38th Annual Street Rod Nationals - Out And About At The Nationals

Out and About at the Nationals
As our band of intrepid editors traipse about the NSRA Street Rod Nationals, we often compare notes and kick around theories concerning the trends in the hobby that seem to be emerging. Sometimes those trends are obvious, other times they're a little harder to define; the general consensus was that this year, at the 38th Street Rod Nationals, it was the latter.

Although there was nothing that hit us between the eyes, there were a number of subtle trends we identified; the increase in the number of black cars was one-they were everywhere. As Editor Brennan so eloquently summed it up, "Black is the new black." Something else we noticed was the dramatically improved quality of the "rat rod." In fact, that term may not be appropriate any longer. The term "radical rods" might be more to the point, as these cars are now being built to higher mechanical and safety standards while retaining the look for which they're known. Interestingly, the asking prices on those for sale also seem to be higher, and some of their owners have discovered power parking as well.

While many of us scratched our heads trying to sum up this year's event, this editor came to the following conclusion: This was the year of the driver. As with any such gathering, there were trailer queens, but the NSRA's premiere happening is one that people come back to again and again. We see many of the same cars year after year, which seems to indicate that, just like that very first Street Rod Nationals, driving there is special-in fact, it's a badge of honor.

Another personal observation is that the Nats isn't an outdoor car show, as many street rod events have become; this is a rod run, albeit a big one. Make no mistake, some of the best cars in the country are on display, there are special parking areas for those who want to have their car judged and compete for various awards, and there are certainly plenty of vendors to visit. In fact, every manufacturer and supplier of note shows up in Louisville. But, it's all those cars on the grounds with a participant sticker in the windshield and a rock chip or two that make this place special. Those cars represent the state of the hobby; and judging from what we saw, the hobby is in great shape.