[Elarson]

I read the first few pages of this thread and then skipped to the end; so apologies if I'm restating what somebody has already said..

My wife is into horses and each breed has an organization, similar to the brand-oriented clubs in the automotive world. And each breed thinks they're better than the other breeds, etc......very much like the car world.

The one striking thing I've noticed in the horse world.....the breed organizations that actively create an inexpensive fun way to involve younger people thrive and prosper, far beyond the breed organizations that just cater to the older (and more financially well-off) members.

I'm more of a drag racer than a car show guy but I always enjoy the conventions. But it concerns me that I only see the same (getting older) crowd ever year and not much in the way of new blood.

If I try to think as a 20-year old, here's what might help get my attention:

1) car show classes for cheaper, non-numbers matching project cars. It's way to many $$ to compete against the perfect examples.

2) less of the non-stop 50's Beach Boys music. You older guys don't want non-stop rap so why would you expect the 20-somethings to like your music? Do a genuine mix throughout the day.

3) more emphasis on drag racing at the conventions. Yes, I'll admit this is a bit self-serving, but who can argue with the wide age appeal of an exciting day at the races? Young people love drag racing. I thought Dave Bennett was onto something having the Bowling Green show at the track to mix the car show and the race together. I think it's a negative thing conducting them as separate events. Separate events fosters the "us vs. them" attitude. I think much of the success of the Norwalk race is because you get the car show/swap meet/vendors/drag race at one integrated venue.

Think young and the hobby will survive. Think old and we'll all die off and our prized cars will get auctioned off for pennies on the dollar.

JMHO,
Eric