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36th US Van Nationals - Altamont, IL
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Devilsgrip
alien8
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vanner065
Elegantly Wasted
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36th US Van Nationals - Altamont, IL
by Elegantly Wasted 5/9/2008, 4:23 pm
Pics and report, but still no SXV...
See some of you shortly - will have the DVD with me.
US VAN NATIONALS 2008 by Fres & Chrissy
Any Van Nats is a great event, just some are greater than others. But if you want shear quantity during 2008, it doesn't get any bigger than an event in Altamont, Illonis - the 36th US Van Nationals.
After only half an hour at the 1997 Us Van Nats, Chrissy and I decided that we had to do it again in five years time. Unfortunately, eleven years passed before our next adventure in the land of the BIG vans.
The journey began early in July after a 14hr trip from Sydney to San Francisco for three days. So many "vans" that I jokingly sent a message back home saying that there is a van on every corner - later that night I had photographic evidence of three vans within 100m of our hotel room. If only Holden continued producing a trademans van after 1984...
Tuesday 15th July
Ten days of touring around brought us to Indianapolis International Airport. We were greeted by a couple of vanning ladies - Suzie, our local host and Ruth, a travelling Canadian just passing through the PUMRAW event on the way to the Van Nats. Naturally, a van was our mode of transport, but it was a van that only it's mother could love. A quick drive through the city to our first stop, the world famous Indianapolis Speedway. The infield was the location for the museum (and gift shop), followed by a lap of the track in a tour bus. Next stop was Walmart to pick up some supplies.
Recent regulations discourage warm-up events prior to the Nats, but when you have over 60 vanners passing through your town, you need to show them some vanning hospitality - welcome to PUMRAW (or "warm up" backwards). By Tuesday, all but 10 vanners had been and gone and the rest of us were heading off in the morning. A few quiet drinks that night with Suzie's husband, Steve and more travelling vanners from US and Canada.
Wednesday 16th July
No hurry to get out of there as it was only a three hour drive. Late morning heard the call for a "drivers meeting" to assist getting us all in the right direction as only Steve was up to speed on the local routes and interstates. Google maps, overtaking proceedures and fuel stops stategies didn't stop one van from breaking down within five minutes, but thats the way that adventures go. Six vans including our rental eventually got on to the interstate and were heading to Altamont in 40 degree tempetures - three US vans and three international vans (Canadian & Australian).
Arrived at the Van Nats around mid afternoon...
... the next four days were bit of a blur - blender drinks, vans everywhere, some odd cigarettes, cocktails, more vans, and great people with a great attitude. We have all the pics, a 90 minute video, and priceless memories of catching up with old vanners and sharing experiences with vanners we met for the first time.
* pools everywhere as tempatures continue around 40 degrees - largest pool was referred to as the Pacific after we considered camping on the other side of it. Eventually we decided to camp with our hosts from 1997, the Bad Girls from New York. Located near a complex of five pools otherwise known as the Great Lakes region - (just when I thought I was reaping the benefits from two years of therapy - lol..)
* vendors row provided an opportunity to empty your wallet while four canteens ensured plenty of variety for hungry vanners.
* early evening drinks at the International campsite - many Canadians and an odd englishman or two. Followed by a campsite made of vanners from 20 years ago from all over the country. Can't recall their exact name for just this event, but was something like the United Vanners Liberation Front.
* first of the four weekend bands cranks it up.
* late evening drinks with the bro's from Detroit Van Club - they guys were cool and the ladies had some atitude that you would only expect from a sitcom. Stayed most of the evening watching/playing a game where I was known as "Kangaroo Shit" - long story. The speed of modern communications was also demonstrated as the Club President, Taz, fell asleep in his chair around 10pm. The girls "tarted him up real purty" with everything from eye-shadow to hair extentions by 10.25pm. Club members back in Detroit had images sent to their cell phone by 10.35pm
* early morning rock music provided by the Kentucky campsite
Thursday 17th July
* More hot weather around 40c
* The vans line up to take part in the arial photo shoot on the infield of the racecourse. Around 100 vans spelling out "Keep on Vannin' "
* Campsites close to capacity by now
* Expected to do the usual wandering around campsites and check out the second band, but hooked up with Ken & Deb and kids from New Jersey for a 9am moonrise and stayed until the moon nearly set around 3am
Friday 18th July
* Show n Shine - a picture paints a thousand words so check out the pics
As expected, big vans everywhere from 1950 to 2008. Chev's version of a PT Cruiser, the HHR, were very popular for 2007 release with about eight to ten on display - most from a newly formed HHR club. Too hot to see the show in one go, so it was HHR's, drinks, Chevys. drinks, Fords, drinks, Dodges, drinks, Niagara Vanners feast including Deep Fried Turkey - tastes and looks much better than it sounds.
* Return to Detroit Vanners campsite
* More partying, another band, more partying and to top of a night of revelry, The "United Vanners Liberation Front" supplied everyone with a seemingly unlimited supply of toasted cheese sandwiches at 2am... perfect !
* Return to Kentucky Vanners campsite
Saturday 19th July
* Finally a cooler day of around 30c
* Cruise around Altamont (see video next time we cross paths) and a 2hr public display
* BurnOut Competition (also see video). Early Chevs to full on drag vans on a dirt racetrack with a static burnout on fixed steel plates. Plenty of smoke in a time-limited period for each van. To complete the display the husband and wife team of Marty and Janine lined up their vans for a dual burnout with each using coloured tyres. The end result being the top two vans from the show doing a burnout of red, white and blue smoke with the star spangled banner playing over the PA. May sound a bit cheesy but even us Aussies were cheering their atitude until Janines engine bay caught on fire and Monty started losing fluid from the radiator.
* A 4pm Lunch / Feast with our sister campsite, MidWest Vanners and an invite for another Turkey at the 10pm Dinner
* As the formalities were about to begin, we were offered some "alligator" by some Floridians. Enquiring about what we thought of the taste, we commented that it didn't taste like chicken, but a cross between koala and dolphin. The female that asked if we drove from Australia believed that we ate them for about 20 minutes.
* Presentations that went for as long as ours do, followed by the fourth and final band for the weekend. Farewells to the early leavers and more wandering around the campsites. Unfortunately, many have to travel long distances as campsites started to be packed away.
Sunday 20th July
* The program did say 16th to 20th but by 10am it was a virtual ghost town. Final farewells before getting on the road for our next stop in Chicago.
Many thanks to everyone who made us feel welcome. Special thanks to our host Suzie & Steve, and Wacko and Jewels for showing us around and introducing us to more and more vanners, Cush for our Chicago 4 star accommodation and Vince for our Los Angeles experience.
The only thing that could have been better would have been half a dozen Aussies to share it with, in a campsite made from Aussie flags. We're hoping to go back in 2012 for the 40th US Van Nats and take a crowd with us. We got the impression that our Easter event will outlive their July event, so check out the pics and dream of going to the biggest van event on earth.
See some of you shortly - will have the DVD with me.
US VAN NATIONALS 2008 by Fres & Chrissy
Any Van Nats is a great event, just some are greater than others. But if you want shear quantity during 2008, it doesn't get any bigger than an event in Altamont, Illonis - the 36th US Van Nationals.
After only half an hour at the 1997 Us Van Nats, Chrissy and I decided that we had to do it again in five years time. Unfortunately, eleven years passed before our next adventure in the land of the BIG vans.
The journey began early in July after a 14hr trip from Sydney to San Francisco for three days. So many "vans" that I jokingly sent a message back home saying that there is a van on every corner - later that night I had photographic evidence of three vans within 100m of our hotel room. If only Holden continued producing a trademans van after 1984...
Tuesday 15th July
Ten days of touring around brought us to Indianapolis International Airport. We were greeted by a couple of vanning ladies - Suzie, our local host and Ruth, a travelling Canadian just passing through the PUMRAW event on the way to the Van Nats. Naturally, a van was our mode of transport, but it was a van that only it's mother could love. A quick drive through the city to our first stop, the world famous Indianapolis Speedway. The infield was the location for the museum (and gift shop), followed by a lap of the track in a tour bus. Next stop was Walmart to pick up some supplies.
Recent regulations discourage warm-up events prior to the Nats, but when you have over 60 vanners passing through your town, you need to show them some vanning hospitality - welcome to PUMRAW (or "warm up" backwards). By Tuesday, all but 10 vanners had been and gone and the rest of us were heading off in the morning. A few quiet drinks that night with Suzie's husband, Steve and more travelling vanners from US and Canada.
Wednesday 16th July
No hurry to get out of there as it was only a three hour drive. Late morning heard the call for a "drivers meeting" to assist getting us all in the right direction as only Steve was up to speed on the local routes and interstates. Google maps, overtaking proceedures and fuel stops stategies didn't stop one van from breaking down within five minutes, but thats the way that adventures go. Six vans including our rental eventually got on to the interstate and were heading to Altamont in 40 degree tempetures - three US vans and three international vans (Canadian & Australian).
Arrived at the Van Nats around mid afternoon...
... the next four days were bit of a blur - blender drinks, vans everywhere, some odd cigarettes, cocktails, more vans, and great people with a great attitude. We have all the pics, a 90 minute video, and priceless memories of catching up with old vanners and sharing experiences with vanners we met for the first time.
* pools everywhere as tempatures continue around 40 degrees - largest pool was referred to as the Pacific after we considered camping on the other side of it. Eventually we decided to camp with our hosts from 1997, the Bad Girls from New York. Located near a complex of five pools otherwise known as the Great Lakes region - (just when I thought I was reaping the benefits from two years of therapy - lol..)
* vendors row provided an opportunity to empty your wallet while four canteens ensured plenty of variety for hungry vanners.
* early evening drinks at the International campsite - many Canadians and an odd englishman or two. Followed by a campsite made of vanners from 20 years ago from all over the country. Can't recall their exact name for just this event, but was something like the United Vanners Liberation Front.
* first of the four weekend bands cranks it up.
* late evening drinks with the bro's from Detroit Van Club - they guys were cool and the ladies had some atitude that you would only expect from a sitcom. Stayed most of the evening watching/playing a game where I was known as "Kangaroo Shit" - long story. The speed of modern communications was also demonstrated as the Club President, Taz, fell asleep in his chair around 10pm. The girls "tarted him up real purty" with everything from eye-shadow to hair extentions by 10.25pm. Club members back in Detroit had images sent to their cell phone by 10.35pm
* early morning rock music provided by the Kentucky campsite
Thursday 17th July
* More hot weather around 40c
* The vans line up to take part in the arial photo shoot on the infield of the racecourse. Around 100 vans spelling out "Keep on Vannin' "
* Campsites close to capacity by now
* Expected to do the usual wandering around campsites and check out the second band, but hooked up with Ken & Deb and kids from New Jersey for a 9am moonrise and stayed until the moon nearly set around 3am
Friday 18th July
* Show n Shine - a picture paints a thousand words so check out the pics
As expected, big vans everywhere from 1950 to 2008. Chev's version of a PT Cruiser, the HHR, were very popular for 2007 release with about eight to ten on display - most from a newly formed HHR club. Too hot to see the show in one go, so it was HHR's, drinks, Chevys. drinks, Fords, drinks, Dodges, drinks, Niagara Vanners feast including Deep Fried Turkey - tastes and looks much better than it sounds.
* Return to Detroit Vanners campsite
* More partying, another band, more partying and to top of a night of revelry, The "United Vanners Liberation Front" supplied everyone with a seemingly unlimited supply of toasted cheese sandwiches at 2am... perfect !
* Return to Kentucky Vanners campsite
Saturday 19th July
* Finally a cooler day of around 30c
* Cruise around Altamont (see video next time we cross paths) and a 2hr public display
* BurnOut Competition (also see video). Early Chevs to full on drag vans on a dirt racetrack with a static burnout on fixed steel plates. Plenty of smoke in a time-limited period for each van. To complete the display the husband and wife team of Marty and Janine lined up their vans for a dual burnout with each using coloured tyres. The end result being the top two vans from the show doing a burnout of red, white and blue smoke with the star spangled banner playing over the PA. May sound a bit cheesy but even us Aussies were cheering their atitude until Janines engine bay caught on fire and Monty started losing fluid from the radiator.
* A 4pm Lunch / Feast with our sister campsite, MidWest Vanners and an invite for another Turkey at the 10pm Dinner
* As the formalities were about to begin, we were offered some "alligator" by some Floridians. Enquiring about what we thought of the taste, we commented that it didn't taste like chicken, but a cross between koala and dolphin. The female that asked if we drove from Australia believed that we ate them for about 20 minutes.
* Presentations that went for as long as ours do, followed by the fourth and final band for the weekend. Farewells to the early leavers and more wandering around the campsites. Unfortunately, many have to travel long distances as campsites started to be packed away.
Sunday 20th July
* The program did say 16th to 20th but by 10am it was a virtual ghost town. Final farewells before getting on the road for our next stop in Chicago.
Many thanks to everyone who made us feel welcome. Special thanks to our host Suzie & Steve, and Wacko and Jewels for showing us around and introducing us to more and more vanners, Cush for our Chicago 4 star accommodation and Vince for our Los Angeles experience.
The only thing that could have been better would have been half a dozen Aussies to share it with, in a campsite made from Aussie flags. We're hoping to go back in 2012 for the 40th US Van Nats and take a crowd with us. We got the impression that our Easter event will outlive their July event, so check out the pics and dream of going to the biggest van event on earth.
Elegantly Wasted- Posts : 96
Join date : 2008-08-14
Re: 36th US Van Nationals - Altamont, IL
by vanner065 5/9/2008, 4:26 pm
I am so jealous of you and Chrissy, might have to save up and come with you guys in 2012 
vanner065- Admin
- Posts : 1603
Join date : 2008-08-13
Re: 36th US Van Nationals - Altamont, IL
by Admin 5/9/2008, 4:26 pm
Got a question for you Fres.... so do you know how many vans were there in total?? seeing you wouldn't let me go in your suit case!!!!!!!
cheers
Daz
cheers
Daz
Last edited by Admin on 6/9/2008, 4:05 am; edited 1 time in total
Admin- Admin
- Posts : 189
Join date : 2008-08-13 -
Re: 36th US Van Nationals - Altamont, IL
by Admin 5/9/2008, 4:27 pm
i'm saving starting after the Nats.. 
Admin- Admin
- Posts : 189
Join date : 2008-08-13 -
Re: 36th US Van Nationals - Altamont, IL
by vanner065 5/9/2008, 4:28 pm
50 cents a day might do it starting now
vanner065- Admin
- Posts : 1603
Join date : 2008-08-13
Re: 36th US Van Nationals - Altamont, IL
by Admin 5/9/2008, 4:29 pm
now James,, it may need to be more like 60 cent as the aussie dollar is not too good right now.
Admin- Admin
- Posts : 189
Join date : 2008-08-13 -
Re: 36th US Van Nationals - Altamont, IL
by Elegantly Wasted 5/9/2008, 4:33 pm
Three vans within 50m of our San Francisco Hotel
In the parking lot of the Golden Gate Bridge Lookout - he had been on the 2008 Power Tour along Route 66
On the road to the Van Nats in the international convoy - 3 American, 2 Canadian, 1 Aussie
Our rental
- better luck next time
Let the Van Nats begin...
End of first half - second half shortly.
Elegantly Wasted- Posts : 96
Join date : 2008-08-14
Re: 36th US Van Nationals - Altamont, IL
by vanner065 5/9/2008, 4:37 pm
Nice job Fres, love that red and silver one with flames, so hot.
Hey Fres, how do their murals stack up against our top ones?
Hey Fres, how do their murals stack up against our top ones?
vanner065- Admin
- Posts : 1603
Join date : 2008-08-13
36th US Van Nationals - Altamont, IL
by Elegantly Wasted 5/9/2008, 4:42 pm
Let the Van Nats continue...
Elegantly Wasted- Posts : 96
Join date : 2008-08-14
Re: 36th US Van Nationals - Altamont, IL
by Admin 5/9/2008, 4:47 pm
what i would give for that 6 wheeler..... thanks for sharing the pics Fres,, they are great 
Admin- Admin
- Posts : 189
Join date : 2008-08-13 -
Re: 36th US Van Nationals - Altamont, IL
by Guest 5/9/2008, 5:02 pm
Great pics Fres.
Can't wait to see the video footage.
Can't wait to see the video footage.
Guest- Guest
Re: 36th US Van Nationals - Altamont, IL
by alien8 6/9/2008, 2:07 am
I am soooooooooo drooling, lost for words 
Thanks for sharing this with us Fres and Chrissy, a real eye opener. Now thats what I call a van show all BIG Vans I'm in lust 
Thanks for sharing this with us Fres and Chrissy, a real eye opener. Now thats what I call a van show all BIG Vans I'm in lust 
alien8- Posts : 681
Join date : 2008-08-14
Location : East Coast Vaner Brisbane
Re: 36th US Van Nationals - Altamont, IL
by Guest 6/9/2008, 10:09 am
Hi pete
we have you on video from crazybob he has sent us the whole van nats
kerry
we have you on video from crazybob he has sent us the whole van nats
kerry
Guest- Guest
Re: 36th US Van Nationals - Altamont, IL
by Devilsgrip 6/9/2008, 3:13 pm
Nice pics Fres. Thaks for taking the time to put them up, must have had a good time also. Well done
Devilsgrip- Posts : 118
Join date : 2008-08-14
Re: 36th US Van Nationals - Altamont, IL
by AlanN 6/10/2008, 1:08 am
Fantastic photos, stayed up late just look through them all. oh well, its only work in the morning 
AlanN- Posts : 21
Join date : 2008-10-05
Age : 58
Location : Rayleigh UK -
Re: 36th US Van Nationals - Altamont, IL
by mazdragon 6/10/2008, 4:59 am
Alan, maybe you could start a thread with UK vans? post some pics of what's around on the other side of the planet?
mazdragon- Posts : 1973
Join date : 2008-08-14
Location : somewhere on the planet in my den
US Vanats
by craziebob 9/10/2008, 4:28 am
Fres & Chrissey. Was surprise to see you both at US Vanats. From your story and pictures you had a great time? Maybe next time not so long between, we hope.
craziebob- Posts : 41
Join date : 2008-10-07
Location : jacksonvilli fl usa
Re: 36th US Van Nationals - Altamont, IL
by highwaymenace 9/10/2008, 4:36 am
Hi Craziebib, some over our Van Nats next Easter ( not as big as your nats ) but a dam great party still.
note to oneself,, go to USA before i die...
note to oneself,, go to USA before i die...
highwaymenace- Posts : 1912
Join date : 2008-08-13
Location : Geelong -
Re: 36th US Van Nationals - Altamont, IL
by craziebob 9/10/2008, 4:55 am
I be there 2009, if can hook up with some other vanners? What airport to fly in and date to arrive and leave? Start looking for flight now. Ready for another Aussie Vanats been a few years last time.
craziebob- Posts : 41
Join date : 2008-10-07
Location : jacksonvilli fl usa
Re: 36th US Van Nationals - Altamont, IL
by highwaymenace 9/10/2008, 5:22 am
Melbourne international or Melbourne Avalon ( being the closer one, ) event dates are the 9th to 13th of April 2009.
Melbourne international is about 55 miles away from the venue & Melbourne Avalon is about 18 miles.. we could sort a vanner to pick you up maybe..
any questions just ask
cheers
Daz
More info in these posts:
https://vanners.forumotion.com/your-first-forum-f1/van-nationals-t61.htm
https://vanners.forumotion.com/your-first-forum-f1/34th-australian-van-nats-2009-t11.htm
Melbourne international is about 55 miles away from the venue & Melbourne Avalon is about 18 miles.. we could sort a vanner to pick you up maybe..
any questions just ask
cheers
Daz
More info in these posts:
https://vanners.forumotion.com/your-first-forum-f1/van-nationals-t61.htm
https://vanners.forumotion.com/your-first-forum-f1/34th-australian-van-nats-2009-t11.htm
highwaymenace- Posts : 1912
Join date : 2008-08-13
Location : Geelong -
Re: 36th US Van Nationals - Altamont, IL
by mazdragon 9/10/2008, 5:25 am
Hi CrazieBob, & welcome to the site. For the VanNats at Easter 2009 in Geelong, you would need to fly into Melbourne Tullamarine airport. Or if you can, fly into Avalon airport, but that's probably only possible if you fly via Sydney. Not sure how it works cos its generally only a local airport. Anyhow, then you'd need to get yourself to Geelong. You'd need to let us know how many people (i.e. by yourself or not) and what you'd need accomodation wise. I'm sure someone can give you a lift if they have the space, or catch what's called the VLine train to Geelong. Either way, somehow, we'd get you there.
mazdragon- Posts : 1973
Join date : 2008-08-14
Location : somewhere on the planet in my den
Re: 36th US Van Nationals - Altamont, IL
by craziebob 9/10/2008, 5:38 am
OK look at flight $1,660 for round trip. Now need day leave here and arrive 2 days later then left day. From Jacksonville, fl to Melborne, Au.
craziebob- Posts : 41
Join date : 2008-10-07
Location : jacksonvilli fl usa
Re: 36th US Van Nationals - Altamont, IL
by highwaymenace 9/10/2008, 5:40 am
PS: for International vammers attendinding the 34th Australian Van Nats full entry fees are required but on arrival you will be refunded 50% in cash this hekps the event to raise funds for charity.. also now is a great time to enter as our dollar so so weak against the US dollar your book & UK pound air travel through an Australia Qantas agent and it will be a bargin..
highwaymenace- Posts : 1912
Join date : 2008-08-13
Location : Geelong -
Re: 36th US Van Nationals - Altamont, IL
by highwaymenace 9/10/2008, 5:45 am
Entry Forms are on www.vanning.org.au & www.southerncrossvans.com.au
highwaymenace- Posts : 1912
Join date : 2008-08-13
Location : Geelong -
Re: 36th US Van Nationals - Altamont, IL
by Guest 9/10/2008, 12:45 pm
The way the aussie dollar is going, you guys might only need to spend $100 or so for a return flight AND entry to the nats.
Guest- Guest
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