Sad news about NG17

As many of you know, NG17 is scheduled for August of this year. Registrations this year are the lowest they have ever been. Of course we'll never know all the reasons why so many haven't signed up - whether it's the date, the time of year, or they have other commitments... But the fact is, they haven't. For that reason, and none other, it's with a very heavy heart that we're canceling this year's NG.

For those who had signed up, your refund has been processed. If the funds have not been returned paypal says you should have them in 3 to 5 days. should have received your refund.

Once again, we're very sorry to deliver this news. It truly saddens us.

We invite you to join in a discussion to let us know why you weren't planning to attend or why you just hadn't signed up yet.

Lori & Alan

I planned on going but never officially signed up just incase i couldnt,(work,time,etc)if that makes sense.

I have attended the last nine consecutive National Gatherings. Normally, I'd have signed up in a heartbeat, but unfortunately this year it just didn't seem possible. I was considering it still, but the decision would have been made within a month prior to the event. With some uncertainty about my employment in the next couple months as well as some other commitments this year (a couple out of state weddings), I just couldn't commit. I would love to continue with NG in the future, but it just didn't seem to be in the cards this year.

Money and time (including time off of work) have always been my issue on why I couldn't attend NG over the years. This year the date was the main factor. There were already plans in place for going to The Shootout and people depending on me as a ride there.

Shootout.

I have been to 5 of the last 6 NG's I believe. Maybe 6/7...

But regardless, this year landed on the first family vacation my family has planned, well, ever. So I had already told my mom I would attend that. Just bad timing.

For me, it was a combination of the date and location. I look forward to the NG every year and make it a priority when scheduling vacation. As many of you know, I recently started a new job in the Florida Keys. One of the restrictions they have on vacations is to limit them during hurricane season, they can and will cancel a vacation if a tropical system threatens the Keys.
In late June, I think I could get away with a vacation because the chances of a hurricane are less. Late August, on the other hand, is peak season. Even with that, I could have gone if the drive was 2 days or less. If I was recalled from vacation, I could make it back before a storm would be scheduled to hit. With the NG being in Michigan, I'm looking at a 3 day drive back, probably not what my work wants to hear if they recalled me.
I'm sorry to hear the NG is canceled. I just hope there's plans in the works for next year.

I've burnt through my vacation time (and money!) chasing the SCCA national level autocross events this year so NG was essentially never in the cards. The date this year was also unlikely to work due to other travel (personal & business) so that kinda sucked too.

Timing, late august my kids are in school and as we used to make this a family affair that wouldn't work

Late notice, buy the time anything was remotely posted I had already made plans for the year for my vacation. Yes I could of move/changed some of it but see above

I think if the NG is to continue the committee should take this year to step back and regroup. And maybe plan for next year with announcing it by the end of the year. Just my two cents.

Late announcement made it impossible for Beth to get the time off of work. She has to put in all her requests by the end of October. We guessed the time frame, but guessed wrong and she didn't get the time off. Being in Michigan I would of been there, even if it was just me. But in August kids are into practices for summer sports, it just makes lengthy vacations difficult.

I truly hope NG continues, it is an event that I look forward to every year. I have made great friends that unfortunately I only get to see at NG.

I registered for the NG, even though I probably won't be able to make it due to work travel in August. I figured if it was still going to happen, the budget would be stretched pretty thin so I wanted to help out where I could.

Because I no longer own a 3S :(

I'm broke, that's the long and short of it, so this year probably couldn't happen for me. I never can actually schedule vacation so it's just a matter of if I have money and if I'm backed up at work, so signing up in advance is never something I can really commit to. While most people have to schedule early, I have to schedule late.

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Originally Posted by JoshAnker

Because I no longer own a 3S :(

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I haven't brought a 3S to an NG in years, soooooooo.

I have to have vacation turned in by December 1st. I was planning on popping in for the road race and then heading back home.

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Originally Posted by JoshAnker

Because I no longer own a 3S :(

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Hey Josh, How are you doing?

I very much enjoy going to these types of events but haven't been able to make many over the past years due to school, work and funds.
This years event, while close to home for me, would not be an exception. This is my last year at university and I take summer classes, I am simply too busy.

All valid reasons here but I think the overall issue is that the core NG group has moved on to new responsibilities. When I was going to the NG's every year the only thing I had to worry about was finding someone to watch the dogs. Now I've got 2 kids, along with a ton of other "adult" responsibilities. Hell, I haven't driven my car more than 50 miles over the past 2.5 years.

In the past you'd have a sporadic dose of these people busy adulting drop off but there was always new blood to make up for them. When people started dropping off in larger numbers, for some reason that new blood failed to step up and start making these gatherings.

You could point the affordability of these cars now and money being a factor but my first NG I was able to pay for as a broke college kid, and this year was more affordable than ever. Could be the younger generation is OK socializing online compared to in person but I spent way too much online back then too. Could be the forum split and now the rise of Facebook groups making it hard to get traction on a single topic. I wonder if more marketing of the event on Facebook and somehow the other forum would have helped but I have my doubts.

Sucks this is happening for sure. I know next year will be a tough call. I'd love to say I'll be there but I honestly don't think I will.

Timing was the ultimate issue for me. My second child is due around that time so traveling out of state for car stuff was out of the question.

I know the committee tries to get information out as soon as possible, however I think getting the dates locked in early and getting registration open early are both two key items to improving attendance.

I agree, the forum activity especially started dying down when the face book groups started to increase. It is very difficult to have certain discussions and maintain topics on the face book groups so I never bothered trying. At the same time the decreased forum activity caused me to stop bothering with that as well.

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Originally Posted by Maximal

All valid reasons here but I think the overall issue is that the core NG group has moved on to new responsibilities. When I was going to the NG's every year the only thing I had to worry about was finding someone to watch the dogs. Now I've got 2 kids, along with a ton of other "adult" responsibilities. Hell, I haven't driven my car more than 50 miles over the past 2.5 years.

In the past you'd have a sporadic dose of these people busy adulting drop off but there was always new blood to make up for them. When people started dropping off in larger numbers, for some reason that new blood failed to step up and start making these gatherings.

You could point the affordability of these cars now and money being a factor but my first NG I was able to pay for as a broke college kid, and this year was more affordable than ever. Could be the younger generation is OK socializing online compared to in person but I spent way too much online back then too. Could be the forum split and now the rise of Facebook groups making it hard to get traction on a single topic. I wonder if more marketing of the event on Facebook and somehow the other forum would have helped but I have my doubts.

Sucks this is happening for sure. I know next year will be a tough call. I'd love to say I'll be there but I honestly don't think I will.

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I've never been and have always wanted to join in on the fun. For me its date & location. Has a different location ever been brought up or discussed? Would a different location be better or not be as popular?

Some of the other 3S gatherings further south still have a good attendance record

Numerous reasons for me...
Already have a vacation planned this year, but that's never stopped me before. This year however I have a baby on the way so it makes things difficult financially. Also the time in which it is going to be held is a bit tough for me to make.
I have unfortunately drifted away from my car and neglected it. It seems time is extremely precious and hard to come by. Not only to do what I want to do to it, but also get it ready for any race event.

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Originally Posted by Alan92RTTT

As many of you know, NG17 is scheduled for August of this year. Registrations this year are the lowest they have ever been. Of course we'll never know all the reasons why so many haven't signed up - whether it's the date, the time of year, or they have other commitments... But the fact is, they haven't. For that reason, and none other, it's with a very heavy heart that we're canceling this year's NG.

For those who had signed up, your refund has been processed. If the funds have not been returned paypal says you should have them in 3 to 5 days. should have received your refund.

Once again, we're very sorry to deliver this news. It truly saddens us.

We invite you to join in a discussion to let us know why you weren't planning to attend or why you just hadn't signed up yet.

Lori & Alan

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Time. For me it's always time. I love road course. It's the reason I go besides the group setting. Car shows I have here and don't go to them. Drag racing has never been my thing and autocross is hit or miss. The road course is always mid week which means I have to punch out a week of vacation to do it.

This vote should count as two as my Mother (also an owner/attendee) feels the same way.

I would pay more for autocross on or close to a weekend. A Friday through Monday (or SSMT, TFSS etc) event would draw more folks I think. It would cost more, but we are stuck with the conundrum of the folks with the jobs that can afford the money cannot afford the time, and folks that have the time cannot afford the cost.

Just my $.02



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It was timing for me this year. I'll be prepping the car for the shoot-out and don't want to risk breaking it without time to fix it before the shoot-out.

I really don't think location is as big of a deal as everyone makes it seem, certainly can understand Tom's dilemma though. The UMG was held in the same region of the country and had a bigger turn out than the last two years at NG.

I think the difference there is they don't charge to attend or for the car show (Still had nice trophies, too!). Just show up and have fun, buy a shirt if you want. Maybe the NG would bring more people if they didn't have to pay just to go. Still have to pay for AutoX, Road course, and go-carts, but not just to be there.

Hopefully the NG can make a comeback next year.

I've always wanted to attend but I am very limited on PTO due to yearly trips to Taiwan for my wife's family. I end up doing BRG instead because it's a 3.5 hour drive vs 8+ hours to NG. Also, we have had my father in law from May-July and I have exhausted pretty much all money for fun stuff.

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Originally Posted by Uniuno

It was timing for me this year. I'll be prepping the car for the shoot-out and don't want to risk breaking it without time to fix it before the shoot-out.

I really don't think location is as big of a deal as everyone makes it seem, certainly can understand Tom's dilemma though. The UMG was held in the same region of the country and had a bigger turn out than the last two years at NG.

I think the difference there is they don't charge to attend or for the car show (Still had nice trophies, too!). Just show up and have fun, buy a shirt if you want. Maybe the NG would bring more people if they didn't have to pay just to go. Still have to pay for AutoX, Road course, and go-carts, but not just to be there.

Hopefully the NG can make a comeback next year.

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You took the words right out of my mouth. :) UMG had 33 3/Ses there this year (in the rain). Last year we had 37. Plus another 10-15 owners without a 3/S. A car event should be as cheap as possible. If you start charging people then you are expected to put on a hell of an event. The NG was giving out a 3/S experience and charging Ferrari prices.

Alan and Lori have put in a hell of a lot of work on the NG over the years. We all have a tremendous respect for all that you have done. But your NG formula just doesn't work for the size of the 3/S community and their pocketbooks.

later,
Curt

I've been deployed or in training--consecutively--for pretty much every NG since 2007 (including 3.5 years in Germany). I'd registered in 2011 & ended up giving it away because I couldn't go. I sponsored in 2012.

The platform is dead. I know nobody wants to face the truth--but it is. FB is killing it off. That, and nearly every 3/s is about to be at least 20+ years old (check the MFG dates on your latest 99's). Nobody wants these cars. Vendors are going tits-up because the money isn't there. The older, more loyal owners have families, lives to lead, jobs to work, etc. Younger blood who could be walking in the paths we were walking as young pups 15 years ago--just don't want these cars. The 3/s will probably never be redeemed to cult-classic, coveted-icon status like its 90's contemporaries. The forum rift didn't help things; but the lion's share of the blame there is the complicit sycophants and irrational idealists who kept 3sdie afloat.

What I can tell you is that my new DD is such a small car community that if there ever is a gathering, they pretty much have to open the doors to not just all models from the manufacturer...but pretty much all makes as well.

My life is my job now. Same issue as last year.

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Originally Posted by IPD

I've been deployed or in training--consecutively--for pretty much every NG since 2007 (including 3.5 years in Germany). I'd registered in 2011 & ended up giving it away because I couldn't go. I sponsored in 2012.

The platform is dead. I know nobody wants to face the truth--but it is. FB is killing it off. That, and nearly every 3/s is about to be at least 20+ years old (check the MFG dates on your latest 99's). Nobody wants these cars. Vendors are going tits-up because the money isn't there. The older, more loyal owners have families, lives to lead, jobs to work, etc. Younger blood who could be walking in the paths we were walking as young pups 15 years ago--just don't want these cars. The 3/s will probably never be redeemed to cult-classic, coveted-icon status like its 90's contemporaries. The forum rift didn't help things; but the lion's share of the blame there is the complicit sycophants and irrational idealists who kept 3sdie afloat.

What I can tell you is that my new DD is such a small car community that if there ever is a gathering, they pretty much have to open the doors to not just all models from the manufacturer...but pretty much all makes as well.

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Personally I think this touches on the issue but doesn't go far enough. The reason this is dying is not new or special. Every active hobby is dying. Autosports, scuba, skiing, travel... All are having trouble because the new crop of "adults" have a rough time sticking with anything, including jobs, hence the lack of funds.

I don't want to come off all "you kids get off my lawn" but I personally have 3 kids who are incapable of watching a full length movie without getting bored. Instant gratification has become king, and anyone who has worked on any car, but especially these, knows that instant gratification isn't even a thought. Hell, I've got the radio fully working in mine last night for the first time since 2010.

I think we will continue to see a migration from very specialized clubs to more inclusive, simply because being unique is both a positive and a flaw. If we start a "Red 3000gt Gen 1 Club", we severely limit our options.

I may attend the AWD event in Ocean city this year. Open to all, held over a weekend should be several hundred cars there. I will have to join Millville raceway for my racing needs.

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^ Yes. I agree with that assessment. I suspect that our peoples are going to become even MORE broke, even MORE hyper-extended financially, etc. Both because of boredom & a constant/endless need for "new"--and social media giving people the ability to appear more prestigious than they actually are. The latter has resulted in tons of people living well outside their means in an effort to appear affluent.

I have a 30 year old friend who is FINALLY (seriously) considering paying off her vehicle in 2 years and just keeping it. Thereby saving $750/month on car payments. Like somehow this thought never occurred to her before. I'm elated that she's coming to her senses, but this seems rather indicative of the mindset among younger people.

p.s.
I guess I was that way about my 3/s (definitely back in 2011) but not anymore. Now? I'm all about buying/renting property. 1 house paid off & rented. 1 on mortgage & rented. 1 on mortgage I'm living in. And I'll probably buy another a few years down the pike. This appears to be my best road to financial security--and if that means forgoing my dream car--that's a choice I've already made.

I would have LOVED to go to the Indy NG, it's in my backyard, but I also have been working off and on on various projects on my vehicle since May 1st of this year, planning on finishing the first week of August and it will get to see the open road for the first time hopefully this year. Maybe July if I'm lucky but I don't rush things.

I would have loved to help make NG plans, set up locations, events, etc. but yes like many others, time is a bit tough for me right now.

I knew the Pittsburg trip would probably be our last.

We just simply have too much on our plate with Mikes health issues.
Vacations of any kind are just not going to happen.

I do want to thank you for all of the wonderful adventures at the NG's we attended.

Good times I will always remember!

Always wanted to attend an NG event but I'm in the west coast unfortunately. Perhaps I'll go to the Texas NG, even though its still 18 hours away...

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Originally Posted by IPD

p.s.
I guess I was that way about my 3/s (definitely back in 2011) but not anymore. Now? I'm all about buying/renting property. 1 house paid off & rented. 1 on mortgage & rented. 1 on mortgage I'm living in. And I'll probably buy another a few years down the pike. This appears to be my best road to financial security--and if that means forgoing my dream car--that's a choice I've already made.

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That's wisdom talking... Unless your dream car is something rare like a Ford GT or old Ferrari/Porsche/Lambo that keeps increasing in value, most people lose money on vehicles.

There's a myriad of reasons why the platform is dying, but we're not alone. Even 90's Supras that were once so highly regarded, no one bats an eye over anymore. They still command decent prices, but we're no longer seeing the insane levels we did a few years ago. Perhaps they'll get a shot in the arm once the newest Supra comes out. Personally, I think the platform dying has more to do with Mitsu/Dodge abandoning it. Nissan still very much supports the Z car, and the Z has been around decades longer than the 3/S. Mitsu and Dodge on the other hand have just washed their hands of our cars, and have no interest in reviving the name. At any rate, even if Mitsu were to design a new 3000GT concept, I doubt many people (even among diehards) would really want it after seeing what they've done to the Eclipse, killing off the EVO, etc. I sure wouldn't want to buy a car from a company that seems to be perennially circling the drain in this country.

With no new model arriving, and the remaining cars constantly dwindling over the years, it seems to be a foregone conclusion that the days of a large and active membership base are in the past. Everything that could be done with these cars, has been done. There's just no more excitement.

I'd say consider joining another 90's car group in a similar platform, maybe an all Mitsu event would be even better. EVO fans are out there in numbers, Eclipse here and there and whatever else Mitsu. If we join these events that already have a larger group, it would reduce the cost per person to really enjoy all it has to offer.

Not saying to do it, just to research it and see whats out there

I simply could not do August because we have family here this July and being able to afford a trip to Michigan and entertain in-laws, kids, etc, is very difficult to do. We were planning a trip to Michigan, however, we were going to be in the Metro area. I would have been driving my truck there and the only thing I could really do with the truck is drags.

NG hasn't been enjoying the last couple of years.
Went to like 8 straight NGs, winning many trophies, having a great time but the last year I went (2015) was just kind of. Blah

Money is tight right now but that is not why I didn't sign up. I didn't sign up becuase of the lack of enjoyment. How are you going to give the "Best in Show" a paper certificate for winning? Where is the drive to attend? Why should I put my personal life on hold, spend thousands of dollars on my car to get it ready then more to attend to have an OK time. Maybe the following is dieing and we are all getting older so we have less time to enjoy a week long car event.

Like I said I could have gone without an issue, but why.

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Originally Posted by UTRacerX9

That's wisdom talking... Unless your dream car is something rare like a Ford GT or old Ferrari/Porsche/Lambo that keeps increasing in value, most people lose money on vehicles.

There's a myriad of reasons why the platform is dying, but we're not alone. Even 90's Supras that were once so highly regarded, no one bats an eye over anymore. They still command decent prices, but we're no longer seeing the insane levels we did a few years ago. Perhaps they'll get a shot in the arm once the newest Supra comes out. Personally, I think the platform dying has more to do with Mitsu/Dodge abandoning it. Nissan still very much supports the Z car, and the Z has been around decades longer than the 3/S. Mitsu and Dodge on the other hand have just washed their hands of our cars, and have no interest in reviving the name. At any rate, even if Mitsu were to design a new 3000GT concept, I doubt many people (even among diehards) would really want it after seeing what they've done to the Eclipse, killing off the EVO, etc. I sure wouldn't want to buy a car from a company that seems to be perennially circling the drain in this country.

With no new model arriving, and the remaining cars constantly dwindling over the years, it seems to be a foregone conclusion that the days of a large and active membership base are in the past. Everything that could be done with these cars, has been done. There's just no more excitement.

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A look at the AWD challenger tells you really all you need to know about the state of sports cars in the USA. The only real "american" sports car with AWD...is only offered with the most anemic engine of the lineup, and naturally aspirated to boot. /facepalm

I have been in the platform since 2001, and I have always wanted to go to the NG. Usually for me the issue was location. Growing up in El Paso really makes getting ANYWHERE a HUGE task with time and money. However, being in Central Texas doesnt change much either. I have never complained about it being where it usually is because you have to look at population. So, it was never really in the books for me. As for this year, personally, the location is still an issue as it makes it cost more time and more gas and money. Yet there is more. Having kids now, money is always tied up in other things, so cost was an issue. Kids will be in school so timing is as issue. As well as getting ready for the Texas Gathering.

I was talking to another member about this and he brought up a good point. We dont think that the platform is dead. UMG pulling 30+, TXG this year we have 30+ and still months out. What he brought up is how it seems that the NG may be falling short is because people are more focused on the regional gatherings now. They all cost less money to register and attend, they cost less to get there for most attendees, less time to travel so you can easily sneak it in on a weekend w/o vaca time, and you get nearly the same experience (so I am told). I think that plays a big role into. Now that most us true enthusiasts are into our 30s and up with families, it is harder to take a vacation for a car group.

To touch on what others have said. The forum split and the FB groups have KILLED our forums. What I find interesting though is that apparently with the forums dead, it gives a sense of the platform being dead. However, I cant agree with IPD that these cars and its platform is in fact dead. I would be willing to bet that all classics (save corvettes and the like) have a point where they are not a big deal until they are again. It kind of goes with a generation or two. Like said before we are in our 30s and up. Our priorities have changed, however once life slows down abit and we can start enjoying hobbies again to their fullest, the cars will be even more rare, thus sought after , thus making them in that classic genre. But this could just be me being a little biased, however, goto the local car shows, and they have started turning heads like the older classics do, and who knows, may even get better.

Guess we'll see who is is right.

Starion & z30 are already dead platforms.