The Cal-look Lounge

The time has finally come.... After announcing the Hot VW Drag Days and Bug In's  for Periscope Productions/Richard Kimball for nearly 35 years of my VW life with honor,dedication,and commitment, I will be stepping aside and retiring my services due to economics. For all that have attended these events through the many years I thank you for putting up with me and my "Acid Wit humor". One would think that I would hear this decision from the promoter but instead was given the phone call by race director Ron Fleming this week to tell me the news. Good luck to all of those who attend these events and race your hearts out/Ill always be there in spirit.    Dyno Don    ...well...ok....one last>>BABABABAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH...!!!!         www.dynodon.net

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!  :-[

bummer to hear this, dyno!  I've missed you at the BORs in recent years, too...

Well that's total BULLSHIT.
End of an era ... I'm glad I was able to hear you call a few Dyno!
I wish you the BEST!
TxT

X2

Dyno, are you still doing EBI4?

WOW :o US IN THE CAR SHOW AREA WILL MISS YOU TOO...

That is tragic and short sighted.

You are one of the things that have made these events the experience they are.

I'm lucky enough to not only have listened to you for most of those years but also to call you friend as well as a friend to DKK.

Most of you don't know this but Dyno announced at many DKK events back in the day when all we could offer him was making sure his mug of beer was topped off

Sad News You Are A Staple In The VW Community,Hope To See You At Some Of The Events,Now You Can Race,We Love The Don

Ok it has not been too long since I have come back to (deep) roots in the VW community. Once back in the neighborhood it was with great comfort to hear your voice again. It was like being home with a great welcome. You will be greatly missed ! Kato aka Mark Ramirez D.K.K.

Very sad news !
 :'(

This sounds like a good reason to not go to Drag Day, think I'll hit the Chili Cook Off in Morro Bay instead. Besides how can it be Drag Day or Bug In
without Dyno's knowledge and ENTHUSIASM.  :( :(

X2

  Wishing nothing but the best for you my friend.  Love ya man!   This is nothing but a shame... You will be sorely missed.

f kin hell

hope to see you in the summer dude.  I've already got my EBI ticket!

When they announced EBI 1 the first thing I thought off was Dyno Don. Any top events recipe starts off IMHO with the main man Dyno.

A total bummer  :(

You need a guy on the mike that knows the cars and the guys and girls that drive them. This needs to come from the heart and not from the paper in front of them.

Sad news - but let's celebrate the greatest VW event MC of all time.

X3

Torben

Those BS suck!!!  >:( >:( >:(

Very sad to hear!!!

Dyno, you are the "Steve Evans" of the VW world

THANK YOU for the years of enjoyment you provided

. . . . Michael Irwin "Stage Fright"

One of the signs of the Apocalypse, is Dyno Don being removed from announcing Bug- In's and Drag- Day's. When Bug- in restarted, the single thing that made it like coming home, was Don on the microphone. If Don isn't there, it's not Bug- In. Plain and simple.

Another sad day for the Cal Look scene  :'(

Just spoke with kobus and VWGG will cover dynos flights to ensure that ebi has the correct MC.

Glad Dyno's coming! Go GG!

 :o Really sad news.....A serious oversight by p.p./r.k.......I'm sure I'm not the only one that would pay an extra amount to secure what needs to stay in place or somehow "fix" this situation!  ??? We all love Dyno and these events will suck with any other MC!.......Dyno...are there any events you will be MC ing coming up?

Russell, we all thank you for doing this. Dyno Don adds so much to events like EBI, that he would be greatly missed!

Except the "home" of the Bug-In doesn't give a damn about one of it's own !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 ::) >:(

That's why you need to move to the UK (and bring me the Greenbriar as a little 'gift'... ;)

I gotta say this is tragic.....They might as well change the name of the events...!!!...you would think that they could cut back else where to ensure Dyno's presence..!!!...I'm thinkin I might not even go..!!!....this is a "Huge blow" to the VW family.....!!...I'd pay more if it would ensure Dyno Don would be there .....

I can see the end of the California Bug-In happening soon.

Maybe the promoters will come in and chime in on this... I'd hate to think it's something petty, but I think it would be worth it for them to come in and comment in the event that it's not some super weak reason that it appears to be. ???

Short sighted is right! ???

Won't be the same without you!!

Thanks Russel.

OH GREAT!!! Now Russell is taking our MC too!!!!!!!   ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Thats what I like to hear.

T

next stop SCC  ;D

You might want to edit this. As soon as the promoters see "I'd pay more" they stop reading. They charge more, deliver less. I'll pay less or I wont go. I already am going to start the "DONT GO TO THE CLASSIC" bitch right here, as it's famous for delivering less and less each year. I hope you are reading this promoters, cause you wont get my money for that steaming pile of duece in June. Sorry to hear this Don

I was thinking that too  ;D

The great Canadian vw show would love to have you!

Sorry to hear this ...  will always remember the first VW drag day I heard your annoucing.  Gary made sure I knew it was You annoucing and told me
a few stories of the old days. 

becky

All of our best stuff ends up in Europe or Japan.

I also agree with John, AND, YES! I would pay more to secure Dyno at the mic. He's worth every cent and MORE. Gonna miss you Dyno, won't be the same without HIS voice. Anybody else, just won't cut it.

Ted

Thanks!!!

gr
Wout

Thanks Russel!

 This is very Sad News Indeed.

   During a period when we have just lost several of our VW Heroes/Legends it's especially sad to hear that one of our 'living' legends is being treated in this manner.

     At a time when we should all be celebrating the 'Good and the Great' that we still have within our scene it's not the news we would all like to hear.

       For these reasons, I'll look forward to sharing a nice cold Chimay Beer with Don this year at EBI and hopefully for many years to come.

          Thanks Don.

Just so Wrong !

go,go,gooooooo,VWGG,thx  ;)

quote....

     Whoaaaa that is a shock to me. Take care Dyno.

     Frenchy

Simply UNBELIEVABLE :o :o ??? - Definitely the wrong area to make cut backs in!...RK will come to his senses soon enough and change his mind....I hope!...It simply won't be the REAL thing without you Don!

WTF?  How do you release this guy??  Dyno is just as iconic as the events themselves.  He is Mr. Volkswagen Racing Incorporated himself. 
I can only reiterate what Kato said earlier here, that once I fell back into the VW scene not too many years ago it was Dyno's presence and voice that made me happy and comfortable to be back.  Like sliding back behind the wheel again.  He is THE GLUE that holds a lot of this stuff together.  Here's a huge understatement..... He will be sorely missed. 
You dah man Dyno.  Always was, always will be.

So, on a lighter side I am assuming you finally got that "acting" job in Chatsworth eh?

One more thing.....  Just because these knuckleheads are'nt paying you to attend their event does not mean you wont be expected everywhere else!  I mean it Dude.  Do not disappear.  You are welcome (and expected) at any and all things VW anywhere anytime. 

Man, this sucks.

Scott,
This is by far one of the best posts I have read from you.  I ditto Scott's sentiments regarding this stupid decision by the promoters of bug in.  I was really looking forward to attending the event, but may change my mind after hearing this. 
I am really starting to feel we should all boycott their events from this point on, until they hire him back.  Then they will see how much money they lost by not hiring Dyno.
Best of luck to you Don.
jim smith
ps, best of luck with the new job in chattsworth.

No truer statement!

Well, at least the new announcer let everyone know that the "outlaw turbo" class are, and I quote, " the really quick ones". No shit Sherlock

Rather than boycott the event, how about having some shirts made that say "bring back dyno" could have them made for $6-7 each. If 2-300 people were wearing them, they can't ignore that

I'll never forget the shame and humiliation I felt after leaving line in 3rd gear my very first time drag racing and Dyno let me have it..... oh man.  ;D

No Dyno as MC? What, are you nuts? What's the matta wit you?

I was thinking the same thing.  ;)

One ordered from overseas.

I'll buy a shirt...

I second Worm's statement, you better be at the events, with or without a mic in your hand!

 ;)

John, I agree with what you say about making tough choices in these times, but unless dyno was asking an exhorbanant amount of money over his standard fee, which I doubt he was. They still have to pay for a MC, how much could they be saving, $50-75? Even then, what about negotiating, instead of just kicking to the curb

I have to say I agree with my buddy John on this one.  I think his comments were pretty much right on.  I'm sure Don will appreciate everyone's comments and support, and I wish him all the best too.  However, one person does not make these events and the Bug in will not come to an end becuse he's not announcing. 

Personally, I hope that Ron Flemming takes over the announcing.  He's done it before, and I think anyone would be hard pressed to find someone more knowledgeable when it comes to VW's. 

You guys that want to boycott or make T shirts are free to do so.  Either way, I plan on being at the next Bug in.

Ed Craig

Legendary DRA
and
Original Cambusters

Not in Texas, they shoot first and then check LOL

Well before I read Johns post then Ed's after, I was pretty much like kill the promoters, not really, just pissed about the whole thing, but your right! there are 2 sides to the story and we don't know the insides of all this. I agree with Randy, Why all of a sudden? Why was there any negotiating? The only person that knows is Dyno, maybe, and the promoters! Yes I agree we should just wait and see, maybe things will work out on it's own. Yes, I would like to see Dyno back in the MC seat, maybe he will, only time will tell or at least more of an explanation from Dyno or the promoters, not details, cause it's really none of our business, but at least an overall explanation on why Dyno was let go. To me anything can be worked out, and maybe this will. As far as Rich and Ron is concern, I know they are good people. Lets give it a chance before we bring out the noose.

Ted

  FYI  I read last night on Ultimate Aircooled that Team Red Barron has talked to Dyno and he will be anouncing at the last race of the PRA season in Az.  There is to be some sort of arrangement for donations to the cause. 

Having been on both sides of this scenario, for the 21 years I started and promoted the Phoenix Bug-O-Rama (Jan 1984 to 2005), I also recommend you take a deep breath on this one. I announced many Sacramento events for John Stafford the years he was running the Sacramento Bug-O-Rama before he sold it to Bob Hole.  I also did some announcing at my own event until I simply could not be everywhere and had to hire an announcer.  I tried the Firebird track announcers a few times, and eventually ask Dyno to take the chair for the last events I did in the latter part of my promoting tenure.

I know all parties concerned too and like all of them. Ron is also a good announcer. I heard him do some announcing at early Bug-Ins when Dyno was in his early days.  Not everyone has the full picture so don't talk of banning an event because you don't like what you "THINK" is going on.  As someone who has started and run his own business,  there are always financial considerations.  One just has to weigh the potential threats and liabilities associated with their decisions before making them and then be willing to live with the outcome of their decisions. Running a business is not easy and there are always unintended outcomes of some of your tougher calls but you are still faced with making decisions and living with them.

I agree with John and Ed's comments.  I would love to see Dyno behind the mic, have enjoyed having him Emcee some of my events and also respect whatever decisions Rich Kimball made as well.  I have also had a facility tell me that I was being charged for an announcer as part of the rental, regardless of whether I brought my own in or not.  So, as John put very well, there are always two sides to every scenario. Just let this one play itself out.  I know and like all the parties involved.  I personally will pass no judgement or vote one way or the other.  I still plan to attend and support the hobby I have been involved in for 42 years.  Dyno is still appreciated and will find a place in the announcing chair for many events.  Life will go on just as my Phoenix Bug-O-Rama has since I stepped aside and passed the torch to another family to promote it.

Rick Mortensen

Blah blah blah.... politically correct blah blah blah........

I am upset, for I dont care WHAT the reasons are, that a familiar voice will not be heard at these events. 

EXACTLY!!!!

This could be very easily made clear to all, by a simple statement made by the people that made the decision?

Nobody need to know $$ figures, just the simple reasoning behind the decision?

If as some have said there are 2 sides to every story, them it might be the simplest thing to state matters as clearly as possible for all.

I don't believe this decision can have been made without due thought and deliberation as the organizers cannot have thought for a second that it would be happily received by many.

To let this rumble on, without responce will only continue to create unnecessary divisions amongst VW Folk and that isn't good for any of us.

 

With those who have commented that there are two sides to each story, we know that Don's entertaining voice won't be there to add to future events. And that's too bad too.
But where is the input of Rich Kimball?  Does he "lurk" here, but never add any replies to posts?
He could certainly add a little clarity to this topic.
 How sad it it that we with this VW passion continue to support and pay to attend events, but they seem to continue to deliver less and less for our money.
At what point will those who's hard earned money stop flowing into the bank of the promoters?
Only then will they get our "message"- give us what We, their customers, expect.
Steve

.

Mr. Eric (Red Baron) Callebresse came up with a figure of $800 for Dyno to come, stay, eat and announce for the last PRA race in AZ (THIS IS NOT A KIMBALL/HOLE EVENT). He is taking donations on his paypal account to make this happen, if you would like to donate to the cause his paypal address is   veedblchoo13@sbcglobal.net   please make sure to put Dyno Don in the subject line.

I wish you the BEST! Dyno Don

 Folks, don't let this die,
The voice of Dyno has been and always will be that framiliar fixture at all VW events, you promoters can come and go if you wish, but your customers depend on and rely on Dyno Don.   >:(

NO DYNO ...NO DOLLARS!!!  I'll be at SAC for the BOR instead of bug in.  Sorry vendors, but I vote with my check book
and I'm not the one who threw away the talent.  I was really looking forward to Nick's...oh well  >:(

Dyno is part of our VW family !
Yet some of us turned their back on him.
This wrong must be righted immediately !
This is not how we treat family here !
 >:(

X2

This sucks.....I can't believe it. You know people will pay for it....

Not trying to throw a monkey wrench into this, but I believe the folks on the lounge would pay for it,but the general public wouldn't .  Just my thought.  Many folks just want what is cheapest.  A lot of folks don't visit these forums and really don't care as long as it doesn't cost them.  Sorry, but that's the way it is.  Money talks and BS walks...

You may be right, but for the most part, I think most people would rather see Dyno back in the saddle again. He is very much a part of the VW scene.

Ted

I'll be honest...I didn't stay as long as I normally do at the last Drag Day...I felt the vibe was not there without Dyno Don...!!!..Plain and simple...!!!...Whats next to cover cost of the event's...?..Allowing Touring cars to slip in...?...Remember when this happened to I "think" The Jamboree ...?... at OC Fairgrounds...!!!.....It was supposed to be a "All " VW event got there and there were Honda"s ,To#¤ta"s and what the hell else !!!...they slipped them in without telling us..!...about 15 other people and myself demanded our money back....and got it...!!! We were sooo Irate....!!.....Why can't we get a straight answer Why...??...What it's none of our business...???...I think it is !

I remember when Dyno used to announce the BOR events, too... those were the good ol' days.

They are paying someone announce.  Let it be the one and only...

They're saying the announcer comes with the track steve, hopefully he will be as insightful as the dragday guy and let everyone know" the outlaw turbo class are the really quick cars".

That sounds like the same BS they said about drag day.   It doesn't really matter since I'm spending my money at Sacramento, where the hardcore racing is  :D.

I think you all should start a petition and deliver it to Rich. Make sure Rich knows that there still a lot of folks out there that care and want this tradition to continue. The t-shirts are a great idea, and maybe a few folks with clip boards getting signatures at the next couple of events to support the signatures from this forum. It will be hard to argue his value if you walk in with 1000+ names.

My club started a show here in New Jersey back in 2005. All the local VW show/races have become both air and water cooled events, with the air-cooled taking a back seat to the water-cooled turnout 4 to 1. We wanted to change this so we started something new, the All Air-Cooled Gathering [http://www.allaircooledgathering.com/]. Although not on the scale of something like the Classic or Bug-In, what started as 60 cars and about 150 people has grown to over 350 cars and 1500 people and is still growing. That's not an easy thing to do here in the northeast.

Having known Dyno since my days in DKK the one thing that would complete this show for me was to get "The Voice" so I hit him up at one of Rich's parties before the Classic a few years back. It didn't take much arm twisting but Dyno has been our special guest the last couple years. Dyno has committed to our third year and I hope to be able to continue this new tradition for many years to come. What is really cool about it is that some of the folks, that have been in the scene from many years, come up to me how great it is that we were able to get him!

Here's an idea for a t-shirt and maybe posters!

(http://www.cjvws.com/hosted/savethevoice.jpg)

If you need a higher resolution file, I can provide it,

-jeffrey

Jhicken - Your Dyno Don artwork idea is great!  It's also great that you're getting Dyno out to your event(s).  Keep it going!
Jeff

I think it was asked earlier in the thread possibly, but I'm just curious if anyone has actually talked to Rick Kimball about why the decision was made? 

Great idea! I'll pass out flyers with that artwork @ The Madera Spring Fling http://www.MaderaSpringFling.com . this Sun. The Petition idea
sounds good too, not as nasty as starting a boycott of Ovals Only. 

Before we hand any stickers, posters or t-shirts, we should wait till Dyno chimes in and see what he says. Although I don't believe being brought out of retirement would be an issue [unless there is some other thing going on], it's all up to Dyno.

If he approves, I'll post a link to a high rez pdf for folks to "spread the word"

-jeffrey

Screw that... the angry mob doesn't wait for permission!  ;D ;D

Now where's my hangin' rope at... there it is... next to my shotgun!  ;)

[attachment=1]

Rick,

Sounds like you're from TEXAS.

LOL,
TxT

<Southern Drawl>Why thank you kindly Tex  ;) </Southern Drawl>

Word has it he was accused of being a "Prima Donna".

Close, but off the mark....."PRIMO DYNO"  DON is more like it.     The first, the best, the only true Voice.

Talk is CHEAP.
Let's see the ScatterGUN! ;D

LOL
TxT

Too late  ;D    Just picked up the fliers and my T-shirt, and yes I even left off the BOYCOTT Ovals Only part.












click 

Just talked to Dyno, he's cool with whatever we do so if someone wants to print up t-shirts, fliers, or put together a petition, click on the link below to download a high resolution file of the artwork.

http://www.cjvws.com/hosted/savethevoice.pdf (http://www.cjvws.com/hosted/savethevoice.pdf)

-jeffrey

I also changed my avatar to the pic of the flyer, I suggest mybe we all do so in support!

Ted

Now what about the bikini girls? How do we get that back? :o Worm?