The K&N Filters/Goodguys 7th PPG Nationals, presented by Advance Auto Parts, keeps the hot summer celebrations in full swing for hot rodders and muscle machine owners throughout the Midwest. Beginning with a Poker Run hosted by the Mid Ohio Bunch car club and culminating with the presentation of more than 100 awards selected by auto industry celebrities and magazine editors, the event is truly a midsummer dream weekend for rodding enthusiasts.
More than 6,000 vehicles up to and including 1972 models will descend on the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus on July 9-11 including vintage hot rods, wild customs, classic street rods, muscle cars and personalized trucks. The weekend will also showcase high-performance drag racing action with Gassers, Altereds, Dragsters and Hot Rods that will take part in the Friday Nite Drags at National Trail Raceway.
"This is the biggest event we host anywhere in the country," says Gary Meadors, president of Goodguys Rod & Custom Association. "Its central location and great indoor/outdoor venue, coupled with the amazing sound and light show put on by the evening drag races draws enthusiasts from dozens of states. This time of year everyone around the country is ready for a rodding road trip and Columbus is a terrific destination."
Special awards given out on Saturday evening at this year's event include the selection of the coveted 2004 Street Rod of the Year sponsored by Eagle One and the 2004 Street Machine of the Year sponsored by Baer Brakes & Popular Hot Rodding magazine.
On Sunday afternoon the grand finale of the weekend will see the announcement of the final winners of the two Grand Prize giveaway cars from a qualifying field of 15. These two Grand Prize winners will take home the Boydster III, a custom built 1934 Ford Roadster built by Boyd Coddington, and the Hot Rod & Horsepower's Turnkey Steel '32 Roadster. Additionally, the Street Rod and the Street Machine of the Year Awards, two of the most prestigious awards in rodding, as well as over a hundred other special awards, will be presented on the Entertainment Stage for the hottest rods and coolest customs.
Keith Crain, chairman of Crain Communications, the family-owned publishing company that includes AutoWeek and Automotive News, is the event's Grand Marshall. A dedicated hot-rodder who spends his spare time wrenching on a garage full of classic hot rods, including a number of award-winning machines, Crain plans to drive to Columbus in one of his creations to join in the weekend activities and mix & mingle with fellow rodders.
Also headlining the weekend's activities will be a dazzling smorgasbord of customized cars and trucks - grouped for easy viewing in special feature car corrals such as:
. Deuce Doin's - featuring those spectacular 'Lil Deuce Coupes and other 1932 vintage vehicles
. Homebuilt Heaven - open to owner built machines
. Chevy Corral - for vintage Chevrolets of every variety
. Ya Gotta Drive 'Em - for participants who've "Driven" their rod/custom more than 500 miles to the event
. Wide White Way - for any car sporting traditional whitewalls
. YoungGuys - open to owners and builders 25 years old and younger
. Muscle Car Reunion (1960 - 1972) - for macho machines with horsepower to spare
During the weekend legendary customizer Boyd Coddington will select his Pro's Picks from among the thousands of vehicles on display. Additionally, editors and staffers from Street Rodder, Custom Rodder and Classic Trucks magazines will select the Top 10 picks in each of their featured vehicles' genres. PPG will award a trophy for the vehicle it selects as its "Dream Car."
Weekend festivities also include a Rock 'N Roll Show Saturday afternoon, featuring Vince Vance and the Valiants, who will also entertain the crowds following the twilight cruise on the fairgrounds Saturday evening. A Swap Meet and Cars 4 Sale Corral, technical and how-to seminars, shopping in the hundreds of retail outlets along the Manufacturers' Midway, an Arts & Crafts show featuring handcrafted items by local artists, plus special activities for kids like Make-N-Take model building, deliver non-stop activities for everyone in the family.
The 7th Annual K & N Filters/Goodguys PPG Nationals, presented by Advance Auto Parts, begin Friday, July 9 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and continue Saturday, July 10 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, July 11 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. General admission is $15 per day, seniors 60+ are $12, children ages 7-12 are admitted for $6 per day and children under six are admitted free. Spectator parking at the Ohio Expo Center is $5 per day.
Open to all hot rods, customs and classics through 1972, members may pre-register online at www.good-guys.com, call Goodguys at (925) 838-9876 or register at the event.