Goodguys Indy 2003

You'd be hard pressed to go to any event in the Midwest and not be "greeted" by some rain. But this year the Goodguys/K&N Filters 15th Hot Rod Nationals held at Indianapolis Raceway Park (IRP) in Indianapolis, Indiana, was one for the books. The heavens opened up on both Friday and Saturday but managed to spare the crowd a bit on Sunday. Even rain showers couldn't diminish the turnout of many new street rods, custom rods, and classic trucks that were all worth weathering the storm for--literally!

Having continually offered 400-plus race cars and almost 5,000 pre-'65 streetable iron, Goodguys Indy has earned the reputation as the summer's debutant ball for cars. (If you don't believe us call a rod builder two weeks before Indy and ask what is he doing and how many hours a day is he working?) This year's Grand Marshall was Shirley Muldowney, the three-time NHRA Top Fuel Champion (1977, 1980, and 1982), who was there to sign autographs. Oh yes, she was also the first person to win Top Fuel World Championship more than once. Additionally, there were over 200 exhibitor booths showing off the latest in "wish list" parts that every rodder would love to have. To this formal display of rodding ware were literally hundreds of swap spaces that held everything from toys to complete cars. Oh yes, there was also a "For Sale" area where dozens upon dozens of cars were up for grabs to the one who could make the deal. For those who like to take home "iron," there was the usual assortment numbering 75 different awards given out by the Goodguys. To this there was the Boyd Coddington Pro's Pick, the PPG Paint Pick, the K&N Performance Pick;,The Truckville Pick sponsored by Dodge, the Magnum Axle Real Hot Rod award, three U.S. Radiator awards, the Classic Truck Top Ten, and the STREET RODDER Top Ten.

There were many new rods debuted at Indy. Starting with Sam Mangarino's '37 Ford cabriolet, which was built by Lobeck's V-8 Shop in Cleveland, Ohio, from an original drawing by Thom Taylor. This car made the Great 8 at this year's Detroit AutoRama while in competition for the Ridler award. Another topflight rod was the '37 Chevy phaeton of Jim Hoffman from Canfield, Ohio, who had builder Alan Johnson's Hot Rods in Gadsten, Alabama, build his phantom. Based on a two-door sedan the top was chopped 1 5/8 inches while the windshield was laid back 4 degrees. More mods included headlights that were lowered 2 inches and '37 Ford taillights. The car also features a custom hood and a grille by Jim Wrench. Another notable hot rod was the Deuce highboy five-window belonging to car aficionado George Poteet of Memphis, Tennessee, from the confines of FastLane Rod Shop in Donahue, Iowa. What may be the subtlest but most significant modification to this rod is the use of Brookville roadster quarter-panels in place of the stock coupe panels. Once you realize the difference you appreciate the enhanced appearance. The car also features a '40 Ford dash and column, Tremec five-speed, Winters "banjo"-style rearend, and drilled aluminum Pete & Jake's I-beam axle. It's all powered by a Ford Racing Performance Parts 351 crate engine dressed with '50s-era Thunderbird valve covers. From the nostalgia camp was the '34 Ford pickup belonging to Paul Brewer of Hamilton, Ohio. While featuring a Deuce passenger car grille the sheetmetal work also includes a 5-inch top chop, a 6-inch channel, '50 Pontiac taillights, bobbed front fenders, and an old-fashion I-beam axle and Buick brake drums in front. And last, but not least, pushing the styling envelope is Johnny Freund of Nashville, Tennessee, with his Dupont yellow '33 Ford Vicky built at Alloway's Hot Rod Shop in Louisville, Tennessee. This Rat's Glass body is a fresh approach to the always-likeable '33-34 Ford Vicky body. To finish off the statement the Alloway chassis features full independent suspension with a Heidt's in front and a Winters wiggly quick-change in back. Inside is the obligatory Paul Atkins Custom Auto Interiors but this time Ostrich hides are used to cover the seating. Other interior goodies include the use of Classic Instruments and Lokar pedals and shifter. Power comes from an LS6 matched to a 700-R4 while the wheels are Billet Specialties wrapped with the latest BFG g-Force KDW rubber measuring 215R35/18 in front and 295R45/22 in back. (Look for more on this car and Bobby Alloway's personal Vicky built in a more traditional style in an upcoming issue of SRM.)

Well, there you have an overview of this year's Indy. Best bet, come on by next year and get your fill of street rods, custom rods, classic trucks, and plenty of good ol' fashion drag racing.