NOPI NATIONALS is returning Atlanta! --- Need your input!

[CHADbee]

you are not going to get money for the vendor booths.

We knew Import Alliance was going to draw 4,000+ people and we still weren't willing to pay for a booth there. Caffeine and Octane is more our targeted audience than NOPI and they offer vender space for CHEAP....and we still don't do that. We can barely keep up with the business we have, the only reason we go out to events is because we honestly enjoy it and just for the coverage/marketing aspect of it.

Honestly to us it really doesn't matter if we have booth space or not, if we do then cool....if not then I can always apply for a media pass since I am a photographer, bring out a sick car and park it with promotional cards stuck under the windshield wipers.

[Vteckidd]

We knew Import Alliance was going to draw 4,000+ people and we still weren't willing to pay for a booth there. Caffeine and Octane is more our targeted audience than NOPI and they offer vender space for CHEAP....and we still don't do that. We can barely keep up with the business we have, the only reason we go out to events is because we honestly enjoy it and just for the coverage/marketing aspect of it.

Honestly to us it really doesn't matter if we have booth space or not, if we do then cool....if not then I can always apply for a media pass since I am a photographer, bring out a sick car and park it with promotional cards stuck under the windshield wipers.

thats my point , they need you more than you need them. Forged is probably a bad example because your guys audience is night and day different. BUT, Nopis standpoint should be to get you there in as big a way as possible for as little money as possible. "We want you to bring the GTR, the LFA, and 5 350zs and we want to promote that" should be their approach.

If that means giving you a booth for $100, so be it.

What i see is them trying to capitalize on their name that they thought was just so big itll draw people in and you should be begging them to be apart of any event they have. Its arrogant and its unfounded. They are nobody special anymore. There are events much better and bigger than them RIGHT NOW that have a good reputation.


They need to WORK their way back in. But that is not in Mark or Mikes makeup

[NOPIGUY]

Thanks for the input. First I'll address the car show classes. Instead of 344 classes which is what I believe the last nationals had, I will be running 100 classes split equally by car makes. There will be 3 divisions: STREET - CUSTOM - WILD. Some classes will be a lot fuller than others, that's why I have the awards arranged preportionally by division and then by the number of contestants in a class. The awards are custom made of crystal glass and are very nice awards. If awards are not your thing, than don't worry about it, you probably won't win anyway. No need to stick around for the awards. Just enjoy the show.

Street - 1 in 10 is a winner
Custom - 1 in 5 is a winner
Wild -1 in 3 is a winner

This is explained in detail on NOPINATIONALS.com under Car Show link on the left side.

STREET DIVISION
AUDI - BMW - PORSCHE - MERCEDES - MINI - VW - JAGUAR - VOLVO - SAAB
• Compact
• Sport Coupe/Roadster
• Mid Size/Full Size Luxury
• Pick-up/SUV/Crossover/Van

CHEVROLET - PONTIAC - GMC - SATURN - CADILLAC - OLDSMOBILE - HUMMER
• Compact
• Sport Coupe/Roadster
• Mid Size/Full Size Luxury
• Pick-up/SUV/Crossover/Van

DODGE - CHRYSLER - JEEP
• Compact
• Sport Coupe/Roadster
• Mid Size/Full Size Luxury
• Pick-up/SUV/Crossover/Van

FORD - LINCOLN - MERCURY
• Compact
• Sport Coupe/Roadster
• Mid Size/Full Size Luxury
• Pick-up/SUV/Crossover/Van

HONDA - ACURA
• Compact
• Sport Coupe/Roadster
• Mid Size/Full Size Luxury
• Pick-up/SUV/Crossover/Van

HYUNDAI - KIA - SUZUKI - ISUZU
• Compact
• Sport Coupe/Roadster
• Mid Size/Full Size Luxury
• Pick-up/SUV/Crossover/Van

MAZDA - MITSUBISHI - SUBARU
• Compact
• Sport Coupe/Roadster
• Mid Size/Full Size Luxury
• Pick-up/SUV/Crossover/Van

NISSAN - INFINITI
• Compact
• Sport Coupe/Roadster
• Mid Size/Full Size Luxury
• Pick-up/SUV/Crossover/Van

TOYOTA - LEXUS - SCION
• Compact
• Sport Coupe/Roadster
• Mid Size/Full Size Luxury
• Pick-up/SUV/Crossover/Van

OVERALL
• Micro Compact
• Hybrid/Electric
• Asian Supercar
• European Supercar
• American Supercar
• Asian Classic - Pre 90's
• European Classic - Pre 90's
• American Classic - Pre 90's
• NOPI CHIC
• Engine Swapped
• JDM Style
• Unfinished

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
CUSTOM DIVISION
AUDI - BMW - PORSCHE - MERCEDES - MINI - VW - JAGUAR - VOLVO - SAAB
• Compact
• Sport Coupe/Roadster
• Mid Size/Full Size Luxury
• Pick-up/SUV/Crossover/Van

CHEVROLET - PONTIAC - GMC - SATURN - CADILLAC - OLDSMOBILE - HUMMER
• Compact
• Sport Coupe/Roadster
• Mid Size/Full Size Luxury
• Pick-up/SUV/Crossover/Van

DODGE - CHRYSLER - JEEP
• Compact
• Sport Coupe/Roadster
• Mid Size/Full Size Luxury
• Pick-up/SUV/Crossover/Van

FORD - LINCOLN - MERCURY
• Compact
• Sport Coupe/Roadster
• Mid Size/Full Size Luxury
• Pick-up/SUV/Crossover/Van

HONDA - ACURA
• Compact
• Sport Coupe/Roadster
• Mid Size/Full Size Luxury
• Pick-up/SUV/Crossover/Van

HYUNDAI - KIA - SUZUKI - ISUZU
• Compact
• Sport Coupe/Roadster
• Mid Size/Full Size Luxury
• Pick-up/SUV/Crossover/Van

MAZDA - MITSUBISHI - SUBARU
• Compact
• Sport Coupe/Roadster
• Mid Size/Full Size Luxury
• Pick-up/SUV/Crossover/Van

NISSAN - INFINITI
• Compact
• Sport Coupe/Roadster
• Mid Size/Full Size Luxury
• Pick-up/SUV/Crossover/Van

TOYOTA - LEXUS - SCION
• Compact
• Sport Coupe/Roadster
• Mid Size/Full Size Luxury
• Pick-up/SUV/Crossover/Van

OVERALL
• Supercar
• Classic - Pre 90's
• Engine Swapped
• JDM Style
• Unfinished
• JDM Style
• Unfinished

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
WILD DIVISION
AUDI - BMW - PORSCHE - MERCEDES - MINI - VW - JAGUAR - VOLVO - SAAB
• All models

CHEVROLET - PONTIAC - GMC - SATURN - CADILLAC - OLDSMOBILE - HUMMER
• All models

DODGE - CHRYSLER - JEEP
• All models

FORD - LINCOLN - MERCURY
• All models

HONDA - ACURA
• All models

HYUNDAI - KIA - SUZUKI - ISUZU
• All models

MAZDA - MITSUBISHI - SUBARU
• All models

NISSAN - INFINITI
• All models

TOYOTA - LEXUS - SCION
• All models

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
ELITE
Elite awards are chosen for all entries

• Best Carbon Fiber
• Best Paint
• Best Engine
• Best Interior
• Best Stance
• Best Performance Vehicle

Best of show Street - $1000
Best of show Custom - $1000
Best of show Wild - $1000

[NOPIGUY]

Next I want to address the Drag Racing and Drifting.

As of right now, there is only OPEN DRAG RACING. Free to all participants of the car show or the USACi Sound Competition. I have more racing in mind but I am only willing to risk a certain amout on the event. Any additional Drag Racing will be added as sponsors are brought on board to help finance the payout. I've just about got enough to add a Quick 32. This way anyone can enter and race all day Saturday dailing in their time and then on Sunday the quickest 32 will run eliminations bracket style for the money. I'm hoping for a 5K to 8K payout, but like I said, I will be trying to aquire more sponsor for this. We could not run a multiple class structure due to the fact that I do not have tech team in place and the classes would probably not fill up anyway. Tech will be for safty inspection only so there will be no rules to speak of unless we do not allow automatic shifters. There are 3 other drag racing programs in the works so hopefully the track will be hoppin all day, both days.

A Drift show is the same situation. I would have to rent the K-Rail and bring a team in which isn't cheap. There are still over 4 months so a lot can happen in that time.

Thanks for the suggestions on the race program. I will keep you posted as things develop.

[NOPIGUY]

Now I would like to address the pricing. Yes pricing is much lower.

I believe entry at the last Nationals was $65 pre or $75 day of. We've lowered the price and allowed a single entry for only $35. Also family or group packages are listed. For example 4 people coming with a show car was $140 (Pre Reg) at the last Nationals. Now it's $80

This year's car show, sound competition or drag racing entry fee for both days

$35 Pre registration - Car and Driver for both days
$55 Pre registration - Car and Driver and 1 passenger for both days
$70 Pre registration - Car and Driver and 3 passenger for both days
$80 Pre registration - Car and Driver and 4 passenger for both days

Yes, I know it got to be rather expensive at AMS with the cost of the venue and the concerts and everything. As of now this is the plan. There is still a substantial investment to have this event with and with no major sponsors as of yet, we will have to have an entry fee but like I said, it will be much less than before.

We are working very hard to put on a great event. For all the negative posts you see on here, I get 100 to 1 positive emails and phone calls about the show and about how people are glad to see it coming back. Keep the good ideas coming. As you can see, I'm am adjusting to try and make it into an event you would like to attend...hopefully.

Special thanks to:
SPOOLIN
VTECKIDD
QUICKDODGE
For not hatin' quite so much.

[NOPIGUY]

I know it's way early but we do have sponsors and vendors signing on. I do hope the Atlanta Automotive community will give us a look.

MAHDAVI MOTORSPORTS
FOREIGN & DOMESTIC PERFORMANCE AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE
.
KW
PERFORMANCE SUSPENSION
.
ST
PERFORMANCE SUSPENSION
.
BELLTECH
PERFORMANCE TRUCK SUSPENSION.
.
LSD
PREMIUM VERTICAL DOORS.
.
STREET GLOW
CUSTOM AUTOMOTIVE LIGHTING
.
COMPETITION CLUTCH
PERFORMANCE CLUTCH SYSTEMS
.
OPTIMA BATTERIES
PREMIUM BATTERIES
.
AMERICAN SHIFTER COMPANY
SHIFTERS & INTERIOR ACCESSORIES
.
AURORA INSTRUMENTS
AUTOMOTIVE GAUGES
.
AUTO LOC
CUSTOM AUTOMOTIVE COMPONENTS
.
STELLAR
SECURITY SYSTEMS
.
TRIGGER
HORNS
.
VINTAGE PARTS
VINTAGE AUTOMOTIVE COMPONENTS
.
HELIX
SUSPENSION STEERING BRAKES
.
WATERBABIES BIKINIS
COMPETITION SWIMWEAR
.
ZIRGO
AUTOMOTIVE COOLING PRODUCTS
.
KEEP IT CLEAN
WIRING ACCESSORIES

[Vteckidd]

Ill give you some free advice.

.
LSD
PREMIUM VERTICAL DOORS.
.
STREET GLOW
CUSTOM AUTOMOTIVE LIGHTING
.
AMERICAN SHIFTER COMPANY
SHIFTERS & INTERIOR ACCESSORIES
.
AURORA INSTRUMENTS
AUTOMOTIVE GAUGES
.
AUTO LOC
CUSTOM AUTOMOTIVE COMPONENTS
.
KEEP IT CLEAN
WIRING ACCESSORIES

No disrespect, but no one cares about Vertical doors, shaved door handles, automotive lighting, and wire loom kits. Thats 1999. the only decent vendor i see is KW Suspension. Other than that, i dont see one company with parts most of these people care about. Also, no offense, but the big national companies like Optima, Beltech, while they may have a big following, its not going to coerce people to come out and see them. I can go to Autozone and pick up an Optima battery. I can go to SUmmit and check out Beltech.

I dont really understand your thinking. The list of vendors just isnt impressive and 90% of your audience doesnt care. No one goes to shows to buy suspension or batteries. Maybe in 99 they did, not now.

You should focus on LOCAL vendors, people that your audience can interact and see with on a monthly basis. Examples:
Forged Performance
Mainstream Performance
Topspeed
ZEN Motors
Caffeine and Octane people
Importatlanta
240Atlanta
WRXAtlanta
Competition Clutch
Vossen(I think they are local)
Fastlane
American Performance and Fabrication (John Les shop?)
NOS energy Drink


Then you should reach out to the local Varsity meets on the first thursday of every month and get people interested in going. Then you should listen to what the racers are saying. You are having a show at a DRAG RACING location, structure the classes the way they want them. I bet even if you didnt have BIG PAYOUTS THEY WOULD STILL COME because of bragging rights. There are so FEW drag racing events, people in ATLANTA would probably LOVE to show up just to run their car and practice. you dont have to have some $1000 payout.

As far as the car show stuff goes, i would have Best in Show, Best stance (since that is what kids love these days), Cleanest Engine bay, Best Honda, Best Domestic and leave it at that.

THERE IS NO NEED FOR WILD classes and the other classes you have. Have you EVEN BEEN TO A CAR "SHOW" LATELY? They are DEAD. No one shows up anymore because no one is into CAR SHOWS. They are into MEETS. MEETS ARENT CAR SHOWS to this crowd.

Sounds like you have a LOT of research to do, you have lost your target audience and do not know what is popular anymore. Part of this will be admitting you are out of touch and that you need to start over.

I see you have Mahdavi on your list , talk to them. They have been around for YEARs. Ask them what is popular. I guarantee they say some of the same things i am. Mahdavi had a premiere party for FAST FIVE last year, it was an AWESOME event. They had NOS involved, lots of people showed up, lots of locals. etc. Mahdavi could help you figure out what you need to do IMO. They are probably one of your best assets.


My last point is you need LOCAL VENDORS to get LOCAL PEOPLE to show up. Once you have that base covered, you can start going after national vendors. You should look at vendors in the SE that consumers actually like to see.

good luck.

EDIT: the only 2 good vendors i see are Competition Clutch and Mahdavi Motorsports, those are 2 good local pickups and people like both places. Stick more to those types of choices IMO

[D3UC3S]

thats my point , they need you more than you need them. Forged is probably a bad example because your guys audience is night and day different. BUT, Nopis standpoint should be to get you there in as big a way as possible for as little money as possible. "We want you to bring the GTR, the LFA, and 5 350zs and we want to promote that" should be their approach.

If that means giving you a booth for $100, so be it.

What i see is them trying to capitalize on their name that they thought was just so big itll draw people in and you should be begging them to be apart of any event they have. Its arrogant and its unfounded. They are nobody special anymore. There are events much better and bigger than them RIGHT NOW that have a good reputation.


They need to WORK their way back in. But that is not in Mark or Mikes makeup

Well said Mike