BPG (Buick Performance Group) joins the BCA

[GreatScat1965]

Just in case you haven't heard. The BPG is no more. Here is a quote from Sean Ryder posted on the BPG site:

"The BPG is now the Performance Division of the Buick Club of America

 Events that led to the decision to approach the BCA to combine forces.

 Over the past few years we have seen a decline in club membership and*also attendance at our National Event. Our annual event has traditionally consisted of the rental of a drag way in Ohio for exclusive enjoyment of our membership. While each event was positive in terms of expenses and income, we lacked enough earnings to continually expand the event. This appears to be the case with other national Buick performance related events. In short, we lack the critical mass to fully realize the potential of the BPG.
 Late in 2014 we were offered the opportunity to continue twenty-five year tradition of the Buick Race*Day at Summit Motor Sports Park in Norwalk, Ohio. We were approached by the promoters of this event to take the reins in 2016. As we considered this an opportunity that would best serve our membership, we put our full effort toward supporting and enhancing this event in 2015. This did not happen so we pursued another avenue of joining another Club.
 The BPG hosted a very successful car show offsite from the racing portion of the event in order to reinforce our ability to provide a top notch event for the Buick faithful. Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, we were never provided the financials related to the racing side of the event at and therefore could*not commit to taking on a 2016 event with fiscal prudence without see a profit/loss statement. The owner of Summit subsequently decided not to host any Buick event in the future, regardless of the group wishing to put on such event.
 As a result, the BPG finds itself at a crossroads with a number of possible choices to consider:
 Consider a one year event hiatus in order to be able to appropriately plan and secure a venue
 Consider ending the club, which we believe would be to the detriment of our membership as we would end what has become a perennial event for many Buick faithful
 Consider combining forces with another organization with a Buick-oriented audience where we would be complementary
 For the obvious reason of wanting to continue to serve our membership in a meaningful way, the third option is the option of choice. In looking at other organizations where we would dovetail seamlessly, the BCA is the obvious organization to align our efforts with. So we did this.

 We provided The BCA a copy of our membership and our*
 financials for review and to cross reference BCA and BPG memberships.
 By way of organization legal definition, the BPG is a tax exempt nonprofit organization registered in the State of*Ohio.
 *
 We feel the*BPG can help the BCA grow by providing the BCA access to a large contingent of Buick fans dedicated to Buick performance and racing heritage.

 "The BPG started conceptually around racing, but has expanded in scope in recent years to include everyone that owns and drives a Buick. Our primary goal is*to promote Buick automobiles and Fun. Anyone who has attended a BPG event can attest to the family-like atmosphere and dedication between members and non-members alike who are perennial participants.

 We believe that the BPG would provide value in coming fully under the auspices of the BCA. As an integrated part of the BCA, we believe additional decades of the 60?s, 70?s and 80?s Buick automobiles as well as performance enthusiasts would augment the BCA. With a focus on serving the membership of both groups, we respectfully request that the Board of Directors of the BCA take into earnest consideration the above information and our request to consider providing the opportunity for the BPG membership to have a continued avenue to participate in Buick events through BCA membership.

 This has been on going process for the past few months with numerous e-mails and conference calls."

Oh well, anyone want a Nailhead powered bracket car? I don't see there being use for it anymore. I guess I could all the "stock" parts back on...

Jerry

[GS66]

Your car looks great, I wouldn't change a thing on it. Nice looking street/strip car!

[GreatScat1965]

Thanks Jim, Seriously I was only thinking about putting the choke and the front sway bar back in just to give it a little road manners. It took a long time to make it look like what someone would have done to it shortly after buying it. I've tried to keep it circa 1970 correct.

Jerry

[WkillGS]

Jerry, you could move back to NJ and hit your old track at Englishtown!

It's a shame the BPG didn't make it as it's own entity, but at least it will live on as a division in the BCA...... and the BCA meets will never be the same!


BTW, how does the 65gs.com relationship with the BCA differ from the BPG relationship?

[Loren At 65GS]

Well, 65GS.com isn't part of BCA.

The BCA division is: 65 Gran Sport Division.  We use the web site as a tool to promote the Division, which is very loose at this point.
Still trying to gain direction with it.
Since there are a good number of 65 GS owners here that are also BCA members, it worked to get it started.  Now to keep it going.

That said, we are also going to take advantage of the Spring Extravaganza show/ swap on May 1 in St Paul ,MN and turn our Saturday get together into the first Division meeting.

  Hope that makes some sense,

  Loren

[WkillGS]

I'm not real clear on what a BCA division is.... but kinda get the idea.

Looking at the BCA Chapter and Division page,
http://www.buickclub.org/regionschapters-divisions/

The Divisions include:
-65GS Division
-Buick Performance Division ( former BPG)
-Buick Modified Division
-Buick Driving Enthusiasts
and other model/year specific groups.

A Division appears to be a Buick-related club, residing under the BCA 'Buick umbrella'.
As it pertains to us, it's kinda like a club version of our website.

I imagine a clearer direction will develop as time progresses...

[Loren At 65GS]

I'm not real clear on what a BCA division is.... but kinda get the idea.

Looking at the BCA Chapter and Division page,
http://www.buickclub.org/regionschapters-divisions/

The Divisions include:
-65GS Division
-Buick Performance Division ( former BPG)
-Buick Modified Division
-Buick Driving Enthusiasts
and other model/year specific groups.

A Division appears to be a Buick-related club, residing under the BCA 'Buick umbrella'.
As it pertains to us, it's kinda like a club version of our website.

I imagine a clearer direction will develop as time progresses...

It is a bit vague in the BCA guidelines.
There is room to set it up with a board, charge for membership and operate similar to a chapter.
We went with the Division because it is less constrictive.

Now , the task is to move forward and see what possibilities await us.

  Loren