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2008 Baxter Historic Races at Portland International Raceway
Saturday-Sunday, July 12 & 13 was fabulous weather, good company, beautiful Saabs (old & new) - and great conversations all day -- and into the evening at Bob Dorstes' home in Scapoose. This is turning into a very nice annual gig for the club!
While the weather was on the warm side (It's July!), it was even hotter on the tarmac where two vintage Saabs were racing throughout the day. Paul Perry from SoCal was up for his annual trek-racing and Alisa Cook was there in her light blue Sonett. This years event focus was "Women in Racing," so she was a natural!
Sunday, had Gary Small with a Turbo-X Sport Combi, Dan Morely, the 2 Andy's, Bob Powell with the NG900 vert, and Richard Hansen with his 99. Your club president won Saturday's "corral-judging" for his gorgeous 99.
We had a total of 19 Saabs in our "corral" at one point. One of the best showings we've had in several years! Kudos to Bob Dorste for managing the process by which we all acquired the discounted tickets.
Dinner at 6872' - Crystal Mountain
Crystal Mountain is once again offering the sunset dinners on the summit. Our club last did a sunset dinner on August 19th 2006 and everyone wanted to return the next year.In 2007 the Summit House restaurant was remodeled and no sunset dinners were offered.
They have returned this summer, but at a substantial price increase. The cost in 2006 was $59.00 including tax and tip. This year the dinners are $79.00 PLUS tax and tip. the dinners this year include desert, where the 2006 dinners desert was extra. Both costs include the chair lift rides. The restaurant is at 6,872' altitude and requires 2 chair lift rides to reach the summit.
Do to the price increase the club is not planning on making a club or dinner event this year, but we felt that some members would like to be informed and may chose to do the dinner on their own. It also is noted that some may chose to have dinner with other club members. So we are recommending that anyone interested in attend a sunset dinner with the possibility that other NWSOC members may be present, make their reservations for the Saturday August 16th 8:00 seating. Once you have made your reservations with the mountain if you email our club president Dan Morley, he will put the folks together that have made reservations. Once again this is a recommended dinner, but not hosted by us.
Details can be found at Crystal Mountain or call 360 663 3098 or 360 663 3003. Space is limited.
Annual Meeting at LeMay Auto Museum in Spanaway, WA
Overcast and humid weather greeted the NWSOC attendees for the 2008 annual meeting. 20-25 folks showed up driving newer Saabs to 2-stroke Saabs. Even a member driving (ahem) a Porsche arrived...
Many great raffle/door prizes were given away and I believe no one went away hungry -- due to all of the goodies brought to share. Several folks took tours around the museum grounds in an old Ford Model-T and others stayed after the general meeting to take a formal museum tour.
All current NWSOC officers agreed to extend their tours... Pat Kopczynski of Albany, OR was nominated for and accepted position as an incoming board member -- and Secretary of NWSOC. We are still actively looking for another board member.
Maryhill Museum & Car Show
For 2008, the event was changed from the normal last weekend in Sept., to Fathers' Day weekend - June 14th & 15. Regardless, there was still a mighty Swedish contingent represented again! Their total car participation was down about a third (Date change? Gas prices?), but the weather was fantastic!
We had at least 9 Saabs there from a Monte Carlo V4 (very rare) to Cliff Johannsens rally-prepped 96... A great time was had by all who attended -- even Frederik the Peacock who was roaming the grounds!
Afterwards, several folks made the regualr excursion to the Stonehenge replica memorial gor additional photos and chat...
Annual PICNIC at Dan Morleys in Gig Harbor!
Saturday May 31st join us for the annual picnic at the Morley's homestead. OK so I am still a bit behind on upkeep on the house, but have completed a car project or 2 and recently bought a vintage trailer to tow behind my 95, so come and check out the collection and changes. Starts at 11:00, lunch around 1:00 followed by a meeting. As usual bring your lunch and per NWSOC tradition a desert to share. We always get at least 20 cars so plan on talking about your Saab and checking out other members cars. Haven't planed a group drive or anything afterwards, but I am thinking of having a sale of used Saab parts as the shop is too full of stuff. Call for directions 253 858 1615.Heads up!
Just got the below message from Bob Dorste regarding Northwest Saab Owners Club participation in the Portland Historic Races July 12th and 13th. This is a great event and I highly recommend it. Vintage race cars on the track and in the pits to look at, lots of collector cars in the club corrals and the opportunity to take your car on a lap of the track during the racers lunch break. We usually get together for dinner Saturday night at and may be invited to Bob's "new" home which has undergone a major renovation, and his new shop. I believe that the car corrals are open to all years and models, so bring your 95 or 9-5. You can reach Bob at the email below or via snail mail.
vintagesaabs@comcast.net wrote:
Dan,
The races are July 12 - 13 this year.
Ticket packages are $45 for car + two people for both days.
All basics are same as last year.
Feature this year is women of motorsports
Ticket deadline is June 1.
I have a new mailing address:
Bob Dorste
33470 Chinook Plaza
Box 158
Scappoose, OR 97056
2008 Meeting & car show @ Maryhill Musemum ("509er")
The dates for the Maryhill car show/hill climb race have been moved from the fall this year to June 14th and 15th. Since our annual 509er has always been in the fall we are going to consider this just another event and we may have a traditional 509er in the fall. This will be the 4th year that our club has attended and shown cars at this event. If it wasn't a special event we would not return. The Saturday concours car show is held on the lawn of the Maryhill Museum overlooking the Columbia Gorge. There is also a dinner Saturday afternoon outside on the museum grounds. Last year the entree was Fillet Mignon.
The recommended motel this year is Quality Inn and Suites, Goldendale, Washington. The rates start at $76.49. www.choicehotels.com and type Goldendale in the search box or call 509 773 5881. We also have members that camp out at the nearby state campground. See link below. IMPORTANT, motel space is limited please book now if you plan on attending. Also the state park may be busier than in the past since the event is now during the summer season.
After the dinner Saturday we will stop for a photo shoot at the Stonehenge replica. Our motel is only 4 miles from Goldendale Observatory State Park, so lets make plans on stopping and doing a bit of star gazing. There may be a group drive leaving from Auburn and traveling over Chinook Pass. Please contact me if you want to join a group drive and I'll see what we can set up. Six to eight vintage Saabs are expected to enter the car show. Let me know if you are interested and we will save a spot for you and your car. Many members were spectators at the car show last year. Hope you can make it one or both days.
Maryhill Hill Climb At Goldendale Washington The warm and sunny June weather is perfect for a Hillclimb on the Columbia River when SOVREN holds one of the finest vintage hillclimb events of the nation at Goldendale, WA. This event, the Maryhill Loops Hillclimb, is an annual event with approximately 40 pre-1970 racecars that have been restored to mint condition. This race is highlighted as it is one of the few genuine hillclimbs on one of the world’s most spectacular hills on the first paved highway constructed in Washington state almost a century ago. This course is featured in many car commercials and offers countless scenic viewing spots. Spectators will have the chance to view a variety of rare cars from the past including Porsches, Lotuses, Alfa Romeos, Corvettes, Austin Healeys and many more.
A concours car show is on the grounds of the Maryhill Museum on Saturday, and a special highlight occurs at noon when the race cars drive in to the car show in a thundering arrival. Racing will take place from 8:30a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday on the historic Maryhill Loops Road 4 miles west of the Maryhill Museum and near the Stone Henge replica . The car show on Saturday is free for spectators and tickets for the Hill Climb on Sunday may be purchased at the gate.
2007 "509er" is coming up!
NWOC's Annual 509er will be September 29th and 30th. We will be returning to the Maryhill Museum again for a car show and dinner Saturday and a hill climb race on Sunday.
The recommended motel this year is Quality Inn and Suites, Goldendale, Washington. Their Internet rates start at $89.99. This is up just over $20.00 from last year. www.choicehotels.com and type Goldendale in the search box or call 509 773 5881. Be sure to select "Internet user rates" in the drop down menu in the select rate program.
After the dinner Saturday we will stop for a photo shoot at the Stonehenge replica. Our motel is only 4 miles from Goldendale Observatory State Park, so lets make plans on stopping and doing a bit of star gazing.
As for the races on Sunday you may find us at the top of the hill. Shuttle buses run up the course to several spectator spots. We decided last year that watching at the top was the best. There may be a group drive leaving from Auburn and traveling over Chinook Pass and stopping for lunch or dinner in Yakima. Please contact me if you want to join a group drive and I'll see what we can set up. I will be showing a car Saturday and will be heading over Friday afternoon. Several years ago a group went over Saturday morning, so if your interested in a caravan, contact me and I'll try to hook folks up. We had 6 or 7 Saabs in the cars show last year. Let me know if you are interested and we will save a spot for you and your car. Many of us were spectators at the car show, so you're welcome to come and enjoy the show and have dinner even if you are not showing a car. Hope you can make it one or both days. $15 entry fee for the show, day of show and $12.00 pre registered, see our web site for a entry form if you want to pre register. No charge to spectators at the car show. Dinner on site at Maryhill at 4:00 is $15.00
Maryhill Hill Climb at Goldendale Washington
The hot Indian summer weather is perfect for a Hillclimb on the Columbia River and SOVREN holds one of the finest hillclimb events of the nation at Goldendale Washington as the racing season ends. This event, the Maryhill Hillclimb, is an annual event with approximately 50 pre-1970 racecars that have been restored to mint condition. This race is highlighted as it is one of the few genuine hillclimbs on one of the worlds most spectacular hills. This course is featured in many car commercials and offers countless scenic viewing spots. Spectators will have the chance to view a variety of rare cars from the past including Porsches, Lotuses, Alfa Romeos, Corvettes, Austin Healeys, and many more. A concourse car show is on the grounds of the MaryHill Museum on Saturday and Racing will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets may be purchased at the gate. Adults are $8 per person, children 7 to 16 are $5, and children 6 and under are free.
For more info contact Dan Morley via email: president@nwsoc.org
or by phone: (253) 858 1615
Dan Morley
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New from your club president: Dan Morley
A great 2+ days for Saab folks! On Friday, August 3rd, as the Washington contingent was coming down from points north, I was driving up from Albany, OR. I met Dan Morley, Dennis Lin, and Kevin Striclov at McMenamin's pub/restaurant/hotel in McMinnville, OR and had a good lunch "on the roof." After lunch, we drove out the Evergreen Museum, which houses the "Spruce Goose," SR-71, etc. We saw another Saab 9000 already there and wondered if it was another member who arrived before we did. (We were running late...)
As we were wandering around, we saw Rod Beckner -- owner of the Saab wrecking yard we were going to "tour" on Saturday evening as part of the planned buffalo-barbecue at John Collins' place in Jefferson, OR.
We all had a great tour and saw many very historic planes & items. The museum closed at 5:00pm and that's when we caravanned over to Salem.
Some of us headed home, some headed to points north to stay overnight -- in anticipation of the following day's festivities in Brooks for the "Antique Powerland" gig and in Jefferson for the evening barbecue.
Saturday morning, I hooked up with John Collins & Bill Richardson to make a "mini-caravan" to Brooks. John had his 99+48, Bill had his 96, and I had my Sonett. Even had a few "honks" by cars passing us en route. We arrived just at the deadline to get in "free" for the car show. Drove down a loooong road (this place is huge!) lined with antique steam-powered machinery, dealers, swap-meet folks, etc. -- plus LOTS more farther off the main road! All the cars for show are at the back-corner of the place, and we have a great contingent representing our marque! Many, many people came by throughout the day and it was great fun to talk with them about Saabs in general. Several Saabers show up for the show -- who were unable to make it to the museum yesterday. Steam tractors were driving "around" us and several thousand people were there throughout the day!
Car show event finished by 3:30pm so several of us headed down to Jefferson. Some folks were not going to be attending the barbecue, so we all said our goodbyes and took off. I "detoured" home to pick up the pre-made buffalo barbecue for the festivities. Most folks had already gathered by the time I arrived -- including some local-area Saab folks. We had some "snacks," started the meat heating, the corn-on-the-cob cooking, and then ambled over to the wrecking yard next door. (Kind of an adrenalin-shot for most of us who like to snoop in/around old Saabs!) Rod & John were kind enough to allow us to take our time (over an hour) and even acquire some parts that were easy to remove/transport. Thanks Rod!
We then went back to John's shop, had some great buffalo-barbecue with all the trimmings, wonderful conversations, etc. As before, different folks went different ways to spend the night...
Sunday morning, some of them headed up to rendezvous outside of Portland to drive/caravan a scenic road to Larch Mtn. Turns out -- it was in the clouds, so itinerary changed to a run up to Multnomah Falls -- always a great destination there!
I'd like to believe, we could add this multi-day "event" to our regular calendar going forward. Time will tell!
Ray Kopczynski
The next Northwest Saab Owners Club event is a car show at Antique Powerland in Brooks Oregon (around 30 miles south of Portland), during the "Great Oregon Steam-up". This will consist of a group drive on Friday August 3rd to the Evergreen Aviation Museum in McMinville Oregon, home of the Spruce Goose. Leisurely drive after, including a small ferry boat ride across the Willamite River, past Antique Powerland to I5 and hotels and dinner Friday night. Car show Saturday August 4th at Antique Powerland during the "Great Oregon Steam-up" for cars 25 years and older. Those entering a car in the show get 2 free steam-up tickets and the car show is free entry and no preregistration required. Those driving newer cars are welcome to attend the Steam-up and visit us at the show. Saturday night will be a barbecue dinner featuring Buffalo sandwiches and salads at John Collin's place in Jefferson Oregon. John's place is next to Rod Beckner's Saab wrecking yard and we have been promised a private tour.
About the Steam-up and Antique Powerland: "Powerland presently encompasses 14 additional museums and heritage organizations operating in partnership dedicated to the preservation, restoration and demonstration of steam powered equipment, antique farm machinery and implements." This has been expanded to include electric trolleys, antique trucks and more. The Steam-up is the big event of the year to showcase all of the museums collections and including operating steam, gas and oil tractors, threshing, bailing and binding, blacksmithing, operating steam powered sawmill, tractor pulls and much more.
Flier on the Car Showcar show:
In summary:
This is a multi faceted event starting with a group drive from the Seattle/Tacoma area, visiting an aviation museum Friday afternoon, car show and lots of stuff to do and see Saturday followed by a buffalo barbecue dinner. In addition Sunday morning those of us heading north I have a short scenic drive planned to a scenic outlook near Portland. Details are still being worked out regarding lodging and I need a RSVP for those planning on the barbecue dinner Saturday night. Cost of the Saturday night dinner is $5.00 per person. Interested in the group drive? Send me an email and I will set up the meeting stops and times. Expecting to leave the Tacoma area 9 or 10ish Friday morning and can stop in Olympia or where ever as required.
Dan Morley
Phone (253 858 1615)
Saturday June 23rd is our annual meeting and will be held again at the LeMay Museum in the Parkland/Spanaway area, just south of Tacoma.
This will be an important meeting as several officer and board member positions will be open, so please try to attend and help to shape the direction the club will be headed in the coming years.
Those not familiar with the LeMay collection may want to check out their web site for details, but in a nutshell, it is the largest private vehicle collection in the world and is a very eclectic collection of cars and trucks. You will be able to see a Mesersmit 3 wheel bubble top micro car, a Tucker, a jet engine powered 32 Ford roadster and hundreds of others. http://www.lemaymuseum.org/
The grounds will be open at 10:00 and volunteers will be need to set up for the picnic and meeting tables, so feel free to arrive early and help setup or just get a good parking spot. We will be able to display our cars on the lawn outside the main museum building. If you want to sell Saab parts out of your trunk, bring them along.
Starts at 10:00 with a museum update at 12:00 followed by lunch and meeting. Tour of the museum at 2:00. Tour takes approximately 2 hours and includes viewing 400+ vehicles from the largest privately owned collection in the world Guests are welcome, but will need to pay $10.00 if they wish to tour the museum. No charge for paid up NWSOC members. We will again have the popular raffle of items donated by club supporters, and if you have an item you would like to donate please bring it along. We still have some SOC04 shirts and caps and will have these available for sale. We also have several boxes of collector auto and truck sales brochures that will be for sale. These include '57 Chevys and '57 T Birds, DKWs, Jaguar, and etc. Items not sold will be put on ebay to help support the club.
Here are the directions:
From I5 around 5 miles south of downtown Tacoma take the Puyallup/Mt. Rainier exit (Exit 127). This will put you on Highway 512, heading east toward Puyallup.
Take the Pacific Avenue exit and at the light take a right You will be heading south on Pacific Avenue to 152nd Street East/Military Road. The Military Road sign is only 5' off the ground and hard to see. Jack in the box on right corner and 76 station on left.
Take a left (east) on 152nd/Military Road, go approximately ¼ mile turn left at LeMay collection tours sign, this sign is beneath a larger "Spana-Park" Senior Center sign. Enter gate and we will be parking on the grass off to the right.
423 East 152nd Tacoma, Washington.
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Pictures Please
We are alway looking for good Saab pictures for posting on this site. If you have a picture of an NWSOC event or just an excellent picture of your car you would like to see on the site, please e-mail the picture(s) to webmaster@nwsoc.org.
Input?
Now is the time to suggest events and activities you would like to attend. The club is a member driven organization. If you have an idea you would like to share send a mail to vp@nwsoc.org or president@nwsoc.org.