2017 Corvette Funfest
Mid America Motorworks
Effingham, Illinois
September 14-17, 2017
Here is a
candid shot of Mid America's 'Chief Cheerleader' Mike Yager trying to get
away
from SACC President Max Brockhouse. Just kidding...Max gave him those
newspapers that
had an article about Funfest and we were heading to a table to check it out.
And not
that far away we bumped into our friend Lori Worman who was there with
this
1957. Way in the distance you can see some of the cars arriving and
parking.
You are
right...this is not a solid axle. But I loved the way that this Kansas
City Chiefs fan
created his own statement.
And here are the owners, Marty and Barb Bean. And try to guess where they are from.
When I went to take this picture Barb noticed a speck on the car
and pointed it out
to Marty, who then sprang into action, removing the offending speck.
And your
humble web editor and Central Regional Representative volunteered to be
the tram driver.
You can see how confident the passenger was.
A two in
one picture. While I stopped the tram at the Trolley Stop (see A-Frame
sign) I shot a picture
of the Install Dome. Lots of accessories being installed in there.
Our
President, Max Brockhouse, was chosen to be one of the panelists for a group
discussion featuring
Presidents of National Corvette Clubs, plus Canada.
You can see Max there in the light shirt with red lanyard. In the red shirt with the red hat bandana is Mike Yager.
This was a planning gathering for tomorrow's discussion panel on stage.
This '56
Cascade Green was in the For Sale area. Larry Rowden has owned the car
for 2 1/2 years. The car is five for five winning show trophies.
And he made these custom covers for the air intakes. No hot reflections.
This was
different. This bronze restomod is courtesy of The Custom Shop. It
was
a two year assignment. 598 ci big block. 1048 hp. Chopped
three inches.
They named the car "Coppertopless".
And seen from the rear, a beautiful trunk area.
Think about it....you
drive a long way...there was traffic...you got tense...you need a little help...
No problem. These massage therapists were there to help.
And I was walking around and stopped at the booth for Mantic Clutch. Justin Stephens was very friendly and he knows just about everything about clutches.
And his helper (supervisor) is Teresa.
He said that the company welcomes the opportunity to work with solid axle owners.
And under the heading of you never know who is going to drive by, this Indiana car went by, but slowly enough that I could get my camera ready.
Didn't get a chance to talk with the owner, as the car was heading out.
SACC President Max Brockhouse and I attended the Friday night charity event.
When the dust had cleared, over $20,000.00 was raised for St
Judes's Hospital to
combat pediatric cancer.
And this was one of the drawing prizes! Created right there on the spot by the artist.
Here's a shot of the MY Museum. Some of the cars are on loan to venues like shows, museums.
Right there on the wall two C-1 racing pictures
And look what was right on the counter..
I ran across this 1960
Survivor out in the general parking. On the left is owner Gary
Skinner. He
has owned the car since 1986. Before that it was in a barn from
1968! He prepped it and it started
right up.
The car was featured in our magazine On Solid Ground last year.
More on this car later..
It was time for the opening ceremonies. Here you see the Yager family (with a very new addition, Michael III). on the left is Olivia Spraul who sang the National Anthem. And she did a great job.
Now back
to Gary Skinner and his very nice 1960 Survivor. I had the honor to be a
celebrity judge, so
when I got the packet I hurried back to place the winner sticker on that
windshield.
You may note that Gary looks pleased as he points to the
Celebrity Choice winner sticker right above his
Funfest Registration sticker.
And this is
big news...Our club has joined with other national and international clubs to
form
the Alliance of National Corvette Clubs.
You can see our president, Max Brockhouse participating in the
panel discussion on stage.
He is in the center of the picture, Mike Yager is to his right.
All told, there were 10 clubs present.
And here is a group picture that is supposed to be off the record.
There is no such thing as off the record.
The Central great Rivers Chapter conducts a meeting at Funfest every year.
It makes total sense since several members and the officers are there anyway.
And here is
a big moment... (L to R) Effingham Queen, Jack Hollada (me), Gary Skinner,
owner of the car, Mrs.
Skinner, Mike Yager, and the Effingham County Queen.
Wait! There's more! SACC President Max Brockhouse picked this car as his Celebrity Choice.
And if that's not enough, the party is not over until there is a concert.
We totally enjoyed the World Classic Rockers!
So that is what went down, the parts that I saw,
anyway. There was lots more. I would like to thank Mike,
Laurie, Tabbi, and Betsy Yager for their hospitality. Also I would like to
thank
the entire Mid America crew for a job well done. (They also dialed in nice
weather).
I would especially like to thank Tabbi Yager for trusting me to
drive the Tram trolley and not run over anybody.
Here is
what the tram looked like. You can see Max at the helm. It is
essentially a Ford tractor made
to look like a locomotive. Since Max has farmed all his life, he had no
trouble operating it. He gave me a quick seminar and off we went to serve
the public.