In 1989, Goodguys published the first “Goodguys Goodtimes Gazette” – a fun little house organ touting the goodtimes with Goodguys. It was also in the late 80s, Goodguys began selling flamed hi-top tennis shoes and shorts, launching a flamin’ hot multi-pronged assault on the hot rod & custom car world. Giveaway cars were another added attraction, upping the ante for the masses.
The Goodguys message and methodology proved so popular it launched the San Francisco based company into the lexicon of America’s most widely recognized show promoters. Today, Gary Meadors has merged into the cruise lane while acting as founder and chairman, while his son, second generation hot rodder Marc Meadors has opened the throttle wide-open taking Goodguys full speed into future generations of gear heads.
At the Goodguys 13th Meguiar’s Del Mar Nationals, fans will get a close up glimpse of just how eclectic the modern day hot rodding scene is though in spirit – the Goodguys core message – having fuin with cars – is unchanged after 30 years. Literally thousands of show cars glistening with candy colors will sprawl out through the lush Del Mar Fairgrounds, each car owner taking extreme pride in polishing and displaying their entry.
The shrill sound of rubber meeting pavement will fill the air with excitement as competitors in the Goodguys AutoCross, a hi-adrenaline electronically timed vehicle speed & agility course, battle it out in a weekend long fastest-car-wins contest of speed & skill.
Then there’s the midway featuring multi-million dollar custom big rig tractor trailers (a show in and of themselves) offering hi-performance parts and accessories to budding hot rodders and do-it-yourselfers. Having the chance to interact directly with manufacturers has long been an appealing aspect of Goodguys events. Throw in a giant used car parts swap meet and car corral (turn-key classic cars for sale) and it’s literally auto-utopia for any red blooded American with motor oil in their veins.
Goodguys takes their car-lovin’ customers so serious there’s even a model car program sponsored by Revell that sends the little one’s home with their very own model kit forging big dreams to one day come back to the show with a life sized version.
Special exhibits are numerous at the Del Mar Nationals. Inside the spacious Pat O’Brien Hall, street rods 1949 & earlier will compete for the Street Rod d’Elegance crown. Out in the Plaza de Mexico on Friday and Saturday will be the special woodies-only exhibit affectionately known as “Good Wood”. This surf-themed exhibit features all wooden vehicles – long popular in Southern California.
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