|
|
The 38th Annual Daytona Beach Turkey Run Makes HistoryAll Numbers were Record Setting December 06, 2011 By Carrol Hamilton
|
|
The 38th Annual Daytona Beach Turkey Run is history, and history was made. Car count was up from last year by over 300 cars topping out at 4,845, the 3,000 assigned swap meet/vendor spaces were all taken, and additional swap meet spaces were set up in the over flow area, and the over 1,500 spaces car corral was full. The weather was picture perfect for four days making the Florida Thanksgiving weekend perfect for the many visitors from the chilly North. Add 125,000 spectators and this year's Turkey Run broke all records. Rob Iulo drove up from Hilton... Rob Iulo drove up from Hilton Head, SC in this wild '32 two-door sedan. Rob built this car 23 years ago and has been driving it all over the country since. The blown small block with eight open headers got everyone's attention all weekend long. The Daytona Beach Racing and Recreational Facilities District and the Daytona Beach Street Rods have been producing the Turkey Run for many years and as such the event runs smoothly and is hassle free. Traffic flows well in and out of the event, as well as within the massive Daytona International Speedway, as staff is assigned to direct traffic. The giant food midway always features a great selection of foods, as do the various food vendors located throughout the grounds. The entire event takes on a county fair atmosphere. The event contributes all proceeds to local parks, recreation facilities, and charities. Over 4.5 million dollars have been generated over the years. As we walked the Southeast's Largest Swap meet we saw all of the major vendors and thousands of tables full of every part imaginable. In addition, there was a fair share of old tin just waiting for a new owner to take it home and turn into a hot rod. Harley Kananan was a participant... Harley Kananan was a participant in the Gasser Wars of the sixties, so when he retired to Daytona Beach and went street rodding, a blown big block, '40 Willys seemed to fit the bill. The car corral was an event in itself, with, in our opinion, the highlight being the December, 1987 Street Rodder Magazine cover car built by Dick 'Magoo' Megugorac. The turbo charged, V6 powered, Red Model A roadster, was a real trendsetter in 1987. This year the show and shine area appeared to have a serious number of high end, well done street rods, and customs, as well as some great homebuilt cars. With no awards, no pro's picks, etc. the laid back atmosphere within the infield of the Daytona Beach International Speedway, makes for four days of great fun for participants and spectators alike. Daytona Beach is strong on automotive culture and a well-known tourist destination, thus Thanksgiving week is a great time for automotive enthusiasts to gather up the family and head to the World's Most Famous Beach. For Turkey Run information: www.turkeyrun.com.  This '32 roadster just looked...  This '32 roadster just looked so cool sitting in the Florida sun. British Green, louvered side panels, big and little wide whites, simple, but eye catching.  This early 'A' pickup body...  This early 'A' pickup body looked pretty straight and complete. The 'T' coupe looked good as well. Both were looking for someone to take them home and build a hot rod out of them.  Richard and Sherre Huntley...  Richard and Sherre Huntley drove the 1000 miles plus from Morrisville, IN in comfort and style. Their, bright red, 1934 Chevrolet, four-door sedan is made for long hauls.  Lou Hanner was all smiles...  Lou Hanner was all smiles as he wheeled is 283 Chevy powered '27 Ford track T around the Daytona International Speedway. Hailing from Fishkill, NY, Lou was enjoying the perfect sunny weather in Florida.  The guys from Brookville Roadster...  The guys from Brookville Roadster play "let's make a deal".  Where do all the trend-setting...  Where do all the trend-setting rods go? This, Dick "Magoo" Megugorac built, Model 'A' Ford Roadster was spotted in the car corral. A December 1987 Street Rodder Magazine cover car, this piece of history was priced at $49,000.  Jeff and Tad Johnson cruise...  Jeff and Tad Johnson cruise the grounds in their '34 Ford Roadster. Turquoise paint, wide whites with caps and trim rings, and a white top combine for that real hot rod look. The Johnson's came down from Wingate, NC.  Wow, here is some history....  Wow, here is some history. This '32 was built in Santa Monica, CA in 1956, purchased for $850 and brought to Canton, OH in 1959. Ran the street and drag raced with Hemi power. Parked in the 60's. Bought, as is, in 2008 and been driven all over the country since. Gone through two flatheads, and two sets of Excelsior tires since '08.  This chopped 1940 Mercury...  This chopped 1940 Mercury featured many subtle changes, but the custom, billet aluminum, grille caught or attention. Del Ray Beach, FL's Angelo and Shelly Fiorini are the proud owners.  Billy Manchester owns this...  Billy Manchester owns this "factory custom" '55 Chevrolet. The perfect restoration features nearly every factory/dealer option available in 1955. Bumper guards, bumperettes on the bumper ends, continental kit, fender skirts, additional stainless trim, traffic light finder and 'the must have' chrome tissue holder under the dash. Billy hales from Warwick, RI.  Duke and Sonna Gonzalas' phantom...  Duke and Sonna Gonzalas' phantom '37 Ford pick up truck stopped everyone in their tracks. Green fading flames over a perfect candy orange paint, plus a leather and ostrich skin interior put this truck way over the top.  Always great to see those...  Always great to see those tail draggin' cruiser skirted , scalloped customs. Jim and Pat Sheridan are the proud keepers of this slick 1953 Ford Victoria.  On air and slammed to the...  On air and slammed to the ground, painted a wild candy orange, with low profile tires on 'big' rims, this '40 Ford sedan drew a crowd all weekend.  After driving 1,280 miles...  After driving 1,280 miles from Manchester NH, Dick Crotty does a little clean up on his "Code Red" '32 Ford Coupe.  This 1950 Ford Woody just...  This 1950 Ford Woody just has that attention-grabbing look. Frank and Carmel Calise rolled in from Inverness, FL.  All flat back hot rods are...  All flat back hot rods are not the same. Dale and Annie Buckner's '37 Ford Humpback, features 'perfect' matte black paint, wide white walls, red trim, and a plush red leather interior. The Buckners call Canton, NC home.  Nosed, decked, shaved handles,...  Nosed, decked, shaved handles, lake pipes, Caddy sombrero hubcaps, Dave and Linda Hiscock, of Coral Gables, FL got it right when they built this custom '50 Ford Coupe.
|
|
|