[GTO JUDGE]

Originally Posted by Gordon Church

I got the nod for the invitational last week and sent the form in today...looking forward to the event but don't exactly know what to expect.

I don't think you will be disappointed. A lot of work has gone into securing most of the biggest names in GTO history.

Seminars by: Tim Dye, Russ Gee, Bill Collins, and Milt Schornack will be informative and provide you an opportunity to meet & greet these gentleman. Scott Tiemann will be present with the first GTO ever produced, he just last year completed a complete restoration on it.

Building Y will be completely devoted to the GTO. Every year GTO is slated to be on display with back drops to accentuate this display. There will be a display of GTOs in miniature managed by the GTOAA's Tim Sickle. Building T will also have GTOs on display with other GM cars.

HPP is scheduled to have a large tent with a display of GTOs that were featured in that magazine over the years. How many is unknown they are working on securing them.

Expanded GTO classes will be added to accommodate the expected large presence. Judging will be by pop vote. It is HIGHLY suggested folks pre-register so they do not show up and find they are in an overflow area. The more that pre-register the more room provided per class.

For those who like being professionally judged, they will have an opportunity to be judged by professionals that will critique their cars and offer suggestions on improving them. This class is limited to 50 total of all GM makes and specialized awards will be presented to the winners.

Like autocross? The Cumberland Valley Corvette Club will be running this event conducting time trials that Friday and those who make the cut will participate in shootouts to be held that Sunday. Cash awards will be presented to the winners. There will be a 20.00 donation to enter, the donation will go to their charity. Saturday UMI will be in charge of the track offering ride alongs. This is a first at Carlisle and if enough interest is generated it may become a larger part of this event in the years to come.

When you enter the gate, the plan as of now is: For you to be greeted by the Bandit Run. Over 100 cars mostly Trans-Ams and cop cars used in the making of the movie Smokey & The Bandit along with the recreation of Snowman's Rig will be there to welcome you. There will be merchandise for sale by them as well.

Saturday evening at the historical Carlisle Movie Theater a special screening of Smokey & The Bandit will be presented. This is a family event.

Not to mention the many GTOs in the showfield to feast your eyes on. All those who enter a GTO in the showfield will receive a special memento to celebrate this milestone.
Also, the original Monkeemobile used in the TV series will be on display.

These are some things for folks to expect this year as we celebrate the 50th Birthday of the GTO. To see the very first GTO ever produced reunited with Bill Collins, and Russ Gee the forefathers of the GTO is worth the trip.