The potato has long been the prideful trademark of the state of Idaho. The state has even gone far enough to place "Famous Potatoes" on every license plate on the road today. Nearly of equal status in this rod and custom neck of the woods is the popularity and reputation of the Boise Roadster Show.
Celebrating 35 years, one of the biggest motorsports events in the five-state Intermountain West continues to attract a tremendous showing of outstanding rods and custom cars. Presented by Les Schwab Tires, the four-day GM Performance ISCA Championship Event attracted competitors from eight states and Canada.
Not unlike the Ridler in Detroit or America's Most Beautiful Roadster in Pomona, Boise is home to the highly sought-after Goldmark award. When the final judging was complete, the showdown was comprised of four outstanding heavy hitters. The foursome included the red F-32 roadster of Dennis DeCamp from Rancho Cucamonga, California; Kevin and Karen Alstott's handbuilt, Fort Dodge, Iowa-based '35 Ford roadster; Ray Von Uhlit's '51 Plymouth custom from Discovery Bay, California; and the wild '70 Camaro of Wes Cagle out of Ben York's Roseville Rods & Customs shop in northern California.
Winning the show's crown jewel title, the Radster roadster of the Alstotts helped bag the Goldmark for the couple's prized trophy case. Built by Roger Burman at Lakeside Rods & Rides, the roadster features a handbuilt body by the famed Marcel DeLey, and includes a number of truly amazing engineering feats and flawless craftsmanship.
DeCamp was recognized for the Fire Rod Award, which is presented by Firebird Raceway, while Von Uhlit swept Best Custom honors, and Cagle walked away with Best Street Machine/Comp.
Long-time Treasure Valley builder Jim Neely from Meridian was selected for the 26th Master-Builder Award; Neely debuted a pair of very sanitary mid-'60s Chevy street machines. Having built different cars for the past 10 consecutive Roadster Shows, Neely was a very popular local choice for one of the top honors this year. The ninth annual Essence of Cool Award was presented to Tracy Ledford's traditionally influenced '31 Ford coupe from Winton, California.
Looking ahead to next year, the dates are already set for what is shaping up to be a very big weekend of rod and custom fun as the 36th Annual Boise Roadster Show returns to Expo Idaho on March 6-9, 2008.