2004 Daytona Turkey Run

Well, another show for the books. As usual, even with the speedway infield renovations, this year's Turkey Run was another huge success. Not only for all the car enthusiasts, but our Vintage Vehicles Car Club as well. First though, lets get right to the most important item of the show.

Our club, under the leadership of Sue Fitzpatrick, was able to raise the highest amount of money donated to the "designated" 2004 charity, the Shriners Children's hospital, specifically the burn center. As you may know, our club treasury donated $400 from our last IRF Show. In addition, our members kicked in an additional $700. That's a total of $1,100 ! Several of our members were VERY generous when they reached down deep into their pockets and gave without hesitation. You know who you are and we all appreciate what you've done for these children.  A nice spin off from our contribution led to some great "plugs" for our club throughout the weekend. In fact, the Turkey Run has a strict policy of NOT advertising any car shows. But, this year we became the exception! At Sunday's door prize drawing, our club received a great introduction. As stated by the DJ, "The Vintage Vehicle Car Club from Titusville once again went out of their way to contribute to the Turkey Run charity, the Shriners Children's Hospital. Last year they donated 25 bicycles and topped it this year with over $1,000. Because of this we'll make an exception and plug their great Indian River Festival Car Show in April. Please, make it a point to go to their show."  Wow, this has never happened before! In fact, the Daytona Beach Street Rods may put our show on their list for next year. That could mean over 50 cars from their club.

Thursday morning started out with lots of morning rain. The 6:30 AM group delayed their departure until 8:30 AM. By that time the skies had cleared up with the sun bright in the sky. Those usual die-hards set up in our playground parking area and quickly took a quick peek around the vending area. By noon they had their cars covered for the night and were all car pooling back home for their traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

Friday, what a mess. This had to be the largest Friday crowd ever. In fact, it was said Friday's attendance outnumbered Saturday's. Most of us would concur. Some of us learned a very good lesson. Leave Early!! Several of our members found a backed up interstate pretty much just sitting and waiting to enter the speedway by 9 AM. A two hour or more wait to get in was not uncommon. But, once there, it was great. Shoulder to shoulder shoppers and spectators. The club had 18 cars there. Pretty good for Friday. The weather was fantastic, but the door prize drawing was a bust. No club winners.

Saturday, with clouds threatening all day, turned out to be our largest club participation. 22 cars were parked in our club area. We would have easily filled it up if we didn't have a couple of delayed car repairs and a breakdown. Again, lots of shopping and sights to drool over. We did a little better with the door prize drawings. Dave Smart won some cleaning supplies and Bernard & Margaret Coveney won a crisp $50 bill. But, most importantly, was Ed Fitzpatrick up on stage presenting our donation check to the Shriners and Daytona Beach Street Rods. Great speech, Ed!  The day came to a quick end with some heavy showers coming in. The showers all but washed out the night time activities that several of us were looking forward to.

The sun was shining Sunday morning with our usual diehard group taking up the front areas of our assigned parking pads. Last minute deals were sought after with great time to relax and rehash the weekend. Tom Staggs was the only door prize winner taking home a beautiful set of chrome jack stands. The last of our members left the speedway around 4 PM leaving behind another great year at Daytona.

click the photo below to enlarge and print copy if desired.