NOPI cancels all drag, drift and car show events for remainder of 2008
For 20 years, a mass of automotive enthusiasts has descended upon Atlanta Motor Speedway for the NOPI Nationals Motorsports Supershow. NOPI, a Georgia-based aftermarket parts and accessories dealer, built a loyal following with their Nationals Supershow, attracting upwards of 90,000 attendees each year. Through the success of their car and trucks shows the company also took on the task of running a nationwide drag race and drifting series more, but this year NOPI won't be filling Atlanta Speedway's infield for the 21st year this September, as the Nationals Motorsport Supershow has been canceled. In fact, all remaining 2008 NOPI events from car shows to drag racing and drifting, have been called off.
According to NOPI, the rationale behind the decision is due to the tough times currently being endured by the automotive industry. With vehicle sales in the dumpster, one can only image that accessory purchases are also being cut from most consumers' budgets. Compounded with the rising fuel prices and reduced event attendance, finishing out the event schedule did not make economic sense for NOPI. It is sad to hear of such a staple event forced to shutter. Hopefully NOPI can weather the storm and bring back the debauchery another season.
[Source: NOPI]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
shadysi 9:47AM (7/17/2008)
This is sad indeed.
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tim 12:23PM (7/17/2008)
ON THE NOPI WEB SITE IT SAID ONLY JUNE-JULY WERE CANCELED THEY WILL BE HAVIN AUGUST SHOW AT NEW ENGLAND MOTOR SPEEDWAY
Z 9:58AM (7/17/2008)
Some of my best automotive memories came from the Primedia Tour to the NOPI Nationals from '00 - '06. Very sad to see this show come to an end.
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Matt H 10:13AM (7/17/2008)
If car sales are down, wouldn't people be spending more on accessories to make that old car look better?
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Vintage 10:47AM (7/17/2008)
Exactly. I think the problem with Nopi is it turned into "New Cars with 100,000 dollars in retarded mods" instead of "slightly older cars that have been 'tuned' with nice suspensions, a bit of engine work, and actual performance.
Nopi, to me, now stands for LCDs in everything, incredibly expensive yet awful looking paintjobs, and retarded bodykits.
G. 11:22AM (7/17/2008)
Not if car sales are down because everyone's broke. The economy in general is down, so there's less money all around.
why not the LS2LS7? 12:18PM (7/17/2008)
NOPI has always been both things. I have a 2000 NOPI catalog you can peruse if you'd like.
I would guess selling LCD screens is more profitable, and so if that drops off (and I welcome that), then they might just have to "right size" down to a company selling only more sensible mods.
Red 10:15AM (7/17/2008)
Wow. If you've ever gone to one of these shows and you're a fan, this is pretty big news. Very sad to see it happen, but I'm sure they went round and round on the decision before making the announcement. Too bad as I was really looking forward to going this year after all the crap going on.
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MajorGeek 10:19AM (7/17/2008)
Well, I will be curious to see how our local car show, the Syracuse Nationals, fairs this year. It is this weekend and numbers have been rising over the years, something like 6,800 cars last year. They come from all over like Vermont, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maine, New Jersey and more. Since many trailer up, its an expensive ride. Heres hoping attendance stays up, local economy can always use it.
http://www.rightcoastcars.com/shows/syn/
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Brad Kempeny 11:13AM (7/17/2008)
Where abouts in CNY are you MajorGeek? I'm not too far from Utica. I hope to make it to the Nationals this weekend too.
MajorGeek 11:41AM (7/17/2008)
Baldwinsville, about 5 minutes from the fairground where the Nationals meet :) Always a good show! Should be seeing cars rolling in today I hope! If you make it down, im tim at majorgeeks dot com.
Shadooky 1:55PM (7/17/2008)
Major, I've heard that the 2008 registrations are running ahead of last years numbers. Apperently people are staying closer to hometown events.
GO CUSE!
MajorGeek 2:05PM (7/17/2008)
Awesome news! Ill be bopping arouund all weekend in my new Challenger, half the fun is just cruisin around town with all the other cars. Good times. Hope you guys make it out!
mroverlord 4:54PM (7/17/2008)
Heh....my sister lives in Syracuse, and our family is from the Rochester area.
But, I'm trolling down here in Texas..
MajorGeek 5:41PM (7/17/2008)
Just heard registrations are over 7,000, friend said there was small lines registering as well, beat last year! On my way to cruise down the parkway, have a good night guys!
Ian B. 10:23AM (7/17/2008)
I will miss the female jello wrestling.
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dan spalinger 10:35AM (7/17/2008)
Agreed...sad to see any enthusiast series end...Now where will all the hottie NOPI girls strut their stuff???
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inteller 10:59AM (7/17/2008)
We need to declare a national emergency for wet t-shirt wearers....what will we do with all those refugees?
dan spalinger 11:01AM (7/17/2008)
I am willing to "host" these contests at my house...and by "host" I mean I will play the part of judge, jury and beneficiary of sideline benefits of said contests...
Way of the Future 10:38AM (7/17/2008)
a smart business decision none the less. now if American car makers can make decisions based on economic conditions, they would be in a much better place right now.
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