Tahoe Regional

[Joe R.]

I am planning on attending the 2009 Lake Tahoe Regional meet in May. I'm really excited about this, since I have yet to attend a Regional (or National) meet to date.

I will be trailering my 54 (I NEVER thought I'd do this!) to the event, and would like to dip into the pool of knowledge in this great forum:

1. I do not own a covered trailer. Is it advisable to rent one, or should I hire a transport company, or ??

2. Any advice on how to prepare for the PV? I'm using the JM, of course, but any additional tips?

3. Do hotels accomodate trailers?

Thanks in advance.

Joe

[Mike M.]

Re: Tahoe Regional

Hi Joe, welcome to the "Big Show".
Where are you trailering from? If a long distance and over the mountains, many have opted for delivery by one of the commercial carriers.
PV preparation is huge deal, I mean humongous, let me say again...Really Big.
To start with you will need the PV guide for your model year, available through this sight.
Each line item is Pass/Fail, period, with one 15 minute fix opportunity.
The average attempts to successfully pass a PV is about three.
The National Team Leader should become your new best friend.
Find as many Judges in your neighborhood as you can find to assist in preparation and actually PV your car as many times as possible before you leave for the meet.
Allow an extra day or two upon arrival to PV your car a couple of more times on your own. Gremlins seem to reside in trailers and present themselves after the haul.
Details are important, don't overlook te small stuff.
It would be beneficial to attend a Regional Meet prior to Lake Tahoe and observe the process.
Yes, Regional Meets organizers make provisions for trailer parking.
I'm sure others will jump in.
Good Luck and HaND

[Joe R.]

Re: Tahoe Regional

Thanks for the info, Mike.

I'm trailering from the Northern Los Angeles area. I have a sport ute that can easily handle 6,000 Lbs. Have you heard of rental trailers that are enclosed?

Good advise on the preparation. The "gremlin" mention is a little scary, but my 54 is really ready for the challenge. Is the Regional "open" 2 days prior to judging?

Joe

[Mike M.]

Re: Tahoe Regional

Typically, Registration begins on Thursdays, with Operations and placement on the show field.
Since you will be required to make an appointment for your PV with the National Team Leader, your event may be scheduled for Thursday or may not take place until Friday or Saturday, the opposite day of the '53-'55 Flight Judging.
Sorry, on the Trailer. I'm in the Mid-West. Hopefully some of the local LA guys can comment and you can let your fingers do the walking, or Google.
HaND

[John T.]

Re: Tahoe Regional

Question 2. Practice (many times) is your best bet for the PV. Contact with the team leader can provide you with a list of most common problems.

Question 3. Yes we have good provisions for trailer parking.

Good luck

John Tidwell
Co-Chairman South Lake Tahoe Regional

[Jack H.]

Re: Tahoe Regional

On trailering, much depends on how far you're going to travel. With an open trailer (you CAN rent them from U-Haul, but need to reserve in advance), you have two drawbacks:

(1) You really can't cover the car because the wind is going to 'flat' the cover and often that results in scratches to the exterior paint.

(2) How well will you sleep at night in a motel when your car is sitting on an open trailer exposed for all to see?

Hiring a transport company IS one solution, but if you're a member of a local NCRS Chapter, why not attend a meeting and see if there's a 'brother' member who'll help you out?

[Roy B.]

Re: Tahoe Regional

The Radio is what causes most people not to pass the PV, rent a open U-haul and drive slow

[James G.]

Re: Tahoe Regional

Hi Joe,
I see you are a member of So. Cal. I am sure there will be a group driving up together. Check with JEFF READE in Culver City. He is a restorer who has thousands of hours getting these cars prepared for NCRS events. 310-397-3800.

One major item I would prepare for is carburator adjustment for 6000 feet altitude. The carbs on 54's run rich and at hif altitude, they need to be leaner.

Also, even though May is Spring time.......it can still snow in Tahoe. Remember two seasons, August and winter. Well it is not that bad, but it can get very cold and nasty that time of year. Ask the guys who went to Vegas two years ago. 50 mph wind, and 30 degree nights. At Laughlin, NV in 2005, Carlos Vivas almost lost his trailer and complete rig in a snow storm on US 40. So plan ahead.

[Roy B.]

Re: Tahoe Regional

Joe! Keep my phone number 530-265-4207 if your going up Hwy 80 or even Hwy 50 I'm about two hours from Tahoe if you need help , I'll be driving my 55 Corvette to the meet.

[Michael L.]

Re: Tahoe Regional

Roy, I'll see you there as well, I'll bring up my '55. I won't have it judged, too many parts missing from it's drag racing days, BUT, I'll drive it up to join the fun.

Mike L
Sparks, NV

[Roy B.]

Re: Tahoe Regional

Roy, I'll see you there as well, I'll bring up my '55. I won't have it judged, too many parts missing from it's drag racing days, BUT, I'll drive it up to join the fun.

Mike L
Sparks, NV

And you save the $50.00 to buy gas then , looking forward to seeing you.

[Joe R.]

Re: Tahoe Regional

Thanks for all your help, guys. See you in Tahoe!

Joe