My day at Austin Auto Show

[Superman09]

I don't even know where to start.......

It started with a long sometimes lonely sometimes very intense drive (but thats another story) from College Station to Austin at 4 in the morning. I finally arrive at the convention center at 6:50 in the morning, and after making almost an entire lap around the building find an open door and walk in. I walk to the front entrance where I and a couple other people are greeted by one of the product specialists, so I know I am in the right place. Next thing I know Fbodfather walks out and shakes my hand I stand there in complete shock and probably made some kind of stupid comment or utter and inaudible hello. We grab a table and move it over to set up a check in location, I am still in shock that I am helping THE Fbodfather. After standing around for a few more minutes and meeting up with some old friends Fbodfather comes back out introduces John Fitzpatrick and they both make a few comments about the car and moving forward with it, and then we are allowed into the show hall.


I make my way into the hall and I know there are 3 Camaros in there but I don't see them at first, but then behind the gorgeous black Avalanche I see a glimpse of Yellow and then out of no where there is IOM with CGM stripes. WOW what a flat our beautiful car. I am from College Station home of Texas A&M, I went to A&M for 2 years and I have never...NEVER liked any orange car. This Camaro instantly changes my mind. That color can only be described like CGM can be, you HAVE to see it in person. I look over the IOM car for a few minutes and the group is gathered together around it and John Fitzpatrick gives a little speech followed by one of the product specialists giving a complete walk around.

We are then again allowed to crawl all over the cars again. Yes I got to sit in both the silver LS and the yellow SS at the Houston Auto show but none-the-less I still sit in all three and go completely through them again. I open ever door and push almost every button. These cars have been through countless show and have had thousand upon thousands of people through them, every button is still firm ever latch still closes tightly every panel still lines up. If that alone doesn't attest to the quality of these cars then you will never be pleased with anything.

That is just the beginning of my day it gets better. Along with the great cars there, there were also a bunch of great people. Raven and SilverTurtle this one event has been such a labor of love with ya'll that I was honored that you would put together something like this for the rest of us to participate in, that truly reflects upon the friendliness of the Camaro community. I had never met Raven or SilverTurtle before and only briefly exchanged messages with them on here but as soon as I introduced myself I felt as though I was part of the family or a long lost friend. As I am taking pictures of the yellow LT intimidating the lone Challenger I over here somebody behind me say "he there is Tag". I immediately turn around to see if this mythical man really does exist, and to my amazement he does. I slowly make my way over and introduce myself to Tag and his wife and again they are greet me as if we have known each other for years, we stand there talking about the Camaros, where they have come from since the concept in 06, what he has on order from Tom Henry. He shares pictures and stories of the of the journey he has made with his car, which I have to say I greatly look forward to seeing pictures of. Tag I am sure you know this but your car is going to look AMAZING. And I saved the best for last.........Fbodfather....... I cannot even imagine or pretend I know how to put into words an adequate description of this man or his love for everything Camaro and GM. Scott Settlemire is without a doubt one of the most genuine men I have ever met. He is a incredibly busy person and could very easily blow off some "kid" who just wants to pester him with question he doesn't have time for. He could have easily pointed me towards one of the product specialists, or he could have just walked away as if I didn't exist. But he didn't. He honestly enjoyed answering my question, he took his time crafting his answers he told stories of his childhood. He would pull out his PDA to answer the question of somebody far more important the me, but as soon as the question was answered he apologized for the interruption and continued answering my question. The thoughts running through my head, who am I that Scott would take time out of his busy day to talk to me, he has no idea who I am but he still is genuinely interested in our conversation. He tells me his Uncle Tom has just passed and again the almost "immortal" man becomes human again and tells me the brief story of his beloved Uncle. Scott if you read this I can not tell you how much of an honor to meet you, I would have been happy just to move a table with you but you made a dream of mine come true by taking a little bit of your very precious time to talk to me.

Ok I know I am long winded and most of ya'll probably won't make it this far but to everybody I met there, Raven, SilverTurtle, Tag ur it (and wife), 19K3SS, MLee, Fbodfather, and anybody else I may have forgotten Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making Saturday April 18th one of the best days of my life. I know have a complete understanding of what it means to be a part of the Camaro family.

And since this is in the photo section I guess I should post some photos.


John and Scott talking about the new Camaro

I may not be able to beat you but I will scare the S*** outta you

Halo....who needs master chief we have the Camaro

ABL it looks GOOD in person

Pure intimidation

me and the 'Father

[Camarino]

i'm sad i missed Scott at the NY Auto Show

but your experience sounds like the best

[SSmoke]

yeah- this site truly does feel like a big family. i'm looking forward to regional if not national meets (one day) after we all have our cars....

[2KZ28_For_Now]

Great post! Sorry I missed it. But I can testify from the TX State Fair just how cool everyone I met from Camaro5 is....Silver and Raven are the BEST!!!

Where was Lou!?!?

And Scott...well....he's a pretty cool dude, and all. EDIT: (Hey, Scott!!! If you ever need any tech support for your PDA - I may know someone that knows someone that works for a company that might be able to help you )

Glad you got to meet the "mythical" TAG!

Thanks to you all for sharing with us!

[rphtx]

Was a great show and had a real family feel. Scott did seem like 'larger than life' type of guy. I didn't speak with him, nor with anyone from the boards. I usually lurk more than type here and did the same at the show. I probably would have made a greater effort had i not been in some pain from getting a fresh tat the day before. Jeans and raw thigh skin dont go very well!

Anyway, it was a blast seeing the car in person and I really can't wait for my own car to show up. Glad everyone had a good time.

[TAG UR IT]

John, it was great to meet you too.

The offer still stands for when you come to SA. Just give me that call...it's been a freakin' CRAZY couple of days and if there was ever a time, it would have been this week!

[Kyle.Gilmour]

Awesome post... the show was absolutely amazing right...

It was good to meet you John.... good luck with your new career path

[mlee]

Very well said... Was great to see you again... and we'll do it again soon!!