Details, a never-ending stream of details, consume the days of Normandy Brooks as her family's company prepares to produce the Hot August Nights Classic Car Auction for the first time.
"What do I worry about? Everything," says Brooks.
She laughs. Sort of.
For months, Brooks has been in her office at B & T Custom Rod and Restoration in an industrial neighborhood of Sparks well before dawn to make sure contracts with auctioneers are in place, stages are built, red carpets and drapes are ordered, bleachers will be ready, security contracts are signed and bidders' passes are printed.
That's not to mention the advertising in automotive publications, arranging for insurance coverage and resolving the myriad questions involved in a big dinner for folks who are consigning their cars for sale.
Or worry about an entirely separate auction itself packed with just as many little details scheduled at South Lake Tahoe a week before the big event during Hot August Nights.
B & T Custom Rod and Restoration won the contract to produce this year's auction, one of the signature events of Hot August Nights, in partnership with Specialty Auto Auctions and Sales, a Colorado company.
The Sparks company brings local expertise to the event, Hot August Night executives said when they announced the contract.
Specialty Auto Auctions and Sales, which has produced more than 100 auctions since 1987, brings a depth of experience nationwide to the job.
Even though B&T Custom Rod and Restoration handled the classic car auction at the South Lake Tahoe Experience last year, Brooks acknowledges that the Hot August Nights Classic Car Auction that runs Aug. 11-14 marks a substantial step up.
If nothing else, at least twice as many cars will cross the stage during the event. About 200 vehicles will be auctioned during the sale at MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa Aug. 6-8. At least 400 will be consigned for the sale at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.
Complicating matters further, the producers arranged for coverage of the Reno auction on Fox Sports Network, with a pre-sale program airing throughout the West on Altitude Sports & Entertainment Network.
Viewers, whether they're in the live audience or watching on television, will see sales that reflect the wide interests of buyers of classic vehicles. A 1933 Plymouth is expected to be auctioned minutes before a 1967 Chevrolet Nova moves into the spotlight. Hot rods and muscle cars ranging from a customized 1952 Nash to a 1965 Shelby Cobra have been consigned.
Each of the consignments, Brooks says, represents a moment of deep emotion for the seller.
"These are their babies," she says. "You can't give them too much attention."
To help ease the pain of parting, the auction promoters will host a dinner at John Ascuaga's Nugget for sellers.
For all their trouble, the producers of the auction get a commission that amounts to 8 percent of the selling price of a vehicle assuming that the seller establishes a minimum, or reserve, price. For sales with no reserve, the commission is 5 percent.
The producers also collect an upfront fee of $150 to $800 per vehicle, depending on the time of day that the vehicle is in the spotlight.
The producers earn their commissions by dealing with challenges that, at times, appear never-ending.
Moments before the start of last year's auction at MontBleu for instance, the producers learned that a fire marshal wouldn't allow vehicles to be driven into the building. Every single vehicle was pushed by hand into the building, up onto the stage, and back out again.
This year, the MontBleu event will be outside under a tent.
B &T Custom Rod and Restoration has been associated with Hot August Nights for much of the company's 25-year history. Launched by Don Brooks and his son, Leighton, as the outgrowth of a hobby, management of the company now includes Normandy Brooks and Tania Brooks, the wife of Leighton.
In past years, the company has donated lovingly restored vehicles for a raffle that's a major fundraiser for Hot August Nights.
And while the celebration of classic autos helps draw attention to B & T Custom Rod, Normany Brooks says Hot August Nights remains an important cornerstone for the Reno-Sparks area.
"It's such a huge event for this town," she says.
