Pontiac Heaven 2013 April 5-7! Come and visit Arizona in the spring

[Steve Barcak]

The 15th annual Pontiac Heaven will be held April 5-7, 2013 here in Arizona. With the situation at Speedworld up in the air for a bit, I cannot just yet announce the location but, the event will go on regardless.
We are planning on the 3 day event as follows.
Friday April 5-
Guest speakers/tech sessions at our host hotel, the Hampton Inn Surprise, Az.

Are planning on at least 4 sessions.

I am happy to announce that one of our guest speakers will be Jeff Kauffman coming from Ohio.

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad119/applekrate/2013%20Pontiac%20Heaven/Jeffcropped.jpg

Others to be announced.

We will also have a cruise in car show along with the tech sessions, speakers.
Friday eve, we will have a kick up gatheirng at the drag strip including Pontiac powered brackets and open test and tune.

Saturday, April 6 is the main day of car show, drags, vendors, swap meet, special exhibitions and displays- many not seen elsewhere.

Sunday April 7 is the Nostalgic Show & Go! welcoming other vintage brands to compete with our Pontiacs in the show and the bracket racing. There will also be vendors, swap meet and more on Sunday.
Much more to be announced.

keep current on www.pontiacheaven.org

[twooldgoats]

We'll be there, Steve, and proud to be associate sponsors again. My '63 Tempest will likely still be in transition to blown alky (:D:D:D), but the '60 Cat will definitely be there, hopefully painted and racing with Ellen at the wheel.

Jim

[Steve Barcak]

BTTT

[Steve Barcak]

BTTT

Make plans to come to Arizona in early April for the 15th annual Pontiac Heaven weekend!

info?
www.pontiacheaven.org
or call me 480-899-7873

thanks!

[mechanickeith]

Steve,,,You know I will be there!!! Wow 15 years already!! I remember the first one I attended. My car ended up getting stuck in the parking lot. Starter went out & you & I had to push the Tempest onto the show field!!! I pulled the bendix off the starter & cleaned the contacts & was back on the road by the end of the show!! I am, and sure everyone who has attended the past events, really appreciate the time & effort you spend to host a first class Pontiac Heaven event!!! Its always an honor & pleasure to work with you sir!! Cant wait till April!

[Steve Barcak]

Steve,,,You know I will be there!!! Wow 15 years already!! I remember the first one I attended. My car ended up getting stuck in the parking lot. Starter went out & you & I had to push the Tempest onto the show field!!! I pulled the bendix off the starter & cleaned the contacts & was back on the road by the end of the show!! I am, and sure everyone who has attended the past events, really appreciate the time & effort you spend to host a first class Pontiac Heaven event!!! Its always an honor & pleasure to work with you sir!! Cant wait till April!

Thank you Keith for the nice words. I do the best I can and having friends like you and others make it easier.

[Steve Barcak]

...

[Steve Barcak]

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[SupergasDil]

I know my brother is planning on taking his 65 Gasser over. Not sure if I can drag the 64 out but it would be waaaaaaaay cool to get both cars together again.

[Steve Barcak]

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad119/applekrate/hex1-1.jpg

I know my brother is planning on taking his 65 Gasser over. Not sure if I can drag the 64 out but it would be waaaaaaaay cool to get both cars together again.

You know you are welcome here at Pontiac Heaven like no other event Dil! If you cannot make this one, we hope to see you at a future one!

[Steve Barcak]

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad119/applekrate/hex1-1.jpg

We are proud to have the following sponsoring Pontiac Heaven/Nostalgia Show & GO! weekend. More to be announced. Please support them!

AllPontiac.com
Kauffman Racing
Butler Performance
The Thompsons
Reliable Diesel
Cactus GTOs

Here are some pics from earlier this years 14th annual Pontiac Heaven weekend

Tom Lockes '71 GTO

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad119/applekrate/12%20%20PH/1.jpg

[Steve Barcak]

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad119/applekrate/hex1-1.jpg

Here are some more pics, will be posting many. Thanks to Norm and Kurt for taking these great pics.


http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad119/applekrate/12%20%20PH/3.jpg

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http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad119/applekrate/12%20%20PH/2-1.jpg


Make your plans now to enjoy the 15th annual Pontiac Heaven in Phoenix!
Our host hotel is the Hampton Inn in Surprise. Ask for special "Pontiac Heaven" rate!
623-537-8122

3 days of Pontiac racing, car shows, special guest speakers, parts swap meet, vendors, special displays and exhibitions and much more! It's the place to be in early April.

[miltmilton]

Hey Steve,

If the creek don't rise, I plan on being there this year.

milt

[Steve Barcak]

Hey Steve,

If the creek don't rise, I plan on being there this year.

milt

Milt,
How nice it would be to have you return to Arizona this year! Lots of track time and more. Hope you can make it.

[Steve Barcak]

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad119/applekrate/hex1-1.jpg

Am happy to announce 3 additional Pontiac Heaven weekend sponsors!

Network Service Centers
Glenn's Pontiac Garage
Too Hotties mens hair cuts

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad119/applekrate/12%20%20PH/9.jpg

Let's not forget the Nostalgic Show & GO! on Sunday! Where the Ponchos take on other makes from the same era.

This altered wheelbase Mopar was among those doing battle last year! These cars are very exciting to watch!

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad119/applekrate/12%20%20PH/222.jpg

[Steve Barcak]

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad119/applekrate/hex1-1.jpg


Mr Jim Wangers will also be a guest speaker as well as my special guest for our 15 th annual Pontiac Heaven!

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad119/applekrate/JWangers.jpg


Make plans to attend now-
Special thanks to these fine sponsors!
Please support them, I do.
AllPontiac.com
Kauffman Racing
Butler Performance
The Thompsons
Reliable Diesel
Cactus GTOs
Network Service Centers
Glenn's Pontiac Garage
Too Hotties mens hair cuts

[Steve Barcak]

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad119/applekrate/2013%20Pontiac%20Heaven/header2.jpg


http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad119/applekrate/2013%20Pontiac%20Heaven/2.jpg


Some may be in shock seeing a 3rd gen Firebird at Pontiac Heaven! "Steve, I thought Pontiac Heaven is only for REAL Pontiac Power? what gives?"

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad119/applekrate/2013%20Pontiac%20Heaven/KNB_5115.jpg

Well, you are correct! This 3rd gen bird now lives with a Real pontiac engine swapped in and even has alum heads! Now, that is how to really get the most of your 3rd gen!


I am happy to annouce two more sponsors and supporters of 2013 Pontiac Heaven weekend!

Space Age Auto Paint Store

Arizona Chapter- POCI Old Pueblo


Special thanks to these fine sponsors!
Please support them, I do.
AllPontiac.com
Kauffman Racing
Butler Performance
The Thompsons
Reliable Diesel
Cactus GTOs
Network Service Centers
Glenn's Pontiac Garage
Too Hotties mens hair cuts

[lust4speed]

My son Mark and I will be there, and we have already made hotel reservations. Our fellow members from the Inland Empire GTO Club will be coming out again, and we've talked a few others into attending as well. I guess we better get to work on the cars or we'll be spectators. :D

[wheelspin]

Reservations made and Mrs. Spin and I will be there, making our tenth appearance at our favorite drag race event :D.

Not sure what we'll drive at this time; waiting for the busted TA to emerge from the Batson Garage/skunkworks so I won't be limited to only two cars to chose from ;).

[raidex1]

I will be there Steve with my 72 G.T.O. Put some ink in the printers this year!

[lust4speed]

...Put some ink in the printers this year!

Good point. Not only are the SpeedWorld white tickets hard to read even after they are printed, but the ink completely disappears within two months. Maybe twist the track managers arm to get a new ribbon installed.

The silver lining for the "Second Place Finisher" in each race is that the yellow slips last forever and don't fade out. I think there's some dark irony at work here. :p

[Old Man Taylor]

Good point. Not only are the SpeedWorld white tickets hard to read even after they are printed, but the ink completely disappears within two months. Maybe twist the track managers arm to get a new ribbon installed.

The silver lining for the "Second Place Finisher" in each race is that the yellow slips last forever and don't fade out. I think there's some dark irony at work here. :p

I agree! I wanted to keep a readable ET slip for my good runs, so I went to my opponents to see if I could have their yellow slips.

[twooldgoats]

I didn't know they had white slips.

Jim

[Steve Barcak]

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad119/applekrate/2013%20Pontiac%20Heaven/header2.jpg

I have some good news and some very sad news.

First, the good.
I am happy to add a new event sponsor-

National Parts Depot

Also, Happy to announce the Mr Jim Ewen, Pontiac designer from 1957 into the mid 60s will be returning to do add to our already great line up of guest speakers.

The sad news is that this will be the last year for Pontiac Heaven at Speedworld Dragstrip. :(

It has been officially announced that Speedworld is closing permantently. :( :( :(

I cannot tell you all how saddened I am about this. This is bad news for every racing fan out there.

So, let's make this year, the 15th annual ( and last ), very special. It has been our annual reunion for Real Pontiac fans and we all have a lot of great memories. Make an extra effort to take a friend and to invite others to attend. I had wanted this track to stay forever for us and future generations.

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad119/applekrate/2013%20Pontiac%20Heaven/1.jpg

I do plan to continue with Pontiac Heaven events. I would like to think that my efforts at Real Pontiac only events for 15 years have encouraged others to stay with Pontiac Power. Als also to encourage others to get into Pontiac power in any form. In that 15 year timeframe, the Pontiac engine has made great gains in availability of parts and improvements in design and strength. This is not the time to stop.

We already are looking into options for a new location for the future.

Thank you everyone who has attended and supported Pontiac Heaven since 1998.


The best way to keep current on Pontiac Heaven and its events is on my website. I will be posting info on the home page as it comes.
www.pontiacheaven.org


Steve

[lust4speed]

Oh crap. All the more reason for those sitting on the fence on whether they were coming this year to make the commitment.

I didn't know they had white slips.
Jim
Good one Jim :D

Here's one of the white slips from this year.

[wheelspin]

Sorry to hear the news, but somewhat expected in light of the issues at the facility.

I totally agree about making this year's event the best ever and SoCal will really push to get the usual suspects & some new folks to make the trip. I know that Paul and Doug ('13 POCI Convention organizers) are thinking about flying out for the event and this announcement may make this year a priority.

Your strong & steady influence in our small niche of the Pontiac hobby has been an inspiration to all of us :usa2:. Thanks for staying the course and providing lasting memories :D.

[Steve Barcak]

Here is a copy of the event flyer ( front side ). If you are on my mailing list, you will get one soon. If you are not on my list and like to be added, please email me [email protected]

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad119/applekrate/2013%20Pontiac%20Heaven/SpeedworldPontiacHeaven2013.jpg

[Steve Barcak]

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad119/applekrate/2013%20Pontiac%20Heaven/header2.jpg

Brad Nabours

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad119/applekrate/2013%20Pontiac%20Heaven/Brad69.jpg

Vince Mayeta- Low ET of the meet 2012

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad119/applekrate/2013%20Pontiac%20Heaven/Vince2012-1.jpg

Check out this Ford sweet hiboy roadster!

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad119/applekrate/2013%20Pontiac%20Heaven/AwPoncho.jpg

This guy knows how to power his rod!

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad119/applekrate/2013%20Pontiac%20Heaven/24s.jpg

[slgenge]

Reservations made and Mrs. Spin and I will be there, making our tenth appearance at our favorite drag race event :D.

Not sure what we'll drive at this time; waiting for the busted TA to emerge from the Batson Garage/skunkworks so I won't be limited to only two cars to chose from ;).

Hey Les, what happened to the TA? Wish I could make it for Pontiac Heaven, too many engines on the go and none ready.

[wheelspin]

Hey Les, what happened to the TA? Wish I could make it for Pontiac Heaven, too many engines on the go and none ready.

Hi Shawn,
Catastrophic engine failure :( ; maybe over-revved it at Willow Springs track days last March. Haven't finished the autopsy yet; searching for the smokin' gun. Cracked three cylinders and the lifter bores and ruined a nice set of 250 cfm iron heads. Saved the crank, rods, and roller rockers. Rebuilding with 300 KRE heads, 3:42 gear, and a 10" 3200 stall Continental. Gonna scream :eek:.

[slgenge]

Hi Shawn,
Catastrophic engine failure :( ; maybe over-revved it at Willow Springs track days last March. Haven't finished the autopsy yet; searching for the smokin' gun. Cracked three cylinders and the lifter bores and ruined a nice set of 250 cfm iron heads. Saved the crank, rods, and roller rockers. Rebuilding with 300 KRE heads, 3:42 gear, and a 10" 3200 stall Continental. Gonna scream :eek:.

I hear you, the 421 is getting tired so we are building a 462 stroker for the GTO, will be ready
For the April. The 535 IA 2 is all ready for final assembly , but I have not found
A roller yet, John is in the same boat as you, cam bearing failed so he is rebuilding it as well. how is the Q-Jet on the GP?

[wheelspin]

I hear you, the 421 is getting tired so we are building a 462 stroker for the GTO, will be ready
For the April. The 535 IA 2 is all ready for final assembly , but I have not found
A roller yet, John is in the same boat as you, cam bearing failed so he is rebuilding it as well. how is the Q-Jet on the GP?

The carb is working great :D. The GP feels much stronger with the single Q-jet than it did before with trips (when you took a pass with me @ Pontiac Heaven) or even the dual quads. Got to test it at Irwindale one of these days and see how it really works.

Thanks man.

Back to topic, :sorry:.

[Steve Barcak]

Racers and fans- regardless of where you live, Speedworld Dragstrip in the Phoenix area needs your help. Lots of political issues here and is getting overwhelming.
Whether you live in Arizona or any other state or even any other country- you can make a difference.
Whatever differences we may have, we can all agree we need more drag strips, not less. We need to support every one that is out there. How can you help- far or close?
Make a phone call or 2 or more. Tell these people your concerns with another strip closing.
It effects the ecomony, the racers, the businesses and more. Less tax revenue for them. If they hear calls from people away that may or have spent money in this area, they will listen.
I'll be posting the issues but, these are some of the numbers that you can help to make a difference and to help keep a drag strip OPEN.
thank you for your consideration on this important matter-

Board of supervisors dist 4 Max Wilson 602) 506-7642

Land Commissioner- Vanessa Hickman (602) 542-4621

Az state Senator Judy Burges 602-926-5681

Az state rep David Livingston 602-926-4178

Az state rep Phil Lovas 602-926-3297


Please copy and paste this message to any site that may help save this 51 year old Dragstrip!
thanks

Of course, this will effect Pontiac Heaven weekend this year. At this time, we are hoping that issues will work out and Speedworld allowed to reopen. However, we are pursuing alternate locations as well,. Will keep you informed. Current info at www.pontiacheaven.org

additional info in race section
__________________

[mechanickeith]

There is also an on line petition you can sign,,,here,, http://signon.org/sign/keep-speedworld-raceway

[Steve Barcak]

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad119/applekrate/2013%20Pontiac%20Heaven/header2.jpg


In addition to the Pontiac Heaven web site and Arizona Pontiac Power Group/Club,
Pontiac Heaven now has a facebook page, all are welcome and encouraged to join us.
http://www.facebook.com/PontiacHeaven?success=1#!/PontiacHeaven

[Old Man Taylor]

How does one "join"?

[Big Injun]

How does one "join"?

Go to Facebook and type in Pontiac Heaven.

[Steve Barcak]

I would like to let everyone know I am working hard looking into options for this years Pontiac Heaven incase Speedworld cannot reopen by early April.
Info will be posted here as well as on my site www.pontiacheaven.org , plus facebook, etc.
Please continue to plan to attend. We want you all here in Arizona this spring.

I'll be making a major announcement soon, within a week if all goes well.

thanks much

[Garry Sr]

Man, talk about bad timing. Best of luck Steve.

[S/st 54]

Steve your pm box is full.


I hope this years Pontiac heaven has the best turnout ever!

[Steve Barcak]

Steve your pm box is full.


I hope this years Pontiac heaven has the best turnout ever!

Hi and thanks. yes, i am leaving it full for now as I prefer emails.

Also updates on my events will be posted first on my site, then Az Pontiac Power Group, facebook, here, etc.

We hope to have you back here in Az sometime.

Am still working on getting a date and other details. As soon as I have something, will get info out pronto.

[Garry Sr]

It's a good thing you included "ect." Maybe you could throw something up here Too: http://racingarizona.info/forum (http://racingarizona.info/forum/index.php?action=forum)
I don't want P.Y. to feel last, but if you want to bump them it's ok with me. :D

[Steve Barcak]

Pontiac Heaven weekend for 2013 has been postponed due to Speedworlds ( our events location ) being closed down.
Several options are in the works to reschedule and relocate the event weekend.
The most current info is on my site- www.pontiacheaven.org or Pontiac Heavens facebook page.
thanks