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- Jan 14, 2006
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That time of year is approaching once again and planning for the Gary Johnson Grand Prix Classic is back in full swing. We are looking to have some cool and pleasant surprises this year so stay tuned. For Entry form and updates feel free to visit the official GPC website at http://www.grandprixclassic.com.
I had first entered a very brief post to announce the GPC event but after some thought I believed it was necessary to reiterate that vision as we prepare for the 2011 Gary Johnson Grand Prix Classic.
The Grand Prix Classic was inspired by Alfred Lanza 10 years ago. He was a newer boater at the time who wanted to put in a hand at putting on a race. He thought we could do more to make the races more attractive for racers to come from outside our region just to race R/C Boats and he was right. I appreciated his enthusiasm so I offered to help with all the skills God has blessed me with. Since both of us had frequented the scene of the local car shows, we both had some ideas on how to attract a crowd. With so much more entertainment all around us than when this hobby started it was necessary to raise the fun meter up several notches to compete with all the other hobby/activities out there. As a result the Grand Prix Classic has continued year after year, rain or shine for 10 years now.
In more recent years RC Car Multi-National Champion, Multi-World Champion on just about every Class of Fast R/Cs on wheels, Kyosho, VP, and son of the first NAMBA President Gary Johnson, Joel Johnson, joined our event. I thought this would be an excellent event to honor his father as the First President of NAMBA and the vision he had for the NAMBA organization or any R/C organization for that matter.
My Dad and I were dear friends of Gary Johnson. I remember going to his house on many occasions as he painted, lettered and stripped many R/C boats in his days using his long time sign painting skills. Over the years Gary was always looking for ways to add more fun to the hobby. I believe the Nationals, paddle boat race was an idea that he came up with just as an event to help draw the members together more using an event that would be based more on fun and not competition. He always wanted us to remember to have fun, knowing at times we lose site of that as we get engulfed in the pursuit of winning. So for each one of you who take the time to read this remember the reason you started this hobby. It wasn't to go fast. It wasn't to beat your rivals. It wasn't to take a home a trophy or wear the crown of a Championship. You did it because you'd thought it would be fun. This year, in 2011... Let's keep that spirit of R/C boat racing in mind.
If you can make it, I Look forward to seeing you at the Grand Prix. If you can't we will be sure to document the event well for your online enjoyment.
I had first entered a very brief post to announce the GPC event but after some thought I believed it was necessary to reiterate that vision as we prepare for the 2011 Gary Johnson Grand Prix Classic.
The Grand Prix Classic was inspired by Alfred Lanza 10 years ago. He was a newer boater at the time who wanted to put in a hand at putting on a race. He thought we could do more to make the races more attractive for racers to come from outside our region just to race R/C Boats and he was right. I appreciated his enthusiasm so I offered to help with all the skills God has blessed me with. Since both of us had frequented the scene of the local car shows, we both had some ideas on how to attract a crowd. With so much more entertainment all around us than when this hobby started it was necessary to raise the fun meter up several notches to compete with all the other hobby/activities out there. As a result the Grand Prix Classic has continued year after year, rain or shine for 10 years now.
In more recent years RC Car Multi-National Champion, Multi-World Champion on just about every Class of Fast R/Cs on wheels, Kyosho, VP, and son of the first NAMBA President Gary Johnson, Joel Johnson, joined our event. I thought this would be an excellent event to honor his father as the First President of NAMBA and the vision he had for the NAMBA organization or any R/C organization for that matter.
My Dad and I were dear friends of Gary Johnson. I remember going to his house on many occasions as he painted, lettered and stripped many R/C boats in his days using his long time sign painting skills. Over the years Gary was always looking for ways to add more fun to the hobby. I believe the Nationals, paddle boat race was an idea that he came up with just as an event to help draw the members together more using an event that would be based more on fun and not competition. He always wanted us to remember to have fun, knowing at times we lose site of that as we get engulfed in the pursuit of winning. So for each one of you who take the time to read this remember the reason you started this hobby. It wasn't to go fast. It wasn't to beat your rivals. It wasn't to take a home a trophy or wear the crown of a Championship. You did it because you'd thought it would be fun. This year, in 2011... Let's keep that spirit of R/C boat racing in mind.
If you can make it, I Look forward to seeing you at the Grand Prix. If you can't we will be sure to document the event well for your online enjoyment.
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