Goodguys Missile Coming Together at RPM Hot Rods

A little carrier pigeon delivered some interesting photos recently from the gang at RPM Hot Rods in Warrendale, PA. The “Goodguys Missile” – next year’s Grand Prize Giveaway Car is coming right along! The project, based on Steve Stanford’s “Goodguys Missile” illustration (below), has made great strides in recent months.

The 1970 Dodge Challenger, based loosely on Don Carlton’s legendary “Motown Missile” has been completely disassembled, massaged, cut and mated to the custom chassis from the Roadster Shop. The trick chassis features independent front and rear suspension and when the Ridetech coilover’s are added it should out-handle just about anything on the road! Brand new rear quarters and deck lid have been added as well as new front fenders courtesy of Goodmark Industries. Wider rear wheel tubs have been fabricated to accommodate the meaty Michelin’s and Billet Specialties wheels.

The ‘Missile will be powered by a hearty 426 Mopar currently being assembled by Indy Cylinder Heads. The transmission will be a Tremec 5 speed. It will make its grand debut at the 3rd Spring Nationals, March 9-11 in Scottsdale, AZ.

We’ll definitely be doing more photo updates on this one! Stay tuned!

19th Lone Star Nationals Takes Over Texas Motor Speedway This Weekend!

The Goodguys 19th Lone Star Nationals rolls into the giant sized Texas Motor Speedway this weekend bringing over 2,000 rods, customs and classics through 1972 vintage, plus vendor exhibits, a swap meet & cars 4 sale corral, Goodguys AutoCross, live nostalgia entertainment with the Mark Monaco and lots more fun for the entire family!

On Saturday, celebrity builder Kenny Davis of Kenny Davis Hot Rods will select the Goodguys Builder’s Choice awards. To be eligible for one of the Kenny Davis picks, you must park in the Goodguys Builder’s Choice parking area Saturday from 7am-noon. Davis will select 10 Builder’s Choice awards.

Saturday evening track cruise!

NASCAR rental rides from “Team Texas” and a Saturday evening track cruise around the high banks of TMS are also included! Don’t miss this Texas sized auto lover’s paradise!

Event Hours
Friday 9/30 8am to 5pm
Saturday 10/1 8am to 5pm
Sunday 10/2 8am to 3pm

General Admission:
Adults $18
Kids (7-12) $6

Vehicle Registration:
At Event Weekend Fee: $75
At Event Sunday Only Fee: $40
Registration will be held at the DFW Marriott

Swap Meet & Car Corral:
$65 per space. Swap & Car Corral set up starts Thursday @ NOON. For more info on the swap meet visit www.jeffjohnsonmotorsports.com

For a complete look at this weekend’s 19th Lone Star Nationals visit www.lonestarnats.com

Final Six Terrific 12 Award Winners to be Announced Friday, October 7th!

On Friday October 7th, we’ll be announcing all remaining Goodguys 2011 Terrific 12 regional award winners right here on Hot News! The list of winners will include:

- Grundy Kustom of the Year
- Vintage Air Custom Rod of the Year
-Hemmings Muscle Machines Muscle Car of the Year
-Detroit Speed Muscle Machine of the Year
-Street Rod Headquarters Truck of the Year – Early (through ’52)
-LMC Truck Parts Truck of the Year – Late (’53-’72)

All 2011 Terrific 12 winners will be together at the season-ending 14th Southwest Nationals, November 18-20 at Westworld In Scottsdale in the “Champion’s Arena” presented by Street Rod Headquarters. Each car will be displayed on the upper paddock area next to the big brown tent. They will also receive their custom Snap-on toolboxes which will also be on display!

Check back Friday, October 7th to see who wins!

Stay Warm while Looking Cool this Fall!

As the cold weather approaches (and you know it always does) we’d like to help you look your best and stay warm in Goodguys Gear! We’re all stocked up on all kinds of stylish, warm and comfortable sweatshirts, hoodies, long sleeve tee shirts, caps and more!

There’s a little something for everyone including stylish options in all adult sizes! Don’t put it off, get ready for the fall chill today!

Click here to start shopping

Questions? Call the Goodguys Merchandise dept (925) 838-9876 Ext 182

Dave Schaub Does it Again!

Hot rodding’s ultimate iron man Dave Schaub drove his Brizio-built ’32 roadster through all 49 continental Unites States in an amazing 7 days, 14 hours and 21 minutes in a fund raising effort for the kids of the Ronald McDonald House at Stanford University. It was the second trip through all 49 states for Schaub in the last two years!

He took off from Maine in the wee morning hours of Saturday, September 10th and after 8, 680 miles drove into Hyder, Alaska Saturday afternoon September 17th. He went through 542 gallons of gas and averaged 63.7mph. Why would a hot rodder like Dave put himself through something like this? It’s a logical question. “I’m creating an opportunity for people to get involved in helping others,” he said. “It’s my way of getting people with similar interests to step up and support something they can connect with and be proud they did. Besides it’s just a few weeks out of my life to help make a difference”.

To read all about Dave’s amazing journey, see pictures of the trip or to donate to the Ronald McDonald House visit his website www.49in7.com

Congratulations from all of us at Goodguys Dave!

Hot Rod of the Year Title Won by Pittsburgh based ’32 Ford Roadster

The “Racing Capital of the World” turned into Hot Rod Central last weekend as historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway hosted the Goodguys 1st WIX Filters Speedway Nationals. The first year event attracted over 2,500 rods and customs from 31 different states. Hot rodder Michael Tarquinio from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania had a particularly memorable weekend after his “Second Wind” ’32 Ford roadster won the Goodguys 2011 Gearstar Hot Rod of the Year title.

Tarquinio’s low flying original steel roadster has a decades old pedigree. First built in the 1970s then mothballed when the original owner fell ill, it sat for nearly 40 years before he stumbled upon it in the rafters of an old Pennsylvania barn. A Ford guy through and through, Tarquinio always wondered what Edsel Ford would have done with a Zephyr roadster. It was that curiosity that drove the roadster build from the beginning.

Along with his friends at G.I. S. Automotive Tarquinio painted and assembled the car at his Pittsburg shop last year for a January 2011 debut. The PPG “Washington Blue” roadster body sits on a pair of So-Cal speed shop rails. The car’s heartbeat is an incredibly polished and detailed ’57 Oldsmobile J2 with Stromberg six pack and ultra rare aluminum heads. Torque and horsepower are converted through a Tremec 5 speed transmission and polished banjo style Winters rear end. The retro yet striking interior is Oxblood full grain leather with German square weave carpet. The dash and steering wheel are from a ’40 Lincoln sectioned to fit snugly inside the cockpit. Fog lights and taillights are ’36 Zephyr while the Pines ’32 Ford grill adds a touch of nostalgia. Meticulously handmade Zephyr emblems are courtesy of Motor Head Design. The butternut colored wheels are one-off artillery style by Wheel Smith with 1940 Zephyr hubcaps and trim rings. The roadster rolls on vintage Firestone wide white bias ply tires.

Different than any other Goodguys yearly award, the Goodguys/Gearstar Hot Rod of the Year competition requires contestants drive a rigorous 150 mile reliability run as well as a burnout and blast down a drag strip. Tarquinio’s roadster performed flawlessly passing all tests with style proving this winner has as much “go” as “show.” In addition to being named the Goodguys 2011 Gearstar Hot Rod of the Year, it was also named ISCA Roadster Class Champion this year.

For his Indy triumph, Tarquinio will receive a trip to the Goodguys 14th Southwest Nationals November 18-20 in Scottsdale to display his car in the “Champion’s arena” presented by Street Rod Headquarters. Snap-on will reward him with a custom tool box and for the mantle he received a billet aluminum award from Goodguys.

Fellow award finalists included Rodney Harris, Leighton, AL (’32 Ford 3 window coupe) Bill Paul, Highland, IL (’32 Ford Tudor), Gordon Peters, Sunfish Lake, MN (’32 Ford Tudor), Ken Reister, Littleton, CO (’33 Ford coupe).

Going to SEMA? Visit us on Hot Rod Alley!

This year’s SEMA show will be held November 1-4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and The Goodguys Rod & Custom Association will be there! We’d love to visit with you at our booth! The Goodguys Gang will be in our traditional spot on Hot Rod Alley booth #22775.

Stop by and pick up a 2012 Goodguys event schedule, a 2011 Yearbook, a new Gazette and see Project CleanAir ’55 up close! Goodguys will also crown the 2011 Trendsetter Wednesday evening, November 2nd at the HRIA Industry Reception which runs from 5:15-7:30pm in ball rooms A & B at the Las Vegas Hilton. Who will be named Trendsetter for 2011?

For more visit www.semashow.com

Thanksgiving Event Starts a New Holiday Tradition for Goodguys!

A brand new holiday tradition will gets kick started this year with the Goodguys 1st Fall Del Mar Nationals scheduled for November 25, 26 & 27 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The event officially closes out the 2011 Goodguys event season. The Fall Del Mar Nationals will feature all of the exciting event features you’ve come to expect from Goodguys including a show & shine with over 1,500 rods, customs, classics, muscle cars and tricked out trucks through 1972.

Indoor car shows will be held inside the Pat O’Brien Hall as well as the Commercial Exhibit Building showcasing a spectacular array of the Southland’s finest rides including a special Woody exhibit. Vendor exhibits, swap meet & car corral, Goodguys AutoCross, how-to seminars, a model car show plus the exciting Goodguys Nitro Thunderfest (featuring vintage top fuel dragsters) and live music will make for a full and exciting weekend!

Instead of crowding into the shopping malls on Black Friday, come kick tires and relax with Goodguys and close out the season in style at the all new Fall Del Mar Nationals Friday-Sunday, November 25-27! To pre-register today visit the official event website www.falldelmarnats.com

Stolen ’32 Ford Revovered in Indy!

The saga of Jim and Jason Smith’s candy rootbeer ’32 Ford continued with a happy ending this afternoon, September 17th in Indianapolis. The car was recovered in the driveway of an abandoned house in Southeast Indianapolis by the local police. The car was in perfect condition without a scratch on it!

It was stolen early Friday morning from the parking lot of the Wyndham Indy West. Everyone sends their thanks to the Indianapolis Police Dept for their excellent work in recovering the car!

Hot Rodding’s Marathon Man Dave Schaub is Doing it Again!

Hot rodding’s “marathon man” Dave Schaub is at it again. The San Francisco bay area rodder and long time Goodguys member has embarked on his second fund raising mission in the last 3 years – a mission to drive his Brizio-built ’32 Ford roadster through all 49 Continental United States in just 7 days! He’s asking the entire rodding community to get behind his fund raising drive and donate a penny per mile (or more if you feel like it) to give the proceeds to the Ronald McDonald house. His goal for this year’s amazing trip is to raise $150,000. So far he’s raised $42,915.00.

Dave took off from Maine, Saturday morning September 10th and looks to arrive in Hyder, Alaska this weekend. Why would a hot rodder like Dave put himself through something like this? It’s a logical question. “I’m creating an opportunity for people to get involved in helping others,” he said. “It’s my way of getting people with similar interests to step up and support something they can connect with and be proud they did. Besides it’s just a few weeks out of my life to help make a difference”.

Pretty remarkable we’d say. You can help out Dave and the kids at Ronald McDonald House by visiting Dave’s website www.49in7.com. You can donate with the click of your mouse but you can also follow Dave’s journey live as it unfolds as well as read up on his daily blog. It’s truly a remarkable feat by a remarkable Goodguy. We’re all pulling for ya Dave!

That website once again – www.49in7.com. Help Dave make a difference!

The Wait is over! Goodguys 1st WIX Filters Speedway Nationals Visits Indy Motor Speedway This Weekend!

The wait is over! After a year of anticipation, the inaugural Goodguys WIX Filters Speedway Nationals roars into Indianapolis Motor Speedway this weekend September 16-18! The first event of its kind ever to be held on the hallowed grounds of the Speedway will be staged throughout the infield, garage area, Gasoline alley as well as the scenic plaza. The event will feature over 3,000 rods, customs, classics and muscle cars, plus vendor exhibits, a Goodguys AutoCross, swap meet, track cruise, Hot Rod of the Year competition, Builder’s Choice picks by Troy and Jack Trepanier, live entertainment and so much more!

Auto racing legends are also a big part of the weekend! NASCAR’s all time winningest driver, “The King” Richard Petty will make an exclusive appearance at the Speedway Nationals Saturday, September 17th from 2:30-4pm to sign autographs at the WIX Filters booth on the Midway. Indy Racing League star Ed Carpenter, driver of the Dollar General IRL entry from the Sarah Fisher Racing Team will make a special appearance on Sunday, September 18th. Carpenter will sign autographs for fans beginning at 11am alongside his Dollar General Indy Car displayed in the East Chalet plaza near the winner’s circle.

Don’t miss out on the most anticipated Goodguys National event in years. The party gets started Thursday at 4pm over at Skillman’s museum and speed shop for the kickoff party. Pick up your map to Skillman’s @ registration or visit them online http://www.rayskillmanclassiccars.com. Get down to the hallowed grounds of Indianapolis Motor Speedway THIS WEEKEND to be part of history!

Goodguys 1st WIX Filters Speedway Nationals
September 16-18
Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Event Hours:
Fri 8-5
Sat 8-5
Sun 8-3
General Admission: $18
Kids 7-12 $6
Kids 6 & under FREE
Car Show Registration (Registration will be located at the Speedway Museum)
3 day registration fee: $75 (includes the car and 2 people)
Sunday-only Registration: $40 (includes the car & 2 people)
Swap Meet & Car Corral – Spaces are $60 at the event. First come first serve. Set up starts Thursday 9/15 @ noon. Call (765) 352-1330 for more swap meet info.

Official Event Website:
www.speedwaynats.com

Traffic Alert for 1st WIX Filters Speedway Nationals!

For those heading to the Goodguys 1st WIX Filters Speedway Nationals Sept 16-18 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway please be advised that the Crawfordsville Rd exits off I-465 in both north and southbound directions are closed due to road construction!

But fear not. There are still clear routes to the Speedway! To see the suggested routes, just click the image below to enlarge or print out.

For complete event information, visit http://www.speedwaynats.com

ndy Car Star Ed Carpenter Coming to Goodguys 1st WIX Filters Speedway Nationals

We have some breaking news this morning from Goodguys headquarters! Indy Racing League star Ed Carpenter, driver of the Dollar General IRL entry from the Sarah Fisher Racing Team will make a special appearance at the Goodguys 1st WIX Filters Speedway Nationals on Sunday, September 18th. Carpenter will sign autographs for fans beginning at 11am alongside his Dollar General Indy Car displayed in the East Chalet plaza near the winner’s circle.

Carpenter had a successful May this season, starting the 2011 Indy 500 from 8th position. A former USAC midget standout, Carpenter began his Indy Racing career in 2004 with the Cheever Red Bull team. For more, visit http://www.sarahfisherracing.com/

25th West Coast Nationals Music Video Rewind!

The Route 2 Media team got their first ever chance to film an event in Pleasanton, fixing their eagle eyes and high quality lenses on the Goodguys 25th West Coast Nationals in Pleasanton.

It was a special event on many levels. Of all 21 Goodguys events around the country, none can match the rich tradition of the West Coast Nationals! Enjoy the music video!

2012 Pleasanton Event Dates Announced

The 25th West Coast Nationals was so spectacular it reminded us all how lucky we are to have the privilege of hosting events at the Pleasanton Fairgrounds. From the high quality cars to the thousands of enthusiastic fans and hundreds of vendors, a Goodguys happenin’ in Pleasanton is always a pleasurable experience.

We’ve been working hard on the Goodguys 2012 season schedule and have secured all four event dates at the Pleasanton Fairgrounds. The three “Get-Together” events (March, June and November) welcome all years, makes & models of American powered cars and trucks while the 26th edition of the West Coast Nationals welcomes rods, customs, classics, muscle cars and trucks through 1972 vintage.

It’s never too early to start planning your trips to Pleasanton! Here’s a look at next year’s event dates:

Goodguys 30th All American Get-Together March 24 & 25, 2012
Goodguys 19th Summer Get-Together June 2 & 3, 2012
Goodguys 26th West Coast Nationals August 24, 25 & 26, 2012
Goodguys 23rd Autumn Get-Together November 10 & 11, 2012

What about all of the 2012 Goodguys event dates around the country you may ask? We’re working on the entire 2012 event schedule and will have it posted as soon as we get it finalized.

Get Your Photo Taken on the Bricks with WIX in Indy!

Heading to Indy for the Goodguys 1st WIX Filters Speedway Nationals September 16-18 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway? There are dozens of reason why you should be!

One of the “can’t miss” event highlights will be a photo opportunity with the WIX Filters race cars! On Sunday morning, the NASCAR entry of Ryan Newman and the Indy Racing League Indy Car of Paul Tracy will be parked on the IMS starting line bricks for photos with event participants! You’ll be able to pull your car right in between the NASCAR and Indy Car for the photo opportunity of a lifetime! The Photo Sports team will be handling the photography and will have images available SAME DAY!

The WIX team will have the cars on display all weekend at the show. Joining Newman’s Chevrolet Impala and Tracy’s Indycar will be the WIX NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Funny Car of Tony Pedregon! All three cars will be on display Friday and Saturday near the entertainment stage/Pagoda area.

Sunday’s photo opportunity will begin at 9am on the start/finish line. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity!

A Look Ahead to the Goodguys 1st WIX Filters Speedway Nationals at Indianapolis Motor Speedway!

The inaugural Goodguys WIX Filters Speedway Nationals, September 16-18 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is just days away! The first event of its kind ever to be held on the hallowed grounds of the Speedway will be staged throughout the infield, garage area, Gasoline alley as well as the scenic plaza. The event will feature over 3,000 rods, customs, classics and muscle cars, plus vendor exhibits, an autocross performance course, swap meet, track cruise and much more!

Just the thought of being part of the first major rod & custom event to ever be held at the ‘Brickyard has many senior staff members buzzing with anticipation. “We consider it an honor to hold an event at IMS,” said Harry Daviess – Goodguys VP of Event Operations. “The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a shrine, the most hallowed ground in American motorsports. To be able to bring an event here means so much to Goodguys, our event participants, our sponsors and our fans. It has already created an unprecedented buzz in our industry.”

Daviess admits the estimate of 3,000 participant cars might be conservative . “We could see as many as 3,500 to 4,000 for the inaugural event,” he said. The event will be spectacular on many levels including a track cruise around IMS, Autocross, swap meet and cars for sale, live entertainment and the crowning of the Goodguys 2011 Gearstar Hot Rod of the Year and much more. Make sure you get pre-registered today so you don’t miss the most historic Goodguys event ever held!

Registration will be held right at the Speedway Thursday 9/15 9am-6pm, Friday 9/16 8am-6pm, Saturday 9/17 7am-3pm and Sunday 9/18 8am to NOON. If you’d like to poke around the officical event website click here: http://www.speedwaynats.com/

See you in Indy!