Street Rod Headquarters Increases Sponsorship for 2010 Season

Vancouver, Washington based Street Rod Headquarters, the worldwide leader in in parts and accessories for 1937 through 1954 Chevrolet cars and trucks is returning for a bigger and better sponsorship campaign this season!

In addition to presenting the spectacular “Terrific 12″ display at the season-ending 13th Southwest Nationals in Scottsdale, AZ, Street Rod Headquarters will also sponsor of the Truck of the Year Early award as well as the Class Act award at all 2010 National events nationwide.

The Truck of the Year early award is designed to honor an outstanding pre’-’53 tricked out truck. Six finalists will be chosen throughout the season with the overall winner to be announced Friday, October 8th on this website. The Class Act award is presented at each Goodguys National event to a vehicle that exudes class and elegance.

Street Rod Headquarters was founded in 2004, along with sister company Chev’s of the 40s. To view their extensive line of products or to contact them, visit their website at www.streetrodhq.com

2010 Terrific 12 Awards Overview!

Goodguys is proud to present the 2010 “Terrific 12” awards. These special awards recognize the nation’s finest cars and trucks. A Terrific 12 award is the highest honor Goodguys offers to recognize automotive excellence. The awards will be selected using two different methods.

The first group, consisting of The Goodguys/Classic Instruments Street Rod of the Year, Goodguys/RideTech Street Machine of the Year, The Hot Rod of the Year, Street Rod d’ Elegance, Goodguys/Hushpower America’s Most Beautiful Street Rod and the West Coast Custom of the Year will be selected at their traditional events. For these awards, the selection committee will be made up of industry experts and Goodguys Staff members. Each member of the selection committee places his picks in order of preference. His first choice will receive five points, second choice four points, and so on. The winner is then determined by whoever receives the most total points. In the case of a tie, all committee members recast their votes for the two entrants involved in the tie.

The Goodguys/Street Rod Headquarters Truck of the Year (early – through ’52) Truck of the Year (late – ’53 through ’72), Goodguys/Vintage Air Custom Rod of the Year, Hemming’s Muscle Machines Muscle Car of the Year, Goodguys/Grundy Insurance Kustom of the Year and the Detroit Speed Muscle Machine of the Year will be selected by using the regional “finalist” method. These awards will be selected by the Goodguys staff from a group of finalists chosen from various events in different regions of the US. This method benefits participants from all regions of the country – east to west, north to south – instead of limiting the award to a certain region and certain event. Each 2010 “Terrific 12” award and how the winner is selected are explained in detail below:

All “Terrific 12” award winners will receive: National bragging rights, a beautiful Billet award, a Custom Wrapped Snap-On Tool Box, a full color feature in the Goodguys Gazette and Yearbook, announcement on www.good-guys.com and an exclusive invitation and travel accommodations to the season-ending Goodguys Southwest Nationals, November 19-21 in Scottsdale, Arizona!

Event Specific Terrific 12 Awards

Goodguys West Coast Custom of the Year
Presented at: 28th All American Get-Together, March 27 & 28 in Pleasanton, CA
Who’s eligible: Custom cars 1936 through 1972 vintage.
How to Enter: You must have your custom entered in the indoor portion of the 28th All American Get-Together to be eligible for this award.
Basic Criteria: This award is designed to honor an exceptional custom car. The award is open to all styles and genres of customs (from traditional to modern).

Goodguys Street Rod d’ Elegance:
Presented at: 10th Del Mar Nationals, April 9-11, Del Mar, CA
Who’s Eligible: Street Rods through 1948 vintage.
How to Enter the Competition: You must have your street rod entered in the indoor car show at the 10th Del Mar Nationals. Finalists will be selected from the indoor car show only.
Basic Criteria: Designed to honor a gorgeous, elegant street rod.

Goodguys Hot Rod of the Year:
Presented at: 22nd Hot Rod Nationals, June 11-13, Indianapolis, IN
Who’s Eligible: Hot rods 1948 and earlier.
How to Enter the Competition: Cars interested in competing for this award need to enter the “Hot Rod of the Year” staging area, Friday, June 11th at the north end of IRP no later than 9am. The hot rods will then drive to Indianapolis Motor Speedway for a cruise around the “Brickyard”, followed by a 100-mile (approx) road-trip cruise around Indianapolis. All candidates will then participate in a 1/8th mile heads-up drag & brag fun run on the IRP quarter-mile. Times and speeds posted during the drag & brag will not determine the overall winner but style points do count. Following the drag & brag – Five finalists will be selected. The overall winner will be announced Saturday night, June 12th at the Wyndham Indianapolis West Hotel (Formerly the Adam’s Mark).
Basic Criteria: It makes noise; it’s regularly street driven, has a mean attitude and screams the words “Hot Rod.” No cream puffs!

Goodguys/Classic Instruments Street Rod of the Year:
Presented at: 13th PPG Nationals, July 9-11, Columbus, OH
Who’s Eligible: Street rods through 1948 vintage.
How to Enter the Competition: On Friday, July 9th and Saturday, July 10th, all award candidates must park in the” Builders Choice” area at the Ohio Expo Center to be eligible for the 2010 Goodguys/Classic Instruments Street Rod of the Year award.
Basic Criteria: This award is designed for a true modern masterpiece. Quality of craftsmanship, body & paint, overall engineering, the three F’s (fit, form & functionality) stance and overall creativity in design and concept is what the selection committee will seek.

Goodguys/RideTech Street Machine of the Year:
Presented at: 13th Goodguys PPG Nationals, July 9-11, Columbus, OH
Who’s Eligible: Street Machines 1954 through 1972 vintage.
How to Enter the Competition: All award candidates must park in the “Builders Choice” Area Friday and Saturday July 9th & 10th as well as participate in a three-lap Street Challenge Auto Cross Friday afternoon, July 9th (exact times TBD) at the Ohio Expo Center. Autocross lap times will not determine the overall winner but style points do count! Fastest time will receive a certificate for a set of free set of tires.
Basic Criteria: This award is designed for a cutting edge Street Machine which combines masterful build quality with extreme performance. Quality of craftsmanship, body & paint, overall engineering, the three F’s (fit, form & functionality) stance and overall creativity in design and concept is what the selection committee will seek.

Goodguys/Hushpower America’s Most Beautiful Street Rod:
Presented at: 24th West Coast Nationals, August 27-29, Pleasanton, CA
Who’s Eligible: Street Rods through 1948 vintage.
How to the Enter the Competition: On Saturday, August 28th all candidates must park in the “Builders Choice” Parking Area. Finalists will be chosen from this area only.
Basic Criteria: This is simply a beauty contest. The Most Beautiful car will be chosen.

Regional “Terrific 12” Awards:

Goodguys/Grundy Insurance Kustom of the Year
A finalist will be selected at each of the following events:
10th Del Mar Nationals, April 9-11, Del Mar, CA
22nd Hot Rod Nationals, June 11-13, Indianapolis, IN
19th East Coast Nationals, June 25-27, Rhinebeck, NY
23rd Pacific Northwest Nationals, July 23-25, Puyallup, WA
4th Chicagoland Nationals, September 17-19, Joliet, IL
*16th Southeastern Nationals, October 29-31, Charlotte, NC
The winner will be selected from five finalists chosen at these events. *The Charlotte finalist will be carried over to the 2011 competition. The winner will be announced Friday, October 8th on www.good-guys.com!
Who’s Eligible: Traditional Kustoms 1936 through 1964 vintage.
How to Enter the Competition: Attend any of the six events listed above in your kustom. The award selection committee will find you! It’s that simple.
Basic Criteria: We’re looking for a traditional kustom. Paint & body modifications, traditional lines, low stance and all the trappings of a traditional kustom will be considered.

Goodguys/Vintage Air Custom Rod of the Year:
A finalist will be selected at each of the following events:
1st Spring Nationals, March 12-14, Scottsdale, AZ
5th Nashville Nationals, May 21-23, Nashville, TN
13th Colorado Nationals, June 4-6, Loveland, CO
19th Heartland Nationals, July 2-4, Des Moines, IA
9th Midwestern Nationals, Sept 3-5, Kansas City,
6th Great American Nationals, Sept. 24-26, Pocono, PA
*The winner will be selected from the six finalists chosen at these events. The winner will be announced Friday, October 8th on www.good-guys.com!
Who’s Eligible: Custom Rods 1949 through 1972 vintage.
How to Enter the Competition: Attend any of the five events listed above in your custom rod, park in the “Builders Choice” area and you’ll have a chance to be selected as a finalist! One finalist will be chosen from each of the six events listed.
Basic Criteria: A custom rod is defined as a custom car which tastefully blends traditional customizing techniques with modern day performance, engineering, components and styling.

Goodguys/Hemming’s Muscle Machines Muscle Car of the Year:
A finalist will be selected at each 2010 Goodguys National event from the Spring Nationals in Scottsdale through the Lone Star Nationals in Ft Worth, TX (through ’72) as well as the 17th Summer Get-Together in Pleasanton. The Bowling Green, Charlotte and Scottsdale 2010 finalists will be added to the list of 2011 MCOY finalists.
*The winner will be selected from all Seventeen finalists at these events. The winner will be announced on Friday, October 15th on www.good-guys.com!
Who’s Eligible: Muscle Cars of all makes 1960 through 1972.
How to Enter the Competition: Attend any of the Seventeen 2010 Goodguys National events from the Spring Nationals in Scottsdale through the Lone Star Nationals in Ft Worth, TX (through ’72) as well as the 17th Summer Get-Together. Park in the “Mighty Muscle” area and your car will be eligible to be selected as a finalist.
Basic Criteria: Designed to honor an original factory stock or fully restored Muscle Car of superb quality.

Goodguys/Detroit Speed Muscle Machine of the Year
A finalist will be selected at each of the following events:
1st Spring Nationals, March 12-14, Scottsdale, AZ
10th Del Mar Nationals, April 9-11, Del Mar, CA
4th Orange County Get-Together, May 15 & 16, Costa Mesa, CA
5th Nashville Nationals, May 21-23, Nashville, TN
13th Colorado Nationals, June 4-6, Loveland, CO
17th Summer Get-Together, June 5 & 6, Pleasanton, CA
19th Heartland Nationals, July 2-4, Des Moines, IA
9th Midwestern Nationals, Sept. 3-5, Kansas City, KS
4th PEAK Chicagoland Nationals, Sept. 17-19, Joliet, IL
6th Great American Nationals, Sept. 24-26, Pocono, PA
18th Lone Star Nationals, Oct. 2-4, Ft Worth, TX
*17th Southeastern Nationals, Oct. 30-Nov 1, Charlotte, NC
*21st Autumn Get-Together, November 13 & 14, Pleasanton, CA
The winner will be selected from the eleven finalists chosen at these events. *The Southeastern Nationals and Autumn Get-Together finalists will be carried over to the 2011 competition. The winner will be announced Friday, October 8th on www.good-guys.com!
Who’s Eligible: Muscle Machines 1960 through 1972 vintage.
How to Enter: Attend one of the events listed above and park in the Autocross pit area Saturday between 11am to 2pm. You must also run at least three laps in the Street Challenge Autocross. Only cars parked in the Autocross pit area and cars that have completed the three-lap autocross minimum will be eligible for this award.
Basic Criteria: A Muscle Machine is defined by Goodguys as a Muscle Car that has been modified to perform at a high level including handling, stance, body & paint and engineering.

Goodguys/Street Rod Headquarters Truck of the Year (Early – through ‘52)
A finalist will be selected at each of the following events:
13th Colorado Nationals, June 4-6, Loveland, CO
5th Nashville Nationals, May 21-23, Nashville, TN
19th Heartland Nationals, July 2-4, Des Moines, IA
24th West Coast Nationals, August 27-29, Pleasanton, CA
6th Great American Nationals, Sept. 24-26, Pocono, PA
18th Lone Star Nationals, Oct. 2-4, Ft Worth, TX
The winner will be selected from all six finalists chosen at these events. The winner will be announced on Friday, October 8th on www.good-guys.com
Who’s Eligible: Trick trucks through 1952 vintage.
How to Enter the Competition: Attend any of the six events listed above in your truck and park in the “Builder’s Choice” area to have a chance to be selected as a finalist! One finalist will be chosen from each of the six events listed.
Basic Criteria: Designed to honor an outstanding pre’-’53 tricked out truck.

Goodguys Truck of the Year (Late – ’53 through ‘72)
A finalist will be selected at each of the following events:
1st Spring Nationals, March 12-14, Scottsdale, AZ
10th Del Mar Nationals, April 9-11, Del Mar, CA
19th Heartland Nationals, July 2-4, Des Moines, IA
13th PPG Nationals, July 9-11, Columbus, OH
9th Midwestern Nationals, Sept. 3-5, Kansas City, KS
18th Lone Star Nationals, Oct. 2-4, Ft Worth, TX
*17th Southeastern Nationals, Oct. 30-Nov 1, Charlotte, NC
The winner will be selected from the five finalists chosen at these events. *The Charlotte finalist will be carried over to the 2011 competition. The winner will be announced Friday, October 8th on www.good-guys.com!
Who’s Eligible: Trick trucks 1953 through 1972 vintage.
How to Enter the Competition: Attend any of the six events listed above in your truck, and park in the “Builder’s Choice” area to have a chance to be selected as a finalist! One finalist will be chosen from each of the six events listed.
Basic Criteria: Designed to honor an outstanding ’53 through ’72 vintage tricked out truck.

Goodguy members win America’s Most Beautiful Roadster!

A tip of the cap goes out to Goodguys members Mike and Diane Dingman and their “Possessed” ’33 roadster for taking home the coveted “America’s Most Beautiful Roadster” crown at the 61st Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona.

Built by Scott’s Hot Rods in Oxnard, CA “Possessed,” was hand crafted to blend the car Ford built in 1933 with the designs employed by European coachbuilders of the same era. Every component of the body is handbuilt.

The Dingman’s plan to enter “Possessed” in the Street Rod d’Elegance competition at the Goodguys 10th Del Mar Nationals, April 9-11 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

Special Hot Rod Cruise Kicks off Season Opener in Scottsdale!

The season opening 1st Spring Nationals, March 12-14 at Westworld in Scottsdale gets off to a fast and fun start Thursday, March 11th with a special Hot Rod Cruise and Kick off Party hosted by the Over the Hill Gang!

The Hot Rod Tour is scheduled to leave the registration tent at Westworld at 10:30am. Stops include Mel Martins private collection, Hughes Performance (which will include a catered lunch), Baer Brakes, Scotty’s Garage, Darryl Smith Racing and Charlie’s Garage (AKA Custom Automotive Specialists.

Once the tour is finished, the official kickoff party gets started at Drew’s Garage in Tempe (Drew’s Garage is located at 410 South Perry Lane, Tempe, AZ 85281 (480) 921-2399. The kickoff party starts at 5:00pm. Food will be served beginning at 6pm.

Don’t miss this spectacular day of hot rodding and fellowship leading into the all new Spring Nationals! Tour maps and directions will be given out at the event registration tent at Westworld. Special thanks go out to the Over the Hill Gang Phoenix for planning and coordinating the Tour and Kick off Party!

Important Note: We ask that you show your courtesy to the stop hosts by not arriving at their shop or collection before the other cruisers arrive as it may interrupt their normal business hours. Thank you!

Timberland PRO National Winners Announced!

The ultimate “Do it Yourself” hot rodders were honored by Goodguys and Timberland as the national winner’s of the Timberland PRO “Homebuilt Heaven” competition. The competition is divided into two distinctive categories: Homebuilt Heaven (contemporary street rod, truck or custom through ’72 vintage) and Traditional Homebuilt Heaven (traditional hot rod, truck or custom through ’72 vintage).

The 2009 Homebuilt Heaven National winner is Zach and Brenda Straits of Staunton, Virginia. The Staunton’s were originally picked as Homebuilt Heaven award winners at the 12th PPG Nationals in Columbus, Ohio. Their beautiful red ’61 Ford Starliner features a stock 390 engine/automatic tranny, stock red & black interior, Ford hubcaps and rolls on BF Goodrich rubber. The Straits did the frame off restoration themselves! It is a truly deserving, flawless car.

The Traditional Homebuilt Heaven winner is Mike Russell of Springfield, Illinois. Mike’s chopped 1930 Ford Model A was chosen as a finalist at the 21st Hot Rod Nationals in Indy. The blue coupe sports a quickchange rear, a dropped and drilled I-beam axle, juice brakes and a flathead topped with an Edmunds intake.

Both the Straits and Russell will receive a special trophy from our friends at Timberland PRO as well as a $1,000 shopping spree at www.timberland.com

Congratulations to both winners!

Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational to Air This Saturday!

Don’t miss the Optima Batteries Ultimate Street Car Invitational TV episode which airs this Saturday, January 30th at 11:00am eastern/8:00am Pacific on Speed TV! Check out forty of the country’s top street machines as they compete in a series of challenges to determine the event’s top street car.

You will indeed recognize some of the event participants including this year’s Goodguys/Ridetech Street Machine of the Year winner – Barry Blomquist’s C1RS Corvette, plus lots of other favorites! You should also keep an eye out for the Goodguys colors as our big rig was on hand for the festivities!

Tune in!

Nashville Nationals Gets a New Title Sponsor

Bridgestone, manufacturer’s of such popular tires as the “Potenza”, “Dueler”, “Turanza” and “Ecopia” among others, has signed on with Goodguys as title sponsor of the 5th Nashville Nationals, May 21-23 at LP Field in downtown Nashville. Headquartered in Nashville, Bridgestone will have a major presence on the midway at the Nashville Nationals as well as other select 2010 Goodguys events. Bridgestone will also become a sponsor of the popular Street Challenge Autocross.

Bridgestone Americas legacy of motorsports accomplishments began more than nine decades ago when Harvey Firestone chose to showcase his tires on the race track. Since then, their tire brands have appeared in thousands of competitions around the globe, recording a remarkable variety of wins and honors.

Great drivers in Formula 1, at the Indy 500, in motocross, super-cross, karting, monster trucks and dozen of other forms of racing have relied on Bridgestone tires to provide the consistency and durability needed to win. Bridgestone’s involvement with motorsports provides more than thrills, it contributes to the design and production of improved tires for every day street use.

For more visit www.bridgestoneamericas.com

2010 Event Tee Shirts Now Available!

Ready to get your 2010 Goodguys season under way right now? Get a head start on the season and be the first Goodguy on your block to wear a 2010 event tee shirt! We currently have 15 different 2010 event shirts available with more to come in the following weeks!

All event shirts are available in white only with the event logo on the front and the Goodguys ‘32 sedan logo on the back. Sizes S-XL are $20 each with 2X-4X $23 each!

Click here to order yours today!

Feeling Adventurous? Join the Del Mar Hot Rod Cruise this Spring!

A special Hot Rod Cruise down to ol’ Del Mar has been organized for Wednesday and Thursday April 7 & 8 prior to the Goodguys 10th Del Mar Nationals! The cruise will depart Goodguys Headquarters in Pleasanton Wednesday, April 7th at 8 a.m. arriving in Del Mar the next afternoon, Thursday, April 8th. The cruise will meander down California’s central valley with stops in Bakersfield and Lebec before going over the hill to Southern California. Stops at hot rod shops and exclusive private collections are planned so you won’t want to miss out! A hot rod cruise is a great way to spend a few days on the road with fellow hot rodders!

There’s room for whoever wants to come along so please join us and have some fun with your rod, custom or muscle car! All cruisers are responsible for making their hotel reservation for Wednesday night the 7th. The cruisers will be staying at the Radisson Covina (hotel address and contact information listed below – make sure and ask for the Goodguys cruiser rate). Please RSVP with Ed Burgess via e-mail (hotrded@sbcglobal.net) and let him know you plan on joining the cruise.

If you plan on joining in along the way that’s OK too, but we ask that you show your courtesy to the stop hosts by not arriving at their shop or collection before the other cruisers arrive. Here’s a look at the full cruise itinerary!

Del Mar Cruise Day 1
Wednesday, April 7th
Gather @ Goodguys Headquarters:
1071 Serpentine Lane
Pleasanton, CA 94566
(925) 838-9876

Head South to Bakersfield @ 8am

Stop 1:
Ironworks Speed & Custom
664 Lebec Rd, Lebec, CA 93243
(661) 248-2277
Arrive: 11:45am
Depart: 12:45pm

Stop 2:
Ridge Route Collectible & Restoration Collection
664 Lebec Rd, Lebec, CA 93243
(661) 248-2277
Arrive: 1:30pm
Depart: 2:30pm

Stop 3:
Justice Brothers
2734 Huntington Dr, Duarte, CA 91010
(626) 359-9174
Arrive: 4pm
Depart: 5pm

Hotel Info for Wednesday night 4/7/2010
Radisson Covina
1211 E Garvey St, Covina, CA 91724
(626) 915-3441
Arrive: 5:15pm

Del Mar Cruise Day 2
Thursday, April 8th

Depart Radisson Covina 9am

Stop 1:
Malloy Foundation – Private Collection
556 Malloy Ct., Corona, CA 92880
(951) 739-0508
Arrive: 9:30am
Depart: 11am

Stop 2:
Kipp’s Garage
541 Birch St., Lake Elsinore, CA 92530
(951) 775-7765
Arrive: 11:30am
Depart: 1pm

Stop 3:
Randy’s Drag Racing Museum
27560 Lindell Rd, Lake Elsinore, CA 92532
(951) 245-9355
Arrive: 1:15pm
Depart: 2:45pm

Last stop:
Del Mar Hilton – Goodguys Del Mar Nationals Host Hotel
15575 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014
(858) 792-5200

Vintage Air to Sponsor 2010 Custom Rod of the Year award

San Antontio, Texas based Vintage Air, the inventors of Performance Air Conditioning, will be presenting sponsor of the 2010 Goodguys Custom Rod of the Year. The Custom Rod of the Year award, presented annually since 1993 is designed to honor a custom car which tastefully blends traditional customizing techniques with modern day performance, engineering, components and styling. The winner will be announced Friday, October 8th on www.good-guys.com

Vintage Air is owned and operated by experienced street rodders who have been involved in the sport for over thirty years. They offer rodders the most comprehensive line of high performance air conditioning components available. Every Vintage Air product incorporates the very latest technology available and offers the greatest efficiency and reliability available.

The goal of Vintage Air is to help rodders cool their specialty vehicle in a more informed way with parts specially designed for street rods, sport trucks and performance cars. Vintage Air supplies you what you really need to get the job done right! They’re always interested in your air conditioning questions and welcome technical inquiries. Feel free to call or write to them at anytime.

Also, be sure to come by the Vintage Air display at events! For more, visit www.vintageair.com

Garlits Coming to 9th Blue Suede Cruise!

Norwalk, OH – Don Garlits, the greatest drag racer of all time will be the Hot Rod Hero of the Goodguys 9th Blue Suede Cruise August 20-22 at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, OH. Garlits will be on hand throughout the weekend to sign autographs for fans, pose for pictures and make exhibition runs down the Norwalk quarter mile with one of his vintage “Swamp Rat” front engine dragsters.

Garlits is a fan favorite wherever he goes but Summit Motorsports Park has always felt extra homey to the “Swamp Rat.” Partly because he’s always had a close relationship to the Bader family and the fact that he has an entire grandstand at the Norwalk track named in his honor!

On track, there was nobody better or more innovative than “Big Daddy.” He won the world’s biggest drag race – “The Nationals” in Indianapolis eight times. Garlits was the ultimate hot rodder who built, tuned and drove his own race cars. Not only that, he towed his dragsters in his crew cab dually everywhere he went, his wife Pat, their children, and his trusty crewman and longtime friend TC Lemmons riding along shotgun. Indeed Garlits had a storybook career, one he couldn’t have possibly dreamed up when he first started racing out of he and his brother Ed’s body & paint shop in 1956 in Tampa. The drag racing media made their opinion clear that Garlits was the best drag racer the world ever produced when he was voted #1 on NHRA’s Top 50 Driver’s list in 2002.

Read the conclusion here

Dick Wells 1935-2010

Hot Rodding has lost one of its pioneering fathers with the passing of Dick Wells. Wells died late Monday night from complications after heart surgery last November. He was 75.

Originally from the plain state of Nebraska, Wells’ contributions to hot rodding are numerous. He held many different industry positions over the years including stints as editor or associate editor at magazines such as Hot Rod, Motor Trend, National Dragster and others. He is credited with producing the first ever SEMA Show at Dodger’s Stadium in Los Angeles back in 1967 and together with Tom Medley started the Street Rod Nationals in the early 70s. He also served on the NHRA board of directors – a position he held since 1979.

In 2007, he retired from the position of vice president of corporate projects at SEMA, where he also served as executive director in the 1970s.

Wells was honored many times for contributions to the automotive industry. He was named SEMA Person of the Year in 1977 and was inducted into the SEMA Industry Hall of Fame in 1993. He was presented the International Specialty Car Association (ISCA) Founder’s Award in 1994, the Street Rod Marketing Alliance Industry Recognition Award in 1996, and was among those honored with the NHRA Pioneers Award in 2001. Last year, he was inducted into the Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame.

“Dick was the ultimate multi-tasker,” recalled Goodguys President and longtime friend Gary Meadors. “Dick was an outstanding writer, historian and event promoter. I remember being in his office one day when he was talking on the phone, writing an article and folding fliers all at the same time. He was a true Goodguy and a real pioneer for our industry. We certainly appreciate his dedication and leadership.”

Goodguys Spring Fling Offers Hot Cars…Good Times

The 2010 event season starts off with a bang this spring with four action packed, fun filled events – all in the Western time zone! The four-event “Spring Fling” kicks off March 12-14 at WestWorld in Scottsdale with the all-new Goodguys Spring Nationals. The new event will feature a giant show & shine for rods, customs, classics & trucks through 1972 vintage, a giant swap meet & cars for sale corral, vendor exhibits, a Street Challenge AutoCross, model car show and all the other good stuff!

Then it’s up to Pleasanton March 27 & 28 for the tradition-rich Goodguys 28th All American Get-Together. The Get-Together welcomes all years, makes and models of American powered cars and trucks and also features the largest swap meet of the year for Goodguys! Vendor exhibits, arts & crafts and a model car show are also included. The highlight for many at this event is the crowning of the Goodguys West Coast Custom of the Year and the fantastic display of custom cars inside the Young California building!

As spring kicks into high gear, it’s off to Del Mar April 9-11 for the 10th Del Mar Nationals! Can you believe we’ve enjoyed a decade of goodtimes in Del Mar? See close to 3,000 rods, customs, classics & trucks through ‘72 plus two buildings filled with a spectacular indoor car show. The popular seaside event also features a wide array of vendor exhibits, a swap meet, the Street Challenge AutoCross, “How To” seminars and so much more! See the crowning of the Street Rod d’Elegance and take in some spectacular cruising and live entertainment too!

The Spring Fling concludes May 15 & 16 at the O.C. Fair & Event Center in Costa, Mesa, CA for the 4th Meguiar’s Orange County Get-Together. Like the All American Get-Together, this event welcomes all years, makes and models of American powered cars & trucks. Everyone is welcome! The event features an outdoor show & shine, vendor exhibits, a wide open cruise lane that circles the entire event, live entertainment and the ever-popular Street Challenge AutoCross featuring the Editor’s Challenge!

If you live out in the Pacific or Mountain time zones we look forward to seeing you for the Spring Fling. If you live in the Midwest or East coast – It sounds like it’s time to make a run for the sun and join us for some Spring Fling fun! Don’t get left out!

To register your ride today click here

2010 Yearbook Cover Contest Winner!

Freelance Photographer Jason Deng from San Leandro, California has won the 2010 Goodguys Yearbook Cover photo contest! Deng’s vertical image of the grille of a 1956 Chrysler 300 won over the selection committee. The shiny chrome grille set against a dramatic black background is going to make a spectacular cover!

Deng is relatively new to photography but has quickly developed impressive skills. “Cars were the first subjects I started to photograph and they became the foundation of my passion,” he said. “Mainly because cars had always been interesting to me and I felt I could capture them on film as my eye saw them. The winning shot was a tough one to figure out at first, but then I noticed the beautiful lines of the Chrysler 300b. I set out to capture the car’s distinct lines, chrome, grill, and the other unique details of the car. I was very satisfied with the shot, not only because the lighting was how I wanted it, but also how I wanted to express the details of the front end.”

For his winning picture, Deng will receive $250, a year subscription to the Goodguys Gazette, and ten copies of the 2010 Goodguys Yearbook.

We received 100’s of hi quality photos for this year’s competition and we thank all contributors for sharing the art and photography with us during the competition. Congratulations Mr Deng!

PEAK – The Official Motor Oil of Goodguys!

Pleasanton, CA – Goodguys is proud to announce PEAK MOTOR OIL as the “Official Oil” of the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association. Launched in 2007, PEAK® PERFORMANCE MULTIGRADE MOTOR OIL is formulated with an advanced additive technology and premium base oils for high performance and longer engine life. PEAK PERFORMANCE MULTIGRADE MOTOR OIL is formulated to exceed the toughest automotive standards for outstanding engine protection and performance in today’s advanced engine designs.

PEAK has enjoyed a successful run with Goodguys, first signing on in 2006 as a major sponsor. PEAK Antifreeze has long been the “Official Antifreeze” of Goodguys and return this year as presenting sponsor of the 4th Chicagoland Nationals, September 17-19 at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet.

Make sure and stop by the PEAK booth at a Goodguys National event to pick up product samples and important product information! To find out more about PEAK’s full line of motor oil, visit http://www.peaklubricants.com

PEAK’s parent company, Old World Industries Inc. is based in Northbrook, Illinois. They enjoy a presence in various consumer product markets, energy exploration, and chemical manufacturing in more than 50 countries worldwide. Old World’s other brands include a full line of PEAK Antifreeze & Coolant; SIERRA, the “greener” antifreeze; Mr. Clean Windshield Wash and Wiper Blades; Fleet Charge Fully Formulated Coolant; Final Charge Heavy Duty Global Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant; HERCULINER Truck Bed Liner Kits; and SplitFire Spark Plugs.

More News From Snap On

In addition to providing all 2010 Terrific 12 award winners with custom toolboxes, Snap On returns in 2010 as “The Official Tool of the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association.”

The Kenosha, Wisconsin based tool and equipment manufacturer has also agreed to be the presenting sponsor of all three Goodguys VRA events for the 2010 racing season. The three major vintage drag races include the 22nd Hot Rod Nationals, June 11-13 at O’Reilly Raceway Park, the 9th Blue Suede Cruise August 20-22 at Summit Motorsports Park and the 3rd Nostalgia Nationals, October 15-17 at Beech Bend Raceway Park.

Snap On will have a major presence at Goodguys events this season on the midway so make sure and stop by to check out their award winning tools and equipment! To learn more, visit www.snapon.com

Goodguys Builder’s Choice – Awarding Automotive Excellence!

The Goodguys Builder’s Choice awards program returns in 2010 to recognize the Nation’s finest rods, customs, trucks and muscle cars! A Builder’s Choice award is one of the highest honors your car can receive at a Goodguys National Event.

The special awards are customized and hand crafted, adding an air of prestige to any mantle. Each 2010 Goodguys national event will feature a Builder’s Choice parking area, to be staged on Saturday from 8am to 2pm. To be eligible for a Builder’s Choice award you must park in the Builder’s Choice parking area.

At nine events this year, the Builder’s Choice awards will be selected by some of the Nation’s top builders, adding a unique air of prestige. Here’s a look at the 2010 National Events that will feature celebrity Builder’s Choice awards.

13th Colorado Nationals – June 4-6 – Loveland, CO – Eric Peratt/Pinkee’s Rod Shop
5th Nashville Nationals – May 21-23 – Nashville, TN – Bobby Alloway/Alloway’s Hot Rods
22nd Hot Rod Nationals – June 11-13 – Indianapolis, IN – Troy Trepanier/Rad Rides
19th Heartland Nationals – July 2-4 – Des Moines, IA – Roger Burman/Lakeside Rods & Rides
13th Goodguys PPG Nationals – July 9-11 – Columbus, OH – Roy Brizio/Brizio Street Rods
23rd Pacific Northwest Nationals – July 23-25 – Puyallup, WA – Art & Craig Morrison
9th Mid-Western Nationals – September 3-5 – Kansas City, KS – Dave Lane/Fastlane Rod Shop
4th Chicagoland Nationals – Sept. 17-19 – Joliet, IL – Phil & Jeremy Gerber/The Roadster Shop
17th Southeastern Nationals – Oct. 29-31 – Charlotte, NC – Kyle & Stacy Tucker/Detroit Speed

Remember, each 2010 National Event will feature a Builder’s Choice parking area so no matter which one you attend, if you’re interested in receiving the event’s highest honor, make sure and get your ride parked in the Builder’s Choice area Saturday’s from 8am to 2pm!

Catch Goodguys at an indoor show this winter!

Indoor car show season is here! The Goodguys Rod & Custom Association will be exhibiting at several of the country’s top indoor shows this winter. Stop by the booth, chat a while, pick up some entry forms and 2010 event schedules and get started planning your summer road trips!

Look for the Goodguys booth at the following indoor shows this winter:

61st Grand National Roadster Show
January 29-31, 2010
Fairplex in Pomona, Pomona, CA

60th Sacramento Autorama
February 19-21, 2010
California Expo & State Fair, Sacramento, CA

58th Detroit Autorama
February 26-28, 2010
Cobo Center, Detroit, MI
Hot Rod & Restoration Trade Show

March 11-13, 2010
Indiana Convention Center
46th Spokane Auto, Boat & Speed Show

March 26, 27 & 28
Spokane Fairgrounds, Spokane, WA

2010 Vendor Applications Available online!

If your company would like to be a vendor at a 2010 Goodguys event, it’s now easier than ever to get signed up! The 2010 exhibitor/vendor applications are now online and easy to download. Simply click this link: http://www.good-guys.com/info/vendorExhibitor.aspx and get your application filled out and sent in! It’s that easy!

Also available are the vendor rules and regulations. With the show season fast approaching, it’s time to get your paperwork sent in and filed! To reach the Goodguys vendor sales office, call (925) 218-9151 or e-mail them sales@good-guys.com

Helpful Tips on Insurance from Grundy Worldwide

What to Look for when You Shop for Collector Car Insurance
Tips from Grundy Worldwide
By: Becky McLaughlin

Collector car owners can be found across this country; in fact, they are all over this world. Since members of the Grundy family and their friends started restoring and preserving old cars many years ago, outside of Philadelphia, the hobby has boomed in popularity and participation; and, it constantly evolves and grows. Today, there are “car guys” of all kinds: from the antique car owners who cherish the history and preservation of their cars to the muscle car and hot rod owners who divulge in nostalgia… and, from the low-riders of Southern California and the tattooed crowd that partakes in the “Kustom Kulture” scene… to the luxury car owners who attend Concours events. As diverse as these folks may be, they all have one thing in common: they love old cars.

While possessing such love and passion for old cars, it seems natural that car guys would seek out special insurance to protect their most valued possessions. During the search for insurance for a specialty vehicle, there are a few things we at Grundy Worldwide would advise car collectors to consider. We have compiled the following list to help you shop for collector vehicle insurance. We, of course, urge you to insure with us!

1. Agreed Value Insurance
2. What’s Covered
3. Superior Claims Service
4. Company Reputation
5. Customer Service
6. Usage, Storage and Mileage Restrictions
7. Price

READ FULL ARTICLE HERE