Should SAAC conventions remain on 4th of July?

[sfm5s159]

I went to SAAC-31 at VIR and raced in the vintage race; had a good time. It was damn hot! For selfish reasons I would vote to move the date, but as others have pointed out, it is a private club. If enough of the membership had an issue, the dates would move.

On that note, does anyone know how the club is operated? Are the officers paid? Does it make money? A little off topic, but I thought I would ask.

MC

[66GT350PS]

SAAC is a private business with the owners, Eber and Kopec, being paid personnel. It has a board of directors. It received Carroll's personal endorsement at SAAC 12 in Charlotte in 1987. Many volunteers and members provide the support necessary to maintain the enthusiasm, history and integrity of the products associated with Carroll Shelby and Shelby American. Despite the many business changes that have evolved with Shelby name, SAAC has been the constant entity keeping the records and compiling the knowledge that maintained the value and history of all these special Ford powerd vehilces. That is why whether you agree or disagree with those involved with SAAC, it worthwhile to be a contributing member (paying dues and supplying information) to support its continuing existence as the premier Shelby American resource. Read the main page of the saac.com web site. It details what SAAC is all about.

[sfm5s159]

Yes, I agree to the extent that it helps preserve the breed and value of the breed. I have been a member since the day I bought my first Shelby in 1992. I was 22. I suppose sometimes I would like to be treated a little more lilke a cusotmer than a member, but then again it is a private club. Most clubs survey or listen to the membership at least a little.
I'm glad they are there, that is for sure.

MC

[shlby66]

66GT350PS is quite correct. With SAAC being a private business they have
the right to operate in any fashion they desire. Because of their efforts;
there is a tremendous repository of documentation on the cars from Shelby
American, thus maintaining their ( the cars' ) desireability which is reflected
in current values. Personally, I don't care what time of year the SAAC Convention is held or where; I will be there. If one is as passionate as one
claims to be about being involved with Shelbys; then when or where a SAAC Convention is conducted should not be something to whine about.
shlby66

[sfm5s159]

They may have the right to do whatever they want, but from a business standpoint and not a club standpoint, a club should listen to it's membership.
I have never been part of a club that didn't respect the membership.
I guess they make a living off of the club, I'm not really sure.
At 5000 members at almost $50 a head that is $250k per year. That would seem to be enough to pay a couple of salaries plus do a magazine once a year.

I may be the most die-hard Shelby lover on the planet, but I have a wife and kids who come first, so fourth of July is hard for me because we always have a celebration to attend. So at least for me, the meet being on a holiday is tough. I go if I can.

MC

[Texas Swede]

My two cents:
Thanks to SAAC and it's dedicated board of Directors, the Shelby
interest has evolved and all the knowledge, information and
paperwork that we now have access to is thanks to them.
Professional club run by professional people. Can't remember how
many times I have bogged Howard with questions/discussions
about 65 Shelbys and he has been extremely helpful. Last winter he
spent a long time in his cold garage (NorthEast) taking pictures of his Idler Arm on 5S350 showing me the FoMoCo in an oval as being original.
Dave with the 67's have also been very helpful to me as a 67 owner.
As regards the 4th of July convention, I haven't been able to attend
for many years but next year I will do my utmost to be there.
/Texas Swede

[sfm5s159]

I should be careful what I say about SAAC, I'm sure they monitor the site for nay-sayers

Really though, they have always been very helpful to me even talking to me on a Sunday afternoon about a '67 GT500. I have been on the phone for an hour at a time with Howard (who hasn't?) about '65 Shelby stuff. I'm damn glad they are there and I appreciate what the volunteers do for the club.
Hopefully now I won't be at the back of the grid at the next race...

[Charley]

Every time I have dealt with anyone from SAAC it has been great. I will try to never miss another SAAC convention. If I email a registrar, I always hear back from them. 250K from memberships can get eaten up quickly by insurance, a couple salaries etc. For what they have done for our cars, they deserve every bit of it. I also have been collecting Camaro's and other cars for years. There is no other make that has a group with events like SAAC and the other Shelby clubs.

[Charley]

As soon as I say I will try to never miss another SAAC, I get my newsletter announcing SAAC 33 will be August 15-17. I think that is the same weekend as the Monterey historics, Pebble beach, car auctions, Concourso Italiano, etc in Monterey Ca. that we go to every year. Bummer. Maybe SAAC 34 will be a different weekend.

[ChiCobra]

It does look like the 2008 SAAC is now the same weekend as Pebble. Too late to move back to the 4th?:

[rsimkins]

Originally Posted by ChiCobra

It does look like the 2008 SAAC is now the same weekend as Pebble. Too late to move back to the 4th?:

Wouldn't be surprised to find out the the August dates have something to do with the completion date for Thunderbolt Raceway a.k.a New Jersey Motorsports Park.

[66GT350PS]

That is the reason given in the latest SAAC Snake Bite bulletin. And you can go to the SAAC.com web site to take a video run on the track...but it is still dirt.

[daltondavid]

Originally Posted by rsimkins

Wouldn't be surprised to find out the the August dates have something to do with the completion date for Thunderbolt Raceway a.k.a New Jersey Motorsports Park.

very close for us Roy!!! maybe we will run down together one day??- Dave

[rsimkins]

Originally Posted by daltondavid

very close for us Roy!!! maybe we will run down together one day??- Dave

Dave,

Sounds good. Maybe the opportunity to get together will present itself sooner than that.