Whatcha doing this summer? We're making plans to hit the road for the Car Craft Summer Event Series show circuit, and it's not too late to join us. Like burnout contests? We've got 'em. Like dyno challenges? Got 'em. Like girls in bikinis? Got plenty of those. Don't like traveling too far to a car show? Well, we've probably got a show pretty close to you, like the 27th Annual Street Machine Nationals June 20-22 (hey, that's probably this weekend, so get going) in Lima, Ohio, the Car Craft Summer Nationals, July 18-20, in St. Paul, Minnesota, and the Fall Street Machine Nationals, September 12-14, in Springfield, Missouri.
As in years past, we've got a huge slate of activities ranging from raging burnout contests, smokin' bikini contests, our own exclusive Matt King Classic demolition derby (which moves this year to the kickoff event in Lima), and the ever-popular Werx Performance Dyno Challenge at all three locations. There are also a few new events on the menu for this year, including the Marshall Engine Service Engine Build demonstration at St. Paul, featuring the Marshall crew assembling an engine as spectators gape in awe from the stands. Who knows, we might just haul our SuperNova out there and have them stab the motor in for the burnout contest. Needless to say, we'd need a semi to haul around all the trophy hardware we'll be giving out at all three events-actually, we do have a semi to haul around all that hardware.
Here's a closer look at some of the action that's in store around the country at our three-show series. For more information, including schedules, registration, accommodations, directions, call 877/413-6515, or log on to www.carcraft.com.-Matt King
Dyno ChallengeNext to the bikini contest, our favorite show event is the vaunted and unofficial dyno challenge at the Street Machine Nationals and the Summer Nationals car shows. While not formally a contest, you can rest assured that we keep a close eye on the portable dyno while we're there. Nothing at a car show proves the wares of your automobile better than the chassis dyno challenge (next to a drag race, of course).
At last year's Street Machine Nationals in Springfield, Missouri, a crew from Oklahoma dominated the entire weekend, prompting one local gearhead to scatter his nitrous-snorting small-block across the fairgrounds attempting to run them off. Will laying down a big number improve your chances for magazine coverage? You bet. More importantly you'll be a hero with bragging rights that last for years. We will also pick 10 cars at the Summer Nationals in St. Paul to spotlight in our annual review of dyno-proven horsepower combos. Don't forget to pay a visit to the Werx Performance chassis dyno at all three shows, as some dork from Car Craft is sure to be hanging around.-Marko Radielovic
The Burnout ContestWhat's a Car Craft Summer Nationals without a good old-fashioned tire-burning smoke fest? We don't know why, but we can't get enough baloney-burning action. Maybe it's the sheer wicked brutality of it, or just the chance that carnage might ensue. It's like watching a train wreck-and it's not your car. At all three events in the Summer Series, there will be a plethora of smoke on both Saturday and Sunday, all sponsored by Mickey Thompson Tires. Yep, that means you not only have a chance to gain notoriety as the king of smokies within the pages of Car Craft, but you'll also have the opportunity to win valuable prizes!
The rules are simple. Mount any DOT-legal tires with at least an eighth of an inch of tread remaining, roll onto a steel plate that's been hosed down with water, chock the front wheels, and whack the throttle. You'll have 30 seconds to heat the hides. Make sure to monitor all your engine vitals, as we've witnessed everything from radiator hoses blowing to rods getting pitched out from the sides of the blocks.