2000 Jim Emmel Trans-Am Nationals

It wouldn't be summer without a trip to Dayton in late August for the Trans Am Nationals, hosted by the Dayton chapter of the Trans Am Club of America. Through the efforts of dedicated club members, the obstacles faced by an ever-expanding event that takes place at the Dayton Airport Inn each year, are overcome. On Friday August 25, 2000 it all began as participants rolled in and headed for the registration area. Generally, Friday is a setup day that offers an opportunity for the curious to walk the parking lot at dusk and ogle the new arrivals. Participants can eye the competition and get the lay of the land. Of course there was also the traditional window etching activity behind the hotel.

Saturday morning brought about a flurry of activity as more participants arrived and the registration line lengthened. On the show field, as had been the case for the past 15 years, some the of best examples of Pontiac F-body performance stood glistening in the sun as owners polished the chrome off the bumpers in preparation for the judging on Sunday.

Jim Mattison delivered a gaggle of Pontiac special vehicles from the division's collection including an IROC racer and a new model slathered in the new color for 2001, Sunset Orange, among others. Another treat for Saturday was watching the staff of My Classic Car make the rounds interviewing participants with commentary from Dennis Gage. Coincidentally, My Classic Car chose at least two former HPP feature cars for its show. They were the 1974 Cannonball SD of Steve Loudin and the gold plated 1986 T/A of Eddie Barra.

Kil-Kare Raceway hosted a drag race to coincide with the event and many a lead-footed F-body owner made the trip to push the outer limits of his Pontiac's straight-line performance.

After a long day of polishing for some and racing for others, Saturday night's traditional Tripp City cruise-in was a welcomed respite despite the frequent passing rain showers. A 50/50 raffle benefited A Special Wish Foundation and a lucky winner. The real fun, however, was walking the main drag of this pristinely restored town with a slice of pizza in hand, while getting a eyeful of Trans Ams and Birds of every vintage, lining the streets like they had just taken over.

The air was thick with anticipation on Sunday morning. This was the day of judgement. The prior night's rain negated the exterior detailing efforts of Saturday on many a Bird parked on the show field. For those, a second cleaning was the first order of the day.

For me, feature shoots were a priority as was perusing the swap meet area, which had been bustling with activity since Friday. "Parts Is Parts" for chicken nuggets, perhaps, but for Firebird fanatics, each vendor space provided long lost treasure to finish that restoration project or to squeeze another tenth out of the ET. Even HPP had a booth set up in the vendor area to sell T-shirts and subscriptions.

Another aspect of this job that I particularly enjoy is bestowing the HPP Editor's Choice award on a dedicated owner with an outstanding example of the breed. This year, Scott Scheel's 1977 Trans Am appeared very tastefully done under the hood and on the inside with custom seats and the like. It also reminded me of the earlier times with my own white 1977 T/A. However, Scott's T/A was ultimately chosen for its workmanship, not for my bout of nostalgia.

By Sunday's close, the judging concluded, the information was processed and the trophies were awarded to the very worthy vehicles. Best of Show honors went to the stunning and rare Carousel red 1968 Firebird of James Morton. With the ever-present deejay providing the sound track for the Firebird's largest event, the 16th Annual T/A Nats drew to a close. The 17th annual Trans Am Nationals will take place on August 24-26, 2001 and it promises to be even better. For information, contact Sue Emmel at 937-667-4232 or e-mail at Suece49@aol.com or for more info on the show you can check the web page at http://www.angelfire.com/hi2/TransAmNationals.