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Login to post Forums » Grassroots Motorsports » Join us at Big Al's open house

Nov. 19, 2009 12:53 p.m. David S. Wallens Editorial Director

First off, who the heck is Big Al? He's one our local Daytona Beach enthusiasts, and he happens to have a kick-butt garage. In fact, we recently featured it in Classic Motorsports.

A few times each year he hosts some parties. Everyone is invited, and the cars present cover all of the food groups: Italian exotics, prewar classics, muscle cars, sports cars, etc. It's probably one of the few places you'll see a 1928 Bentley parked next to a new Lamborghini.

His next open house takes place this weekend--Saturday, Nov. 21, starting around 6-ish. The address is 555 N. Beach Street in Daytona Beach, and there will be some GRMers there.
Nov. 19, 2009 1:00 p.m. friedgreencorrado Dork

I've got that CM issue. Looks like a great place. Didn't the article say it was one of the oldest gas stations in Daytona?
Nov. 19, 2009 1:32 p.m. Woody SuperDork

Not the guy about whom I was thinking.

http://www.bigalanderson.com/Bigalanderson/bio.asp
Nov. 19, 2009 2:00 p.m. Dr. Hess PowerDork

I thought you meant
Nov. 19, 2009 2:03 p.m. DukeOfUndersteer Dork

i thought he meant
Nov. 19, 2009 2:10 p.m. David S. Wallens Editorial Director

friedgreencorrado wrote:

I've got that CM issue. Looks like a great place. Didn't the article say it was one of the oldest gas stations in Daytona?

It is and you can see how it was originally a drive-through building. It's been added to over the years. A few other private garages in the area will be open that evening, too.
Nov. 21, 2009 9:15 p.m. JoeyM Reader

David S. Wallens wrote: Everyone is invited, and the cars present cover all of the food groups: Italian exotics, prewar classics, muscle cars, sports cars, etc.

That was an understatement. It was definitely the most impressive car show I've been to in a LOOOONG time. The McLaren, the two original GT40's, the Morgan 8, the DBS roadster, the superbird.....just wow.

there will be some GRMers there.

It would have been nice if some of you guys had hung around the GRM table so I could meet a few of you....
Nov. 21, 2009 9:38 p.m. David S. Wallens Editorial Director

Yeah, we were mingling. I think I saw you walking around. Cool gathering, huh?
Nov. 21, 2009 10:39 p.m. JoeyM Reader

David S. Wallens wrote: Yeah, we were mingling. I think I saw you walking around.

[giggle] You don't count Dave[+]. I was hoping to meet the GRM staffer with the scary big patio and the aye aye for an avatar.

Cool gathering, huh?

Yes, it was amazing. I've been to plenty of car shows, and they all have one or two unique things show up, but I've never been to one that had so many memorable rides.

[+] - Actually, you do. We're always happy when you can make it out to Martin events. It's just that I've never met anyone else from the magazine except Per.
Nov. 21, 2009 10:53 p.m. David S. Wallens Editorial Director

Ah, that's Margie. She was there mingling, too. Honestly, that was a nice, low-key affair for the staff--friends, cars and great weather.

And the Mini came so close to making it there. I think the generator conked out on the way over. I figured I'd play it safe and get it back to the office while it was still running and then run home and get the 911. Yes, the Mini still runs a generator.
Nov. 22, 2009 3:28 a.m. digdug18 New Reader

Dr. Hess wrote:

I thought you meant

That's EXACTLY what I pictured as well.

Big Gay Al's Big Gay Animal Sanctuary, lol!
Nov. 22, 2009 7:37 a.m. Tim Suddard Publisher

JoeyM wrote:

David S. Wallens wrote: Yeah, we were mingling. I think I saw you walking around.

[giggle] You don't count Dave[+]. I was hoping to meet the GRM staffer with the scary big patio and the aye aye for an avatar.

Cool gathering, huh?

Yes, it was amazing. I've been to plenty of car shows, and they all have one or two unique things show up, but I've never been to one that had so many memorable rides.

[+] - Actually, you do. We're always happy when you can make it out to Martin events. It's just that I've never met anyone else from the magazine except Per.

Tim and I were among the last to leave, but we mingled the whole time and I don't think either of us were wearing GRM regalia. (I hit my Default button and had on a black t with a grey sweater--I prefer a more invisible approach, I guess.) Sorry we missed you. That was fun, though I did think for a moment I was gonna die on that golf cart.

Margie
Nov. 22, 2009 10:29 a.m. dyintorace Dork

David S. Wallens wrote:

First off, who the heck is Big Al? He's one our local Daytona Beach enthusiasts, and he happens to have a kick-butt garage. In fact, we recently featured it in Classic Motorsports.

A few times each year he hosts some parties. Everyone is invited, and the cars present cover all of the food groups: Italian exotics, prewar classics, muscle cars, sports cars, etc. It's probably one of the few places you'll see a 1928 Bentley parked next to a new Lamborghini.

His next open house takes place this weekend--Saturday, Nov. 21, starting around 6-ish. The address is 555 N. Beach Street in Daytona Beach, and there will be some GRMers there.

I'm sorry I missed it (at least I was out of town to pick up a car yesterday!). Will future events there be announced anywhere with a little more notice? Having read the CM article (and seeing Joey's comments here) I will absolutely drive over for the next one if the dates work. His facility sounds super cool.
Nov. 22, 2009 10:53 a.m. JoeyM Reader

David S. Wallens wrote: Ah, that's Margie.

[smirk] I know. I guess I should have worded that differently. My intent was to be comical, but I obviously gave the impression that didn't know who Margie was.

I lurk here all the time, and I'm aware that she rules the roost.[+] I just thought it would be good to put a face with the name. I guess I should have introduced myself at the $2009 Challenge when I played hooky from the Martin autocross to look at the challenge cars.

dyintorace wrote: I will absolutely drive over for the next one if the dates work.

You should.....it was REALLY cool. I also hope that the next one gets announced here with a little more fanfare.....I don't want to miss it, and could have easily overlooked it.

[+] - That's the problem with lurking.....I'll always seem like the perpetual newbie due to my low post count.
Nov. 22, 2009 2:16 p.m. alfabeach New Reader

It was great last night. I drove my Spider to RML. What a block party!
Nov. 26, 2009 7:29 p.m. friedgreencorrado Dork

David S. Wallens wrote:

Ah, that's Margie. She was there mingling, too. Honestly, that was a nice, low-key affair for the staff--friends, cars and great weather.

And the Mini came so close to making it there. I think the generator conked out on the way over. I figured I'd play it safe and get it back to the office while it was still running and then run home and get the 911. Yes, the Mini still runs a generator.

After looking at that Midget y'all built over there, I thought upgrades for reliability were the CM way!

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