There's one other important tip to keep in mind. The crowd chooses the winner, so don't be afraid to invoke some showmanship, like the guy who unleashed balloons from his trunk, or the guy who danced the Curly Shuffle after his volatile burnout. Whatever it is you decide to do, know that it's for a good cause, namely fun!-Henry De Los Santos
Babes In BikinisBy far the most enticing events taking place during the SMN series of car shows is the crowning of Miss Street Machine Nationals. Not only does one lucky lady win a nice chunk of change, a trophy, and a crown, she will also get her picture in Car Craft magazine. But even if your wife or girlfriend doesn't win First Place, the runner-up and Third Place finalists also come out on top with cash prizes, trophies, and the aforementioned national exposure. So get her best bikini dry-cleaned, pick her up from the gym, break out the tanning oil, and come to the show. If your lady makes noise about not wanting to attend the Street Machine Nationals with you (or not letting you go for that matter), tell her about the contest and the prizes. You see, there is something for everyone.-Marko Radielovic
2nd Annual Matt King Classic During last year's Summer Nationals in St. Paul, Minnesota, we shocked the world by announcing our first-ever Demolition Derby, named in honor of the goofball editor who first suggested it. While we were still trying to figure out how it slipped past the lawyers, we were graced with a full field of cars and watching some of the most wicked carnage ever to be seen at a car show.
Due to its tremendous success, it only seems right to announce that we've received the green light for the 2nd Annual Matt King Classic! This year the demo derby moves to the Street Machine Nationals at the Allen County Fairgrounds in Lima, Ohio. The entry fee is a paltry $45 if you preregister at least one week in advance of the event, or $60 after that. Prospective competitors should note that the only vehicles not allowed in the demo derby are trucks, jeeps, vans, hearses, ambulances, taxis, or any four-wheelers. Serious competitors should know how to take advantage of those rules. Those who want to join the fun and make a dash for the $1,000 purse need to log on to www.carcraft.com for registration information. Also, any technical questions should be directed to Randy Hufford at 937/492-0879. -Henry De Los Santos
July 18-20, 2003St. Paul, MinnesotaMinnesota State FairgroundsSponsored by:
15th Annual O'Reilly Auto Parts Fall Street Machine Nationals Springfield, Missouri September 12-14, 2003
27th Annual Street Machine Nationals presented by FlowmasterLima, OhioJune 20-22, 2003