A surprise guest showed up at the Goodguys largest event in Columbus, when music legend Eric Clapton arrived with two Roy Brizio-built hot rods on Sunday, July 11, 2004. In a twist of fate, Clapton actually drew the 6,000th entry tag for the event for his baby blue 1932 Ford roadster, marking the first time in the event's seven-year history it attracted in excess of 6,000 cars (see attached photo).
The famous entertainer also brought his famous black 1940 Ford Coupe - another Roy Brizio creation and his first hot rod - to the K&N Filters/Goodguys 7th Annual PPG Nationals presented by Advance Auto Parts. Clapton, who became an avid collector three years ago, was joined at the event by friends and family and even did some treasure hunting in the swap meet looking for parts for his next project - a 1932 Ford Victoria coupe.
Keith Crain, chairman of Crain Communications, the family-owned publishing company that includes AutoWeek and Automotive News, was the event's Grand Marshall. Also a dedicated hot-rodder with a garage full of award-winning classic hot rods, Crain drove to Columbus in one of his creations to participate in the weekend activities and assist with judging of the thousands of 1972 and earlier model vehicles.
"We expected this weekend to be big, but we're just thrilled with the turnout," says Gary Meadors, president of Goodguys Rod & Custom Association. "We had no idea Eric Clapton would show up, much less that he would be the one to set the record as the 6,000th vehicle. That was a real surprise, but it reinforces the popularity hot rodding is experiencing - among families and people of all ages and incomes."
In addition to vintage hot rods, wild customs, classic street rods, dragsters, and personalized trucks, the Columbus weekend also showcased high-performance muscle cars and modified street machines, plus Gassers, Altereds, Dragsters and Rods that participated in the Friday Nite Drags at National Trail Raceway.
Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Pleasanton, Calif., the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association is the nation's leader in producing and promoting exciting automotive enthusiast events. The association's 22 events are staged in 18 cities, 14 states throughout the U.S. - from New York to California, from Florida to Washington, ranging from two-day events to weekend extravaganzas attracting over 100,000 auto enthusiasts, catering to many diverse groups of auto enthusiasts. For additional information about Goodguys, its products and its upcoming events visit the company website at www.good-guys.com.