Message from ISRA President Mike Pershing:
As most of you know by now, your ISRA WILL NOT be a working part of the GoodGuys Rod and Custom Association event in 2010 or thereafter!
Having heard this only on a local basis and from the local reps, you members asked for and deserved an “official” explanation from the powers to be in California….after all many of us had worked hard every June for a long time! We were told “good-by” with no other comment except that local “organizations would be excluded and that a [new special club] would take over the opportunity to work the local event”. Some ISRA members have stated that they have heard comments that “some ex-ISRA members were disgruntled” and caused the divorce between the two organizations. Who really knows?
I contacted Harry Daviess, V.P. Event Operations and asked for a statement from GoodGuys. His response is below in its entirety:
Hi Mike,
Please accept our gratitude for the many years of support that ISRA members have given to the Goodguys Indy Hot Rod Nationals.
It is important for ISRA members to know that Goodguys values our relationship. We have had a great run together for as long as I have been the Event Director for our Indy Hot Rod Nationals (12 years). We want all your members to know that we appreciate everyone’s hard work that make our event a success.
We are looking at making changes in various areas of the event to get a fresh start and hopefully begin to build the event back to its past attendance; one area of change is staffing and volunteer help. Sometimes longstanding events need to make modifications to get a different perspective and allow for new ideas and support. We will be rebuilding our entire Goodguys Team in all areas and I look forward to the change.
This adjustment is not in any way a reflection of any problems or concerns we had with ISRA it is simply time to rejuvenate the event.
Again please accept our sincere appreciation for the many years of support that ISRA members have given, and we look forward to seeing all of you at many more Goodguys events.
Best Regards,
Harry Daviess
VP Event Operations
Goodguys Rod and Custom Association
925-218-9124
harryd@good-guys.com