Bloomington Gold 2022 and 24 Hours of Le Mans

[James W.]

Re: Bloomington Gold 2022 and 24 Hours of Le Mans

I remember going to Bloomington as a kid with my Dad in the mid '70's when it began. Sold parts in the livestock barns. Great memories and time spent with my Dad.

James

[Mark D.]

Re: Bloomington Gold 2022 and 24 Hours of Le Mans

I spy Terry (and his LS6)...

[Kristi C.]

Re: Bloomington Gold 2022 and 24 Hours of Le Mans

We made it down there with our '61 for Survivor judging. Like others have said, Friday was kind of blah with the rain, but Saturday had some really decent sized crowds for exhibits and the road tour. Had a really good time, and ran into a lot of friends from NCRS. Also made new friends, including Dale Lael. Turns out he's crazy about '61's and had designed the logo on the Silver Salute plaque from 1986 that we have. Really enjoyed the location and everything that was available around town when not at the show. The cherry on top of the weekend was bringing home a Survivor Gold award.

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[Enzo C.]

Re: Bloomington Gold 2022 and 24 Hours of Le Mans

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I was there, 75 cars for certification, swap meet was decent and tons of Corvettes on Saturday for outdoor display and parade
All in all a great event ������

[Terry M.]

Re: Bloomington Gold 2022 and 24 Hours of Le Mans

We made it down there with our '61 for Survivor judging. Like others have said, Friday was kind of blah with the rain, but Saturday had some really decent sized crowds for exhibits and the road tour. Had a really good time, and ran into a lot of friends from NCRS. Also made new friends, including Dale Lael. Turns out he's crazy about '61's and had designed the logo on the Silver Salute plaque from 1986 that we have. Really enjoyed the location and everything that was available around town when not at the show. The cherry on top of the weekend was bringing home a Survivor Gold award.

Congratulations Kristi

[Eric P.]

Re: Bloomington Gold 2022 and 24 Hours of Le Mans

Based on what I am reading above everyone who attended and\or had a car judged at Bloomington enjoyed it including me. There is one other Corvette event along with Bloomington and the NCRS meets that I have been going to since the 1980's, that is Corvettes at Carlisle. Those who organize these events put a lot into them for all of us and many other owners to enjoy our Corvettes. It was really nice to see Lance Miller there, the son of Chip Miller. I am grateful to the NCRS members and judges who give so much to our events, and the NCRS members and friends I have and see at Bloomington and Carlisle when I go there too. I hope all three continue on for many years to come!

Eric Patty

[Brad Hillhouse (37766)]

Re: Bloomington Gold 2022 and 24 Hours of Le Mans

I've never understood the disdain and sometimes outright hate between Bloomington Gold and NCRS. I'm guessing it goes back 20-30 years or more, and the people with the grudge may not even be alive anymore. "But by God, we don't like those guys..."

Here are some of the things I did while in Illinois at Bloomington Gold:

1. Introduced a Bloomington Gold C4 owner to NCRS. She not only joined NCRS but bought a TIMJG from Dave King at the NCRS Store.
2. Introduced a different NCRS member to their local chapter (she had no idea there was a local chapter to join)
3. Was able to judge six C4's including a Challenge Car with some great NCRS judges.
3.5. Became a better NCRS C4 judge by judging instead of just OJ
4. Had two of my C3's judged and learned more about them from some current and former NCRS judges.
5. Got to see some of the most incredible racing & historical Corvettes in the Thursday night Gala Gold Collection.
6. Made new Corvette friends that are not NCRS members.
7. Had conversations with former NCRS members about what we can do to get them to rejoin the NCRS.
8. Told several of the C4 owners about our TIMJG's and how to buy them. Also why they should join NCRS.
9. Attended a engine pad & trim tag school by Al Grenning.
10. Achieved Survivor Gold on both of my 1979 Corvettes.
11. Had a great road trip with my Nebraska Crew.
12. Bought $1700 of Corvette parts at the swap meet for my personal and customer cars.
13. Achieved Benchmark Gold on my 1979 L82.
14. Got to meet Enzo and the Canada Crew!
15. Shared my tired paint "survivor" 79 with several people that said, "wait, a car that is not perfect and shiny can be judged in BG & NCRS?
16. Got to see a lot of NCRS members that don't come to NCRS regional or national events.
17. Handed out 50+ NCRS business cards to potential new NCRS members.

In my humble opinion, all Corvette events are good for NCRS and that includes Bloomington Gold and MCACN and even local Corvette shows.
I can tell you I had a fantastic time at Bloomington Gold and cant wait for next year to get here to go again!

Brad Hillhouse

[Michael J.]

Re: Bloomington Gold 2022 and 24 Hours of Le Mans

Wow, now I can see why you went! That's great, if I had even half that much stuff I could do, I would have been there too.

[Eric P.]

Re: Bloomington Gold 2022 and 24 Hours of Le Mans

I am glad that Brad mentioned the MCACN show as well.

If my memory still serves me well, I went to this show the first time at the Rosemont Horizon Convention Center and it was called "The Chevy Vettefest". It then moved to McCormick Place or one of the buildings in that complex.

They hold it at a great time of the year, when everyone needs one last shot of Corvette before the holidays, and the winter gloom in the Midwest. Another great event and venue to see, show, and make new Corvette \ Car friends!
Eric Patty

[Michael J.]

Re: Bloomington Gold 2022 and 24 Hours of Le Mans

I'm glad you and Brad think this is a good car show. I have been invited to bring my 5 Corvettes to it and took the risk as a first time attendee, so I am looking forward to it and hope it is a good show.

[Enzo C.]

Re: Bloomington Gold 2022 and 24 Hours of Le Mans

Hi Brad,
Wow what a post and congratulations on all your awards
Its nice to have finally meet you this year for sure
I am also so pleased with all your excitement and enthusiasm for our amazing Corvette hobby
Keep pushing Brad as we need energy in our hobby so we keep moving forward
Thanks for the pic of the Canadians... ahhhhhhh

[James G.]

Re: Bloomington Gold 2022 and 24 Hours of Le Mans

Thanks to all. I wish I could have been there

[Jaime G.]

Re: Bloomington Gold 2022 and 24 Hours of Le Mans

Saturday weather was ideal. Gold collection was outstanding, with a line of people waiting to get in on Thursday evening for the advance showing. Attendance on Saturday seemed to be pretty good. All in all, it was worth it to go, and a throwback to 30+ years ago.

Well said Mike. I enjoyed the collection, the cars and the people.
I have been going for 37 years and this one was a good show.

[Jaime G.]

Re: Bloomington Gold 2022 and 24 Hours of Le Mans

I've never understood the disdain and sometimes outright hate between Bloomington Gold and NCRS. I'm guessing it goes back 20-30 years or more, and the people with the grudge may not even be alive anymore. "But by God, we don't like those guys..."

Here are some of the things I did while in Illinois at Bloomington Gold:

1. Introduced a Bloomington Gold C4 owner to NCRS. She not only joined NCRS but bought a TIMJG from Dave King at the NCRS Store.
2. Introduced a different NCRS member to their local chapter (she had no idea there was a local chapter to join)
3. Was able to judge six C4's including a Challenge Car with some great NCRS judges.
3.5. Became a better NCRS C4 judge by judging instead of just OJ
4. Had two of my C3's judged and learned more about them from some current and former NCRS judges.
5. Got to see some of the most incredible racing & historical Corvettes in the Thursday night Gala Gold Collection.
6. Made new Corvette friends that are not NCRS members.
7. Had conversations with former NCRS members about what we can do to get them to rejoin the NCRS.
8. Told several of the C4 owners about our TIMJG's and how to buy them. Also why they should join NCRS.
9. Attended a engine pad & trim tag school by Al Grenning.
10. Achieved Survivor Gold on both of my 1979 Corvettes.
11. Had a great road trip with my Nebraska Crew.
12. Bought $1700 of Corvette parts at the swap meet for my personal and customer cars.
13. Achieved Benchmark Gold on my 1979 L82.
14. Got to meet Enzo and the Canada Crew!
15. Shared my tired paint "survivor" 79 with several people that said, "wait, a car that is not perfect and shiny can be judged in BG & NCRS?
16. Got to see a lot of NCRS members that don't come to NCRS regional or national events.
17. Handed out 50+ NCRS business cards to potential new NCRS members.

In my humble opinion, all Corvette events are good for NCRS and that includes Bloomington Gold and MCACN and even local Corvette shows.
I can tell you I had a fantastic time at Bloomington Gold and cant wait for next year to get here to go again!

Brad Hillhouse

Brad, you need to run for regional director. NCRS needs more members like you.

[Don H.]

Re: Bloomington Gold 2022 and 24 Hours of Le Mans

Jaime- He is....