Branson Z Fest 2015!

alaNi · 11-15-2014, 01:40 AM

Totally ready for it to be BZF time again =D

**Twisted Six** · 11-15-2014, 04:09 PM

is there even going to be a BZF15? I heard tales that pickle was finally going to step aside, which is definitely a step in the right direction.....but I also heard the oklahoma Z group was wanting to/going to take over. if true, I won't be attending anymore. The OK group already fixes the show for their pals/favorites, the same people in their little 'click' win....year in, and year out.....with them in total control, the event is finished.

I would love to see Paul & Nick Brown take over. They're local (atleast Paul is, Nick lives in KC now iirc) and first and foremost, they are Z enthusiasts!! That would always be first, far on top of any car club politics..... If they did take over the planning, I would actually be willing to get involved again, and a few others I know would too (Steve, Skidmore, Dan, and a couple others).

zdotcom · 01-01-2015, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1990 FairladyZ

is there even going to be a BZF15? I heard tales that pickle was finally going to step aside, which is definitely a step in the right direction.....but I also heard the oklahoma Z group was wanting to/going to take over. if true, I won't be attending anymore. The OK group already fixes the show for their pals/favorites, the same people in their little 'click' win....year in, and year out.....with them in total control, the event is finished.

I would love to see Paul & Nick Brown take over. They're local (atleast Paul is, Nick lives in KC now iirc) and first and foremost, they are Z enthusiasts!! That would always be first, far on top of any car club politics..... If they did take over the planning, I would actually be willing to get involved again, and a few others I know would too (Steve, Skidmore, Dan, and a couple others).

This is news to anyone in the Oklahoma Z Car Club. Although it seems awfully rude to throw an entire club under the bus because you believe that the Oklahoma registrants "fixed" a people's choice car show. According to last year's registration, only 14 came from Oklahoma which is not even 10% of the folks attending and voting. Trust me, if it were a judged show, there would be even more winners.

I have attended Branson since 2007 and tied for my first trophy this last summer. I can honestly say, my 350z is cleaner and in better condition than most and I have never complained once when obviously lesser prepped cars were winning trophys. Why did I never complain? Because I know its a people's choice show. I also never complain because I am there for only a handful of reasons:
-Get a few days of R&R .
-Nothing to talk about other than Z cars with like-minded folks.
-Have a few nice dinners with friends that I don't see any other time.
-Drink some cold beers and puff a few cigars.
-Dodge a few rainstorms down at the landing.
-Chat up old friends and maybe pick up a few more along the way.

I challenge anyone to find a better place to accomplish all of those for the price that Branson offers. I also challenge people to add to my list of reasons for going to BZF and explain how those reasons were not met. I just hope that "I expect a trophy" isn't one of them because if that's why you go to any car event, you will be disappointed more often than not.

The OKZCC has been a long time supporter of BZF in more ways than you know. Not to mention that it was the Oklahoma club that rallied with some folks in Branson that got this whole thing started.

alaNi · 01-01-2015, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zdotcom

This is news to anyone in the Oklahoma Z Car Club. Although it seems awfully rude to throw an entire club under the bus because you believe that the Oklahoma registrants "fixed" a people's choice car show. According to last year's registration, only 14 came from Oklahoma which is not even 10% of the folks attending and voting. Trust me, if it were a judged show, there would be even more winners.

I have attended Branson since 2007 and tied for my first trophy this last summer. I can honestly say, my 350z is cleaner and in better condition than most and I have never complained once when obviously lesser prepped cars were winning trophys. Why did I never complain? Because I know its a people's choice show. I also never complain because I am there for only a handful of reasons:
-Get a few days of R&R .
-Nothing to talk about other than Z cars with like-minded folks.
-Have a few nice dinners with friends that I don't see any other time.
-Drink some cold beers and puff a few cigars.
-Dodge a few rainstorms down at the landing.
-Chat up old friends and maybe pick up a few more along the way.

I challenge anyone to find a better place to accomplish all of those for the price that Branson offers. I also challenge people to add to my list of reasons for going to BZF and explain how those reasons were not met. I just hope that "I expect a trophy" isn't one of them because if that's why you go to any car event, you will be disappointed more often than not.

The OKZCC has been a long time supporter of BZF in more ways than you know. Not to mention that it was the Oklahoma club that rallied with some folks in Branson that got this whole thing started.

Brb popcorn

**Twisted Six** · 01-01-2015, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alaNi

Brb popcorn

Nah, no popcorn needed. I'll leave the club faithful to defend itself. Don't worry, its not sour grapes or anything, I'm not really a 'car show' guy, I seldom even enter my cars....its just observations I've made. There were far more than 14 OK people last year though....but whatever, all good on my end, as I won't be attending BZF this year anyway. Zcon is looking more appealing if I do an event this year, its very close to me (memphis)....but also considering taking a year off, I think more than anything, I'm a little burned out on it. BZF USED to be a great event, absolutely....but it has not been that way for the last few years, mainly to piss-poor planning. 2010 IIRC was the last BZF event that I really had a blast at, huge turnout, lots of sponsors, and even the planning went really smooth. Been a downward spiral since. I've been attending since 2005.

zdotcom · 01-02-2015, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1990 FairladyZ

Nah, no popcorn needed. I'll leave the club faithful to defend itself. Don't worry, its not sour grapes or anything, I'm not really a 'car show' guy, I seldom even enter my cars....its just observations I've made. There were far more than 14 OK people last year though....but whatever, all good on my end, as I won't be attending BZF this year anyway. Zcon is looking more appealing if I do an event this year, its very close to me (memphis)....but also considering taking a year off, I think more than anything, I'm a little burned out on it. BZF USED to be a great event, absolutely....but it has not been that way for the last few years, mainly to piss-poor planning. 2010 IIRC was the last BZF event that I really had a blast at, huge turnout, lots of sponsors, and even the planning went really smooth. Been a downward spiral since. I've been attending since 2005.

Not so much "observations" as accusations. So you rip an entire club because you think there is a better way to judge a show with so many classes (6 gens, verts, coupes, and both mod and stock). Until this last year the show had only once class per generation and people complained. When you have a peoples choice show with as many votes that are cast, there is no way the Oklahoma crew or "clique", as you referred to them, could "fix" the results. No one from Oklahoma counted the ballots and unless you are accusing Art Singer and his crew of cheating, there is not other way to explain it. The only way to change that is get more people from your club to attend or bring a bunch of friends to register and stuff the ballot box for your car or your friends' cars if you choose not to enter or attend. Either way, it was rather crappy to disparage an entire Z club because you were hurt by the results of a car show.

Believe me if it were a true judged show with points awarded for exterior, paint and engine, there may be more trophies in Oklahoma. Its the way our club judges and our members are prepared for it with very clean cars. Hell, a third of the cars in the BZF show do not even open their hoods or windows.

I'm not seeing what has changed so much that you are dissing BZF and entire clubs for no good reason. The hotel is the same (minus the motorcycles, thankfully), price is pretty much the same, dates have not really changed, there is still a BBQ, still have a drag strip day, still have a ferry cruise, still have the Dramamine cruise, and most importantly, still have lots of great people attending. I agree that the sponsorship has dipped a bit but not a deal breaker IMHO.

lasz'zz · 11-19-2014, 12:14 AM

Y'all could count on some help from a couple of us in Arkansas also. Been telling pickle for a couple of years we were willing to help.

yesiownanmgb · 12-02-2014, 03:06 AM

Can't wait for BZF to roll around again this year - If there is one, ASCO will definitely be participating.

That said - Pickle messaged me to tell me he was going to be contacting me to discuss some ideas for improving the show for 2015.
...but then I never heard back from him.

**funkysi** · 12-12-2014, 02:35 PM

There was talking of having a different Branson.....ie, on a different date organized by a different bunch of people.

**Marty1Mc** · 12-12-2014, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by funkysi

There was talking of having a different Branson.....ie, on a different date organized by a different bunch of people.

Yea Si, they moved it east to Deals Gap, NC and call it ZDayZ.

Dan84300ZX · 12-13-2014, 03:22 PM

ZCON is being held in Memphis this year. Memphis is not that far away. This is the closest I think this has ever been to our region. It's being held about 6 weeks or so after Branson Z Fest. That could really affect BZF attendance.

zdotcom · 01-02-2015, 02:46 PM

All is well and you are totally welcome to your opinion and agreed the sponsorship is down the last couple years. However in your original post you accused the OK club of fixing a people's choice car show and that is where I have a problem.

Has BZF changed?... Yea. Enough to not come back?...Maybe for some, not for most. Is a people's choice show a popularity contest?...Sometimes. But to slam a club because you think you know how everyone from said club voted?...You're way off.

The OKZCC shows up, helps out, and puts their cars in the show. What is wrong with that?

**Twisted Six** · 01-02-2015, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zdotcom

All is well and you are totally welcome to your opinion and agreed the sponsorship is down the last couple years. However in your original post you accused the OK club of fixing a people's choice car show and that is where I have a problem.

Like I said....same old cars win....year in, and year out.... Let everyone else make up their own minds.

Quote:

Originally Posted by zdotcom

Has BZF changed?... Yea. Enough to not come back?...Maybe for some, not for most.

I'll be back, as the OKZCC taking over was indeed only a rumor as far as I know....which I did initially state.

Quote:

Originally Posted by zdotcom

The OKZCC shows up, helps out, and puts their cars in the show. What is wrong with that?

There's a few sponsorship questions/issues regarding the OKZCC and BZF in the past, but not being directly involved, I will not comment any further, my dog aint in that hunt. The powers that be know, and that's good enough....but enough with the car club zealotry......thats the exact reason why no car clubs need to be in control of the event.

*edit*
I really hope something changes for the better, I really don't see the event surviving a repeat of last year.

alaNi · 01-02-2015, 04:34 PM

Didn't realize Zcon was so close this year. 2events!

**funkysi** · 01-04-2015, 01:12 PM

Just finalizing some vacation, but I'll likely be at BZF this year, not for the show at all, but the people. Some great guys who attend.

I'll agree with Chris regarding how the event is now - it isn't a patch on how it was 5+ years ago, but it's still fun and I will likely be flying from UK again for it this year.....despite saying that I wasn't going to go this year - there are just a LOT of good people who go to this event that I can't not go, especially since the Schultes have grown in numbers by 1 since last year and my sushi event was such a success!

**Twisted Six** · 01-04-2015, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by funkysi

Just finalizing some vacation, but I'll likely be at BZF this year, not for the show at all, but the people. Some great guys who attend.

I'll agree with Chris regarding how the event is now - it isn't a patch on how it was 5+ years ago, but it's still fun and I will likely be flying from UK again for it this year.....despite saying that I wasn't going to go this year - there are just a LOT of good people who go to this event that I can't not go, especially since the Schultes have grown in numbers by 1 since last year and my sushi event was such a success!

Asshole, you're making it harder for me not to go..... If Rockchucker and some of our other western US friends are coming, it will be impossible to stay away!

**funkysi** · 01-04-2015, 01:28 PM

Haha! It is not the same without some key people - unfortunately, you're a key person, so therefore, you have to attend, even if only for 5 minutes whilst I experience you calling me a wanker!

Dan84300ZX · 01-04-2015, 05:57 PM

It will be interesting to see the attendance at this year's BZF. There are 3 Z Fests in about a 6 week period.

About 2 weeks after Branson is Midwest Z Heritage in Chicago and about 4 weeks after that is ZCON in Memphis. All 3 of these are less than a days drive for many of us.

Undoubtedly a lot of the diehards will be at Branson but it may be a challenge getting new converts with the other two scheduled close behind. I'm sure for some, it will come down to costs.

**Marty1Mc** · 01-04-2015, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan84300ZX

It will be interesting to see the attendance at this year's BZF. There are 3 Z Fests in about a 6 week period.

About 2 weeks after Branson is Midwest Z Heritage in Chicago and about 4 weeks after that is ZCON in Memphis. All 3 of these are less than a days drive for many of us.

Undoubtedly a lot of the diehards will be at Branson but it may be a challenge getting new converts with the other two scheduled close behind. I'm sure for some, it will come down to costs.

May 14-17 is ZDayz too.

**Twisted Six** · 01-04-2015, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan84300ZX

I'm sure for some, it will come down to costs.

Honestly, thats the only thing scaring me away from zcon right now....not a budget-friendly event.

Z ONLY1 · 01-05-2015, 03:35 PM

WOW...have not read this thread for awhile.....

Cost is an issue for me also....don't get vacations (really)...so since ZCON is so close....giving myself 5-6 days off, first time in 7 years....not paying for the track or drag....being a noobie...just want to take it all in and see if the ZCON's are worth it....
Will miss my night s at Branson

**funkysi** · 01-06-2015, 03:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z ONLY1

WOW...have not read this thread for awhile.....

Cost is an issue for me also....don't get vacations (really)...so since ZCON is so close....giving myself 5-6 days off, first time in 7 years....not paying for the track or drag....being a noobie...just want to take it all in and see if the ZCON's are worth it....
Will miss my night s at Branson

Hal, you must come to Branson!!! Wouldn't be the same without you!!

lasz'zz · 01-06-2015, 09:22 AM

Sooooo.............I will ask it just in case Pickle hears we are asking...... When IS registration going to open for Z Fest!

Dan84300ZX · 01-06-2015, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lasz'zz

Sooooo.............I will ask it just in case Pickle hears we are asking...... When IS registration going to open for Z Fest!

I heard one story that he vowed to have it open in January 2015. Based on his track record, it will probably be more like March.

**Twisted Six** · 01-06-2015, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan84300ZX

I heard one story that he vowed to have it open in January 2015. Based on his track record, it will probably be more like March.

If its a repeat of last year, IE, cash only, no tee shirt, and price hike, I won't be registering anyway. If I come, it'll probably be just for a day anyway.

edwardtx · 01-15-2015, 05:27 PM

I will try to be there this year. Finally!

**funkysi** · 01-17-2015, 03:04 AM

Just booked my flights from the UK. I'll be driving down from Nebraska with Rayder.

I agree with Chris though on a few of his points. The way registration and general organizing seemed rather farcical.

yesiownanmgb · 01-17-2015, 11:31 PM

IF you guys all owned Z31's, there would be plenty of vending available at BZF waiting for your hard earned dollars!

arnyo_300zx_93 · 01-23-2015, 04:57 PM

I just bought a 93 zx and live in kc, the car definitely needs some love though, is this something even to consider going to in my car till its in presentable condition?

Dan84300ZX · 01-23-2015, 06:00 PM

ABSOLUTELY!! I can assure, you, regardless how bad YOU think your car is, I promise you there have been worse there. (Anyone remeber the Z31s from a couple of years ago? One was painted a purple(?) pink(?) metalflake.

Branson Z Fest, or any Z gathering is a great place to learn about your car and get ideas of what you want to do to yours. Z owners LOVE to talk about their cars and give you pointers. BZF could be considered a 24/48/or 72 hour tech session.

BTW, are you friends with a Porsche owner named Jim? Last initial starts with G? If so he contacted me about you. Feel free to join the Heart of America Z Car Club for it's annual Super Bowl party to be held at Brewbakers in Lenexa on Renner Road. Starts at 5-ish pm. We are having a canned food drive so your "price of admission" will be a few cans of soup.

Heart of America Z Car Club on Facebook or www.hazcc.com .

11-15-2014, 01:40 AM	#1
alaNi Z Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Kansas City, MO Make/Model: 93' Twin Turbo + 93' Slicktop Trader Rating: (0) Posts: 212	Branson Z Fest 2015! Totally ready for it to be BZF time again =D __________________ I'm so JDM I sleep on the RIGHT side of the bed!

12-02-2014, 03:06 AM	#8
yesiownanmgb He Who Owns a Z. Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Lafayette, Louisiana Make/Model: 1986 300ZX Turbo GLL Trader Rating: (0) Posts: 492	Re: Branson Z Fest 2015! Can't wait for BZF to roll around again this year - If there is one, ASCO will definitely be participating. That said - Pickle messaged me to tell me he was going to be contacting me to discuss some ideas for improving the show for 2015. ...but then I never heard back from him. __________________ rginteractive: women and ice cream are alike. many different flavors rginteractive: although, personally I could do without the two scoops of crazy on top You hold all the keys, you know all the roads, Why don't you guide me in if I'm such a lost soul? *Audioslave - Revelations* Last edited by yesiownanmgb; 12-02-2014 at 03:08 AM..

12-12-2014, 02:35 PM	#9
funkysi Bloody Wanker Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Portishead, United Kingdom Make/Model: 1991 JDM Twin Turbo 5-speed (2+2) Trader Rating: (1) Posts: 5,480	Re: Branson Z Fest 2015! There was talking of having a different Branson.....ie, on a different date organized by a different bunch of people. __________________

12-13-2014, 03:22 PM	#11
Dan84300ZX aka Lt. Dan/Blu Hvn Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Kansas City, MO. Make/Model: blue 350 convertible Trader Rating: (0) Posts: 282	Re: Branson Z Fest 2015! ZCON is being held in Memphis this year. Memphis is not that far away. This is the closest I think this has ever been to our region. It's being held about 6 weeks or so after Branson Z Fest. That could really affect BZF attendance.

01-02-2015, 02:46 PM	#12
zdotcom Newbie Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Stillwater, OK Make/Model: 2009 370Z Touring/Sport Package Trader Rating: (1) Posts: 75	Re: Branson Z Fest 2015! All is well and you are totally welcome to your opinion and agreed the sponsorship is down the last couple years. However in your original post you accused the OK club of fixing a people's choice car show and that is where I have a problem. Has BZF changed?... Yea. Enough to not come back?...Maybe for some, not for most. Is a people's choice show a popularity contest?...Sometimes. But to slam a club because you think you know how everyone from said club voted?...You're way off. The OKZCC shows up, helps out, and puts their cars in the show. What is wrong with that?

01-02-2015, 04:34 PM	#14
alaNi Z Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Kansas City, MO Make/Model: 93' Twin Turbo + 93' Slicktop Trader Rating: (0) Posts: 212	Re: Branson Z Fest 2015! Didn't realize Zcon was so close this year. 2events!

01-04-2015, 01:12 PM	#15
funkysi Bloody Wanker Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Portishead, United Kingdom Make/Model: 1991 JDM Twin Turbo 5-speed (2+2) Trader Rating: (1) Posts: 5,480	Re: Branson Z Fest 2015! Just finalizing some vacation, but I'll likely be at BZF this year, not for the show at all, but the people. Some great guys who attend. I'll agree with Chris regarding how the event is now - it isn't a patch on how it was 5+ years ago, but it's still fun and I will likely be flying from UK again for it this year.....despite saying that I wasn't going to go this year - there are just a LOT of good people who go to this event that I can't not go, especially since the Schultes have grown in numbers by 1 since last year and my sushi event was such a success!

01-04-2015, 01:28 PM	#17
funkysi Bloody Wanker Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Portishead, United Kingdom Make/Model: 1991 JDM Twin Turbo 5-speed (2+2) Trader Rating: (1) Posts: 5,480	Re: Branson Z Fest 2015! Haha! It is not the same without some key people - unfortunately, you're a key person, so therefore, you have to attend, even if only for 5 minutes whilst I experience you calling me a wanker!

01-04-2015, 05:57 PM	#18
Dan84300ZX aka Lt. Dan/Blu Hvn Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Kansas City, MO. Make/Model: blue 350 convertible Trader Rating: (0) Posts: 282	Re: Branson Z Fest 2015! It will be interesting to see the attendance at this year's BZF. There are 3 Z Fests in about a 6 week period. About 2 weeks after Branson is Midwest Z Heritage in Chicago and about 4 weeks after that is ZCON in Memphis. All 3 of these are less than a days drive for many of us. Undoubtedly a lot of the diehards will be at Branson but it may be a challenge getting new converts with the other two scheduled close behind. I'm sure for some, it will come down to costs.

01-05-2015, 03:35 PM	#21
Z ONLY1 been around Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Lee's Summit, MO Make/Model: 1993 300ZX TT Trader Rating: (1) Posts: 257	Re: Branson Z Fest 2015! WOW...have not read this thread for awhile..... Cost is an issue for me also....don't get vacations (really)...so since ZCON is so close....giving myself 5-6 days off, first time in 7 years....not paying for the track or drag....being a noobie...just want to take it all in and see if the ZCON's are worth it.... Will miss my night s at Branson

01-15-2015, 05:27 PM	#26
edwardtx Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Sachse,TX Make/Model: 95TT, 94TT Vert, 91TT Trader Rating: (8) Posts: 584	Re: Branson Z Fest 2015! I will try to be there this year. Finally!

01-17-2015, 03:04 AM	#27
funkysi Bloody Wanker Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Portishead, United Kingdom Make/Model: 1991 JDM Twin Turbo 5-speed (2+2) Trader Rating: (1) Posts: 5,480	Re: Branson Z Fest 2015! Just booked my flights from the UK. I'll be driving down from Nebraska with Rayder. I agree with Chris though on a few of his points. The way registration and general organizing seemed rather farcical. Last edited by funkysi; 01-17-2015 at 03:07 AM..

01-17-2015, 11:31 PM	#28
yesiownanmgb He Who Owns a Z. Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Lafayette, Louisiana Make/Model: 1986 300ZX Turbo GLL Trader Rating: (0) Posts: 492	Re: Branson Z Fest 2015! IF you guys all owned Z31's, there would be plenty of vending available at BZF waiting for your hard earned dollars!

01-23-2015, 04:57 PM	#29
arnyo_300zx_93 Newbie Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Kansas City Make/Model: 1993 non-turbo Trader Rating: (0) Posts: 9	Re: Branson Z Fest 2015! I just bought a 93 zx and live in kc, the car definitely needs some love though, is this something even to consider going to in my car till its in presentable condition?

01-23-2015, 06:00 PM	#30
Dan84300ZX aka Lt. Dan/Blu Hvn Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Kansas City, MO. Make/Model: blue 350 convertible Trader Rating: (0) Posts: 282	Re: Branson Z Fest 2015! ABSOLUTELY!! I can assure, you, regardless how bad YOU think your car is, I promise you there have been worse there. (Anyone remeber the Z31s from a couple of years ago? One was painted a purple(?) pink(?) metalflake. Branson Z Fest, or any Z gathering is a great place to learn about your car and get ideas of what you want to do to yours. Z owners LOVE to talk about their cars and give you pointers. BZF could be considered a 24/48/or 72 hour tech session. BTW, are you friends with a Porsche owner named Jim? Last initial starts with G? If so he contacted me about you. Feel free to join the Heart of America Z Car Club for it's annual Super Bowl party to be held at Brewbakers in Lenexa on Renner Road. Starts at 5-ish pm. We are having a canned food drive so your "price of admission" will be a few cans of soup. Heart of America Z Car Club on Facebook or www.hazcc.com .