Mopar Nationals 2013....input please...................

[R/T hedkace]

 I am planning,(hoping) on flying out to the Mopar Nationals in Ohio this August.

I've been to the Mopars at the Las Vegas Strip in 2008, which was the 40th anniversary of the Hemi Darts/Hemi Barracudas, so it was a great time to be there.
Go to the Mopars at Lebanon Valley New York every year, (which I LOVE!!!!)
Went to Carlisle last year, which was a great experience, (and meeting a few people too  )
(though the lack of 1/4 mile racing was a big downer).........go off site  to see some...........nah.

 Thought I'd head to Ohio this year.
The lack of organization I've read about in the past seems like foolishness.
Has that been the case the last few years, or has that improved?
I do a TON of research before hand myself, but was just hoping for a little advice and insight from those who have been there and are going ,on hotels and things like that.
Any help at all would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks 

[diyhemi.com]

We go and enjoy it. Then again I spend most of my time in the swap meet and vendor alley buying parts. I walk the show an watch a little racing, but not to any great extent. I go for the sites and swap meet, haha.

[4Cruizn]

I don't think the organization of the show has improved over the last few years but still a good show.  Be prepared as there are a lot of golf carts running around and no designated parking for different classes so everything is spread out a lot.  Seems that a lot of people are staying down in the Heath area as that is where the after she cruise takes place.  I actually stay more in Columbus at the same hotel I have stayed at for years.  We have a steak house next door that we visit every year and we are just comfortable with that. 

[AARCUDADEN]

Organization has not improved and golf carts everywhere  Lots of good racing and a huge swapt meet to look at is pretty much all i really go for. If you plan to eat there at the truck ya better have a huge wallet. If possible bring your own food and drinks. The cruise in Heath is usually pretty decent but last year sucked do to the constuction going on. Personaly i think the locals have pretty much ruined it anyways. Did i mention the heat  Personaly i don't think its worth your time if you have to travel very far to get there  If ya do decide to attend hopefully we can meet up 

[diyhemi.com]

We travel from Baton Rouge, Louisiana and stay in Lancaster for better hotel deals.

[burdar]

I've been going since 95.  Columbus is a 10 hour drive for me and it's worth it.  The cars on the judged side of the track are organised...the cars on the east side are not.  Personally, I think it would be pretty boring to have every car lined up by make/model.  I like looking at a variety of cars.  I've never had an issue with the golf carts but I know some people have said they've almost gotten run over.

Get there early in the morning and get a parking spot on the east end of the track.  It's just a short walk outside the main entrance gate to your car that way.  Bring your own food and eat in the car.  Bring a good pair of shoes because you'll be doing a lot of walking.  Drink lots of water and bring sunscreen.  It's usually very hot...with the exception of last year.

I had planned on having the Challenger there for the 40th anniversary of 1973.  I was really looking forward to that...Oh well...I have more important things to worry about.

For the last few years I've been staying at Supe 8 West.  It's only a half hour drive to the track and it's less then $50 a night.

Did I mention SUNSCREEN?!!!!!!!!

[RzeroB]

I haven't been to the Nats since '95 (kids, career, etc kept me from going) but I was thinking about going this year. However it seems like some people are not as happy with it now as they use to be in the past. It use to be the premier Mopar event of the year. Even when I was living in California I would drive to it and back (makes me tired just thinking about that drive now ). So what happened to cause it to lose it's luster? Is it still the premier Mopar event or has something else surpassed it such as Carlisle?? Just curious as I'm working to get back into the scene. Thanks

[71gogreen]

If you love mopars,go to columbus,the people are great and the event is well put together.Don,t concern yourself with all the little complaints.

[72cudamaan]

I haven't been to the Nats since '95 (kids, career, etc kept me from going) but I was thinking about going this year. However it seems like some people are not as happy with it now as they use to be in the past. It use to be the premier Mopar event of the year. Even when I was living in California I would drive to it and back (makes me tired just thinking about that drive now ). So what happened to cause it to lose it's luster? Is it still the premier Mopar event or has something else surpassed it such as Carlisle?? Just curious as I'm working to get back into the scene. Thanks

I believe that Carlisle has more "lustre", but the two shows are totally different. Sure, Carlisle seems to be more organized. Larger swap meet and more things to do. But the "Nats" have the drag strip,a more relaxed atmosphere and more of a "party theme". Both good shows, so I guess it depends
on what you're looking to get out of it.

[torredcuda]

I`ve only been once back in `89 and I had a great time.I drove out in my old `76 Dodge van camping along the way for a few nights but staying at a hotel for the weekend show.I also love the fact it is at a dragway so there is the show,swap and racing all wekend at the same location.I was also thinking of going this year as I`ve been to Carlisle a number of times but the only problem is I can`t afford to do both ( the way things are going maybe niether) and it`s a tough choice.

[RzeroB]

I have been here in St Lou since '04 so I should have been back to the Nats years ago but I kept putting it off. Per Mapquest Columbus is about 6.5 hrs from St Lou and Carlisle is twice that at 13 hrs. So if anything I'll be going to the Nats - as long as it's not blazing hot like it was last summer!

[R/T hedkace]

Sorry for just getting back to you all, but thank you so much for all the info   

I'll be flying out of Boston to Akron, OH on Aug 7th, (the flights into Columbus sucked  ), plus I was able to get direct flights there and back in Akron.
From there, I'm heading to Sandusky and going to Cedar Point 


 The next day heading to Mansfield Reformatory Prison.

http://www.mrps.org/
http://www.deadohio.com/mansfieldreformatory.htm


 Then eventually making it to Columbus. Staying at the Ramada Columbus East Airport till Sunday.
Going to fit in the Columbus Zoo as well. Looks like a great place to spend some time.

 Has anyone been to any of these places by any chance?
 Opinions.....good.....bad....indifferent?

Hopefully can meet up with a few of you 

Thanks again everyone for all your advice 

[4Cruizn]

I'm staying at the Candlewood Suites at the Airport on Taylor Rd . . . . should be close to you since we are both by the airport.