FWIW & IMHO:
I am sorry for the ones that did not have a good time. I had a great time, but I went for the socializing, seeing some friends that I haven't seen for a year or two, meeting some new ones. and supporting the host bar/tavern/watering hole. And that I did. (the tavern part). As for the motel/hotel situation, I found that the rooms were not quite as nice as the rooms from 2 years ago, (Main Street Station), but the food quality, quantity, and availablility of selections was better at Arizona Charlie's. The bars were about equal. It seemed to me that there was about the same amount of people, but maybe a few less cars. There were really some first class people, racers & spectators both. I really enjoyed the West Coast Nationals, and my hat's off to all of those people who did all of the work necessary to make this event happen. I did, unfortunately, miss the party at Len's due to not knowing where his shop was located, but that won't happen again. Invitee or crasher, I will be there next year. I am already looking forward to this event. And if no particular hotel/motel will support us, then we can just poll where everybody would like to stay at, and put in for reservations way in advance. Maybe we won't get as much money off, but it shouldn't cost that much more. I reserved my room on the very last day for reservations, and I can't expect any better if i can't make up my mind & sign up. Let's see, where are we? 360 something days and counting. I think that the people that do the work to make this event happen deserve our gratitude, respect, and acknowledgement, not our complaints.