One of the Nation’s Premier Hot Rodding Events

Over the last several years, the Goodguys PPG Nationals in Columbus, Ohio, has established itself as one of the nation’s premier hot rodding events. This event, along with the Detroit Autorama and a few others, has proven to be one of the main events at which builders choose to debut new cars, and trophies are as hotly contested here as at any show in the country. But Columbus is about more than just trophies—it’s about bringing your own car, no matter what kind of shape it’s in, to hang out with the owners of the other 6,000 vehicles that will be there, and to have fun at Goodguys’ premier event.

Woman of the Year and Street Machine of the Year

While the trophies aren’t the only story at Columbus, they are the big story. Detroit Speed & Engineering’s Stacy Tucker was the first big winner of the event, earning the 2007 Goodguys Woman of the Year honors. No surprise there, as she and husband Kyle also had a finalist for Street Machine of the Year, an award that ultimately went to Doug Hoppe’s Ring Brothers-built ’67 Mustang fastback. But of course the street rod fans were most interested in the Street Rod of the Year award. The judges made their picks from more than 500 entries in the Pros’ Pick class, narrowing the field to five worthy finalists. But on Saturday afternoon the big winner was Dennis DeCamp, owner of the Barry White-built ’32 roadster named F-32. After winning numerous runner-up awards at big shows all over the West Coast, DeCamp’s street rod finally got to be the bride, and not the bridesmaid.

A Hot Rod Giveaway and More

Goodguys gives away more than trophies, too. This year’s big giveaway car was the Chip Foose-designed Unique Performance Challenger, a car that went to a lucky West Virginia couple. Next year’s giveaway cars also were announced, so be sure to visit Goodguys’ website to see how you can earn next year’s Air Ride Technologies ’70 Chevelle or the Roadster Shop Speed ’33.

Something for Everyone

But even those who didn’t take home a big trophy or a new hot rod had a great time at the show. Columbus brings all the big guns out, so participants get to double their fun by driving their own cars and seeing the best cars that the nation’s best builders have to offer. The vendor and swap meet areas also had just about everything you might need to finish your current project or begin a new one. Even if you’re not in the market for a new ride, it’s tough to pass up the car corral without so much as a look.

Don’t Miss Columbus

Columbus is one of those shows that all enthusiasts should attend at least once. Go see it for yourself, and not so you can win a trophy—so you can have fun, and say you’ve been to Columbus. You’ll hardly be alone!