Carlisle 2004...wet but still GREAT!

Post by **MerkurRS** » Mon Jun 07, 2004 12:40 pm

Ok, I'll be the first here. Carlisle sure was wet, from Friday night right thru Sunday morning. But I'll tell you that it was still a TERRIFIC event! Lots of Merks attracted the same attention as always, " hey I never saw so many of these cars...even when I lived in Germany!!" said one passer-by.
I am truly amazed at the level of ingenuity that Merk owners possess. There were 2.3's with HUGE turbos, 3.0 v-6's, some with TWIN turbo's and even a few V8 cars. Even the Scorpios were heavily modified with 2.3 turbo and transmission swaps too.
I am not sure what I love more, the cars I see or the friends I make. I guess it would be the friends! Everyone leaves such a positive impression it is overwhelming. I cannot begin to mention everyone, but some that pop into my mind are Johnny from Boulder, CO, Al from Detroit, Ushangy and Larissa from Miami, Davis, Larry, Bob, Steve, Hal, Cliff, Mark, etc, etc, etc. I just love talking to everyone.
Congratulations to everyone who attended and a special congrats to those who took home an award. I know as a judge, this year was more difficult than last. I wish everyone could win something, because I hate choosing one car over another- they're all spectacular!
Thanks Carlisle for holding yet another great event! They did a great job despite being distracted by the emotions of losing such a great friend, Chip Miller.
I am sure may will post pictures real soon (mine are at home) so be patient.
For those who missed it and also for those who didn't PLAN to be there NEXT year as the MCA is trying to make it the biggest and best event yet to commemorate the Merkurs 20th Anniversary!!! You MUST be there!!

Post by **MagentaRed** » Mon Jun 07, 2004 8:07 pm

I'll second that opinion, Saul. Despite the wet weather, it was one great show. Got to spend some time talking to people who thus far haver been only names on a message board. It was great to finally meet up and talk with John Brennan, Dave Lalin, and Ed Lijewski, and others in person. And also to chat with old friends like Dave Stewart, Craig Madsen, Richard Curtis and so many more. The cars were, as always, awesome, innovative and just plain fun to look at. The awards dinner was one of the best ever. Daniel West put together a presentation that revealed the MCA award winner's car on screen as their names were announced. That was preceded by an onscreen Merkur Trivia Quiz, which tested our knowledge of Merkur facts. And of course the evening was capped by a long list of great prizes donated by various vendors. Sunday was a bit drier although still overcast.
The Carlisle awards were posted at 9am and several owners drove their cars past the grandstand to accept their awards. While some left early, many of us stayed well past the 3pm Carlisle car giveaway to continue talking cars and looking for last minute bargains at the flea market. As Saul said the loss of Carlisle founder Chip Miller was tragic and devastating, but the professionals at Carlisle Productions still put together a fantastic event. Drop them a note of well-deserved thanks. And make plans on being at Carlisle in 2005 when we celebrate 20 Years of Merkur.
You don't want to miss that.

tannehilln · Post by **tannehilln** » Mon Jun 07, 2004 8:36 pm

OK it rained. We spent a lot of time hiding from the rain but it was still fun.

With 115 Merkurs registered we won the club award by a good margin.

Next year for the 20th we should set a new record for cars in attendance.

Post by **John Brennan** » Tue Jun 08, 2004 2:35 am

I want to second the above comments, and (having just landed a couple of hours ago) just say that I am still high over it all! For me, it was as if I could jump into my favorite book and have all the characters come to life. Wilky, you are a GOD!

Thanks to all who treated me so well, and helped me out (thanks, Brad, for the room last night; thanks, "Madcap" Joe for picking me up from the airport!). I felt like I was part of a family, and was treated as such. What a great bunch of people you all are! Be proud of yourselves-- you deserve it.

fastmaul · Post by **fastmaul** » Tue Jun 08, 2004 1:15 pm

John It was soo good to meet you!! Taryn said the same!! she say's your extra cool!!

I'm glad I meet the rest of my unknown mca forum crew(which I think "TO ME") is different than the rest of some of the MCA people. Wilky,Ben,Mark H, and others good to meet you dudes!! Wilky, Taryn likes your car!
I met mr. Norm T, I said hi norm, I'm Erik..aka Fastmaul from the forum, he said oh the trouble maker.

Yeah, I guess speaking my mind is always cause for trouble. On a very small note speaking of making trouble...I see the awards were a joke again

anyway,
Can we PLEASE go back to the Radisson!!!!!!!!! The Hotel was the biggest dissappointment of the whole trip!!! I hated it and so did alot of others!!!
-Erik

Post by **MerkurRS** » Tue Jun 08, 2004 1:33 pm

Erik,
You are not alone in your comments about the hotel. In trying to improve last years event and *try* somewhere different, it may not have worked out as best as we had hoped. It's just like working on your car, you try to improve by trying something different- but you'll never know unless you try!
Everyones comments are appreciated though! Yes the food was LIGHTYEARS ahead of the Raddison, but it was clear that the PARKING LOT, LIGHTING and covered overhangs were more important (TRUE car people!!).
As always, the MCA will strive to improve next years show for the benefit of ALL Merkur attendees (members or not).
If anyone is in the Carlisle area and would like to help make that choice, contact Brad at events@merkurclub.com.
Thanks!!

Post by **jasonty** » Tue Jun 08, 2004 5:22 pm

i had to drive to the parking lot!!!!!!i was on the total oposite side of the hotel.im in favor of the radisson or preferabley the old holiday in from 99.also yes the food was good...but i like burgers:)

You are not alone in your comments about the hotel.

88_WRC_Replica · Post by **88_WRC_Replica** » Tue Jun 08, 2004 5:46 pm

I had a great time, meeting everyone after being away for two years on my Focus trip was great!! The hotel ya it wasn't the best I'm not sure if they expected a 4ft tall person to use the shower in my room but the head was level with the middle of my chest! The Radisson was far away but really it was a far better hotel, the Holiday Inn was interesting as well that being my first Carlisle I don't remember much more than taking pictures of the cars from the balcony.

My vote back to the Radisson we go!

Thanks for a great weekend even if it did rain.

Simon

P.S. can we bring back the Sunday morning AutoX as well? (Asking for miracles now)

Post by **John Brennan** » Tue Jun 08, 2004 5:54 pm

Thanks, Eric and Taryn, you guys were like old friends-- I really hope you can come out to AZ and see us sometime, as I would love to introduce you to the family and show you around. Thanks also for making sure I was introduced to so many that you know-- that was especially nice.

That goes for everyone else I met, mentioned and unmentioned; don't put me on the spot because I would hate to exclude anyone! But for God's sake, let me know if you have occasion to visit AZ!

Post by **mhamilton** » Tue Jun 08, 2004 6:16 pm

After meeting more people, now I can put the posts with faces. I seem to read them differently once I can see the person as they are typing (ESP

). I really enjoyed this trip as usual.

I thought the hotel was fine except for the parking lot. I think if we had most of the MCA in one wing and good lighting, there would be no reason to look elsewhere. The Radisson was good except for the drive and the food. What is more important? It will be next to impossible to find the "perfect" hotel.

How about an online vote?

Sock · Post by **Sock** » Tue Jun 08, 2004 9:07 pm

Well, I will have my 86 Merkur on the road for it's 19th birthday.
I will join Wilky's convoy next time.

Anyways, my merk should hopefully looks sexy for the next Carlisle.

fastmaul · Post by **fastmaul** » Tue Jun 08, 2004 10:02 pm

Yeah Saul, I do give the MCA event dudes or is it only Brad?? A lot of credit for helping us with the Hotel! Hell, EVERYBODY was excited about going to the new Hotel!!! We went we didn't like it, No Big deal!! It's NOT his(their) fault!! I like the Radison because it felt like it was "Our" hotel! I've been going for a while and this is the first time that by I think 1:30ish just about everybody was sleeping in their room!!
We would be crazy not to go back to the radisson! or if checking out other hotels, we need to make sure we will all have our own space and not so spread out, and a WELL LIT parking lot!!!

Post by **mhamilton** » Tue Jun 08, 2004 11:14 pm

What a great time! This was my 4th consecutive Carlisle and plan on making it for a 5th year.

For those that can make it to Columbus in September, mark your calanders for Labor Day weekend. We are planning on a busy Saturday and a Autocross day on Sunday. Bring out the boost in your Merkur and make us proud as you race against some turbo 2.3 Pintos, Euro Capris, Mustangs, and maybe even Mini Coopers.

Post by **merkurdriver** » Wed Jun 09, 2004 1:06 am

It was Carlisle # 6 for me and a blast as usual! Good to meet up with the forum users and put those names to faces. Year after year it always amazes me how many new friends I make in just a few days.
Somehow I can already feel the hype building up for next year with the whole 20th anniversary thing & all ...
Its never too early to start your XR or Scorp project for next year!
-Mike

Post by **Merkur** » Wed Jun 09, 2004 9:15 am

Thanks for all the constructive criticism guys. It was great to meet everyone again and put faces to the names. Sorry we didn't have more tome to talk Erik. Wilky, John B - you are nothing like I had pictured you from the Forum posts!! I think I'll have to see if I can add the capability to add a picture to the Forum user profile so that we can all remember what each other looks like! Everyone recognizes Norm since his Avatar is his face!

Good comments on the hotel. I think we all agree. We had a quick 'post mortem' meeting on Sunday and will be getting together in the next few weeks to capture all the pros and cons. In the past there has been criticism that the Radisson was too far away. This was said to be a problem for the people that camp at the showgrounds since they cannot come over to the hotel easily and join in the parking lot fun. This year we were a quarter of the distance the Radisson was, but I still didn't see any 'campers' in the parking lot so I guess that argument goes away.

Once you take the distance out of the equation, it comes down to the food. I remember lots of derogatory comments like 'Burgers swimming in water' and 'Cold dogs'. We have tried (and succeeded) in keeping the dinner cost the same as it was in the late '90s. Maybe it's time to increase the dinner cost by $5 or whatever to get decent food at a hotel with a decent parking lot. You gets what you pay for when it comes to the food!

Anyway - great to see everyone. Please seriously consider coming out to Columbus for the Ford Show, Labor Day weekend and keep the dialog up. We want to hear what you want.

Erik - is the Liberty State Park event on for July? What date?

Paul West