The 2011 Car Craft Summer Nationals

2011 Car Craft Summer Nationals Car Meet

What a summer it has been: The stock market took a dive, fuel costs fluctuated wildly, and record numbers of people remain unemployed. While Congress can’t seem to agree on how to fix our stagnant economy, if polled, they would all reach across the aisle to issue this decree: The ’11 Car Craft Summer Nationals presented by GM Performance Division was a resounding success. Even a Minnesota state government shutdown couldn’t crush the spirit of our faithful readers and show-goers, though for a few tense moments we worried a potential closure of the fairgrounds would scuttle this year’s show.

It seems the fairgrounds are staffed with enough nongovernment employees that it remained open throughout, while most government institutions were shuttered. So it was business as usual at our summer home-away- from-home, and people turned out in droves seeking a fun distraction amid the sea of depressing reality. And we offered distractions galore. Cars? Of course. What’s your pleasure? We had Pro Street, Pro Touring, monster trucks, family trucksters, sleepers, rat rods, and pro-beaters in attendance. Girls? Yup. The fairer sex was well represented in the crowd. A few of them were even brave enough to show some skin in the Miss Car Craft Summer Nationals bikini contest. Food? Check. The fairgrounds were sporting a couple of new fine dining establishments this year, and the food stands that have typically been closed in the past were open for business this weekend, serving the best Midwestern fair food we’ve had the pleasure of sampling. Kids? Yeah, we even planned activities for future car crafters like Revell’s Make-N-Take. Someone smarter than we staffers pitched the idea to the folks at Revell, and they agreed to provide model kits of a ’69 Camaro (what else would you expect?) for kids and their parents to put together. Competition? Naturally, Real Street Eliminator returned to the show for the third straight year. Pitting old cars against new cars in a series of challenges, we crowned three champions (Vettes and Vipers were grouped in a separate class) on Sunday afternoon, the results of which may surprise you. Knowledge? That was also new this year at the Royal Purple DIY garage. We invited several of our vendors to give panel discussions on their latest products and innovations in 60-minute sessions throughout the weekend. We also introduced the Car Craft Pro-Builder Shootout presented by Pioneer Car Audio this year, a competition among some of the nation’s top builders who were cool enough to attend the show. The winner was chosen completely by you, our readers. If that wasn’t enough entertainment for the most blue-blooded car lover, you’d better check your pulse—you might actually be deceased.

The Crowd

One compelling reason to go to the Summer Nationals is for the camaraderie. It’s like hanging out with more than 30,000 of your closest friends who brought more than 5,000 vehicles, and all of them want to talk cars.

These ladies want to see you at the Nats next year.
Even on Friday there was a large line of cars waiting to get into the fairgrounds.

The line of people at the gate was equally impressive.
Once inside, cars and crowds mingled in a massive throng of skin and steel. Sometimes a little more skin than we needed to see.
Once inside, cars and crowds mingled in a massive throng of skin and steel. Sometimes a li

The Cars

2011 Car Craft Summer Nationals Z06 Corvette

The Car Craft Summer Nationals presented by GM Performance Division always draws a stellar group of cars, but there are a few that stand out, even in this worthy group. Here are some of the highlights.

Keith Sand’s ’66 GTO stopped us dead in our tracks. He bought it in 1974 and drag raced it for 17 years. He spent the following 10 years carefully restoring it, just getting it back on the road for this year’s show.
Keith Sand’s ’66 GTO stopped us dead in our tracks. He bought it in 1974 and drag raced it
Pontiac purists will cry foul upon seeing the big-block Chevy under the hood, but the car is so nice, we weren’t put off. Keith was proud to point out that the body is all original steel, and he’s making enough power to run low 10s at the dragstrip.
Pontiac purists will cry foul upon seeing the big-block Chevy under the hood, but the car
The supercharger positively dwarfs the big-block between the fenders and drew gawkers everywhere Wayne drove it.
The supercharger positively dwarfs the big-block between the fenders and drew gawkers ever

Another standout was Wayne Fritchie’s ’65 El Camino.

GM Cars

Frankly, this show couldn’t happen without financial help from GM Performance Division. We honestly appreciate GMPD’s presence and loved the fleet of cars and engines it brought to display. Among them were several versions of the new Camaro, the E-Rod ’55 Chevy, the awesome Z06X Corvette, and one of the last Buick GNXs ever to be made. Go to CarCraft.com/videos and check out all nine GM Performance Division videos.
Frankly, this show couldn’t happen without financial help from GM Performance Division. We
While we weren’t racing to theaters to see it, Bumblebee from the new Transformers movie was instantly recognizable, especially to kids in the crowd. GM Performance Division ran a couple of parade laps through the fairgrounds with Bumblebee in the lead.
While we weren’t racing to theaters to see it, Bumblebee from the new Transformers movie w

GM also brought several of its historic engines to the show. Here’s the legendary “Mystery Motor” 427 big-block.
GM also brought several of its historic engines to the show. Here’s the legendary “Mystery
Also noteworthy was the Cadillac 331ci V8. Along with an Oldsmobile version of the same model year, this engine was the first domestic overhead-valve V8 in mass production.
Also noteworthy was the Cadillac 331ci V8. Along with an Oldsmobile version of the same mo

The Competition

The QA1 autocross, the Mobil 1 Launch Box, and the Lucas Oil chassis dyno were open to all registered participants. It didn’t matter whether you were making more than 1,000 hp, like Wayne’s Elco, Andy Wickes and his crew would run your car and give you the good (or bad) news. Check out the footage on CarCraft.com.

Blinged out front runners/flamethrowers in the back.
Autocross is a good test of driver skill and car setup. Check out Ryan Buck piloting his ’63 Nova to the best time overall of the entire weekend. We totally loved Ryan’s Pro-Beater formula—a killer drivetrain and suspension underneath a fresh-from-the-barn exterior. Look for more of these cars in CC.
Autocross is a good test of driver skill and car setup. Check out Ryan Buck piloting his ’

No, the TCI burnout contest wasn’t part of Real Street Eliminator (maybe we should re-think that. . .), but yes, it was a highlight of the afternoon on both Saturday and Sunday. Nothing draws a crowd like tire smoke. Stern looks from the burnout contest winners.
No, the TCI burnout contest wasn’t part of Real Street Eliminator (maybe we should re-thin

The Pros

The Car Craft Pro Builder of the Year was the brainchild of our new publisher, Ed Zinke (Chicago native—Go Bears!). He sent invitations to the country’s top builders, and they answered the call, appearing at our show with their latest creations. The winner was selected not by us jaded staffers, but by public voting, both online and at the show in Pioneer’s display booth, who sponsored the event.

In attendance were:

Woody’s Hot Rodz
The Ring Brothers
The Roadster Shop
Schwartz Performance
Route 66 Motorsports
Rad Rides by Troy

A downpour on Saturday morning sent some of the Pro Builders scurrying to hide their cars inside the Progress Center. That was fortuitous, as lots of people came into the building to duck the rain and had plenty of time to scrutinize the cars and place well-informed votes. In the foreground is a ’69 Camaro built by Woody’s Hot Rodz, from Bright, Indiana. Also pictured are the Pioneer triplet Camaros and two Mustangs by the Ring Brothers.
A downpour on Saturday morning sent some of the Pro Builders scurrying to hide their cars
The Woody’s Camaro is a modern-day version of a ZL1, complete with an all-aluminum big-block 427 under the hood. Other cool parts include an Art Morrison chassis, handmade headers, a T56 Magnum trans, and an aluminum front end from Auto Metal Direct.
The Woody’s Camaro is a modern-day version of a ZL1, complete with an all-aluminum big-blo
Jeff Schwartz, owner of Schwartz Performance, brought Jim Galloway’s ’65 GTO we featured way back in our Jan. ’07 issue, along with some of his brand-new chassis designs.
Jeff Schwartz, owner of Schwartz Performance, brought Jim Galloway’s ’65 GTO we featured w

Rad Rides by Troy displayed some car porn of its own in the form of its latest chassis, plus Novacane, Rad Rides’ ’70 Nova project car.
Rad Rides by Troy displayed some car porn of its own in the form of its latest chassis, pl
We were blown away by the craftsmanship that went into just dressing up the 572 big-block in Rad Rides’ Novacane.
We were blown away by the craftsmanship that went into just dressing up the 572 big-block
Simple and subtle accurately describe Route 66 Motorsports’ Pro-Ride Nova. It combines classic good looks with modern fuel injection, electronic powertrain controls, and full Heidt’s suspension.
Simple and subtle accurately describe Route 66 Motorsports’ Pro-Ride Nova. It combines cla

Fresh from its win at the Goodguys show in Columbus, Ohio, the Roadster Shop showed off the Innovator Nova and its ’62 Corvette, both of which have won the Street Machine of the Year award.
Fresh from its win at the Goodguys show in Columbus, Ohio, the Roadster Shop showed off th
Mike and Jim Ring brought two of their latest Mustang builds. Bail Out is a ’66 that packs a Keith Craft engine, a six-speed trans, and a Chassisworks suspension. Dragon is a ’70 with a Roush 427ci engine. Many of the exterior body panels are made from carbon fiber and incorporate Ring Brothers’ products in their build.
Mike and Jim Ring brought two of their latest Mustang builds. Bail Out is a ’66 that packs
Ultimately, the Ring Brothers came out on top based on the public’s vote. Jim Ring was present to accept the trophy.
Ultimately, the Ring Brothers came out on top based on the public’s vote. Jim Ring was pre

The Seminars

A new feature this year was the Royal Purple DIY Garage. Reps from Tremec Transmissions, Pioneer, QA1, Miller Electric, Rust-Oleum, and Royal Purple gave seminars and answered questions about their product lines.

Ever wonder how a shock absorber works? You’d know now if you had attended a QA1 seminar. Cory Flynn knows his stuff.
Ever wonder how a shock absorber works? You’d know now if you had attended a QA1 seminar.
Tremec’s Nate Tovey tells us swapping manual transmissions into older muscle cars has never been more popular. The new T56 Magnum is built to handle more than 700 hp at high rpm, making it an ideal candidate for today’s crop of high-revving, high-horsepower engines.
Tremec’s Nate Tovey tells us swapping manual transmissions into older muscle cars has neve
Several lucky people got free oil changes during the Royal Purple seminars. They also got to witness this cool lift in action. The EZcarlift is an affordable lift that is portable, easy to use, and can raise a 4,400-pound car to a maximum height of 26 inches. Check them out at EZCarLift.com.
Several lucky people got free oil changes during the Royal Purple seminars. They also got

Child’s Play

Revell’s Make-N-Take was a new feature that seemed to be a big hit with families in attendance. Revell provided model kits free of charge to children (and their big-kid parents) to put together on Saturday afternoon.
Revell’s Make-N-Take was a new feature that seemed to be a big hit with families in attend
Seven-year-old Logan Lighthall (left) and his 11-year-old brother Jacob stopped building long enough to smile for the camera and tell us how awesome their dad Rick’s ’55 Chevy is. In a few years these guys will be driving cars of their own to the Summer Nationals.
Seven-year-old Logan Lighthall (left) and his 11-year-old brother Jacob stopped building l

2011 Car Craft Summer Nationals 58 Chevy Pickup

With a twin-turbocharged, rear-mounted 455 scavenged from a Toronado, Mark Dominick’s ’58 Chevy pickup is the automotive version of a mullet: business in the front, party out back.

With a twin-turbocharged, rear-mounted 455 scavenged from a Toronado, Mark Dominick’s ’58

The Awards

Also this year, we editors decided to give away some awards. Keeping with our Camaro Craft stigma, we awarded a Best ’69 Camaro award separately from the other manufacturers’ awards. It was admittedly difficult to decide, but we came up with winners for the following categories:

Best in show, Mopar Editor’s Choice
Patrick O’Leary, ’68 Plymouth Road Runner

Best in Show, Chevrolet
Bob Lemire, ’66 Chevrolet Chevelle

Best in Show, ’69 Camaro Scott Buechler, ’69 Chevrolet Camaro (seemed appropriate)

Best in Show, Ford
Ray Kobler, ’70 Ford Mustang Mach 1

Best in Show, Buick/Olds/Pontiac
Pete Weyers, ’65 Oldsmobile 4-4-2

2011 Car Craft Summer Nationals Twin Turbochargered Rear Mounted 455

Best in Show, Brand X
Dave Poferl, ’73 AMC Gremlin

Best in Show, Pro Street
Bill Wood, ’70 Chevrolet Nova

Best in Show, Pro Touring
Ryan Buck, ’63 Chevrolet Nova

Top Gun Paint
Chuck Holmlund, ’65 Chevrolet Nova

Innovation Award
Mark Dominick, ’58 Chevrolet Stepside Pickup

Patrick O’Leary’s ultrarare ’68 Hemi Road Runner is always at the Summer Nationals. Plus it’s awesome, so we awarded it Editor’s Choice.
Patrick O’Leary’s ultrarare ’68 Hemi Road Runner is always at the Summer Nationals. Plus i
Editor Glad announced the winners from the main stage on Saturday afternoon, and if they were smart enough to be there, they were given their plaques and a hug from the friendly General Tire spokesmodel. Check out the grin on Ray Kobler’s face (winner of Best in Show, Ford).
Editor Glad announced the winners from the main stage on Saturday afternoon, and if they w
Another perennial favorite is Chuck Holmlund and his ’65 Nova. The paintjob is flawless, thus he got the Top Gun Paint award.
Another perennial favorite is Chuck Holmlund and his ’65 Nova. The paintjob is flawless, t

Power-Adders

The Girls

Yes, everyone loves the Miss Car Craft Summer Nationals contest. Except maybe the local parole officers. This year, the girls were hotter than ever. Check it out:

Among this year’s judges was Dennis Overholser of Painless Performance, a new sponsor to the show (provided as a hint to future new show sponsors). Ultimately, former Miss Car Craft Summer Nationals Missy Trow awarded this year’s tiara to Chrissy Wood (in the black bikini). Chrissy is also a former Miss Car Craft Summer Nationals winner from two years ago. Runners-up were Savannah Anderson (left) and Rachael Buchannan.
Among this year’s judges was Dennis Overholser of Painless Performance, a new sponsor to t

People Pointing at Stuff

Corey Flynn pointing at springs.

Dudes pointing at chicks.

Chicks pointing at other chicks.

People pointing at us.

A car we pointed at.

Glad pointing microphones at guys.

Glad pointing at burnouts.

Dude pointing at a dude with a bigger beard.

Four-year-old Lawson Nitschke pointing at Transformers.

Paying the Bills

The Car Craft Summer Nationals simply would not happen without the help of the following companies. Thank you very much for your support.

Presenting Sponsor:

Official Product Sponsor:

Feature Sponsors:

Event Level Sponsors:

Coming Next Year

More of the same. Emphasis on more: more cars, more girls, more crowds, more food, more burnouts, more seminars, more family stuff, more girls (yes, again), and more fun. We expect to see you there.