2nd Place Best of Show 1980's

[dahberg]

Well, I think I should have taken first, but I am happy to have finally been recognized at all in the 5th Annual Highway 99 Cruise-n-Show held here in Bakersfield a couple of weeks ago. Listed my car as a 1985 Mercury McLaren and they finally left the McLaren on the registration pass. This is the fourth year I have entered. Typically they list my car as a 1985 Mercury Capri and everyone who sees it calls it a Mustang. Did not intend to participate this year, but my father-in-law really wanted to go. As a participant, you get excellent parking for the show

They let the participants vote this year! Yea... Pretty much the same cars in my class as prior years. However, I never received a hand shake or anything else in the past with good ol'boys judging the event. Lost 1st to a completely restored 1980 Firebird Trans AM. Third place went to another restored 80's Trans AM. This year people were looking for my car based upon the entry forums and McLaren being listed. They either knew about it and wanted to see it in person or had no idea what it was. Guy I parked next to had a 2006 Roush Mustang. He and his friends came running over to see my car when I pulled up and had quite a bit of knowledge about the McLaren. That was a real shock as no one ever knew a thing about them at prior shows. The show features hotrods from the 40' and 50's with a little bit of everything in between (over 20 customized PT Cruisers). Unfortunately, we had a down pour all day Friday and many cars failed to show up on Saturday or Sunday when the weather was a perfect 78 degrees with the sun shining. Expected over 800 cars, but think less than 500 showed up.

For not really having a class to participate in other than being an 80's car, I feel pretty good about 2nd Place.

[plumkrazy]

That's Very COOL I bet if you had some 16" rims on there you would have taking first I'm still getting lots of good remarks about my wheels. Thanks!

Mark

[mustangjim]

Congrats Scott

Sounds like you had a good time never the less. Seeing ANY ASC at any event is a rare treat for most people. Ignore the GM/Chrysler crowd, they will give a TA a trophy because if its not winning a show, its in a crusher somewhere.
We show our Eurocoupe frequently, not for competition, but for enjoyment & education of others. Young and Old, Over the years, the friends made outweigh the poor and usually ignorant judging we tolerate not to mention the horrible job of classification (especially at an ALL FORD event).
A good friend of mine took 1st place in the sport Sub-Compact Class with his 86 Capri RS
The best part though... Traveling down the highway ,4-5 wide at speed with GT-40's, Ford GT's, 427 Cobras & Panteras at your side!!!

[dahberg]

Hey, Mark, glad you are enjoying the rims! I need to update my pictures with the gold asc wheels. They really make the car. Had yours on the last 3 car shows and did not get a whif of recognition. Those are nice wheels and I am happy someone is getting good use out of them. They look great on your pace car!

Mustangjim; Yes we did have a great time and thank you for the kind words as well as encouragement. I do like to show the car regardless of recognition. As it was one of the last cars my Dad purchased before departing this world as we know it, I feel privleaged and honored to be able to drive it on ocassion. A little recognition just puts the icing on the cake.

Thanks guys,

[Kyle]

Well, I think I should have taken first, but I am happy to have finally been recognized at all in the 5th Annual Highway 99 Cruise-n-Show held here in Bakersfield a couple of weeks ago. Listed my car as a 1985 Mercury McLaren and they finally left the McLaren on the registration pass. This is the fourth year I have entered. Typically they list my car as a 1985 Mercury Capri and everyone who sees it calls it a Mustang. Did not intend to participate this year, but my father-in-law really wanted to go. As a participant, you get excellent parking for the show

They let the participants vote this year! Yea... Pretty much the same cars in my class as prior years. However, I never received a hand shake or anything else in the past with good ol'boys judging the event. Lost 1st to a completely restored 1980 Firebird Trans AM. Third place went to another restored 80's Trans AM. This year people were looking for my car based upon the entry forums and McLaren being listed. They either knew about it and wanted to see it in person or had no idea what it was. Guy I parked next to had a 2006 Roush Mustang. He and his friends came running over to see my car when I pulled up and had quite a bit of knowledge about the McLaren. That was a real shock as no one ever knew a thing about them at prior shows. The show features hotrods from the 40' and 50's with a little bit of everything in between (over 20 customized PT Cruisers). Unfortunately, we had a down pour all day Friday and many cars failed to show up on Saturday or Sunday when the weather was a perfect 78 degrees with the sun shining. Expected over 800 cars, but think less than 500 showed up.

For not really having a class to participate in other than being an 80's car, I feel pretty good about 2nd Place.

I may give you a run for your money next year, you'll have to tell me where it is. Sounds like the big show Visalia has every few years in Mooneys Grove park

[dahberg]

That would be awesome Kyle! Put the second weekend in October on your calender to come to the Kern County Fair Grounds. I think it will be around that date. They have a web site you can check out;

http://www.hwy99cruise.com/

It has not been updated with this years winners yet, but you can get a feel for the show. Let me know if something is happening up in Visala, I would like to meet up with you and see your ride. Actually, the Ponies By The Sea car show in Ventura was going on the same time as Highway 99 in Bakersfield this year. It would probably be a better event. We might need to check it out.

[knsstang]

Plumkrazy... Is that red trim around the seats in your pics stock? What year is that car? Hoe do I make the pics in my album smaller ( pics 58 & 66). How do I make one that will fit as an avatar?

[ASCMCLRN]

Congratulations! Your car is beautiful. I miss the style bar on it though. Would be cool to see the gold wheels on it. Does it stand out allot with them? What size and make are they?

Nick

[Sandy]

Congrats to you (and the Capri~McLaren~Mercury~asc)

That's one HUGE show! Here in N.J. we don't have 800 car shows, heck not even 300 car shows. We do have alot of shows, though.
I almost always enter not-to-be-judged class, as I don't deal well with loosing to a Toyota, and experience dictates that only far out customs have a chance of winning anything. Stock cars, unless from the fifties or earlier, have no chance. So, I do "Not to be Judged" and have a good time. Years ago, I did win 4 trophies. The Blue & Silver 1990s each won a 1st in class, the Gray '86 Coupe won a 2nd in class and the Cadillac took a "Peoples-Choice" in class. These are now dust collectors in my office.
Anyhow, again, congrats on the win & many more to come your way. It's also nice that you & your father-in-law have a good relationship. Those of us that do not, will take note of that in what you wrote.

[dahberg]

Hi Nick, thanks for the compliments. The wheels on it now are the original asc McLaren gold rims - 15 inchers with 225 x 55 BFG Comp TA's mounted. The gold on these wheels is kind of dark/dull, not a bright shiney color. Matches well with the pin stripe tape on the body side moulding and compliments the tan interior IMHO. Looks great on black and/or red McLarens. I still have the light bar, but personally prefer the looks without it and have stored the light bar in the rafters.

Hey Sandy, thanks for the vote of confidence. And yes, I am truly blessed with the friendship between me and my father-in-law. We started out on a rocky relationship over 24 years ago, but grand children and a common interest in cars have paved the way to a very good relationship. You and my father-in-law would probably get along very well. He was a Ford dealership car salesman/manager for many years. Switched to real-estate when he could no longer deal with the low profits and constant haggling on prices. But he loves Fords, Hotrods and about any kind of auto racing that exists. He pulls out the towels and spray wax at the shows and rubs on the McLaren as if the car were his. Money can not buy the value in our relationship and how it has helped me, my wife and our children. Thanks for noticing and allowing me the opportunity to elaborate!