FS: BILLETPROOF......I'm starting a rumor for once.

Some of you have already heard, but it's still very new news. As of last night I have decided that 2006 will be my last Billetproof, but hopefully not THE last Billetproof. It is up for sale.

Over the last ten years the hot rodding hobby has changed for the better, and in however small or large a way, Billetproof has helped that happen. From day-one Billetproof was intended to level the playing field between big-buck players and the dedicated no-buckers by giving us a place to show our stuff with pride. It has done that and more. I cannot put into words how proud I am of what Billetproof has accomplished and what it has become. It has gone far beyond any initial intentions without losing its integrity. Billetproof is the people who have helped put it on, it is every participant that has come through the gate, Billetproof is YOU, and that's why it is such a big success. Thank you!

Billetproof has been a breeding ground for some of tomorrows top hot rod builders by giving them a place where it is OK to try new things without spending a bunch of money. It has also bred a ton of other shows across the country and the world. I'm especially proud of that. I'm proud to have started the homebuilt-from-car-parts trophy style that nearly all similar events now emulate - even the downstairs of the prestigious Detroit Autorama. That's pretty cool too. Hopefully it can continue to inspire.

I'd like to think that as I get older, I get wiser, but it's only sometimes the case. This is one time that I think I am making a wise decision. I have taken Billetproof as far as I have the knowledge and energy to take it. I'd love for a new person or group, with new enthusiasm to get involved and take it even further. It, and WE (like minded hot rodders) still have much more potential.

If you have never been involved with running a show or a clothing company then you may not understand the amount of mental energy it takes to keep it fresh and in the lead. I think about Billetproof dozens of times EVERY day and it is starting to hurt. I want to be just "Joe Hot Rodder" for a while. I want to go to events without handing out flyers and talking to potential vendors. I want to have a good time at a car show again. I'd love to attend Billetproof as a customer. I want to have brain energy to think about my cars.

This is a very difficult and emotional decision for me, and it didn't come easily. I don't even know how to go about p***ing it to the next person or group, but I need to do it. My family needs me to do it, and my brain needs me to do it.

That said, both of this year's shows are STILL ON, and I intend to make them the best yet. Please feel free to ask me any questions, but please (to the ***holes out there) refrain from starting rumors. Billetproof is not for sale to Goodguys. I want a person or group who "gets it" to take it over. It has always been a show by hot rodders for hot rodders, and it should stay that way.

That's the short version. The long version is still swimming in my head.

Thanks for listening.

 

wow!

 

I am game to start a northern california commitee to put on the show.. with bylaws ect ect...

 

So is this a HAMB auction or what?

 

That's definitely the question of the day. Honestly, I don't know yet. I guess the standard practice is to look at 2-3 years of gross income and use that number to start with.

If someone is serious, contact me.

 

Well i'm sorry to hear that you are given it up. It is one of the best shows up hear in Nor Cal. I do hope it goes on and that it stays in the Bay Area.

brad

 

Holy **** Batman!Is It Coming To Our City near us?

 

its cool do whatever you need to do. but it will **** if somebody takes it out of michigan.

 

I would help organize the Michigan show, but since I wouldn't be looking to make any money out of it, I also wouldn't be looking to spend money to buy the name. I think it will continue one way or another, with or without the "billetproof" name.

 

I'm game for putting time and effort (and probably money) in on making sure Billetproof goes on. It's honestly one of the best shows, if not THE best show, on all the west coast.

 

Count me in! Lets keep this local and true to the spirit!

Kirk, You have done a great job with the direction and execution of Billetproof.

It can't end before I get my truck done and to the show.

 

How much if you throw in a set of floormats? Does this mean "Drama Week" has officially started? It's been hard to stay quiet during tech week!

 

Kirk, I understand perfectly clear where you're coming from. Tough deal all the way around. We used to do charity shows around Motown in the 80s. All consuming. I will however submit that you may need to remain as a consultant and liason of sorts for maybe another season to complete your deal...which I hope by the way is profitable. I've yet to attend one for many reasons, none of which has to with what it's really about. I'm looking forward to this year as my 1st. Good luck with it.

 

I've gone for the last 4 years and it is the show that I will not miss each year. I hope, and if I were a praying man I would be doing it right now, that it doesn't go away. If my club was bigger and had a few more resources I would get in ot this but as it is we can't. If you do need anything though you can contact me and I'll do what I can. Great show, hate to see anything happen to it.

 

Wow....this ****S, but I can see your point about the lack of time for yourself. Please think long and hard about who you let take over the reigns (I'm sure you will) There is no way Pepe and I will miss this years Nor-Cal show now.

 

Why not sell it to Goodguys, nothing says they couldn't establish a seperate division/company to specialize in these types of shows. They have been trying (with mediocre success) to get a Garage grown/ traditional section going at the show.. maybe this is how it happens. If it comes down between no one doing it and a large promotional company doing it (who has resources and staff) then let it happen...

Ok I will start a rumor.. OSR is going to buy it and start the OSR/CK deluxe Nationals.

 

This is in no way to start drama......My question is a legitimate one and I think one of a serious nature.
Will it be sold to someone of a like mindset as yours who would not"develop" it into obscurity?

IE-Would it be sold to a party who is on the exact opposite side of the spectrum as Billetproof in the car show game?

Even if that persons iden***y is concealed in a party of the second part of the third part/hidden in the corporation/under the table-situation?

 

Here, here...it's become my Mantra this year...

 

Thanks guys.

Honestly, I will do everything I can to make sure it goes to someone who is worthy and gets it. I want it to go on so that I can attend. In Nor Cal, Detroit and beyond.

Jim A: I don't really get the drama comment. I'm posting this because word in our hobby spreads like the telephone game you play when you're a kid - fast and wrong.

 

Crazy...I'm filming Billet Proof Detroit for MFS 4 hope to hang with you for the last haaaaraw..

evel

 

It's all your fault Evel.

 

I worried a little back when it ended up with just you, I wondered with the show growing how you would handle it. You did awesome. If I had been closer I would have loved to help do the work.

Now I worry again. Just because if you can't handle it, it may have to go to a promoter to stay big. If it gets too big it might self implode and cause a rip in the fabric of time and then it'll be ***imulated and we will become part of the square billet spaceship traveling the galaxy to ***imulate all beings....ahhhh!!!!

 

So what if no one buys it?

 

Best show I've ever been to. Whomever you p*** the torch to, I hope will carry on in the same venue and spirit that you have established. Sad day.

 

I love this show and know that you are going to make the best choice. My falcon has to make it this year!! If it needs to take a year off for someone to realize what a great show and important show it is to the hobby/lifestyle of traditional hot rodding, so be it. Keep your head up and don't feel like you need to sell out just to have the show. People will step up. Billetproof will live on! Nor Cal events are starting to grow, b/c for this show. You've done a great job and I commend you for working so hard. 800 vehicles and all that goes in with the coordination of a big outdoor show has got wear on you. Take some time to enjoy what drove you to want a traditional based car show in the first place. What about a commitee of Cali and Mich CC taking it over?

B-Frz

 

ouch... THATS a scary friggin thought

take up a collection here on the HAMB, and make it like one of them trucking companies you see "employee owned", only this would be "HAMBer owned???

what a concept

 

Good luck with it Kirk, I'm glad I have had the chance to attend your show in the past, and also planning on #10 this year...I remember seeing pictures of the 1st one in a magazine at home in the UK before I moved here & thinking....what a great idea, I need to go to that.....

See ya soon.

 

If that's the case I'll probably put it in a box and open it in five years for a Billetproof Reunion or something. But I'd really rather see it go on.