More cars, more people, more to do - that's a solid summary of the 2012 Car Craft Summer Nationals presented by Chevrolet Performance. Once again, Car Craft took over the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul and this time we brought more of everything. The Fairgrounds were packed with row after row of American (and some foreign) iron. The sponsors and vendors definitely brought their A game. Chevrolet Performance brought an impressive display but, arguably, none cooler than the Chevrolet Performance Heritage Engine Display where everyone could get a close up look at legendary engines throughout GM's history, ranging from 1955 to today. The Pro Builders Shootout pitted some of the top car builders in the nation in a faceoff to see which of their latest builds the public liked the most. The Performance Marketplace lined up tons of parts and tools to drool over. Royal Purple set up the DIY Garage to give seminars and field questions from the go-fast curious. QA1 hosted the Real Street Eliminator Autocross, while Lucas Oil and E3 Spark Plugs handled the Dyno Challenge. The kids had a blast at the Revell Make 'N Take where they could build free model car kits with their parents. TCI customarily wrapped up the day by hosting the TCI Burnout Contest. Tons to do, for sure, but without the cars, drivers and spectators, it can't be the Summer Nationals. What follows is just a taste of what we saw and all car captions are written in the owner's words. You should see it, too... 1976 Chevy Vega, R. Hallamek, Shoreview, MN Cool Stuff: 468 BBC, TCI TH-350 1975 Chevy Vegas, Ex-1/8 miler, Jim & Laure, Farmington, MN Cool Stuff: V671 Blower, Pro Street style, NOS, TH400, Ford 9”, Garlits Scoop from New ZealandCool Stuff: V671 Blower, Pro Street style, NOS, TH400, Ford 9”, Garlits Scoop from New Zea 1967 Chevy Chevelle, Dan Palumbo, W. St. Paul, MN 1970 Ford Torino GT, Ray Kobler, W. St. Paul, MN. Cool Stuff: It’s a convertible! Hideaway headlights, original drivetrain, restored and painted in a two-car garage1970 Ford Torino GT, Ray Kobler, W. St. Paul, MN. Cool Stuff: It’s a convertible! Hideawa 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1, Ray Kobler, W. St. Paul, MN Cool Stuff: Original color and numbers matching, drivetrain completely restored by the ownerCool Stuff: Original color and numbers matching, drivetrain completely restored by the own 1971 Chevy C-10, Keith Sell, St. Paul, MN Cool Stuff: Wood bed, all work done in a two-car garage 1978 International Scout, Gerald Garner, Blaine, MN Cool Stuff: 1 of 1045 built in Nissan diesel engine in 1978, 270,000 miles, 4-speed, 2-speed transfer, engine replaced with stock 1980 Nissan turbo dieselCool Stuff: 1 of 1045 built in Nissan diesel engine in 1978, 270,000 miles, 4-speed, 2-spe Cool Stuff: Featured in October 2009 issue of Car Craft (Click Here to See the Article!), 454 small-block, 610 hp, Pro Built 700R4 transmission, Dana 60Cool Stuff: Featured in October 2009 issue of Car Craft ( Click Here to See the Article! ) 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302, Jason Rusert, Roseville, MN 1963 Dodge 440, John Backervilles, Wyoming, MN. Cool Stuff: Featured in the February 2011 issue of Car Craft Click Here to See the Article!1963 Dodge 440, John Backervilles, Wyoming, MN. Cool Stuff: Featured in the February 2011 1973 Dodge Dart Sport, Randy Roatch, Roseville, MN Cool Stuff: The car is an “alcoholic” (E85) with a slight “drug” problem (nitrous) and a 440.Cool Stuff: The car is an “alcoholic” (E85) with a slight “drug” problem (nitrous) and a 4 1970 Plymouth AAR Barracuda, Bob & Mary Steiner, Coon Rapids, MN. Cool Stuff: Original owners1970 Plymouth AAR Barracuda, Bob & Mary Steiner, Coon Rapids, MN. Cool Stuff: Original own 1946 Ford Truck, Rob Lilledahl, S St. Paul, MN Cool Stuff: My girlfriend! Chevy-powered!, NOS, 9-inch Ford, ladder bar, power steering, 10’s in 1/4 mile.Cool Stuff: My girlfriend! Chevy-powered!, NOS, 9-inch Ford, ladder bar, power steering, 1 1971 Dodge Challenger, Terry & Nance Downs, Maplewood, MN. Cool Stuff: 340 Six-Pak, Color: Citron Yella1971 Dodge Challenger, Terry & Nance Downs, Maplewood, MN. Cool Stuff: 340 Six-Pak, Color: 1964 Plymouth Fury, Vince Pajak, Minneapolis, MN Cool Stuff: 440 and made in the U.S.A. 1966 Chevy Impala Wagon, Shawna Oase, St. Paul, MN. Cool Stuff: 455 Olds big-block 1979 Chevy Malibu, Mike Crepeair, St. Paul, MN. Cool Stuff: Dart iron eagle 427, 200 shot NOS, 722 hp, 686 torque w/o NOS1979 Chevy Malibu, Mike Crepeair, St. Paul, MN. Cool Stuff: Dart iron eagle 427, 200 shot 1966 Chevy Impala, Bill Clemas, St. Paul, MN Cool Stuff: Edelbrock carb & intake, Doug’s headers, Dakota dash, B.M. shifter tilt wheel 2008 Ford Shelby, Paul Bjugstad, Rice Lake, WI Cool Stuff: True Shelby 1970 Mercury Cougar XR7, Ken, Duluth, MN 1970 Chevy Camaro, Jeff Wolf, Iowa City, IA. Cool Stuff: Blown 496, big ass tires 1964 Chevy Chevelle Wagon, Bart & Connie Beuter, Solon, IA. Cool Stuff: Pro Street 1951 Chevy, Casey Triuiski, Maplewood, MN 1967 Chevy Caprice, Jon Christiansen, Brooklyn Center, MN Cool Stuff: It’s All Cool! 2011 Ford Mustang Bullitt, Mike Wolfson, Rogers, MN Cool Stuff: Kenne-Bell supercharger. Featured in the April 2012 issue of Car Craft. Click Here to See the Article!Cool Stuff: Kenne-Bell supercharger. Featured in the April 2012 issue of Car Craft. Click 1960 Morris Minor 1963 Buick Riviera, Bill McCluskey, N St. Paul, MN. Cool Stuff: RETIRED!!!!!! 1969 Dodge Super Bee, Steve Vaughan, Chicago, MN Cool Stuff: 6-pack, Owned 35 years 1968 Chevy Corvette, Mike Kittle, Woodbury, MN Got it all here 1978 Ford Mustang Cobra II, Nick Sternhaus, LaCrosse, WI Cool Stuff: Yes, it’s a REAL COBRA! No it’s nothing like a F@*#ing Pinto! 1973 Dodge Challenger, Dave McCaw, Coon Rapids, MN. Cool Stuff: 416 cu. in., 480 hp, 520 ft lbs torque1973 Dodge Challenger, Dave McCaw, Coon Rapids, MN. Cool Stuff: 416 cu. in., 480 hp, 520 f 1980 Triumph TR8, John Myers, Dodge Center, MN Cool Stuff: Buick/Rover V-8, only 2400 made 1985 Pontiac Trans-Am, Andy Beach, Grinnell, IA 1967 Ford Mustang, Todd Steigerwald, Cyrstal, MN Cool Stuff: 390 1970 Chrysler Hurst 300, Michael Freishcel, Cottage Grove, MN Cool Stuff: 1 of 485, C Body class winner 1955 Pontiac 870 Chieftain, Mike Edwards, Zimmerman, MN Cool Stuff: 357 Chevy, Turbo 350 trans, Gilmer Power Drive, Lots of Extras 1966 Chevy Impala, E.J. & Rose Hannon. Cool Stuff: Original Survivor – Original Paint. 46,000 original miles. Purchase new at Fletcher Jones Chevrolet in Phoenix, AZ on June 6, 1966 for the total sum of $3,439.80. Spent 24 years in Arizona before arriving in Wisconsin, the Minnesota.1966 Chevy Impala, E.J. & Rose Hannon. Cool Stuff: Original Survivor – Original Paint. 46, 1951 Chevy Deluxe, Al McLaughey & Donnie McLaughey, N St. Paul, MN. Cool Stuff: 355/350 family built and painted in our garage1951 Chevy Deluxe, Al McLaughey & Donnie McLaughey, N St. Paul, MN. Cool Stuff: 355/350 fa 1958 Chevy DelRay, Brad Spannbauer, St. Paul, MN 1967 Plymouth Fury 1, Warren Iverson, Brooklyn Park, MN Cool Stuff: Featured in the April 2012 issue of Car Craft. Click Here to See the Article!Cool Stuff: Featured in the April 2012 issue of Car Craft. Click Here to See the Article! 1963 Ford Country Sedan, Ben Boenisch, Shoreview, MN 1973 AMC Javelin/AMX, DL Beach, New Brighton, MN. Cool Stuff: Original owner, Wilwood brakes, body modifications1973 AMC Javelin/AMX, DL Beach, New Brighton, MN. Cool Stuff: Original owner, Wilwood brak 1969 Dodge Superbee, Bill Johnston, Maplewood, MN Under the Chevy Performance tent patrons could fill out a quick survey about what they are thinking about when considering their next vehicle and could request a brochure or just fill out the survey anonymously. Plus, there’s a free t-shirt in it.Under the Chevy Performance tent patrons could fill out a quick survey about what they are The COPO Camaro Concept Cool Stuff: Three engines are offered in the COPO Camaro: an LS7-based naturally aspirated 427 (7.0L) V-8, a supercharged, LSX-based 327 (5.3L) V-8 featuring a 2.9L supercharger and a supercharged, LSX-based 327 (5.3L) V-8 featuring a 4.0L supercharger.Cool Stuff: Three engines are offered in the COPO Camaro: an LS7-based naturally aspirated Camaro ZL1 2012 Corvette ZR1 Pace Car Cool Stuff: The Corvette Pace Car has a LS9 supercharged 6.2L V-8 rated at 638 hp (476kW) and 604 lb.-ft. of torque (819 Nm).Cool Stuff: The Corvette Pace Car has a LS9 supercharged 6.2L V-8 rated at 638 hp (476kW) At the Chevrolet Performance Heritage Display there were engines for everyone to inspect beginning with 1955 Turbo-Fire 265 V-8, the first of the legendary small blocks that was in the Corvette, to the 2012 “LSA” 6.2L V-8 SS found in the 2012 ZL1 Camaro to make it the most powerful Camaro ever.At the Chevrolet Performance Heritage Display there were engines for everyone to inspect b The Royal Purple DIY Garage is putting on free seminars on a variety of performance topics to answer questions and get your project build in going in the right direction. Here QA1 is discussing what suspension product to use with what vehicle.The Royal Purple DIY Garage is putting on free seminars on a variety of performance topics 1955 E-Rod Bel Air, GMPP C.A.R.B. approved E-Rod LS3. 1969 Mercury Cougar, Kelly McGivern, Rosemount, MN Cool Stuff: California car ‘til 1990 1951 Henry J 2-Door, Ron Miller 1940 Pontiac Coupe, Jeff Bokusky, Shoreview, MN Action at the QA1 Autocross 1972 Chevy El Camino, Dean Ondich, Brooklyn Center, MN Cool Stuff: 402 big-block, ghost flames in the “SS” stripes.1972 Chevy El Camino, Dean Ondich, Brooklyn Center, MN Cool Stuff: 402 big-block, ghost fl 1976 Chevy Corvette, Pat Seubert, Cottage Grove, MN Cool Stuff: 454 1957 Chevy Bel Air, Ben & Kathy Dudzek, Fort Atkinson, WI Pro Builder Shootout and their displays. This one is MCR. Woody's Ring Brothers Lakeside Rides Schwartz Performance Rad Rides by Troy Roadster Shop Woody's Hot Rodz 1961 Chevy Impala, Terry R. Kjenstad, White Bear Lake, MN 1961 Chevy Corvette, Jack Buckley Cool Stuff: B&M blower, Holley, Doug’s, Hurst, etc etc etc etc. Special thanks to the Brain Trust! Geno SteveCool Stuff: B&M blower, Holley, Doug’s, Hurst, etc etc etc etc. Special thanks to the Brai 1969 Pontiac GTO, Dan Regan, Inver Grove Heights, MN Cool Stuff: Beer in trunk 1956 Chevy “Neu-mad” Ben & Roxann Neu, Cold Spring, MN 1968 Chevy Nova SS, Mark Schwanbeck, Lewiston, MN Cool Stuff: 502, 5-speed, cruiser 15 MPG 1965 Mercury Commuter Wagon, Ken Jones Cool Stuff: 21,000 actual miles, all original, manual brakes, power steering, tilt steering wheel, power back window, AM radio/clockCool Stuff: 21,000 actual miles, all original, manual brakes, power steering, tilt steerin 1968 Oldsmobile Delmont 88 Convertible, John, Owatonna, MN. Cool Stuff: 365hp/455ci, posi, tilt, cheap resto, less than $3,400 total invested in car, $98 paint job painted with a roller following directions in July 2007 HOT ROD Magazine.1968 Oldsmobile Delmont 88 Convertible, John, Owatonna, MN. Cool Stuff: 365hp/455ci, posi, For the second straight year Revell provided free 1/24 scale 1969 Chevrolet Camaro snap-together models for kids and their families to build and take home.For the second straight year Revell provided free 1/24 scale 1969 Chevrolet Camaro snap-to Peak Performance was hosting some trivia at their display. 1969 Chevy Camaro, Tim Miller, St. Paul, MN General Tire had this 1997 Dodge Avenger 3.0 Cool Stuff: 2.5L 6G73 to 3.0L 6G72 engine swap, built transmission, high stall, Road Rage gears, 8 pass cooler, 4/2 piston Brembo calipers with Wilwood/Baer rotors.Cool Stuff: 2.5L 6G73 to 3.0L 6G72 engine swap, built transmission, high stall, Road Rage The Lucas Oil/E3 Spark Plugs Dyno Challenge always draws a crowd. Anyone can get on the dyno. Just $70 for two pulls. Painless was once again on hand showing off their latest products and answering questions. 1965 Buick Gran Sport, Jay Robertson, Coon Rapids, MN Cool Stuff: 1 of 598 4-speed conv 1970 Chevy Chevelle SS, Jason Graff Cool Stuff: 540 blown 900hp on pump gas A moonwalk was just part of the Family Fun Zone. The Performance Marketplace was lined with parts, tools and accessories for just about any car.The Performance Marketplace was lined with parts, tools and accessories for just about any Mickey Thompson had their new Street Comp tires on display for the first time ever in public.Mickey Thompson had their new Street Comp tires on display for the first time ever in publ Zach Northrup of Chilly Burnsville, MN had his 2005 Ford Mustang GT shod with the new Mickey Thompson Street Comp tires. Zach’s car appeared in the March 2012 issue of Car Craft.Zach Northrup of Chilly Burnsville, MN had his 2005 Ford Mustang GT shod with the new Mick Click Here to See the Article!Click Here to See the Article! 1936 Hudson Terraplane, Graig & Michelle Anderson, Oak Grove, MN Cool Stuff: Runs 10’s, only known Terraplane Gasser 1967 Ford Mustang, Mike Anderson, Coon Rapids, MN Cool Stuff: Topless A Real Street Eliminator competitor lines up for the Launch Box. 1971 Chevy Chevelle, Bill Leigh, Forest Lake, MN Cool Stuff: The driver 1964 Buick Special Deluxe, Brad & Jackie Aschittino, Oakdale, MN Cool Stuff: Factory aluminum heads, 4-speed, Ram Air, 300ci, P.S. power disc brakes 1961 Mercury Monterey, John Kolkind, Bloomington, MN 2001 Ford SVT Lightning, Rick Sorenson, Coon Rapids, MN Cool Stuff: Nitros, Emergency lights 1972 Chevy Chevelle, John Pierson, Bloomington, MN Cool Stuff: Blown, Air Ride 1963 Chevy II Wagon, Larry and Jack Cota, Farmington, MN Cool Stuff: LS3, 486hp, 465tq, first LS3 in a stock clip Nova. Featured in the April 2012 LS-Series Power Magazine.Cool Stuff: LS3, 486hp, 465tq, first LS3 in a stock clip Nova. Featured in the April 2012 1966 Ford Mustang Fastback, Brad Burns, Buffalo, MN Cool Stuff: 4-speed, top loader, Emberglo 1-year color, numbers matching, documentation 1971 Chevy Camaro, Andy Bright, Delano, MN Cool Stuff: One piece front end, hand crafted rear spoiler 1969 Chevy Camaro, Sandy & Jimmy Strozyk, Blaine, MN Cool Stuff: Cheney performance The Rotators played a few sets at the Crossroads Chapel. 1966 GMC Sprint, Dennis & Melanie Nittynen, Thunderbay, Ontario Cool Stuff: Everything. Paint, truck, trailer, all in memory of Canada’s and USA’s war veterans.Cool Stuff: Everything. Paint, truck, trailer, all in memory of Canada’s and USA’s war vet 1967 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442, Gary L. Vossen, New Prague, MN Cool Stuff: Satellite radio 1972 Ford Mustang Mach 1, K.G., St. Paul, MN, Cool Stuff: $3500.00 total invested. 1968 Ford Thunderbird, Tom Goff, St. Paul, MN 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302, Jason Rusert, Roseville, MN Cool Stuff: It’s real 1968 Chevy Camaro, John Vanden Hoek, Elk River, MN 1969 Plymouth Road Runner, Chuck C. 1969 Ford Fairlane, Herb Klemz, Blaine, MN Cool Stuff: 514 cu. In., C & F Racecars Dominator Enjoyed this Post? Subscribe to our RSS Feed, or use your favorite social media to recommend us to friends and colleagues!
