just commented on what a friggin great time we had.
The Auroras were all very cool. Bob was right on with his descriptions, so I'll just add the his car is even nicer than it looks in the pictures. The ride and drive is very tight, the engine spools up much faster than the Classic 4.0L, I could stay with him at the top end, but he always beat me off the line. And as nice as Steven's sounds (and it's as nice as Bob described), the Corsa exhaust is worth the extra cash. A very deep and sophisticated sound. And we did get to look at Amanda's Conti after Bob left. It's very nice with lots of extras like better wheels and stereo sub woofer.
I think we all agreed on one thought. The only thing that would make it better would be a bigger turnout. June 23-25, 2006 is the date for next year's GM Nationals. I got the skinny on the good hotels that are reasonably priced. With only a small effort we could sweep the field in our class. We brave, we noble few trailblazed the frontier of Aurorahood for lesser mortals to follow. It will soon be time for you to look deep within your soul, to step up and do your duty, no matter what the cost.
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Post by stevensolds on Jun 26, 2005 20:16:33 GMT -6
Great posts dan....but yeah for next year we gotta get the folks that went this time plus a couple more at the least. We could have had 6 or 7 up there this time. Some more pics from the way home. Not really anything but ill post what I got. Totally random. I was doing over 100 when i took this pic. I dropped back a good bit behind Dan so i could open her up...I knew the way home and couldve gone home without Dan but i thought it would be cool to head out with another Aurora and have 2 auroras passing people the whole time.
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Post by Aurora40 on Jun 26, 2005 20:40:16 GMT -6
The ignominy of it was highlighted when a guy in the grandstands front row said "Wow, really nice looking Intrigue". I thanked him and moved forward in line. Ah ha ha ha ha ha!!!!!! LOL!!! ;D That's hilarious! I should have stuck around to see Amanda's car. But you seemed so intent on getting me back on I-81, that I figured I'd just better do it. I told you I was gonna drive past the fairgrounds again to see if any neat cars were leaving... I just didn't feel like driving back onto the grounds. Glad you all hung out a little bit more after that, though. It really was great to meet all of you, and I had a great time!
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Post by MBowen574 on Jun 26, 2005 21:28:07 GMT -6
Crap! Looks like I missed a great time. Next year with the 2001 perhaps? If only Target weren't calling this summer (all summer!)...
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Post by erw38 on Jun 26, 2005 21:30:42 GMT -6
I would have love to make it, but I had to work (finally got a job) and I wasn't about to drive 1000+ miles for a one day event. I am glad that everyone had a great time. Just a tip for next time, whoever posts pictures might want to put a caption under it with the names of people and what things are (who stuff belongs to). I really enjoyed the pics though!
Thanks ;D
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Post by oldsauroraman1 on Jun 26, 2005 23:09:35 GMT -6
Great posting job Steven. I would have loved to have been there with all of those OLDSMOBILES! And, of course having my Aurora within the ranks of yours and the others as well ~ that would have been a lot of fun. Now, who is everyone in those pics??? I recognize you Steven from other pics you have posted before. But who are those other guys and the girl? ?
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Post by Custom88 on Jun 26, 2005 23:18:52 GMT -6
from left to right, Amanda (Amanda), Steven (stevensolds.), Dan (Letitroll), and Bob (aurora40)
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Post by Amanda on Jun 27, 2005 12:40:21 GMT -6
LoL! Just watching the video clips I love the "and these brakes are great Sh**) LoL Good Times, I must say I had a great time as well! Wish more of you were there but hey theres always next year - we had a blast. I didn't end up getting home until about 11 which I will use as my excuse in the delay of posting... but Bob, Steve, and Dan it was a pleasure meeting all of you and I look forward to future opportunities!
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Post by Aurora40 on Jun 27, 2005 13:38:17 GMT -6
Heheh, I thought that was funny on the video too! Hey, did you all get a full aerosol of "More Shine, Less Time"? Or did they have other stuff in different bags? I probably would have seen if anyone wanted to trade, as I don't like aerosol tire products that much. I'm sure I can use it up on the Nissan, though.
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Post by 95mushroom on Jun 27, 2005 15:07:28 GMT -6
I wasn't about to drive 1000+ miles for a one day event. Yea, I think that's the main reason... ...maybe if we set something up, we could do something Fri/Sat/Sun and make it worth it to head out/meet members along the way and arrive together .
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Post by Amanda on Jun 27, 2005 18:50:12 GMT -6
LoL yeah... not such a flattering picture of me... but hey we all made it and had a wonderful time!! ;D
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Post by Letitroll98 on Jun 27, 2005 19:10:01 GMT -6
Here's some more pics scanned into photobucket, hopefully a bit different view than those already posted. BTW, yes Bob, we all got the crappy spray tire shine. The nicest product was the glosser wipes. I've used these before and they're ok. Shroom I think a longer event would be great. Looking through the show magazine (after the fact), I saw all the stuff we missed. Guys, we missed looking at the best display of the show in Bldg T, the concept cars, Prototypes, and special invitees, and it was all inside out of the sun. Oh well. Here's a great '63 split window coupe Vette, albeit highly modified. A one of only two made '68 Camaro L-88. Here's an awesomely riced out Camaro with a 21" DVD screen, Nos bottle, tons of stereo power, on and on. Another nice Vette. A couple of the many Stutz Bearcats displayed, one of my fav cars of all time. Our little camp. Bob and Steven with Amanda hiding behind them. Big Steve is attempting to be decapitated by my Wal Mart special awning. (The shade device rests comfortably in a round, blue receptical on the Fairgrounds) OK, I have to put in one shot of my prize winning entry.
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Post by erw38 on Jun 27, 2005 19:52:04 GMT -6
Hey Dan, don't be alarmed but it seems as if someone shot up your car. Must have been the dude in the riced out Camaro when he heard that you placed thrid in the class.
I bet Bob drooled over the 'vette? ;D
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Post by Aurora40 on Jun 27, 2005 19:57:03 GMT -6
Hey Elan, I missed the 'vettes. I only came to see the Auroras... Also, about the bullet holes, didn't you notice his New Jersey plate?
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