Goodguys Racing ’69 Camaro Finds Winner’s Circle at Fontana Super Chevy Show

Fontana, CA 3/29 - Goodguys Rod & Custom Association President Marc Meadors broke through for his first event win this past weekend at the Super Chevy Show at Auto club Dragway in Fontana, CA racing in the Nitro Coupe/Pro Mod exhibition class. Driving in only his second competitive race, Meadors and 24 year old crew chiefs Jason Bunker and Jeff Accacian took the Red Line Oil-backed Goodguys Racing supercharged ’69 Camaro to successive 1/8th mile runs of 4.64, 4.38, 4.24, 4.18 and a 4.22 in the final to defeat renowned Pro Mod racer Paul Athey. Meadors also carded the weekend’s best reaction times in each round of competition – a key component to his first big event win. Built by Tim McAmis Race Cars in Hawk Point, Missouri, the Goodguys Racing Camaro is a full tube chassis Pro Mod equipped with a 450-inch Brad Anderson Hemi blown on Alcohol sporting a massive 14-71 Kobelco Supercharger, Waterman fuel pump, Lenco three speed and a three disc Molinari clutch. Meadors’ ultimate goal this season is to compete in the Orlando World Street Nationals at Speedworld Dragway in the 32-car field Super Pro Street Class. Next up for the Goodgyuys Racing team is the West Coast Outlaw Pro Mod Association exhibition race April 24 & 25 at Saramento Raceway. The Pro Mod exhibition will be contested during the 28th Annual Funny Car Fever event.

West Coast Custom of the Year Goes to Ted Steven’s ’40 Merc coupe

Ted Steven’s 1940 Mercury Coupe was awarded the 2009 Goodguys West Coast Custom of the Year this weekend at the 27th All American Get-Together in Pleasanton.  Stevens’ Merc, a lifelong obsession, was recently restored and freshened by Roy Brizio Street Rods in South San Francisco. Originally built by John D’Agostino and Bill Reasoner as a tribute car to the Barris-built Nick Matranga ’40 Merc, the sleek custom was campaigned on the indoor show circuit by D’Agostino through the late 80s and early 90s. The car changed hands several times before Stevens bought the car in August of 2007 at auction during the Pebble Beach Concourse festivities. Texas collector Wayne Davis brought the car to auction. For Stevens, the Merc represented a decades old love affair. “I loved ’40 Mercs when I was kid,” he said. “I always wanted one – especially a chopped one. I used to carry around a picture of a chopped ’40 Merc in my wallet dreaming of owning one some day. When I saw this car at auction in Pebble Beach I knew I had to have it. But I also wanted to drive the car so I knew it had to be done by Roy and his team at Brizio’s.” The Brizio Street Rods crew completely restored every aspect of the Merc including the H & H Flathead engine, transmission, rear end, front end, paint work (by Darryl Hollenbeck) and upholstery by Sid Chavers. The understated, yet elegant custom has all the earmarks of a 50s era car including the chopped top, removed door handles, smoothed trim and the signature rear fender skirts. The color is PPG Brandywine. Appleton dual spots and ‘49 Caddy “Sombrero” hubcaps with Coker white walls round out the car’s look. “Aesthetically, the car was perfect when we got it,” Brizio said. We didn’t have to worry about moving things around on the car at all. John D’Agostino builds some of the world’s most beautiful customs so it was styled to perfection. It’s a very traditional car, so we honored that by making it look as best as we could and made the car road worthy.”  The Goodguys West Coast Custom of the Year award is presented annually at the Goodguys All American Get-Together and is open to customs 1936 through 1964 vintage. The award is designed to honor an exceptional custom car and is open to all styles and genres of customs (from traditional to modern). This year’s top five award finalists included James Hetfield (1937 Ford), Robert Gallery (1954 Cadillac), Frank DeRosa Jr (1952 Cadillac), Ted Stevens (1940 Merc) and Joe Faso (1950 Henry J).

Buick Giveaway Car Makes its Grand Debut!

The 1965 Buick LeSabre Giveaway car made its grand debut today at the Goodguys 27th All American Get-Together to rave reviews! Thousands have stopped by to see the bodacious Buick here at the show and took their shot at getting registered as a finalist to win the classic machine. The Buick Giveaway is a team effort between Goodguys and Live 105.3 FM, KCBS, KFRC and CBS 5. A clean 60’s muscle machine, the LeSabre is powered by a 364 cubic inch, 355 horsepower Wildcat engine. Additional features include Vintage Air under dash AC, Intro Custom Wheels, exterior treatment from Steele Rubber Products and a light blue coat of Sherwin Williams Paint. The final contest drawing will take place at the 20th Autumn Get-Together, November 14 & 15 right here at the Pleasanton Fairgrounds this fall. Semi finalists will be chosen this weekend and at all remaining 2009 Goodguys events held at the Pleasanton Fairgrounds. Additional finalists and qualifiers will be chosen throughout the year by registering on CBS 5 radio websites including KFRC www.kfrc.com, LIVE 105 www.live105.com and KCBS www.kcbs.com. The ’65 Buick is the fourth car in the last eleven years Goodguys has given away as a promotion in Northern California.

Sad News from the Southeast Division

It is with sadness we pass along the news that Dan Ross, Goodguys Southeast Division Rodder’s Rep has died. Ross, of Warner Robbins, Georgia passed away Tuesday, March 24th from complications of Lymphoma Cancer. He was a fixture in the Southeast hot rodding scene and was an active Goodguys Rodder’s Rep for years. His smile and his helpful, friendly nature will be sorely missed. Goodguys National Rodder’s Rep Bill Goodwill said “Dan was a great person. He never met a stranger. If you walked up and talked to him, you felt like you knew him for years. He was very friendly and very warm. He also loved driving his DeSoto hemi powered ’32 Ford sedan to events. He was a driver for sure. I didn’t know of anyone that didn’t like Dan Ross.” Services will be held this Saturday, March 28th at the McCollough Funeral Home in Warner Robbins, GA. Pictured below: Goodguys Southeast Division Rep Dan Ross loved cruising his black chopped deuce tudor sedan, powered by a DeSoto hemi. Dan’s friendly nature and his bitchin’ hot rod will be missed.

27th All American Get-Together Brings Thousands of Car Lovers together in Pleasanton this weekend!

Spring has officially sprung in Northern California and it’s time for west coast car lovers to “Get-Together” this weekend for the 27th All American Get-Together at the Pleasanton Fairgrounds! The Goodguys’ longest running event features a giant show & shine which welcomes all years, makes & models of American powered cars & trucks, hundreds of vendor exhibits, an automotive swap meet, cars for sale corral, arts & crafts, model car show and lots of other entertainment are included as well! It’s all happening at the Pleasanton Fairgrounds this weekend so don’t be left out! Plus you can register to win a 1965 Buick LeSabre from radio stations Live 105 and KFRC! Event Hours: Sat 3/28 – 8am to 5pm Sun 3/29 – 8am to 4pm Admission: $15 adults, kids 7-12 $6 Fairgrounds Parking: $8 Show & Shine Participant Info: Car Show Registration (Use Rose Ave Gate) Registration Fees:  $50 weekend – includes car & two people $35 Sunday only – includes car & two people Car Show Registration Hours: Sat 3/28 – 7am to 5pm Sun 3/29 – 7am to 1pm Swap Meet Info: Swap Meet Vendor Set Up Hours: Fri 3/27 2pm-7pm (Enter Gate 12) Sat 3/28 4am-8am (Enter Gate 5) Cost: 10’x20’ $60 * Spaces assigned on a first come first serve basis Cars for Sale Corral (Car Corral sellers enter Gate 12): Car Corral Fees:  Weekend: $50 includes car & two people Sunday Only: $35 includes car & two people To view the complete weekend schedule, click here: http://www.good-guys.com/pdf/09-801/WeekHapsAAGT09.pdf

Original Barris Batmobile Featured in Pleasanton

The original George Barris-built “Batmobile” will be on display at the 27th All American Get-Together this weekend at the Pleasanton Fairgrounds! A rolling piece of automotive history, the original Barris Batmobile was designed from scratch by Barris using a 1955 Lincoln Futura. The car appeared in the original Batman TV series starring Bruce Wayne on American Television in the 1960s. This car was one of two ever built by Barris for the show and this particular model was the Batmobile designed for both television and movie use. Recently restored and updated by Advanced Restorations of Sacramento, the Batmobile has been on tour for the last 40 years! Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to see a rolling piece of automotive history right here in Pleasanton at the Goodguys 27th All American Get-Together, this weekend at the Pleasanton Fairgrounds.

Sons of Boyd to Select Boyd Coddington Memorial Award in Del Mar

The sons of the late Boyd Coddington will be on hand at the 9th Del Mar Nationals presented by Meguiar’s April 3-5 to select the Boyd Coddington Memorial award. The award, a specially designed billet aluminum statuette of the legendary Boyd-built “Chezoom” ’57 Chevy will be presented to a car or truck that exemplifies the quality and ingenuity of the Boyd Coddington legacy. The sons of Boys are Boyd Coddington Jr, Chris Coddington and Gregg Coddington. “The Sons of Boyd are honored to be able to present the Boyd Coddington memorial award at the 9th annual Goodguys Del Mar Nationals,” said Boyd Coddington Jr. ”The relationship with Goodguys was very special to our dad and dates back to the early days of his career. The Sons of Boyd look forward to continuing the relationship with the Goodguys to carry on the Boyd Coddington legacy”.

NAPA Auto Parts Celebrates 3rd year with Goodguys!

NAPA AUTO PARTS announced today the third year of its partnership with the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association will feature an all-new mobile experience geared toward celebrating the passion for high-quality automotive parts both organizations share. As the “Official Auto Parts Store of Goodguys,” NAPA AUTO PARTS will have a very interactive presence at 21 Goodguys events in the form of its new “Get the Good Stuff” game show, as well as its robust pop-up parts store. “Every Goodguys member takes great pride in using only the best parts for their vehicle, and NAPA is equally passionate about supplying these quality parts,” said Gaylord Spencer, vice president, marketing strategy, for NAPA AUTO PARTS. The NAPA “Get the Good Stuff” game show experience invites guests to test their automotive passion and knowledge in an exciting, interactive environment for a chance to win prizes. The focal point of the game show experience is a trivia contest in which contestants can showcase their automotive knowledge in three distinct categories: “Mystery Part,” “Gearhead Trivia” and “What Part Am I?” Event attendees can also play mini-games based off the game show, as well as try their skills at other activities such as the NAPA Challenge Drag Racing Simulator and Go Green Filter Toss. ”The new NAPA ‘Get the Good Stuff’ experience is going to be a tremendous entertainment addition to the Goodguys event schedule and one that people should make a point to visit,” said Marc Meadors, President of Goodguys. The 2009 Goodguys event schedule runs through November 20-22 in Scottsdale, Ariz. The full event schedule is available here: http://www.good-guys.com/events/eventsList.aspx?year=2009 About NAPA AUTO PARTS NAPA AUTO PARTS distributes parts, accessories, tools and equipment to 6,000 NAPA AUTO PARTS stores and more than 12,000 NAPA AutoCare Centers nationwide. For more information, visit NAPAOnline.com.

Cheryl Westbury June 28, 1947 – Mar. 6, 2009

Longtime Goodguys friend Cheryl Westbury of Concord, CA passed away peacefully March 6, 2009. Cheryl, her husband Bob and sons Greg and Darin are stalwarts in the bay area rod & custom scene. Together with Bob, the Westbury’s operated Concord Safety Center –a repair shop which worked on countless hot rods and classics for the Goodguys family over the years as well as many cars belonging to Northern California rodders. Her son Greg has reached great heights with his Westbury Hot Rods shop building cutting edge rods & customs as well as award winning custom motorcycles. Cheryl’s talents were endless in many areas. She was an avid antique collector and enjoyed spending countless hours searching for treasures to add to her home collection that is straight out of Better Homes and Gardens. She took an active interest over the years in Bob’s collecting and restoration of Hot Rods. Together they worked on her pride and joy – a 1953 Nash Rambler which Bob presented to her on Mothers Day 2007. The car was selected as a Goodguys award winner that year and is pictured below. Cheryl Westbury is survived by her high school sweetheart and beloved husband of 44 years Bob, her sons Greg and Darin, her mother Wanda Schwartz, daughter-in-laws Tamara and Debbi Westbury, Grandchildren, Danielle Connor, Ryan Gloeckner Ring, Katlyn and Gracie Westbury, and Mother-in-Law June Westbury. A celebration of Cheryl’s life will be held on Saturday March 21st at the Holy Cross Lutheran Church at 11:00 am, located at 1092 Alberta Way, Concord, CA. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Sjogren’s Syndrome Foundation, C/O Cheryl Westbury, 6707 Democracy Blvd., Suite 325, Bethesda, MD 20817.

Hot Off The Press!

The Goodguys 2009 Goodtimes Yearbook is hot off the press! The full gloss, full color coffee table keeper was designed in house by the award-winning Goodguys Gazette art department.  Weighing in at 180 pages,  it’s a spectacular photographic retrospective of the 2008 Goodguys event season bringing all twenty-four events to life in full, blazing color. Each 2008 event is relived with several never-before published images along with some favorites from the Gazette coverage. Also included are layouts of each major award winning automobile from last season including all “Terrific 12” winners. Goodguys 2008 Woman of the Year Lynn Nace is featured, as is JF Launier – the 2008 “Trendsetter” award recipient. An exclusive “gallery” section at the back of the book features a beautiful layout of over 50 hand picked artistic images for your viewing pleasure. The 2009 Goodguys Yearbook sells for $5 plus shipping and can be ordered online here:http://www.good-guys.com/store/productDetail.aspx?id=00-000-4-99-964-00 or by calling (925) 838-9876 Ext. 182. The Yearbooks will also be available at all 2009 Goodguys Rod & Custom Association events. Don’t delay! Get your copy today!

27th All American Get-Together on Tap in Pleasanton

The Bay Area’s longest running classic car event, the Goodguys 27th All American Get-Together is coming to the Pleasanton Fairgrounds March 28th and 29th. The event provides a blissful escape for thousands of Bay Area and Western U.S. car nuts who will come from all over to be a part of the scene and see an entire fairgrounds filled with classic cars. The event also provides a substantial boost to the Tri-Valley economy during the weekend. It’s estimated by Amy Blaschka, president & CEO of the Tri-Valley Visitor & Convention Bureau that the annual series of Goodguys events held at the fairgrounds in Pleasanton pump over 10 million dollars into the Tri-Valley annually. The events markedly increase revenue streams at gas stations, hotels, restaurants and grocery stores. While major sporting events and auto races across the country are starting to see decreased attendance, local, affordable events such as the Goodguys shows are staying relatively strong in this struggling economy. “Our events are still affordable to most families and we’ve always strived to keep our events family friendly,” said Goodguys President Marc Meadors. “For the price of one ticket to a major sporting event, a whole family of four can come to a Goodguys car show and enjoy an entire day of looking at cool cars, doing some shopping, listen to some great music and have a corn dog.”  The All American Get-Together will feature outdoor and indoor car shows with over 3,000 American powered cars filling every square foot of the fairgrounds. A swap meet offers over three square miles of vendors selling used auto parts and old fashioned memorabilia. The car corral area features a lot full of hundreds of collector cars in all shapes and sizes – all up for grabs at the right price. Rock & roll music fills the air. Plumes of blue smoke rise from the outdoor grills and everyone is smiling. It’s a sensory overload and it’s all included in the price of admission. It’s a celebration of the American car culture and it’s been happening for close to three decades. It’s all hear – an automotive utopia. The Goodguys Get-Together tradition started twenty-seven year ago when Goodguys founder Gary Meadors of Alamo, wanted to stage a simple little get-together for his classic car buddies. It’s now one of Goodguys’ largest events. An exciting event highlight will be the “Cavalcade of Customs” – an indoor display of up to 40 highly customized cars, eyeing the trophy for the “Goodguys West Coast Custom of the Year” award.  A custom, in the traditional sense is a large bodied American car 1936 to 1964 vintage. Elaborate paint and body modifications, plus leather and velvet interiors and chrome…lots of chrome are earmarks of a Goodguys custom car. The winner of the West Coast Custom of the Year will drive off with a healthy check and a billet aluminum trophy as well as some serious bragging rights. Bay area stylists entering special customs include Oakland Raider offensive lineman Robert Gallery of Dublin (1954 Cadillac), Danville’s Gary and Joanne Levering (1950 Ford), John D’Agostino of Discovery Bay (1958 Oldsmobile), Eric Hansen of Discovery Bay (’52 Buick), Ted Stevens of Los Gatos (1949 Mercury) Bob Cecchini of Hayward (1956 Lincoln), San Francisco’s Kimberly Mejia (1955 Lincoln), Brandon Penserini of Napa (1962 Thunderbird), Leonard Lopez of Brentwood (1956 Chevy Nomad) and Richard Zocchi of Walnut Creek (’39 Dodge) among many others. A spectacular awards ceremony will be held Sunday, March 29th at 3pm showcasing over 100 of the event’s top cars and will also feature the ceremony to crown the West Coast Custom of the Year. The ceremony will be held outside at the entertainment stage. The Goodguys 27th All American Get-Together is open Saturday, March 28th from 8am to 5pm and Sunday, March 29th from 8am to 4pm. General admission is $15, kids 7-12 $6 and kids 6 & under are FREE. Fairgrounds parking is $8. To view the complete weekend schedule, click here: http://www.good-guys.com/pdf/09-801/WeekHapsAAGT09.pdf Vehicle registrtation is located onsite at the Fairgrounds. Registration is $50 (at-event price) for the weekend and includes the car & two people. Sunday-only registration is $35 and includes the car & two people. Pictured Below: Here’s just a few of the kustoms entered for the 27th All American Get-Together. Robert Gallery’s ’54 Cadillac, Kim Mejia’s ’55 Lincoln, Brandon Penserini’s ’62 Thunderbird, Eric Hansen’s ’52 Buick, John D’Agostino’s ’58 Olds, Gary & Joanne Levering’s ’50 Ford.

Spaces Still Available for Del Mar Indoor Show!

A select few spots are still available for the exclusive indoor car show at the Goodguys 9th Del Mar Nationals, April 3-5 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds but they’re going fast! If you’ve got a sweet rod, custom, classic, tricked out truck or muscle car and would like to display it indoors at Del Mar, please send a photo and a brief vehicle description to Event Director Harry Daviess. Harry can be reached via e-mail here: harryd@good-guys.com The 9th Del Mar Nationals is one of the most popular events on the annual Goodguys event schedule. Combining both outdoor and indoor car shows, vendor exhibits, a swap meet & car corral, the Street Challenge Autocross, live music and a special appearance by Bonneville legend Jerry Kugel, the Del Mar Nationals is THE place to be in April on the West Coast! To register or a for a look at the complete weekend schedule, visit the event page by clicking here:http://www.good-guys.com/events/eventsList.aspx?year=2009

Editor’s Challenge Cup Autocross Results!

Some of the industry’s most recognized magazine editors were in Costa Mesa today at the Goodguys/ Meguair’s 3rd Orange County Get-Together to compete in the Editor’s Challenge Cup Autocross. In all, ten combatants ran the course (set up as a 30-second two lap circuit) to try and defeat defending champion Nick LiCata of Camaro Performers Magazine. When the smoke had cleared it was LiCata’s Tech Editor at Camaro Performers, Steven Rupp who took over the crown as the new king of the course. Driving his deep copper ’68 Camaro he calls “Bad Penny”, Rupp reeled off a winning time of 29.694 on his final lap to take the title. “I’m exhausted,” said the champ. “I was all in on that last run. This was so much fun. Thanks to Goodguys and all the sponsors who put this deal together!” Super Chevy Magazine’s Jim Campisano, who flew in from Florida was second fastest with a time of 29.978 behind the wheel of the ’70 Camaro factory test car of Detroit Speed & Engineering. For his win, Rupp will take home one of the new billet Goodguys awards for his desk and serious bragging rights in the hallowed halls of Source Interlink Publishing Company! Final Times 2nd Annual Editor’s Challenge Cup: 1. Steven Rupp, Camaro Performers Magazine, ’68 Camaro, 29.694 2. Jim Campisano, Super Chevy Magazine ’70 Camaro, 29.978 3. Nick LiCata, Camaro Performers Magazine, ’69 Camaro, 30.107 4. Jeff Smith, Car Craft Magazine, ’66 Chevelle, 31.783 5. Robert McGaffin, Popular Hot Rodding, ’66 Chevelle, 31.877 6. David Freiburger, Hot Rod Magazine, ’65 Chevy Malibu, 32.849 7. Travis Noack, Muscle Car Power, ’66 Chevelle, 34.299 8. Kev Elliot, Rod & Custom Magazine, ’46 Ford Pickup, 34.906 9. Liz Miles, Popular Hot Rodding, ’66 Chevelle, 35.804 10. Matt Degen, Orange County Register Auto Editor, ’70 “Supernova”, 35.869

Hurry! Get Your Pleasanton Swap Meet Spaces Reserved!

The 27th All American Get-Together Swap Meet is filling up rapidly! Spaces are very limited so if you plan on reserving a swap space you should act fast. Swap vendors are restricted to automotive related items only.

The 27th All American Get-Together is March 28 & 29 at the Pleasanton Fairgrounds. The event features over 3,000 American powered rods, customs, classics and muscle cars of all years, makes and models! A giant swap meet (the biggest of the year in Pleasanton!), cars for sale corral, vendor exhibits, model cars how & much more are featured.

It’s as easy as following these three simple steps.
Step 1: Download a swap meet application form. Click here:
http://ggweb1.good-guys.com/pdf/09-801/2009_Swap_GT_Application.pdf

Step 2: download a swap space map here:
http://www.good-guys.com/pdf/09-801/SwapMap_09.pdf

Step 3: Call Andrew Walker at (925) 218-9114 or Edward Silay at (925) 218-9127 for space assignment or e-mail them andreww@good-guys.com  edwards@good-guys.com

West Coast Summer Cruises Planned!

Western Divisional Rodder’s Rep Don Grant and his wife Nelda have been busy organizing two spectacular summer cruises this year that will take rodders on two fun and scenic journey’s to the Goodguys 12th DuPont Colorado Nationals  in June and up to the 22nd Pacific Northwest Nationals in Puyallup, Washington in July. The Colorado Nationals Cruise will tour scenic Highway 395 along the eastern edge of the sierra Nevada before turning east into the flatlands of Nevada and Utah mining country. Then it’s up and over the spectacular rocky mountains and down into the Loveland area. Breathtaking scenery to be sure! Colorado Nationals Cruise!   Monday June 1st. Tour departs the NHRA Museum, 1101 W. McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA  91768 at 8am sharp! Day 1: Travel from Pomona to Bishop, CA (approx 265 miles) First night stop:  Holiday Inn Express $111.00 636 N Main St Bishop CA 93514 (760) 872-2423 Day 2: Tuesday, June 2nd. Travel from Bishop, CA to Ely, NV (approx 285 miles) Historic Hotel Nevada $40.50 501 Aultman St Ely, Nevada 89301 (775) 289-6665 Day 3: Wednesday, June 3rd.  Travel from Ely, NV to Vernal, UT (approx 410 miles) Econolodge $89.95 311 E Main St Vernal Utah 84078 (435) 789-2000 Thursday June 4th, arrive in Loveland Colorado just in time for the Pinkee’s Rod Shop kickoff party! Pacific Northwest Nationals Cruise! The Pacific Northwest Nationals Cruise will take rodders on a coastal journey up the historic El Camino Real into the heart of the Salinas Valley then up through the Eel river wilderness of Northern California along highway 101.  Crossing into Oregon, the cruise will meander up the Oregon Coastline to the port town of Florence. The final cruise day will feature a drive up through Eugene, Oregon and on up through Olympia, Washington and on into the Puyallup valley to the event! Monday July 20th. Tour departs the NHRA Museum, 1101 W. McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA  91768 at 8am sharp! Day 1: Travel from Pomona, CA to Salinas, CA (approx 331 miles) First night stop:    Quality Inn $89.99 144 Kern St Salinas CA 93905 (831) 758-8850 Day 2: Tuesday July 21st. Travel from Salinas, CA to Eureka, CA (approx 373 miles) Best Western Humboldt Bay Inn   $99.00 232 W 5th St Eureka CA  95501 (707) 443-2234 Day 3: Wednesday July 22nd, Travel from Eureka, CA to Florence, OR (approx 267 miles) Holiday Inn Express   $125.00 2475 Hwy 101 Florence Oregon 97439 (541) 997-7797 Thursday July 23rd, arrive in Puyallup, Washington at the fairgrounds for the kickoff party! Each person is responsible for making their own hotel reservations for both trips. When you call for your reservations be sure to mention you are with Goodguys as the rates have been negotiated for the Goodguys cruise. For additional information please call Don Grant @ (909) 622-0248 or email him at dgrant248@aol.com * But wait! That’s not all! Midwest and Eastern Cruises are currently being organized by National Rodder’s Rep Bill Goodwill. When we get all the final details we’ll post ‘em here on Hot News and post them to the cruise page here on the website as well!

Sign Up Now for the Del Mar Nationals Cruise!

A special Hot Rod Cruise down California’s San Joaquin Valley is scheduled just prior to the Goodguys 9th Del Mar Nationals presented by Meguiar’s! The cruise will depart Goodguys Headquarters in Pleasanton Wednesday, April 1st at 8 a.m. arriving in Del Mar the next afternoon, Thursday, April 2nd. The cruise will meander down historic Highway 99 stopping at hot rod shops and private collections along the way. It’s 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! For additional cruise information and hotel information contact Heather Nething at (925) 218-9129 heathern@good-guys.com

2009 Season Officially Kicks off this Weekend in Costa Mesa!

The 3rd Meguiar’s Orange County Get-Together officially kicks off the 2009 Goodguys season this weekend at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, California!

A tremendous weekend of auto-themed activities starts bright and early Saturday morning with the huge outdoor show & shine as well hundreds of vendor exhibits, the Street Challenge Autocross, live music, kids activities and more! This is the third year Goodguys will start the season deep in the heart of car country in Orange County. A welcome ridge of hi-pressure has built in over the Western U.S. and the forecast looks spectacular all week and weekend with temperatures in the low 70s by Saturday in Costa Mesa.

The 3rd Meguiar’s Orange Copunty Get-Together welcomes all years, makes & models of American powered cars and trucks, so if you’ve got a street rod, hot rod, custom car, muscle car, trick truck or a late model car or truck – this is the place to be! All are welcome from wild to mild, classic and fantastic!

Event registration for participants is located onsite. If you would like to enter your vehicle, come through gate #4 off Arlington Ave and follow the signs registration tent. Two day registration fee is $50 and includes the car and two people. Sunday-only registration fee is $35 and includes the car & two people.

The Street Challenge Autocross is open to all event participants and will be run both days. The special Editor’s Challenge Cup, which will match editor’s of your favorite automotive titles against each other is scheduled for Saturday at high NOON.

Tjin Edition Pontiac G8 Headed to Costa Mesa

Neil Tjin’s “Tjin Edition / Mobil 1 Pontiac G8 CST” which made its grand debut the 2008 at SEMA show in Las Vegas will be on display at next weekend’s 3rd Meguiar’s Orange County Get-Together. The aggressive Pontiac, which also collected the “GM best concept vehicle” award at SEMA will perform in the Street Challenge Autocross on Sunday, March 15th. Who is Neil Tjin? Neil Tjin, is one of the top up and coming designers within the automotive industry. He has been involved in the sport compact market for more than a decade. Over the years Tjin and his talented staff have been responsible for designing and building more than fifty high profile vehicles showcasing their creative talents on numerous Hondas, Acuras, Nissans, Infinitis, Scions, Volvos, Chevrolets and Pontiacs. In recent years Tjin has also teamed up with major OEM manufacturers such as Chevrolet, Pontiac, Scion and Honda North America. About the Tjin Edition / Mobil 1 Pontiac G8 CST  The Tjin Edition Pontiac G8 GT will be known as the Pontiac G8 CST (In honor of Neil and Mei’s first baby boy Collin Samuel Tjin). This one of a kind sedan was built and designed to help increase awareness and to showcase the potential of a sedan. The Tjin Edition Pontiac G8 CST is outfitted with a custom paint job, pin stripping, metal rear wing, custom mesh grilles, custom 20×9.5″and 20×10.5″ 6 and 7-spoke One Lug Wheels matched up to 245/35/20 & 285/30/20 Dunlop tires, Corvette Z06 big brakes, raised shock towers and Eibach springs, Webasto twin-vent sunroof, fully rewrapped interior, GlowShift gauges, Focal audio, Ignited Performance headlight and fog light HID’s, Vortech supercharger, American Racing headers and x-pipe, custom Magnaflow exhaust and plenty more modifications.

Way Cool Woodie for the Goodguy

Goodguys founder and Chairman Gary Meadors is workin’ on a new car with the help of some old friends. Long a fan of big 40s era classics, the new project is a 1948 Chrysler Town and Country convertible – a graceful beauty with long, low symmetrical lines. Working off a sketch by Thom Taylor, Meadors has appointed Bob Bauder of Crestline, California as captain of the build team. The completely new wood installation is courtesy of Cincinnati Woodworks. The gang at Wood N Carr will perform the intricate wood finish work. The color will be a deep maroon with warm, rich wood tones. Under the long smooth hood will sit a 2006 Dodge Viper “Gen 3” SRT 10 with an automatic trans. An Art Morrison chassis with coilover’s and 4 wheel disc brakes will get the big Woodie riding in ultra cool, ultra low fashion. The bright work will be handled by Sherm’s plating. Seventeen inch Chrysler wires & whitewall’s finish off the look. In sticking to the Meadors signature, the goal is to have an extremely low stock appearing classic Chrysler for comfortable long distance cruisin’ and profilin’.

Exclusive News Flash! ’65 Buick Giveaway on Tap for Pleasanton Events!

The Goodguys are teaming up with with Live 105, KCBS, KFRC and CBS 5 to give away a Vintage 1965 Buick Le Sabre this season. The final drawing will take place at the 20th Autumn Get-Together, November 14 & 15 at the Pleasanton Fairgrounds this fall. Semi finalists will be chosen at all four 2009 Goodguys events held at the Pleasanton Fairgrounds. The first giveaway finalists will be chosen at the 27th All American Get-Together March 28 & 29 at the Pleasanton Fairgrounds. Additional finalists and qualifiers will be chosen throughout the year by registering on CBS 5 radio websites including KFRC www.kfrc.com, LIVE 105 www.live105.com and KCBS www.kcbs.com. The Buick is a clean 60’s machine powered by a 364 cubic inch, 355 horsepower Wildcat engine. Additional features include Vintage Air under dash AC, Intro Custom Wheels, exterior treatment from Steele Rubber Products and a light blue coat of Sherwin Williams Paint. It’s the fourth car in the last eleven years Goodguys has given away as a promotion in Northern California. “It almost feels like tradition giving away a car in Pleasanton,” said Goodguys President Marc Meadors. “We are lucky to have creative media partners like Live 105, KCBS, KFRC and CBS 5, that understand the value of blessing a lucky winner with a classic muscle car. It carries enthusiasm all year long for the fun events we do in Pleasanton and those together. We are happy to be able to provide our fans with a unique opportunity like this.” Stop by the Live 105 or KFRC booth at the 27th All American Get-Together to see the car up close and register to win!