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Mazda Miata: A Timeless Icon Set to Shine at the 2024 Rock N Rad Show

12/31/2023

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By Bernard Martin
In keeping with the idea that 25 years old is vintage,
it's time to recognize the iconcic Miata!
Mazda Miata: A Timeless Icon Set to Shine at the 2024 Rock N Rad Show
photo courtesy Concept Cars
Few cars have left an enduring legacy as profound as the Mazda Miata. With its sleek design, responsive handling, and a commitment to the pure joy of driving, the Miata has become a symbol of innovation since its introduction in 1989. This year, the spotlight is on the Miata as it takes center stage at the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix's 2024 Rock N Rad Show, scheduled to rock Highmark Stadium on June 15.

Reviving the Spirit of Roadsters
The Mazda Miata, affectionately known as the MX-5 in some regions, burst onto the scene in 1989, redefining the roadster segment. At a time when sports cars were becoming increasingly complex and expensive, the Miata brought back the essence of classic roadsters – simplicity, agility, and an open-top driving experience. This was at at time when no compnay was introducing drop tops and the entire idea of a convertable was thought to be dead forever. Its compact yet stylish design captured the attention of enthusiasts worldwide.
​
Setting a New Standard
What made the Miata truly revolutionary was its commitment to providing an affordable yet exhilarating driving experience. The lightweight construction, rear-wheel drive, and a perfect 50:50 weight distribution contributed to its nimble handling, making every drive a thrilling adventure. The Miata wasn't just a car; it was a statement that driving should be about pure enjoyment.
​
According to ConceptCars, the Miata "was conceived in the United States at Mazda's design headquarters in California and built in Japan. It made its first debut at the February 1989 Chicago Auto Show where it was an immediate success. Powering the MX-5 Miata was a four-cylinder dual-overhead-cam engine offering 116 horsepower. It had a fully independent suspension with dual wishbones, coil springs, and anti-roll bars. At all four corners were disc brakes."

Influence on the Automotive World
The impact of the Mazda Miata on the automotive world cannot be overstated. It inspired a new generation of sports cars, and its influence can be seen in various models across different brands. The Miata's success demonstrated that a sports car could be both affordable and fun, challenging the notion that high performance came with a hefty price tag. Its timeless design and spirited driving experience continue to attract enthusiasts, maintaining its status as a classic.


HOW IT HAPPENED
We've had the conversation over and over again, that car shows and concours need to stop ending eligibility at 1973 or 1975 or whatever year in the 70's someone picked a long time ago. Cars become eligible for vintage plates in many states after 25 years. 

But more importantly, it's about personal memories. Back in the day I heard stories about "My grandfather put me in a rumble seat just like that."

That's wasthe emotional hook. 

In order to capture the next generation of auto aficianados we'v got to keep rolling what we call "vintage" forward. That's why we chose to highlight the Dodge Viper, at the inaugural Greenbrier Concours d' Elegance, for this very same reason back in 2018. Let's get the next generation involved!

The time has now come to recognize the significance of the Mazda Miata. Back in the late 80's when automobile writers were lamenting the death of the ragtop, with no new convertibles being made, along came Mazda. They captured the spirit of the sheer joy of the open top roadster. That's the next generation's emotional hook and we're going to embrace it at this 2024 #ROCKNRAD show"
~ Bernie Martin

Rock N Rad Show Preview
As the featured car of the 2024 Rock N Rad Show, the Mazda Miata is poised to steal the spotlight. Attendees can expect to see a showcase of Miata models spanning different generations, each a testament to the enduring appeal of this iconic roadster. But the excitement doesn't stop with the cars.

While the featured car is set to steal the spotlight, the excitement doesn't end there. Attendees can look forward to an electrifying evening of music, with a headline act that promises to send you on your way. Though there are no more words detailing who the headliner acts is, hints are being dropped like breadcrumbs leading to an unforgettable performance. Stay tuned for more updates as we gear up for a night that promises to be a fusion of automotive excellence and rocking rhythms.

Save the Date
Mark June 15 on your calendars as the Rock N Rad Show gears up to deliver an unforgettable experience at Highmark Stadium. The Mazda Miata, with its rich history and timeless appeal, will lead the charge in celebrating the marriage of automotive excellence and rocking rhythms. Stay tuned for updates as the event draws near, and get ready for a night that promises the best of both worlds.
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Planning & Activation of the the Inaugural Rock n Rad Show

9/15/2021

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by Bernard Martin
Picture
A very special Thank you goes out to Justin Flagg for developing all of the art work for our 2021 Event! Give Justin a follow in his Instagram @jflagg!
Our Inaugural Rock N Rad show was held on August 29, 2021. We chose Hartwood Acres in Pittsburgh, PA to launch this 80's & 90's Car Show.  

​We chose the iconic DMC DeLorean as our poster car and focus for our first year of the event!  

Back in May 2021, the The Historic Vehicle Association (HVA) had announced the newest car to be acknowledged in its National Historic Vehicle Register, an inventory and collection of documentation of historically significant automobile, was the DeLorean DMC-12.  And not just any DeLorean, but the DeLorean time machine car from the well-known sci-fi movie “Back to the Future”. 

Because of Covid, our inaugural event was delayed by more than a year, so all of these things: The HVA designation, the DeLorean "screaming" and 80's & 90s vibe and us getting "back the the future" is why we featured special DeLorean display smack dab in the center of Rock N Rad 2021! 


what's Rad and What Isn't?

In creating this first time event we where asked what qualifies as a Rock N Rad era Car?  Does it have to be built between January 1, 1980 and December 31 1999.

Our Answer was "No".  Emphatically, NO.

From the outset our entire team agreed that certain vehicles that where iconic in the 80's actually had their roots in earlier years.  And certain cars that became iconic after the year 2000 where created in the 1990's. So we knew we had to extend a bit backward and a bit forward in time.
​

1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
What we came up with was that If the vehicle model was sold in the 1980's or 1990's an didn't have significant design changes prior to or after that period, then we would welcome it to Rock N Rad.

​The Trans Am Gen 2 shown above was  sold in the early 80's before the Gen 3 was introduced.  The Gen 2 underwent several facelifts and that's where it gets a bit tricky.  Ideally we wanted 80's and 90's cars in the show but if it's on the edge or the model has not have any significant changes from an earlier or later period, then it is welcome to be in the show.  ​


Pre-Registration Had its benefits

Creating a first year event is always tough because you don't know what you don't know so we really wanted to incentivize early registration and keep our costs under control.  

Folks who  pre-registered online for by midnight Wednesday August 25th for the inaugural Rock N Rad event on Sunday August 29th got the VIP treatment!

For starters, Gates opened at 11am for parking tor Pre- registered cars ONLY . Pre-Registered vehicles will got some of the prime parking locations for the show, the concert, AND exiting after the concert!  

Here's some other things that the early birds got:
  • Gates open at 11am for parking tor Pre- registered cars ONLY
  • ONLY Pre Registered vehicles will get ONE Rock n Rad T-Shirt
  • The first 100 registrations will get a Rock n Rad Rubik's cube
  • The first 200 registrations will get a Rock N Rad Retro Specs
  • The first 250 registrations will get a Rock N Rad window sticker
  • The first 300 registrations will get a Rock n Rad Poster

All registrations, both pre-registered and on-site WILL get ONE Door prize ticket.  We've got a lot of cool door prizes that will be awarded at the top of each hour!

For anyone driving up for on-site registration, the gates will open at NOON for parking NON-Preregistered Show Cars for parking.  That means that if you have not registered by Wednesday August 25th at midnight, you will not get a t-shirt

The Music

Picture
There had to be some Rock to go with all the Rad  so the Rock N Rad Team in conjunction with Allegheny County Parks was excited to host Gen the Wearwolf who opens for Spin Doctors as the featured band the evening of August 29 after the Rock N Rad Car show.
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Rock n Rad Makes it premier August 29 2021!

2/10/2021

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by Bernard Martin
Rock n Rad is a 1980's & 90's themed car show event featuring live music, a concert and a driving tour that will launch  August 29, 2021 in Pittsburgh' Hartwood Acres.

Do you realize that you can now get antique plates for cars made in 1994? 25 years may not seem that long ago to some, but to others it's by-gone era with the growing following.
The roots of the inaugural Rock n Rad show come on the heels of several events that have taken place around the United States in just the past few years. 

The entire "rad era", as it's called by various media and cultural aficionados, encompasses the last twenty years of the 20th Century.
Rock n Rad 2020
Several people in local Western Pa and West Virginia Car Clubs had been interested in attending a Rad er car show but discovered that that many where not friendly to out-of-town guests: There was not a host hotel or any help for visitors.

Bernie Martin, from Concours LLC, was asked if he was interested in lending a hand with planning and that's how Concours LLC got involved.

"Thats what we set Concours LLC up to do. Develop new automotive events!" according to Bernie.

"We're using the Doubletree Hilton in Cranberry Twp, PA as our host hotel.  We just used the same facility last summer for the Alfa Romeo Owners Club 2020 Convention and they really work well with automotive events."

"We then turned to Allegheny Country Parks which hosts a series of free concerts on Sundays in the Summer at Hartwood Acres.  We suggested we wanted to bring Rad Era cars and park in the grassy parking area used for the Polo Matches. We asked if they could book us a Rad Era band for the evening."

"In other words, lets have an 80's - 90's themed car show in the afternoon and let the audience hang around into the evening and put down their blankets in the natural amphitheater of Hartwood Acres. The team at Allegheny County Parks was excited and enthusiastic to make it happen and things really just fell in to place from there!" said Bernie

Rock n Rad Tour 2020
Rock n Rad Tour 2020
The plans are still being finalized but there is already quite a bit in place.  Pre-Registered car show participants are invited to a breakfast at the Doubletree Hilton in Cranberry Twp, PA and then depart for a scenic tour through North Park to Hartwood Acres.  Food Trucks,  and entertainment are being planned now.
Arrangements have already been made to install a second stage just for the Rock n Rad event and there will most definitely be Rad Era music all day.

Other things in the works include awards and some special display cars. 

Pre-Registration is only $20 per car and will include some special collectible gift bag items.

Sponsor tents are available.  The tents are uniquely situated to be at the crest of the Hartwood Ampitheatre bowl which is also the crest of the hill for the car show as well.  It presents a very unique opportunity to entertain your customers for an entire day at very unique event. Contact [email protected] or call him at 412.996.5700 for more information.

Concours LLC is very excited to have been invited to help plan and organize this inaugural event.  Let us know if you plan to be there.  www.rocknrad.com
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