The Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, Calif. will be inundated with more than 3,500 radical hot rods, extreme street rods, customs and classics through 1954 for the K&N Filters/Goodguys 18th Texaco/Havoline West Coast Nationals, Friday, August 27 through Sunday August 29. Enthusiasts can literally drive back in time surrounded by 1920s, '30s, '40s and '50s vehicles in an atmosphere of automotive nostalgia too good to miss.
"The manicured lawns, the backdrop of palm trees and the guaranteed good weather just adds to the amazing ambiance of this event," says Gary Meadors, president of Goodguys Rod & Custom Association. "With hundreds of cars competing for over 100 awards, the designs and brilliance of the vehicles on display makes this event one that every Goodguys' member should try to attend."
Headlining the weekend's activities will be the selection of "America's Most Beautiful Street Rod" - a special award created by Goodguys and sponsored by Texaco/Havoline, which is designed to recognize the most outstanding pre-1949 street rod. A selection committee of noted car builders and street rod magazine editors will canvas the special display area and choose five street rod finalists based on quality of craftsmanship, body and paint execution, fit, form, functionality, stance and overall creativity of design and concept.
The final five "America's Most Beautiful Street Rod" contestants will remain on display throughout the day on Saturday, until the judges reveal their final selection on Saturday night at the entertainment stage. The winning car and owner will be awarded a very specially designed award, $1,000 in cash and a feature in the Goodguys Goodtimes Yearbook, not to mention bragging rights among the nation's hot rodding community. Special feature car corrals - Homebuilt Heaven, Deuce Doin's, Good Wood, Wide White Way, Hi Boy Heaven, Young Guys Area and Garage Grown - fill up with unique street rod creations. Industry and magazine representatives will select more than 100 award recipients. There is also a "Ya Gotta Drive 'Em" area for participants who've driven 500 miles or more to attend the event. These enthusiasts receive a commemorative cap and a chance to win a set of Goodyear Tires to keep them on the road.
Legendary hot rodder Boyd Coddington will be on hand to select his "Fab 4" picks. A Hawaiian shirt contest, a lively hula contest plus a live Special Spot Light Cruise with DJ Dave will keep the party hoppin'.
Street Rod Seminars, as well as Make-n-Take model building sessions sponsored by Revell-Monogram will be available for attendees all weekend. The whole family will be entertained with model, pedal, toy, miniature race car and Cushman Club displays. Hundreds of manufacturers and parts and accessory dealers will form a Manufacturer Midway on the grounds and throughout three exhibition buildings. Mom and Dad can also visit the Arts & Crafts Festival on site all weekend and youngsters can hang out in the special Kid's Play Area.
For registered participants, Hot Rod Week activities kick off on Monday, August 23 with a week-long series of special day trips that include daily visits to local speed and performance shops, including the "Speed Nymph Garage" in San Jose. Participants will also receive tours of private car collections and a lap around Altamont Raceway Park.
The tour will visit the new Goodguys World Headquarters in Pleasanton, and enjoy a stop at the Wente Estate Winery. Also included will be lunches and dinners courtesy of local custom and fabricating facilities, a hot dog cook-out at Arlen Ness Motorcycles and scenic drives. Next, tour participants will arrive at the Goodguys' West Coast Nationals official kick-off party at the Wyndham Gardens Hotel on Thursday evening in Pleasanton.
The K&N Filters/Goodguys 18th Texaco/Havoline West Coast Nationals weekend activities are Friday, August 27 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, August 28 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, August 29 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 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. The parking fee charged by the Alameda County Fairgrounds is $8 per day. Open to all hot rods, customs and classics through 1954, Goodguys members may register online, until August 13, at www.good-guys.com or call Goodguys at (925) 838-9876.