The Cal-look Lounge

From Ron Flemming's FaceBook page;


I'm talking with rich kimball about the bug in. And I Can tell you all that there will be a bug in this year stay tuned for the latest info

Interesting, looks like Famoso (Bakersfield) has an open date (replacing T-N-T) on Saturday 4/28 and Barona has Saturday and Sunday 4/28 and 4/29 open-assuming they will have drag racing.  If drag racing is posponed this year I assume they could still run the even at Fontana.
Troy

Great.....hope we don't end up with only a car show......in the empty parking lot at Fontana.......playing the sound tracks from Dan's old Ocean Street Video's over the PA system.  Might have to light a tire fire to add the smell of burning rubber to enhance the former racing experience.  We will all be sitting around with RED CUPS with our race cars on their trailers ,talking about how much fun it was in the good ole days.  Let's just have the Bug In at Nick's drive in.

Only if they'll allow a burnout contest.
... 1/8th mile drags on the street till the cops show???
 ;)
TxT

D.K.P. has been doing this for years.

 ;D

Any status updates on the Bug in? 

...Ed

Just looked at the Bug-In website and nothing.

From BugIn.com (http://www.bugin.com)

---

Bug-In moves to Irwindale!!!

The Flat-4 Bug-In 37 will be held at the Irwindale Speedway!

We are sure that a lot of you have heard the stories and rumors, both fact and fiction, about the closing of both the Irwindale and Fontana Drag Strips. The Irwindale facility closed because the people leasing the property filed Chapter 7 and left the building. The immediate future was unknown, but canceling plans for the March 18 Drag Day event. A couple weeks later word went out that the Fontana track was also closed because of a noise problem. At first we heard it just might be a few days . . . and then we heard at least six months. The future for the Bug-In and Hot VWs Drag Day 2012 season was not looking good.

. . . But now things have changed and the owners of the Irwindale Speedway property have given us the rights to hold the Flat-4 Bug-In 37 at their Irwindale facility. Drag Racing is still up in the air, but we won’t know for a couple weeks. The folks at the raceway are very positive and working with us in any way they can. They have also given us the tentative date of July 15 as a make-up date for the March Drag Day race and are still holding our October 28 date for our Triple Crown Series finale. We think we’re looking quite a bit better!

The Flat-4 Bug-In 37 will host the largest all-VW swap meet on the West Coast and a giant car show with classes for all Volkswagens, both are free entry with paid spectator admission. Legendary VW racers, Mark and Paul Schley, have just finished the restoration of their “Chop-Top” Lightning Bug, and Scottish collector, Russell Ritchey, has flown over his example of the first Oval Window Lightning Bug. Both of these classic race Beetles will be shown, along with the Lightning Bug Dragster. The Land Speed racers will also be there with a large contingent of salt-flat cars, we have special club displays, including DKP who will be hosting their cruise night at Nicks on Friday night. The manufacturers’ ‘mid-way’ will feature all the latest VW stuff.

Still a lot of other special activities being planned . . . . and maybe some racing!

Stay tuned!

Periscope Enterprises
714.544.1759
e-mail: info@bugin.com

Great News!  Hope the racing happens, but if not, its still better than no event.

...Ed

You mean the" Windy Dustbowl"??

Maybe for you... Irwindale is considerably farther for me!

All

This is the first that Ive heard of this and I'm really glad that Rich and team have managed to reorganise Bugin at Irwindale. Currently the VW Gasser Garage "Oval Lightening Bug" replica is currently on display at the NHRA Wally Parks museum, the plan was to take it out for the Bugin at Fontana for a Head to Head Race with Schley's LB2, however as the racing at Bugin looked like it wasn't going to happen Ive amended my plans and was thinking about going to Classic instead, however this is not confirmed.

In order for LB1 to be at Bugin 37 at Irwindale I will need to make some calls to the organisers and see how this can be done, so in short I cant guarantee the car will be there at the moment but i will update this post once it can be confirmed.

Sorry if this confuse's anyone, just being honest.

Russell

For me living in Corona now Fontana is a stones throw and I wish the event was still there with Drag day this Sunday ...but life goes on and getting back to Irwindale will be a good long drive I look forward to making Hope they get to have racing.

Running the famed Bug-In without drag racing, and at a smaller location may not be the best idea for the longevity of the brand. I would rather see it postponed for one season and come back bigger and bolder the following spring. Going to Irwindale and without drag racing will only be a "drag day" light event. And relying on the DKP to host their cruise night at Nick's is not a done-deal. This new idea does not excite me in the least... Sorry.

The car show and swap meet are the remaining two-thirds or the event revenue. People still need to eat and there are vendors who get hurt by the loss of these events.  Even though the racing might be cancelled,  we all need to show our support and hope this is not a permanent end to a large part of our hobby.  My two cents.

Simple: call it something other than Bug-In...

I agree, I would rather wait a little over a month for the Classic. The Bug In without Drag Racing is just a car show and a Swap Meet unless by some miracle they can do something no one else can do , get the Drag Strip going...

OK - you negative Nathans - and you know who you are.

Let's not give up hope about the Drag Racing!  And if it does not happen, then all of us racers still need to support the event and still be apart of it.  As you know, without the promoters, we would not be able to do what we love to do, so now is our chance to rally around and for them, and show them ALL the support we can!  Periscope and Bugorama have been dealt some pretty nasty cards this year so far, so I will do what it takes to support them in any way possible.  They deserve it!   

Susy
 
PS - I was told by a certain magazine editor that the PowderPuff Class was a waste of the promoters time, and that us ladies don't give back to the industry.  Well I never have and never will give up, and I bet that person is eating his words right now!  Positive thinking works so much better. And again - you know who you are! 
 

How about...Bug-Out...??

I agree with Susy and will support the event with or without the drags.  I know everyone, including the promotors would much prefer to have the drags and I'm certain by next year, it won't be a issue.  However, for now, whatever the shape of this years Bug in, I expect it to be a fun day and very much looking forward to it.

...Ed

I'm just glad there is an event for us to go to. This week end Drag Day would have been cancelled anyway with the rain we have here, I'm looking forward to hanging out with friends.

Greg

If the track isn't available for racing; how 'bout adding a engine pull contest and/or maybe a car push contest down the track like the ol' Bug In days at OCIR. Ohh and while we're at it, lets bring back the bikini contest with THE VOICE Mr.Dyno Don...OK, NOW I'm IN!!! ;D 8)

I agree with Susy ,Ed and Dan....I'm OK with "Not" having the racing if it means "Not" having it at all...I know it sucks but some people "Do" rely on revenue of sorts ..lets not be too greedy..!....lets "not ' count out racing yet...!

Thanks everyone who is showing support and backing up the promoters.

I know for a fact that Rich is hoping there still will be a chance for Drag Racing, but if not, he is coming up with other ideas to have that day!

I too will miss the Drag racing if it does not happen, but if it does not happen then I will be able to be apart of the whoile day, instead of sitting in the staging lanes all day, and wishing I could go visit with my VW buddies and just relax and hang out!  The world will not come to an end with out the racing for one time.

Think Postitive!!

Plus I assume the dash plaques and trophies, etc., have already been made and include the date and the Bug-In name.
I too hope there will be drag racing !
See ya there !

As a club, DKP decided (during the latest club meeting) to support the Bug-In by organizing a “Pre-Bug-In Cruise Night” at Nick’s, whatever the Bug-In's outcome.

And as far as Irwindale, my $.02… Picture yourself in Rich Kimball’s shoes. As a promoter, wouldn't you try to still “save” your event? Why take the risk of waiting another year, knowing that Fontana Speedway will probably never build the wall required by the judge?

I don’t see it being a problem using the name “Bug-In” for the April 29 event. Today’s Bug-Ins have nothing to do with the ’68 to ’83 Bug-Ins anyway. (The European Bug-In is arguably much closer in spirit to these original Bug-Ins). Today’s Bug-Ins run their own course, even though this year might call for no racetrack.

We should still make the effort to support the event, race or not. Clubs should have barbecues or potlucks, and just enjoy the camaraderie. More than ever, the hobby needs our support.

when shit like this happens and you have to either let the event die or try and put on a show you can never please all the people.

If you only went for the racing then find another event to watch.

If you liked the static show and meeting your mates and having a laugh then go anyway.

If it is closer or further away than normal, bollocks go anyway.

Stephan, I agree.

But if your a European or from the Far East, we have to spend a considerable amount of money and time to make it for a 1 day event and whilst we realise the event is not the same as the legendary Bug Ins. It still needs top have the basic ingredients; but its easy if you live an hour away to go and then leave at 12 when you've had enough, however if you've traveled 5000 miles for 6 hours of a show its just not the same.

Would it not be better to try and have a sort of European Bug In Style every 2 years rather than this 1 day event or if its every year make it the week before classic and then you will get people coming for the week and not just a day, i feel the same about a classic, get up at OMG its early and by midday people are leaving, again OK if you live close.

I also fully understand Rich's postion and and i feel for him as he will have laid out money to promote the event etc, however its either a Bug In or its not.

Just my2pence....

Russell

Susy, Stephan and Russell all bring up great points.

I'm not thrilled about going to Irwindale.

I'm not happy with the possibility of no drag racing

I understand there are substancial costs in coming here for those coming long distances and maybe this is a year where you may want to plan differently. As an OC local, I really enjoy seeing and meeting people from outside the area... and especially outside the US. While I understand your decision, you will be missed. ;)

I don't think that going to an every other year format would have been of much benefit when I consider the obstacles that Rich & crew have this year.

If this was a "planned" change I think I would feel differently about the "Is this a Bug-In or not?" question. This is more Rich trying to make the best of a pretty crappy situation and I think he should be supported.

I'd rather have 60% of a Bug-In than 0% of a Bug-In.


While DKK hasn't really discussed this in depth, I anticipate that we will be there in force just as in years past.
Myself and my wife will be there.

That's not a Bug-In thing, that's every fucking car show in the country!
I agree that having it every other year (opposite of EBI), would make the event more special. I don't know if having it the weekend before Classic is a good idea...
The only thing I don't like about this years Bug-In (other than waking at 5 ayem), is that I won't be there.

Have fun everyone!

Thank you to Rich and I believe Ron for giving us somewhere to hangout with all our likeminded friends on April 29th.  If there's racing awesome I will run if not Awesome It will be a great time hanging out with friends enjoying our Hobby!

 

Rick/Jason


Yes i agree, but just thinking of the bigger picture, I'm sure you know my feelings on Ron Fleming and they are much the same for Rich Kimble, anyone who has given so much to our VW hobby should be supportred whenever possible its just harder 5000 miles away. (for the benefit of any doubt they are both fantastic guys)

Another point to note, whilst the world is financially hurting and when the likes of the tracks are struggling we do need to rally round our local shows, promoters and suppliers as without them, there would be no hobby or scene..... the main difference that this is these guys livelyhood. So if you can go you should go and if you wont go (silly you) and if you cant go (unlucky).

You might want to check this out...

http://www.facebook.com/events/320081798055949/

Had a call from Ron Fleming today and hope to hear some positive news latter this week, fingers crossed

   More quoting for more truth.   

EvEn MoRe QuOtInG aNd EvEn MoRe TrUtH... :D

WORD.......

....Ed

True dat!

this might be good news...

http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_20217667/nu-way-industries-back-control-speedway

This is very good news, maybe we will be racing after all. Will just have to wait and see.


Ted

Oh, yes..how terrible. A whole HOUR drive. How-do-you-do-it?!?!?  ::)  It must suck to have to drive an entire hour in order to enjoy one of the largest VW events on earth. And to deal with such terrible conditions as dust and (gasp) wind. Its hardly worth it.
You nancies would never make it in the Midwest.  :D

Hell, They hardly make it in so-cal !

Actually, it hasn't been close to being one of the largest VW events.  In decades.

Agreed! The Bug-In now days are cool, but not like the old days, and we hardly make it here in SoCal! NOT TRUE!  >:(  ;)

Looking at all the strong Cal-look interest in Europe, makes me want to move across the pond. I completely agree that the old Bug In days of OCIR are not comparable to the ones of today IMO.

I can't imagine (I'm an Oregonian, mind you!) events even bigger than the Bug-Ins they've had so far at Fontana... as it is, the two I've been to in 2005 and 2008 I didn't see anywhere near the entire event because of sheer size.  My main interest is in drag racing and new vendor booths/parts, and that's pretty much what I saw.  With 600 odd show cars, I never saw the entire car show on either occasion, so I can only imagine how it must have been during the OCIR days.
Sacramento BOR is about all I can handle anymore, at least in terms of seeing/experiencing the entire event.

I heard racing is a go at Bug In!

yes racing at bug in!!awesome....and yes in so cal i think we been a little spoiled...miss OCIR...carlsbad

I'm CERTAINLY not bitching or thinking I'm somehow high & mighty, but we normally (when we had Bug-Ins) had to drive 4-6 hours to attend events from my locale to Dallas or Houston areas. There were 4 events per year at the peaks (AWESOME!); two in each venue, one in spring and one in summer!
That backed down to 2 events and now ... NONE! Well, outside of the Texas Classic (which is Coming UP!!!  http://www.texasvwclassic.com/ ... See You There! ) and perhaps a few local to location show-n-shines.
What was the reason for the dwindle? PARTICIPATION!
I can remember showing up EARLY and having to wait in line for an hour or longer to get in the gates! ... ah, the good old days!
Towards the end, the show had fallen down to 40-50-60 cars, the swap meet was JUNK-for-sale, and the racing ... well, not much worth watching for the most-part, although I could've supported it more.

The point here is If You Want These Events To Continue, YOU HAVE AND NEED TO SHOW UP AND PARTICIPATE IN ANY AND EVERY CAPACITY POSSIBLE! That means YOU!
I'm not talking about getting in on General Admission, then parking close to the swap meet so you can carry over a few precious pieces and put them in with a friends display, or casually rolling into the show just to display because 'you're not interested in the competition' but still somehow Need To Be Seen, or getting a close spot in the pits so you can set up your grill (sorry, BarBQue is a term only usable to Texans ... sorry) so you can hang with your buddies and have a good time!
Pay to get in, Pay to Enjoy the Festivities, Pay to PARTICIPATE as much as You can, Buy A GD t-shirt, buy a dash plaque, Buy a hamburger, Show your Car if you'd like, THEN pay and take a few passes down the strip so you (and everyone else) can see if it still runs as well as You Say it DID WAY BACK WHEN, or just to enjoy the experience! That includes Club Displays!
Don't ride in like a parrot on the shoulder, EXPERIENCE what's before You and cut that place down with a broad-edged sword!
You're lucky to still have events like this AT ALL in Your area.
They only happen every SO OFTEN! Make a day of it!

Alright, whatever.
 ;)
TxT

Great news that Bug-IN will be able to motor on with the sound of tires boiling in water box and 4th gears screaming though the traps! Rich and Ron...good work. April 29th I think. I will try and get down there with the Not So Ghetto.....

P-

Lightening Bug 1 will be there and racing.  ;D

The Palmer Boy's will be ready to race and show at the Bug-In.  Stop by the 1953 Canned Ham Vintage trainer in the pits and say hello. Thank you Rich and Ron for pulling the racing together.

Speaking of the Lighting Bug...one of my all time favorite race cars.  Here's a picture i took at Bug in 3 or 4. [attachment=1] I took the minutes after the crash at the top end of the strip with my super hi tech, (at the time), Kodak instamatic.

...Ed.