2012 BCA 500 National Meet Info

[CarolinaBuick2012]

The Carolina Chapter of the Buick Club of America is pleased to announce the 2012 Buick Club of America National Meet is coming to Concord, NC June 27-30, 2012. We would like to invite all Reatta owners to join us for this event. We are expecting to get over 500 Buicks to this event and have great tours and activities planned. A registration form is attached, but more information can be found at our website www.buickclub.org/2012. All Buicks are welcome and we have classes for 400 point judged, display only, driven, modified, specialty and professional, and vintage race cars. All Buick’s through current production year can register to attend this event and be placed on the showfield, but accepted years in each class do vary so check the registration form if you have a fairly modern Buick to see which classes it is eligible for.

The showfield will be located on the grounds at Charlotte Motor Speedway (at this time tentatively in the garage area of the 1.5 Mi oval) and will host the 500+ Buicks including a vintage Buick Race car class new for 2012.

Also beside the new race car class for 2012, this meet will also host the 75^th Anniversary event of 1936-1938 Buicks in cooperation with the 36-38 Division of the BCA. All 36-38 Buicks in attendance will receive a special dash plaque and there will be awards for highest scoring 36-38 Buick and longest driven 36-38 Buick. We are hoping to have one of each model (40C, 41, 46S, etc) of each year ’36-’38 Buick in attendance.

The host hotel is the Embassy Suite Charlotte Concord just off I-85 Exit 49. They will begin accepting reservation July 5,2011 at the BCA rate of $129 per night which includes a full hot buffet breakfast each morning and two cocktails each night at their manager’s reception. The hotel also features a Spa and an 18 hole golf course.

The event begins Wednesday with a bus tour to Steele Rubber in Denver, NC. This is a great opportunity to see how they make the rubber reproduction parts for our Buicks and many other cars.

Guest may also visit the Hendrick Motorsports Museum and Race Shops which is virtually across the street from the host hotel . Guest can take self guided tours at their leisure throughout the event during the normal business hours of the museum.

Thursday there is a choice of bus tours to either the NASCAR Hall of Fame Museum or the Levine Museum of the New South, both in downtown (or as we call it, uptown) Charlotte.

Friday there is a driving tour to The NC Transportation Museum in Spencer, NC and the shops in Salisbury, NC. This is an approximately 1 to 1.5 hour long (each way) driving tour from the host hotel to Spencer, NC, the route will be meander through both scenic and historic areas along the way and will travel at speeds suitable for all but the earliest Buicks.

Friday night we are going to cruise to Oehler Barn (pronounced “Ay-ler”) for a Buick Heritage Alliance benefit BBQ dinner event. They have a large grass field next to the barn where we can park our Buicks. The barn is approximately 6 miles away from the host hotel on roads that do not exceed 45 mph speed limits and there are only 3 turns.

Saturday is the show day and the only day the cars will be allowed on the showfield. The awards banquet in the evening will be at the host hotel.

Sunday The Buick Driving Enthusiast and the Pre-War Division of the BCA hold after tours. Contact those groups for specific details.

We will have a Buick only swap meet and car corral at the host hotel throughout the event with indoor and outdoor swap meet spaces.

For more information contact the Carolina Chapter at CarolinaBuick@yahoo.com or visit www.buickclub.org/2012 where we have a more information , a Frequently Asked Questions page, the registration form, maps and links to each tour destination’s website. We look forward to having you going to Carolina not just in your mind, but in your Buick.

[CarolinaBuick2012]

As we have worked very hard to bring this event to life if you have negative feedback or concerns, instead of placing those comments in this public forum please respect the golden rule and treat us the way you would like to be treated and contact us directly via private message or email at CarolinaBuick@yahoo.com. We will respect you by responding to each concern and do our best to address your concerns or learn for future. Thanks and go Buick!

[NCReatta]

I'LL BE THERE!!!!!! Greatly looking forward to it.

I've done most all of the things on the list already, but never with a heard of Buick guys.

This should be great fun.

[NCReatta]

Just made my reservations! Driving down early Wednesday, then driving back up Sunday sometime.
Anyone else planning on coming yet?

[NYBobP]

For those who are interested in staying at Embassy Suites (the host hotel), the best rate is actually the Buick rate at $129. It is the same as the AAA and Gov't rate. Made a reservation today!

[38Buick 80C]

For those who are interested in staying at Embassy Suites (the host hotel), the best rate is actually the Buick rate at $129. It is the same as the AAA and Gov't rate. Made a reservation today!

Whew! That's good.
By the way the rate includes hot buffet breakfast with cook to order omelets for each guest and 2 cocktails per night per adult guest (Don't get an ideas about fake ID's NCReatta j/k) at the manager's reception. So there is a lot of value in that room rate.

The hotel has a fabulous gathering area in the atrium used for both breakfast and the managers reception. It will serve as a great gathering place for our Buick Club folks.

[NCReatta]

Whew! That's good.
By the way the rate includes hot buffet breakfast with cook to order omelets for each guest and 2 cocktails per night per adult guest (Don't get an ideas about fake ID's NCReatta j/k) at the manager's reception. So there is a lot of value in that room rate.

Heh... yeah, they were telling me all about that on the phone..

Guess those will be for my Grandfather..

Maybe they'll make me an Arnold Palmer or something..

[steveskyhawk]

Had to work this year but I will definitely be in Charlotte in 2012!

[Jim]

I have my reservations all made and am looking forward to being there.
Jim

[NCReatta]

I have my reservations all made and am looking forward to being there.
Jim

Look forward to seeing you again, Jim!

[blue72beetle]

Do these things usually fill up fast? I'm hesitant to make reservations as I don't know if the Air Force will be needing me that week.

[38Buick 80C]

Do these things usually fill up fast? I'm hesitant to make reservations as I don't know if the Air Force will be needing me that week.

I just checked and the room block at the host hotel is 15% booked already 49 weeks to go.

Most people make hotel reservations early but leave the actual show registration until the deadline, which, of course, makes organizing one of these meets difficult, but not impossible.

So if you can commit to Register early it certainly helps the host chapter and me as the organizer, but if not don't miss the May 20th deadline.

And thank you for serving our country and protecting our freedoms!

[NCReatta]

Andy, I suggest booking your rooms now. If it happens you can't get there,you won't have much problem getting rid of them to last-miunute folks who want rooms at the host hotel.

[HessLakeGuy]

To all:

I am not familiar with that city. As a matter of fact, I have never been in that state.

Are there other motel options in that are really close?? Just looking at options.


Thanks!

Tom

[NCReatta]

Tom,

There's a nice place (Microtel Inn) on the other side of Charlotte that I've been happy with. They get about $70/night for their rooms. Microtel Inn and Suites Charlotte Northlake

Go to Hotels.com and type your destination as "Charlotte Motor Speedway", it'll give you a lot of options near by.

[NCReatta]

There's also a ton of hotels right off of I-85 at Exit 49 (exit for the speedway, and for Burton Smith blvd. AKA The road that the host hotel is on).

Hilton Garden Inn Charlotte/Concord
Wingate by Wyndham Concord
Sleep Inn & Suites (I've stayed here, and been very happy)
SpringHill Suites Charlotte Concord Mills/Speedway
Comfort Suites
Hampton Inn Charlotte - Concord/Charlotte,NC
Holiday Inn Express Concord Hotel
Residence Inn Charlotte Concord
Courtyard Charlotte Concord

[4 bufords]

in case i screw up and can't get a room at the host hotel and have to stay at another place like microtel,will they have security personel there? think other members would be concerned about the safety of our jewells. 4 bufords from ct

[NCReatta]

I doubt that the Microtel will have security on hand. It's a one way in, one way out sort of deal, but I don't think they'll give you a security guard for just $70 a night.

You would probably have better luck with one of the other ones that I posted that are really close to the host hotel. You'll be closer, and (with the upper end ones) you may be able to get a security guard.

I would call all the hotels and ask. Just check and see.

Look forward to seeing you all there!!

[blue72beetle]

Well I just reserved a room, I'm going to do everything I can to get out of work!

[38Buick 80C]

Another month another update

We gained only 3 more registrations in the past month, but 8 additional cars. So 40 registered with 36 cars. I'm not surprised registrations have slowed down as most people wait until the last minute, but for planning purposes if the earlier you can make your plans the better please. The oldest car registered so far is a 1932; the newest, a 1996. Seven Reatta's so far.

The hotel has been filling up quickly. A few statistics:
48% of room block is full
peak night room block is 42% full
peak night, BCA has booked 1/3 of the entire hotel

So get your room booked soon, 704-455-8200 is the direct line to the host hotel.

We now have confirmation that the showfield on Saturday will be inside the 1.5 Mi Charlotte Motor Speedway in the areas surrounding the cup and Nationwide garage buildings. Maps are available on our website 2012 Buick Club of America 500 at Concord, NC National Meet.

The other big news is Mr. Earl's 5454th post on the BCA Forum 5454 inviting all 1954 Buick's to the 2012 National meet with a goal of 54-'54s at the meet visit 1954 Buick Highway - Welcome to the 1954 Buick Highway! for more information.

We also have a few limited edition 2012 polo's still available. Contact me for more info.

[Booreatta]

Does anybody planning to go Charlotte go thru Wichita Kansas? Maybe plan a caravan to NC. I know its along way off but it will be here before we know it. I am staying at the host hotel
Chuck Kerls
316-655-1099

[38Buick 80C]

Monthly Update!

Registrations are up to 45 with 39 cars. The host hotel continues to fill and is now.
55% of the Friday night room block booked
42% of the entire hotel in total Friday night is booked to the BCA
64% of the total room block is full.

Direct line to the host hotel Embassy Suites is 705-455-8200

We still have some 2012 Polo shirts left I can deliver to Hershey next week if you want one (or more). See my post in the BCA General Discussion for the meet. to see photos, sizes and prices.

Below my local AACA Chapter visited Oehler Barn, our Friday Night BBQ Buick Heritage Alliance Cookout location. Below are some photos from that event.

[1990WVReatta]

Just booked my room!!! Cant wait to meet all the other Buick/Reatta nuts!!! Will be bringing one of my reattas also

[NCReatta]

Rooms are filling up fast guys.. Brian's post on the Buick General Forum says that 77% of the total room block is full, and 54% of the hotel is booked by members of the BCA.

Direct line to the host hotel Embassy Suites is 704-455-8200

Call and make your reservations now!

Here, I've got a challenge.. In Ames in 2010, The Reatta Division had a whopping 39 Reattas show up for the Reatta Rendezvous. I want to beat that record.

We're going to try for 50 (10% of the 500 car goal) Reattas in Charlotte. This shouldn't be hard, I mean, Reattas are reliable cars, Charlotte is a pretty central location for a lot of people.. Why not?

So can we get at least 50 Reattas to come? The '54 Buick club is trying for Fifty Four '54 Buicks.. So why can't we try for a measly 50?

Let's go!! (Maybe we'll even beat the '54 guys!)

We are the.. not 1%... the 10%!!

[38Buick 80C]

Here, I've got a challenge.. In Ames in 2010, The Reatta Division had a whopping 39 Reattas show up for the Reatta Rendezvous. I want to beat that record.

We're going to try for 50 (10% of the 500 car goal) Reattas in Charlotte. This shouldn't be hard, I mean, Reattas are reliable cars, Charlotte is a pretty central location for a lot of people.. Why not?

So can we get at least 50 Reattas to come? The '54 Buick club is trying for Fifty Four '54 Buicks.. So why can't we try for a measly 50?

Let's go!! (Maybe we'll even beat the '54 guys!)

We are the.. not 1%... the 10%!!

As of now Reatta's are the 16.67% with 7 of 42 cars registered, the most of any "category". The '36-'38 guys are trying for a large turn out as well with the 75th Anniversary event, (BTW next year is the 25th for the Reatta's first year hint hint wink wink). They have 2 cars registered, but 10 more of the rarer model's owners have verbally committed to attend. While I know verbal commitments are worth the paper they are written on I had to give you some sort of challenge!!!

I'll try to update the counts as we get closer to the event.