Hot Rods and the Hot Rod Lifestyle Set to Rumble to Pocono Raceway for the Goodguys 4th Great American Nationals presented by Grundy Worldwide, Sept. 26-28

Hear that throaty V-8 rumble off in the distance? It’s the sound of 2,500-plus hot rods and custom cars headed to Pocono Raceway. The Goodguys 4th Great American Nationals presented by Grundy Worldwide will take over Pocono Raceway, September 26, 27 & 28 in Long Pond, PA, turning the spacious Speedway known as the “tricky triangle” into a scene from American Graffiti.

Northern California-based Goodguys Rod & Custom Association, producers of America’s largest hot rod festivals, has chosen Pocono Raceway as the site for its fourth edition of the Great American Nationals event.

Event features include a car show, an automotive swap meet, a vendor exhibit midway, track cruise, Street Challenge auto-cross and a host of other automotive-themed activities. The Goodguys 4th Great American Nationals is the nineteenth of 24 annual hot rod and custom car events that are promoted and produced by the Goodguys.

 “It is a no-brainer to hold a Goodguys National event at Pocono Raceway,” says Goodguys Vice President of Event Operations, Harry Davies. “Our events fit Speedways so perfectly. There’s lots of room to park and cruise; the pit garage serves as perfect spaces for the vendor midway, and the participants feel at home at these venues. Throw in the track cruise, the Street Challenge Autocross and a sea of brilliant and colorful hot rods… and you’ve got a winning formula which is fun for all participants and spectators.”

Chuck Wasoski, Vice President of the Collector Car Insurance Program at Grundy Worldwide, adds that “any time the Goodguys put a show on at a racetrack, it is always an enjoyable time. It’s more of a ‘car place’ than just a parking lot.”

“There’s a certain feeling that comes with being in the infield of a race track,” continues Chuck. “You look around at all the seats, the track, see all the history. It’s amazing. And, just driving up to a large racetrack is enough to give me the chills.”

Chuck adds that he has high expectations for this year’s event, held at the new location.

“Hershey was nice,” he says of the previous location for this event. “But, from what I hear, people are signed up for this event and ready to go. It’s beautiful country out there, especially at this time of year. The weather is cooling down, and it will be great to be able to walk around and just enjoy ourselves.”

On Saturday evening, event participants with a car in the show will have the opportunity to cruise around Pocono Raceway. In addition to the track cruise, another popular driving event is the Street Challenge Autocross – a strategically mapped out road course designed to test the performance of participant vehicles.

The Goodguys 4th Great American Nationals presented by Grundy Worldwide will have everything the auto buff and gear head could ever want. A used parts automotive swap meet will join a special “cars for sale corral” where automotive treasure hunters can seek out hard-to-find parts and buy and/or sell the car of their dreams.

Awards are a large part of any automotive event, and the Goodguys 4th Great American Nationals will offer plenty. Special awards like the “Low Lid” will go to the hot rod or custom car with the lowest roof. The “Homebuilt Heaven” pick, sponsored by Timberland/Pro apparel, goes to a rod or custom that was completely built and fabricated by the owner in his or her own garage. The event will also showcase the Street Rodder Top 100, Goodguys Fab 5 and the Goodguys Pro’s Picks. Close to 80 other specialty awards will be presented.

Goodguys President, Marc Meadors says: “The beautiful setting of the Poconos and Pocono Raceway will provide a great backdrop for the event. The hotels in the surrounding areas are filling up, and local guys and clubs are behind this event. We hope to establish a long term run here.”

Event hours are Friday and Saturday, 8am to 5pm and Sunday, 8am to 3pm. General admission is $17, and kids 7-12, $6. Kids 6 and under are FREE. Spectator parking is free.  To purchase tickets online, go to www.good-guys.com. For additional event information, contact the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association at (925) 838-9876 or visit www.good-guys.com.  For local information call Pocono Raceway at (570) 646-2300 or visit www.poconoraceway.com

Story by: Betsy Livingston, Goodguys. Additional information added by Becky McLaughlin, Grundy Worldwide. Edited by Becky McLaughlin.