I'm getting the car ready to attend the SOC event next week, and in reading the schedule of events, I saw there was a conspicuous absence of an autocross, track day, dyno event, or even parts tent. You know, the four reasons I would be interested in going to a convention? I posted the question to the SCNA Facebook page and got this response:


image by cpr.richmond, on Flickr

I'm already committed to attend the event, so the question is somewhat academic at this point, but what are other conventions like? I've only been to one other, Crystal Mountain in 2004, which had some motorsport functions that were of interest to me. I'm curious how the venue was chosen in the first place if none of these things were available, but then I don't know if they are a staple or not. What has your experience been?

Well there will be plenty of Saab Junkies drinking in the parking lot of the Hotel.

I've been to about eight SAAB conventions. Only a few have had track events. A few more have had autocrosses but they're typically only contested by a small percentage of the convention-goers. Some have road rallies. All I've been to have had SCNA parts tents but for the past 10-12 years there hasn't been a whole lot of interesting stuff in them anyway (NG900, 9-5, boooring). Usually the best parts exchanges are with people in the vendor areas.

As far as what else is going on.... tons of old SAABs and conversations to be had. Maybe some brews in the parking lot at night.

A convention site is usually chosen based off of whom/which club offers to host.

No Auto-X?
That's a first for SOC's I've been to. I guess I don't need to bring my slicks along.
A track day could have been arranged. ORP is not that far away.
Also, they ran out of hotel rooms (only 90 set aside) and I had to rent a condo 1 mile away for $277/night.

John

99Super wrote:No Auto-X?
That's a first for SOC's I've been to. I guess I don't need to bring my slicks along.
A track day could have been arranged. ORP is not that far away.
Also, they ran out of hotel rooms (only 90 set aside) and I had to rent a condo 1 mile away for $277/night.

John

Sorry to hear you did not get a room, but also good to hear they ran out. This means a good turn out I hope.

You could always pitch a tent in the parking lot and save the $. It's been done before.

Lots of sand around there... could make for a nice rallycross.

We are sleeping in the van in the parking lot Thurs. night to save one night's $$. Could be fun...