Day 1 of the 2011 Car Craft Summer Nationals

The 2011 Car Craft Summer Nationals presented by GM Performance Division fired to life today at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Our annual trip to St. Paul is always one of the biggest highlights in the Car Craft world and already the 2011 version is proving to be no let down.

No matter what type of motorhead you are, the CCSN is sure to get the proverbial juices flowing. The whole fairgrounds is a veritable mechanical buffet of sights, sounds, smells, and, yeah, even tastes of four-wheeled delights.

Yet, there’s more to do at the CCSN than just look at cars and inhale funnel cakes. A host of vendors are here showing off their latest performance products and each one is itching to answer any question you may have. Seminars and hands-on workshops are going all day to help you get your projects rolling. The Performance Marketplace is lined with enough go-fast parts to make you wish you brought a shopping cart. The Real Street Eliminator Competition is back pitting three classes of cars to find out which driver’s machine performs the best in braking, handling and horsepower generation.

We could go on and on but you gotta see it for yourself, but if you can’t make it check back here for more coverage and videos.

1969 Camaro, Scott Oulbranson, Stewartville, MN
Cool Stuff: LS7, T-56

1972 Camaro, Todd Zahradnik, Rochester, MN

CCSN presenting sponsor GM Performance Division was out in force display tons of cool cars and parts, like...
CCSN presenting sponsor GM Performance Division was out in force display tons of cool cars
In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Chevrolet and the 75th of the Surburban, GMPD built this 1953 Surburban on a Trailblazer chassis.
In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Chevrolet and the 75th of the Surburban, GMPD b

1955 E-Rod Bel Air, GMPP C.A.R.B. approved E-Rod LS3. This car made the entire 1,633-mile trip on HOT ROD’s Power Tour averaging 23mpg from its 430-hp V8.
1955 E-Rod Bel Air, GMPP C.A.R.B. approved E-Rod LS3. This car made the entire 1,633-mile
Miller is stationed right next to the Main Stage showing off their latest products and giving hands-on tips on how to weld the right way.
Miller is stationed right next to the Main Stage showing off their latest products and giv
Miller was also showing off this 1955 Chevy that took part in the 2011 Street Rodder Road Tour.
Miller was also showing off this 1955 Chevy that took part in the 2011 Street Rodder Road

Brittany and Preston enjoying CCSN in the back of Jeff Dmytruk’s topless ’88 Chevy G-20. This van won last year’s TCI Burnout Contest.
Brittany and Preston enjoying CCSN in the back of Jeff Dmytruk’s topless ’88 Chevy G-20. T
We read on the Car Craft Facebook page that someone was asking if they were serving beer here. BEER!
We read on the Car Craft Facebook page that someone was asking if they were serving beer h
Pioneer Electronics was back again this year doing what they do best – installing killer sound systems. These guys are working on a 1978 Corvette.
Pioneer Electronics was back again this year doing what they do best – installing killer s

Pioneer also brought three Camaros to show off the different sound system levels, or stages, customers can choose to have installed in their muscle car. Of course, they look cool, too. The one on the left is Stage 1, the right is Stage 2.
Pioneer also brought three Camaros to show off the different sound system levels, or stage
This is the Stage 3 Camaro Pioneer has on display.
This is just nuts. It’s Len Boschman’s “Pro Fly.” Cool Stuff: approximately 1600hp, TH 400 with 4000 stall, 4:10 spool. Best ET? “Too scared to try.”
This is just nuts. It’s Len Boschman’s “Pro Fly.” Cool Stuff: approximately 1600hp, TH 400

New this year is the Car Craft Pro Builder Shootout. Six professional shops brought their cars to compete and voting is done by you!

Voting was hectic on Saturday - stay tuned to find out which builder and car won.
Route 66 brought this 1967 Nova.
Cool Stuff: LS3 good for 560hp, 4L70I, Heidts New Pro-G front end, 4-link rear with Wilwood brakes.
Cool Stuff: LS3 good for 560hp, 4L70I, Heidts New Pro-G front end, 4-link rear with Wilwoo

The “Novacane” 1970 Nova was built by Rad Rides by Troy.
Cool Stuff: GMPP 572 crate engine, F2 Procharger, Flowmaster mufflers, Baer 6-piston brakes.
Cool Stuff: GMPP 572 crate engine, F2 Procharger, Flowmaster mufflers, Baer 6-piston brake
Woody’s Hot Rodz created this 1969 Camaro.

Woody’s Hot Rodz created this 1969 Camaro.
The “Dragon” 1970 Mustang Fastback was created by Ring Brothers.
Cool Stuff: Roush 351, 427, 550hp, Tremec TK), JME font, DSE Quadralink rear.

Roadster Shop built this 1967 “Innovator” Nova.
Cool Stuff: Roadster Shop Fast Track chassis, LSX 454 with 700hp, T-56 Magnum 6-speed.
Real Street Eliminator fans probably recall this 1965 Pontiac Tempest by Schwartz Performance since it only won the whole thing in 2009. Cool Stuff: GM Schwartz Performance built LS9 6.2 liter, 650hp, Wiseco pistons, K1 rods, Tremec T56 6-speed.
Real Street Eliminator fans probably recall this 1965 Pontiac Tempest by Schwartz Performa

Painless Performance Products was on hand to answer any questions.
1964 Plymouth Fury, Vince Pajak, Minneapolis, MN
Cool Stuff: 440 pushbutton trans, “Old School”

1971 Challenge T/A Phantom, Terry and Nancy Downs, Maplewood, MN. Cool Stuff: 340 6-pack, Citrine Yellow
1971 Challenge T/A Phantom, Terry and Nancy Downs, Maplewood, MN. Cool Stuff: 340 6-pack,
1973 Dart Sport, Randy Roatch, Roseville, MN. Cool Stuff: “This car is an alcoholic (E-85) with a slight drug problem (nitrous) and 440.”
1973 Dart Sport, Randy Roatch, Roseville, MN. Cool Stuff: “This car is an alcoholic (E-85)

1970 Mustang Mach 1, Ray Kobler, West St. Paul, MN
Cool Stuff: Original color, original drivetrain, factory tilt, remote locks and trunk, entire restoration (body, paint, interior, drivetrain) done by own in a two car garage.
Cool Stuff: Original color, original drivetrain, factory tilt, remote locks and trunk, ent
1971 Torino, Mitch Perry, Isanti, MN

Cool Stuff: “Spring Time Edition”
1968 Nova, Patrick Sullivan, Paris, WI

1965 Chevelle, Steve Goede, Brooklyn Center, MN
1969 Superbee, Kathy and Brad Knuth, Brooklyn Park, MN

Cool Stuff: “White scoops, still mom’s car.”
1965 Galaxie, Craig and Susan Hoff, Lino Lakes, MN

The General Tire was an active area on Day 2…
Easy to see why. Ali, Miss Mint 400 in 2010 and the “face of General Tire,” was there signing autographs.
Easy to see why. Ali, Miss Mint 400 in 2010 and the “face of General Tire,” was there sign

1951 Chevy Deluxe, Al and Alex McGaughty, North St. Paul, MN
Cool Stuff: 355/350, family built
1956 Bel Air, Reinhard Wilzer, W Manitoba, Canada

Cool Stuff: “Glad to be here.”
1962 Fairlane 500 Sports Coupe, Jeff Rossow, Cottage Grove, MN
Cool Stuff: rare 62 1/2 sports coupe

Peak Antifreeze brought a huge display with several cars, giveaways and even trivia contests.
Peak Antifreeze brought a huge display with several cars, giveaways and even trivia contes
1972 Caprice, Nick Bratland, Wyoming, MN

1972 Olds Vista Cruiser, Mark Anderson, Des Moines, IA
Cool Stuff: tinted roof windows

1965 Mercury Commuter, Ken Jones, Rogers, MN
Cool Stuff: 21,000 actual miles, all original, manual brakes, power steering, tilt steering wheel, power back window, AM radio/clock
Cool Stuff: 21,000 actual miles, all original, manual brakes, power steering, tilt steerin
1974 Nova Custom, Jim, Brooklyn Center, MN

Cool Stuff: “No cup holders. The Nats since Milwaukee in 1977, most with this car.”
This had to be one of loudest machines of the weekend.

The Revel Make 'n Take was a great way for kids to interact at the event. The snap-on models were free and if they got stuck, trained professionals were standing by to help.
The Revel Make 'n Take was a great way for kids to interact at the event. The snap-on mode
Looks like the parents were enjoying it, too.

1964 Mercury Comet, Dan and Tina Oestreich, Blaine, MN
Cool Stuff: AOD, 4:10 gears
The Parts Marketplace was jammed with performance parts and tools all geared to keep your project rolling. Or at least GET it rolling.
The Parts Marketplace was jammed with performance parts and tools all geared to keep your

1966 Shelby GT350, Tom Schreiner, Hopkins, MN

Cool Stuff: “A real-mostly original-early carry-over. T5 5-speed (T-10 safely tucked away). Enjoys being driven, no rear seat, 1966 shelf.
Cool Stuff: “A real-mostly original-early carry-over. T5 5-speed (T-10 safely tucked away)
Mobil 1 brought another massive trailer.
They were also the sponsor of the Mobil 1 Launch Box. Here, Real Street Eliminator competitor Dan Neinsteadt of Blaine, MN gets set to make a run, which is one of the three required parts of the 2011 RSE.
They were also the sponsor of the Mobil 1 Launch Box. Here, Real Street Eliminator competi

Mequiars brought a ton of car care products...
... and they didn't have to bring much back with 'em.

New the year, the DIY Garage presented by Royal Purple was giving free seminars and Q&A sessions all weekend. This one was from Miller about basic home-use welding.
New the year, the DIY Garage presented by Royal Purple was giving free seminars and Q&A se
Royal Purple was showing off their latest products and answering questions right next to the DIY Garage.
Royal Purple was showing off their latest products and answering questions right next to t

The Lucas Oil E3 Spark Plug Dyno Challenge is one third of the Real Street Eliminator Competition but anyone can get their car up there. The price is just 65 smacks and that includes air/fuel ratio.
The Lucas Oil E3 Spark Plug Dyno Challenge is one third of the Real Street Eliminator Comp

Pilot Transport was there with one of their rigs...
... and this Lingenfelter Camaro.

1971 Camaro Z28, Dean Casale, Cottage Grove, MN

Tremec brought a bunch of their latest transmissions for participants to pour over.
And they brought this very cool Maverick.

Rust-Oleum was on hand giving demonstrations of their latest products.
Here's one of the many garage floor resurfacing demos.
They also brought the Rust-Oleum Project Muscle 1969 Road Runner that was painted using only Rust-Oleum products.
They also brought the Rust-Oleum Project Muscle 1969 Road Runner that was painted using on

We stopped by the QA1 display to check out some of their suspension parts before heading to the infield.
We stopped by the QA1 display to check out some of their suspension parts before heading t
Where the QA1 Autocross was going on just about all day.

The QA1 Autocross was one of the three parts of the Real Street Eliminator Competition. Here a RSE driver sets up his Corvette for a hard left.
The QA1 Autocross was one of the three parts of the Real Street Eliminator Competition. He
RSE competitor Jesse Kaluik of Hopkins, MN is rooted on by his 6-year-old son Jai.
Looks like Jai approved…

The TCI Burnout Contest has always been a fan favorite.
Almost made 30 seconds - almost...
The TCI Burnout Contest winners from Saturday (l-r): Eston Welsch - 67 Pontiac LeMans; Jeff Linton - 84 Navy Camaro; Chad Klocke - 72 Suburban - Carol, IA; Brandon Harrison - 99 Red Mustang - River Falls, WI; Nick Hirch - 71 black C10 - St. Paul, MN
The TCI Burnout Contest winners from Saturday (l-r): Eston Welsch - 67 Pontiac LeMans; Jef

Each years official CCSN awards are handed out, here are just a few: Publishers Choice GM: Rick Adams, Bachus, MN, 1956 BelAir.
Each years official CCSN awards are handed out, here are just a few: Publishers Choice GM:
Publishers Choice Personal: Josh Leisinger, Well Lake, SD, 1967 Camaro "Grumpy" Tribute
Cleanest Engine: Susan Tallant, Kansas City, MO, 1967 Firebird

The Summer Nationals always wraps up with the obviously well received Miss Car Craft Summer Nationals bikini contest.
The Summer Nationals always wraps up with the obviously well received Miss Car Craft Summe