WCBF Wrap-up, Awards, and Thanks

[willwren]

I want to preface this year's final post-WCBF post with some personal info. Lisa and I were wondering as the meet drew closer how we were going to pull it off, as we'd just returned from a 2 week vacation to CA (all the way to LA with multiple family stops in between where we tagged family member's cars with ZM stickers), as well as pretty serious issues afterwards on both sides of our families. Our hope was that the meet would be 'economized' and small. It turned out surprisingly bigger and busier than we expected, and I don't regret it in hindsight. Our prep time was hectic, but the end result made it all worth it. Not one of the smaller meets, not quite the biggest two, but pretty close to the 2006-2007 meets in size, and certainly one of the best. Those that attended compared it to 2008, which was arguably the best ever.

The smooth manner in the way the meet progresses isn't attributable to the host alone, or even in large part. The greatest part of the credit goes to the character of the people that attend, experience by all attendees year-over-year, and the general socialization among the members, typically expressed in an uncontrollable need felt by all to help anyone in need.

I was just explaining to Lisa what makes this group of people unique, and this applies to all attendees, not just the drivers on race day. It's just an example to show how it works out here each year: Where else can you go to compete or race, where the competitors look their competition in the eye and ask to see their time-trial time slips, then compare and discuss, in an effort to HELP the very driver they have to face in the first round of competition?

That's the general spirit of this thing we call WCBF, and it's expressed in the pits, on the track, in my driveway, in my kitchen, and at the campground. This year it was expressed on the shoulder of Highway 20, on the way home after the meet, and anywhere else more than a couple members ended up. Whether it was John driving all the way back to Eddyville to bring water and food to Matt and I waiting for the Tow, Ray and Anjelica bringing fresh donuts EVERY morning, Laura helping out SO much with the meals and the kitchen, Maxi-Matt helping in the pits, Keven's general AWESOME attitude keeping things light.......I could go on and on about every single person that was here, even the Matt/Wendy girls if you can believe it!

This leads me into missing those that were here in the past, and missed this year. All were discussed at different times, and I'm a bit wiped out and tired right now, so I might miss one or two: The Loza family, Tracy, Taylor, Travis, Bob-ivore, Thomas, Hans, Mark and Heidi, Mike Chezzi, Bill Bostick, RDRB8 (the other half of the dynamic duo), the fantastic porcupine from Alaska, Oompa-Loompa Matt and Joelson the Canadian......the list goes on and on.

My most gracious thanks go to Lisa, for seeing how hectic it can be, and never hesitating to support the effort in a very dedicated way. It simply could not have happened without her support, which is why this year's MVP award went to her. She gave up a ton of privacy, sanity, and space, and I don't think she regrets it for a minute. She made friends last year, renewed those relationships this year, and made even more friends. This is not forgetting for a minute, the sacrifice that Katie, Tyler, and Kyle gave as well, in different ways. In the end, everyone here believes it's worth everything.

Next year I'm going to take a little break. myfirstbonnie is going to pick a bit of the responsibility up, with my help in the background, I'm still going to host, but Matt will take on a bit more of the longer-prep items, and work with Paul on the schedule and attendance. I'll enjoy, for the first time, sitting back and being a spectator for the awards, in total surprise of the outcome for all awards. I'll still take on the Gearhead Cocktail, as that's my way of thanking those that receive it each year, and I'll help with any engraving Matt needs for all the awards for 2011.

For those that missed it, here's the final outcome:

Awards for WCBF 2010, 7th Annual Meet:

Using PontiacDad's slicks as center stage, awards were presented by myfirstbonnie and willwren. The awards were presented at ZillaMotorsports for the first time, taking advantage of indoor air conditioning and a patio cooling system of unique design. A Prelude of pizza, paid for in large part with boss455's track winner's purse (for his second-place run in Sportsman class against the big dogs), the whole night was a great success.

Best Interior - BoiseGTP (Keven) 2002 SSEi
Best Exterior - BoiseGTP (Keven) 2002 SSEi
Best Performance Mods - myfirstbonnie (Matt) and Wendy 2000 SSEi
Best Wheels - driverjohn2005 (John) 1992 SSEi
Most Unique Car - 2000CadillacSTS (Matt) Nissan Maxima (used maxi-pad)
Best Engine - boss455 (Ray) Regal GS (this fine machine took him deep into competition at Woodburn)
Best non-bonneville - 2000SilverBullet (Paul) and Laura - 6.6 Liter gas-hog Firebird in factory condition
Most improved car - VBCSpangler (Jordan) Camaro
Best Exhaust - myfirstbonnie (Matt) and Wendy 2000 SSEi
Best Audio - willwren (Bill) 1993 SSEi

Long Distance Award - boss455 (Ray) and Anjelica
Best Co-Pilot - Anjelica (co-pilot for boss455)
Bonneville Adversity Award - myfirstbonnie (Matt) and Wendy for the motor loss in the 2k SSEi
MVP award - Lisa, the hostess with the mostest
Bonneville Personality - driverjohn2005 (John) the THIRD time he's won this coveted award that I can recall without research
Pit Crew Award - boss455 (Ray), Laura SilverBullet/Bernardo, Katie Wren, driverjohn2005 (John)
Best Pit Crew - 2000CadillacSTS (Matt) BY DRIVER VOTE FOR THE FIRST YEAR ON THIS AWARD

Best Burnout - willwren (Bill) 1993 SSEi (in spite of the second burnout almost ending up in the retaining wall)
Best Trap Speed - boss455 (Ray)
Best In-Class Trap Speed - VBCSpangler (Jordan) Camaro
Best Reaction Time - 2000SilverBullet (Paul), .001, .004, -.001!
Best 60' - boss455 (Ray)
Best In-Class 60' - 2000SilverBullet (Paul) Firebird
Best Trap Speed - boss455 (Ray)
Best In-Class Trap Speed - VBCSpangler (Jordan) Camaro
Best ET - boss455 (Ray)
Best In-Class ET - 2000SilverBullet (Paul) Firebird

Gearhead Cocktail - myfirstbonnie (Matt) presented by willwren

Woodburn Dragstrip 2nd Place Plaque for Bonneville/Grand Prix Class - BoiseGTP (Keven) narrow margin of loss in the final grudge round to GP
Woodburn Dragstrip 2nd Place Plaque for Sportsman Class - boss455 (Ray) - Ray quite simply RAPED the field all day

WCBF travelling bracket racing trophy - BoiseGTP (Keven), presented by 2000SilverBullet, who was the first winner of the trophy in 2004. This same trophy is added to each year. Bugsi was unable to pass it on by tradition, so we chose what seemed the most appropriate presentation method. Keven won this trophy in the class final against 2000SilverBullet in a hard-fought round. This was no 'gimme'.

Survivor Awards - There were enough for every attendee, members and non-members alike. They were laser engraved this year on very thin high-strength optical-quality glass, and are VERY nice. Perhaps the best ever. This award has been given to all since the first meet in 2004.

Many thanks to every single person that made the effort to attend. You are the people that make this work. And on an even more positive note, Dex's fever has dropped to very low-grade, he'll take a break tomorrow while we're at work, but he'll head to the sitter on Wednesday for a play-day.

[lisawren]

I would like to say that I really appreciate all the help around the house by all, and how considerate everyone was. I enjoy meeting new people and seeing the comaraderie among all that were here. Thank you to all and look forward to WCBF 2011!

[driverjohn2005]

As I said in the main WCBF topic:

Just a few words I want to say....

Last year was kind of an awkward WCBF (in my opinion)... It made me hesitant for what this year had in store and whether or not it was going to be worth my time to show; but I tried to put that aside and commit to another year. And what do ya know....



... it trumped last years meet completly. What a great meet everyone! I really felt the spirit of the club this year and made me feel really proud and honored to be apart of such an amazing club! On the drive home; compared to last year; I really felt excited already for next year's WCBF!

I would just like to thank everyone who participated and put their heart into making this; once again, an AMAZING WCBF! Come hell or high water I will see you all next summer at WCBF 2011!

[2000Silverbullet]

I would like to add a few words of thanks as well. Never too late since I finally found this thread just today!

This year has been a trying year for me in more ways than financially.
I've kept my happy hat on and decided to do some travelling with a May trip to California to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary and a June trip to Ontario to visit family and friends I hadn't seen in many years. Finances had us teetering on not attending the July WCBF for the second year in a row.
I regretted not attending WCBF09 all year. I just couldn't miss it again. As much for the comraderie of my Bonneville Club friends as for the thrill of driving friendly competition in a highly charged atmosphere of automotive joy.

The spirit of this Meet and the people who attend is truly awe inspiring.

I have to thank Bill and Lisa for inviting us into there home. The only other places I've felt more at home is at my own Brother's home, the one I grew up at as a child, and of course my own.
Bill has to be the most trusting and generous friend I know. I'd be proud if your daughter Katie called me Uncle!

John, you are special. I knew that right from the first time I met you and your Dad. I don't offer my car to many stangers the first time I meet them......even my own son has never driven my Firebird (Is that any wonder).
We've shared many experiences in the past seven years and I am proud to call you my friend. If you have any lingerie you'd like me to wear next Meet for my Flag dance.......LOL.

CaddyMatt, you've grown a lot in the past few years into a fine young man. You helped me a lot in the pits.....I really thought someone had stolen my Pontiac cap but you found it!

LottaMatt I've only known you a few years but it seems like longer and our friendship grows stronger. You're lucky to have Wendy and so many young women looking up to you. No, I don't think any of your girls are dumb blondes. Thanks a lot for sticking with me on the way back from Corvallis with my brake problems. You've intoduced me to the best Burgers I've ever had at Fuddrukkers!! Keep squeezing that rubber chicken and sooner or later the egg will pop out.

Ray, your great personality shines through you're angelic daughter. She's a charmer! Bring some diet muffins next year....but you know my weakness is apple fritters.

Keven, you impress me more every year with your automotive abilities and passion. Missed Celin this year.

Missed quite a few friends this year....O'Neil, Nichole, Tracy, Oopa Matt, Bob, Rod & Cindy, Travis, Thomas, Hans, Taylor, John, Peter, Bill, Shadd, Mike, Mark & Vince......and others not necessarily in that order.

Even though I didn't drive my Bonneville to this Bonneville Meet I was still accepted bringing my other Pontiac so thanks to all for putting up with my antics. Although it hadn't been mentioned before (or any blackmail pics posted) I did make a special presentation in a rather provocative outfit. ONLY intended to be seen by attendees of the Meet.

Who knows what next year will bring but whatever I have started a new thread for WCBF11 !