PAST SHOWS AND PHOTOS
(also see upcoming events in the
events calendar section and on our message board at
board.firebirdtaclub.com)

2021 Pontiac Celecbration
2021 NJ Trans Am/ All Pontiac Run
2019 Garden State All Pontiac Fall Show
2019 Indian Uprising All Pontiac Weekend
2019 NJ Trans Am/ All Pontiac Run
Pontiacs at Pigeon Forge 2019
2018 MusclePalooza
A
Pontiac Celebration - 2018
2018
Trans Am Nationals
2018
NJ Trans Am/All Pontiac Run
2017 Firebird and Trans Am Day at
the Pontiac Museum
2016 Pontiac Adventures
NJ 2016 Trans Am /All Pontiac Run
2016 Trans Am Nationals
NJ 2015 Trans Am /All Pontiac Run
4th Annual All Pontiac Cruise and Show
2015 Trans Am Nationals
Pontiacs
of Central California Show
A
Pontiac Celebration - 2014
2014 Trans Am Nationals
Trans Am/All Pontiac Run 2014
2013 New Jersey Trans Am Run
Naperville Crossings 3rd Annual Car Show
2013 Trans Am Nationals
A Pontiac Celebration -
2012
2012 Trans Am Nationals
10th Annual All Firebird Lawn Show
2011 Trans Am Nationals
2011 9th Annual All Firebird Lawn Show
A Pontiac Celebration -
2010
2010 Trans Am Nationals
2010 Firebird Fest of
the Carolinas
2009 Trans Am Nationals
2009 All Firebird Lawn Show
2009 All
Pontiac Lawn Show in Orlando
2008 All Firebird Lawn Show
2008 Trans Am Nationals
2008 Pontiac Southern Nationals
2007 Bandit Run
2007
Trans Am Nationals
2007 All Firebird Lawn Show
2006 7th Annual
Texas All Pontiac Show
2006 All Firebird Lawn Show
2006
Trans Am Nationals
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2008 Trans Am Nationals
by Frank Ochal
The 24th annual Trans Am Nationals were held the weekend of
August 22-24 in Dayton, Ohio. The staff of the National Firebird and Trans Am Club
participates in this event because of the large number of Firebirds and Trans
Ams that always are present.
The turnout was great as there were rows and rows of
Firebirds and Trans Ams with many fine examples of all generations.
It was great to meet so many of our members at the show and
we thank you for all of the many complements about the club itself.
A great time was had by the attendees and the 25th Annual Trans Am Nationals
is already scheduled for August 28-30, 2009. Take a look at all the great cars
and we know we will see you there!
2008
Pontiac Southern Nationals
by Jay Lord
In case you have never heard of or been to this event, it’s
the brain child of the Dallas Area Pontiac Association. Here’s how it all got
started. In 1993 the Pontiac Southern Nationals came to be as a result of the
Dallas Area Pontiac Association’s desire to put on an event weekend that rivaled
any national car event anywhere. Traditionally, PSN has been held in Dallas,
Texas and quickly became one of the major Pontiac event weekends in this part of
the United States. The PSN also quickly became known nationally as one of the
top events each year and Pontiac hobbyists from across the nation attend. A very
high quality hotel is always selected as the host hotel where Pontiac guys and
gals bring their family and friends and meet other Pontiac owners and spend
hours sharing information about their cars and the hobby. Traditionally, on the
Friday night of the event weekend, there is a casual supper for entrants and
their family, usually around the hotel pool, a court yard or at a hospitality
suite. On Saturday, the all Pontiac car show is run and on Sunday, bracket
racing is offered at one of the top ¼ mile tracks in the area.
The PSN was a hit from the beginning and continued its
winning ways through 2005. Then the DAPA members took two years off in 2006 and
2007 and only hosted a charity show in its place by way of the Sewell Pontiac
BOP show benefiting the American Cancer Society, which is still their charity
today. During those two years, many Pontiac folk sent emails, letters or had
conversations with many of the DAPA members, expressing their feelings about the
need to resume the PSN. In late 2007, DAPA President Don Fenton and DAPA members
came together and decided to resurrect this tremendous weekend on June 6-8,
2008. The only difference was that it was held in San Antonio, Texas.
A block of rooms were set aside at an almost brand new La
Quinta Inn and Suites which was only a few miles from downtown San Antonio,
where attractions such as the Riverwalk, the Alamo, Tower of the Americas,
HemisFair Park, fine restaurants, and shopping could be enjoyed by all. The La
Quinta was also where, the traditional Friday night casual social event and
supper for entrants and their families was held.
Saturday started early for many of the hobbyists. Many struck
out before 8 a.m. for the car show which was held on the grounds of the Retama
Horse Race Track. Although the forecast called for a 30% chance of rain, the
show was blessed with only one small rain shower. A few of the entrants might
have seeked shelter at the race track because the entry fee included a free
admission to the track.
Pontiac hobbyist and their cars came from all over Texas to
celebrate the resurrection of the PSN. Despite sky rocketing gas prices and the
threat of rain for the weekend, 77 primo Pontiacs entered the show. Of the clubs
that entered cars, the San Antonio Pontiac club, South Central Texas Chapter of
POCI, entered over a dozen cars and many of them took home awards. Over three
dozen top quality first, second, third and fourth generation Firebirds,
Formulas, and Trans Ams entered, were teched and placed in one of the six
classes for F-bodies.
Four second generation cars that caught everyone’s eye and
scored very well by the judges were the 1976 50th Anniversary Limited Edition
Trans Am owner by Robert Kern of Dallas, the 1979 Special Edition Trans Am owned
by Paul Kenny of Houston, a 1979 10th Anniversary Trans Am owned by Greg San
Marco of San Antonio and a 1970 Trans Am owned by Josie Lord of Bulverde, Texas.
Robert’s ’76 50th Anniversary Limited Edition is a Hurst
t-top Y-82 code car, with automatic (TH350), 400 cid, 2.56 rear gears. This very
original car’s total mileage (after the 2008 Bandit Run and the PSN) is only
83K!
Paul’s 1979 Special Edition Trans Am has the Pontiac 400 ci motor, 4spd. with
only 31k original miles. He’s owned it for 10yrs. It is a high optioned
un-restored survivor car that shows very well.
Greg’s 1979 10 th Anniversary Trans Am
is a 400/4spd car with only 3800 original miles on it. It too is an un-restored
survivor car that shows very well.
Josie’s 1970 Trans Am has been in the family for almost 20
years, is a polar white, numbers matching, PHS documented, highly optioned, Ram
Air III, California car.
Best of Show went to a 1969 Firebird 400 owned by Jay Lord of
Bulverde, Texas. This gold with a parchment vinyl top Firebird is an unmolested,
numbers matching, PHS, heavily documented car. It has only been driven 78K by
its 4 owners. It has won awards in many shows in and around San Antonio but this
is the car’s first Best of Show award.
The races on Sunday at the San Antonio Raceway’s ¼ mile track
had some fantastic cars. Many of the DAPA members that had been involved with
the PSN for years felt the track was the best venue they have used hands down.
Several classes were established and provided racing fun and excitement. Cash
awards were made to the winners and runner up in each class. To maximize
entrants and spectators enjoyment, if a racer lost their first round elimination
race, for an extra fee, they were allowed in to the same class for a second
chance.
The entire weekend was a huge success thanks to all the hard
work of all the Dallas Area Pontiac Association members and family as well as
the support received from several sponsors – Red McCombs Superior Pontiac GMC of
San Antonio, Ames Performance Engineering, Butler Performance, Sewell Pontiac of
Dallas, GTOAA Ram Air Restorations, DuSold Enterprises, and Street Dreams.
Rest assured, whenever and wherever the PSN is set for 2009, we’ll all be
there. Hope many of you reading this story will bring your cars and join in the
excitement, Pontiac Southern Nationals style.
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Best of show - 1969 Firebird of Jay Lord |
Josie's 1970 Trans Am |
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2007 Bandit Run
by Steve Thompson
I own a 1977 Special Edition Black Bandit Trans Am and a 1978
Black Bandit Tribute Trans Am. Both have the 400 Pontiac Engine, 350 Turbo
automatic transmission, power windows, T-tops, polished snow flake wheels, new
paint and graphics, AM- FM Stereo CD player with amplifier and additional CD
changer in the trunk and built in CB radio.
The 1978 was purchased six years ago and has been restored,
frame on. Three years ago, I saw the 1977 at a car show. I told the owner to
call me if he decided to sell it. I kept in touch with him and he finally agreed
to sell it to me in the fall of 2006. I had it repainted in March 2007 and put
new graphics on it in April. A fellow Trans Am owner, Gary Drew of Colorado
Springs, told me about the possibility of a Bandit Run on May 15 -19, 2007. I
immediately began research into the possibility of such a thing. Boy did that
sound like fun. I signed up for the Run and decided I had to drive my 1977
Special Edition Bandit Car. I hoped to drive the car to a bunch of car shows in
April, to test out the endurance of the 77 Bandit. But, it rained or snowed
every weekend and the car sat in the garage. The Run was its initiation drive.
On Sunday May 13, I left Colorado Springs, Colorado and
headed to Texarkana, Texas. I pulled into the designated hotel Monday night and
saw a roped off area for the Bandit Run cars. Boy was I excited to join the
other drivers on the first Bandit Run. That evening, most of the drivers were
cleaning their cars for the next day Run. A bunch of us decided to drive to
the Texarkana Classic Car Museum (Day 1 meeting place).
Day 1 we parked in the lot of the Texarkana Car Museum and
got a free tour of the museum. While waiting for the official start of the Run
a couple actors appeared, one dressed like Sheriff Buford T. Justice and
another dressed like Junior. We met the actors and also had a visit from the
mayor of Texarkana. He wished us a safe drive to Atlanta and the drive began
with Police escort out of town. We started the Run with maybe 50 or so Trans
AM's, GTO's, a Camaro, a Dukes of Hazard Car, and other Pontiacs. About an hour
or so later, we picked up more police escorts as they took us through Magnolia,
Arkansas. We were escorted around the town square where hundreds (if not
thousands) of people were lining the streets waving to the Bandit Run Convoy.
What a sight to see, all the people standing on the sidewalks waving and yelling
at us as we drove by. That evening we pulled into Tupelo, Mississippi for the
night.
Day 2 saw us meet at the Tupelo Auto Museum to show off our
cars, view the cars in the museum and see the new Year One Bandit Car. It
looks fantastic, but a little pricey for some. We were told that Bandit One
starts at around $130,000 with Bandit Two at $160,000 and Bandit Three around
$190,000. That morning, we probably picked up another ten or so cars joining the
Bandit Run. We then began the drive from Tupelo to Birmingham, Alabama, after
having a BBQ lunch at the museum.
Day 3 saw us pick up another 10 or so cars and leave
Birmingham, driving in a convoy toward Atlanta. I had the pleasure to take on a
passenger in my Bandit car, that day. Steve Clark flew to the USA from England
to go on the Bandit Run. Day One and Two, he rode with other drivers and asked
me if he could ride with me on Day 3, to experience riding in my Colorado
Bandit7 car. On the way to Atlanta, we stopped on the side of the road to
gather all the Trans Am's and other cars on the Run. Our next exit was to be the
Talladega Race Track. Once at the track, we got to tour the museum and were
treated to lunch. Photographers were lifted high in the air on a boom truck and
took a photo of all the cars parked in the parking lot. That photo is in the
August Automotive Magazine, in their article about the Bandit Run. We then drove
to Atlanta, running into a huge traffic jam on our way to the Year One facility.
Most of the Trans Am's did not overheat in the hot weather and bumper to bumper
traffic. Once at the Year One facility, we were treated to tours and snacks. We
got to see the area where the new Bandit Cars are being built. We also heard the
official news that Burt Reynolds was not going to make the trip to Atlanta due
to an illness. Most of us Bandit drivers were disappointed that we were not
going to meet him in person.
Day 4 saw us meet at the Year One facility to drive in a
convoy to the Road Atlanta Track, for the annual Year One Experience. We showed
off all the Bandit Run cars, which now totaled close to 90 or so, in a special
Bandit Run Car Show. The organizers also gathered up all the black Bandit cars
and took us down to the track facilities. We lined up our cars and drove two
times around the track completing 5 laps, so a camera car could shoot the entire
drive. We then came in to change camera cars and headed out for a second time to
drive 5 more laps. What a sight to see, all the Bandit cars. I estimated that
there were about 28 Bandit cars from 1977 through 1980. Once done, we then drove
to park them for the remainder of the day at the Bandit Run Car Show.
Day 5: Since Burt Reynolds wasn't going to be at the Bandit
Run Car Show, I decided to head to Colorado. I knew that I had a 3-day
drive and left that Saturday morning. What I missed was the unveiling of
the new Year One Bandit Car, but I had already seen it while on the Bandit Run.
Some of the participants of the Run were going to drive to a couple movie
locations on Day 6 or Sunday. That part would have been nice to attend, but I
kept thinking about my long drive. There was no way that I was going to
trailer my car to and from Atlanta, while on the Run. I had to experience the
whole drive, even if it did cost me over $600 in fuel for the whole trip, ouch!
But a small price to pay for a fantastic experience that I will never forget. I
did the Bandit Run, wow!
2007
Trans Am Nationals
The 23rd annual Trans Am Nationals were held the weekend of
August 24-26, 2007 in Dayton, Ohio. The
staff of the National Firebird and Trans Am Club are always at this event because of
the large number of Firebirds and Trans Ams that always are present. Sue Emmel
and Becky Bayes and the rest of the crew did their usual fine job.
The turnout was great and Trans Ams as there were
approximately 500 Firebirds and Trans Ams with many fine examples of all
generations.
It was great to meet so many of our members at the show and
we thank you for all of the many complements about the club itself.
A great time was had by the attendees and the 24th Annual
Trans Am Nationals is scheduled for August 22-24, 2008. Take a look at
all the great cars and we know we will see you there!
2007
All Firebird Lawn Show
Story
by Keith Fuerst
Pictures by Pete Manos, Phil Ginsberg, Richard
Millier, Ralph
Mangino, Tom Smith,
and Keith Fuerst
The fact that the
5th Annual All Firebird Lawn Show at
Saratoga
Auto
Museum, hosted by Firebird Nation of North
America, has come and gone is proof that “time
flies when you’re having fun.” This show has
grown from a local gathering of Firebird owners
to a regional show covering 10 states and
Canada. In 2007
another attendance record was set…127 Firebird
owners decided they couldn’t miss out on all the
fun. Cars shows are great but what makes this
one more special is that it’s a fund raiser for
Special Olympics Saratoga. Almost $ 5,000 was
raised at the 2007 show. Thanks to some very
generous Firebird owners and sponsors that
figure was a new show record.
A car show this big doesn’t just happen. It
takes a lot of work. The driving force behind
the show is founder Tom Smith and co-founder
wife Sandy Smith who handled all the
organizational details from A to Z. They are
certified Special Olympics coaches and Firebird
owners. They lead a dedicated group of
volunteers to produce this ever growing event.
The volunteers are judges Joe Carey, Neil
Silberkleit, Eddie
Barra, and Keith
Fuerst; the
registration queens Sandy Smith, Susan Banker,
Arlene Delaney and Sandy Byron; the food and
beverage staff David, Lisa and Trish Lord.
Special Olympics volunteers Judy
Keehan, Mary
Schwartz, and Chris Radz
sold raffle tickets. FNONA member Keith
Tanny sold 50/50
raffle tickets with half of theproceeds going
to Special Olympics. Special Olympics athletes
Brian Smith, Todd Byron, Jennifer Delaney, and
John Schwartz selected the winner of the
Athlete’s Choice trophy and gave out ribbons to
25 of their favorite Firebirds. Athlete DJ
Nolan provided the music and announcements.
On
Friday afternoon there was a meet and greetat
the
Saratoga
Auto
Museum for Firebird
owners who just couldn’t wait until Saturday
to feed their Firebird addiction. AnSSPD
police escort arranged by FNONA vice president
Joe Carey lead 25
Firebirds on a cruise to Mr.
ED’s Ice Cream and
Pizza Station. On Saturday the show was blessed
with great weather except forone nasty looking
rain cloud that made everyone nervous…. until it
passed by without leaving a single drop.
There was some top quality eye candy in the
form of Firebirds in all directions on the show
field.Cars included a pristine 69 Trans Am Ram Air
III and 70 Trans Am Ram Air IV, both owned by Ray and
Kathy DeCrescenzo.
These cars drew an instant crowd that lasted
most of the day. Other birds of note included a
94 25th anniversary Trans Am
Firehawk convertible, 1 of 2 made, a 77
Trans Am with a 502… 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th, and 30th
Anniversary Trans
Ams,
and a 74 SD 455. Also some black and gold
Special Editions, a few Sprint 6 Firebirds and
some very well cared for high mileage Firebirds
and Formulas of all years made a strong
presence.
Thanks go out to Alan Edstrom of
Saratoga
Auto
Museum for his help
and support. Thanks also to Ralph
Mangino Jr.of
Mangino Pontiac for
sponsorship and dash plaques. Much gratitude to
all the members of NFTAC, Trans Am Country,
Charter Oak Birds, Connecticut F-Body
Association, Firebirds Forever and the Ohio
Firebirds for making the long trek to the show.
Much appreciation to Rob, Frank and NFTAC for
the raffle items, Eagle Magazines, and coverage
of this show in Eagle Magazine.July
5, 2008 (rain date
July 6, 2008) is
the date for this year’s show. Please join us
for some Firebird fun.
2006 7th
Annual Texas
All Pontiac Show
by Penny San Marco
The
South Central Texas Chapter held their 7th
Annual Classic Car Show in Seguin, Texas on
Sept. 16, 2006. We had 127 classic cars and the
show was a great success. There were some very
nice Trans Ams and Firebirds shown, several
owned by Club members and more in the non Club
classes. We were very fortunate to have a very
rare ’73 Brewster Green Trans Am Super Duty 455,
1 of 252 produced, shown at our show. It is a
gorgeous concourse quality rotisserie
restoration and we were grateful to our son,
Greg San Marco, for bringing it to the show.
Thanks to The National Firebird and TA Club for
sending several door prizes and goody bag items
that helped contribute to a wonderful show.
This year’s show is scheduled for October 6,
2007.
2006
All Firebird Lawn Show Report and Photos
I’m happy to report that the 4th Annual
Firebird Lawn Show at the Saratoga Automobile
Museum was a complete success! The weather was
almost perfect-sunny, warm and not too humid.
This year’s show was the largest to date- 109
Firebirds, Trans Ams, Firehawks, GTAs showed up in
Saratoga from 9 states and Canada to share our
love of Firebirds and raise money for the
Special Olympics. A total of 4100 dollars was
raised, another show record.
Some of the cars at the show
were-a 74 SD 455, a GTA, a
Formula, a #2 of 6 2002 Mecham Trans Am, 80,81,
89,96 pace cars, a Father (20th anniv. Trans Am) and
Son (25th anniv. Trans Am), a 67 Firebird stuffed
with a built 455, KITT, Bandits- most of them
met up at a hotel and arrived at the show in one
long line!! A bone stock 80 turbo Bandit Trans Am...
well not exactly, under the hood was a twin
turbocharged 455 putting out 848 hp at the rear
wheels!! WOW. Talk about a sleeper!! Yes the
owner had the dyno paper work to up those
numbers. Once again the quality of cars was
amazing.
I’d like to thank my fellow
NFTAC members who made it to the show. Also the
members of Firebird Nation of North America who
attended and Trans Am Country- many who drove
three, four and up to eight hours to get to the
show.
Thanks to Rob, Frank and
NFTAC for providing items for the show. Hope to
see you at the next show on July 7, 2007.
Keith Fuerst
 
 
 
2006 TA Nationals
The 22nd annual Trans Am
Nationals were held the weekend of August 25-27,
2006 in Dayton, Ohio. The staff of the National
Firebird and Trans Am Club are always at this event
because of the large number of Firebirds and
Trans Ams that always are present. Sue Emmel and
Becky Bayes and the rest of the crew did their
usual fine job.
The turnout was great and Trans Ams as there
were approximately 600 Firebirds and Trans Ams
with many fine examples of all generations.
It was great to meet so many of our members at
the show and we thank you for all of the many
complements about the club itself.
A great time was had by the
attendees and the 23rd Annual Trans Am Nationals
is scheduled for August 24-26, 2007. Take a look
at all the great cars and we know we will see
you there!

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