The 5th Great American Nationals, Presented by Grundy Worldwide, returns to historic Pocono Raceway, on September 25, 26 and 27, for three huge days of hot rodding fun, in the heart of scenic Pennsylvania country. The event is expected to bring thousands of hot rods, customs, classics, muscle cars and trick trucks, through ’72, along with hundreds of vendors and exhibitors; there will also be a Swap Meet for automotive-related parts and cars for sale. 

In 2008, Northern California-based Goodguys Rod & Custom Association, producers of America’s largest hot rod festivals, chose Pocono Raceway as the site for the event; the Nationals were held in Hershey, Pa., prior to the change of venue.

Last year, in regard to the new location, Goodguys’ VP of Event Operations, Harry Davies, said: “It is a no-brainer to hold a Goodguys National event at Pocono Raceway. Our events fit Speedways so perfectly.”

“There’s lots of room to park and cruise; the pit garage serves as perfect spaces for the vendor midway, and the participants feel at home at these venues,” he continued. “Throw in the track cruise, the Street Challenge Autocross and a sea of brilliant and colorful hot rods… and you’ve got a winning formula which is fun for all participants and spectators.”

It doesn’t get any better than Pocono Raceway— located in Long Pond, Pa., the legendary triangular-shaped, 2.5-mile raceway is one of the most unique racing properties in the world. This year’s event will be staged throughout the entire acreage of Pocono Raceway, including portions of the infield, garage area and infield paddock, as well as the grassy infield road course. The infield and road course areas of Pocono Raceway are spectacular for rod and custom show-and-shine parking.

Chuck Wasoski, Vice President of the Collector Car Insurance Program at Grundy Worldwide, says that “any time the Goodguys put a show on at a racetrack, it is always an enjoyable time. It’s more of a ‘car place’ than just a parking lot.”

“And, there’s a certain feeling that comes with being in the infield of a race track,” continues Chuck. “You look around at all the seats, the track… see all the history. It’s amazing. And, just driving up to a large racetrack is enough to give me the chills.”

Pennsylvania is home to some of the nation’s finest rods and customs. Combine the world’s hottest cars and one of the premier event venues in the country, and you’ve got the ultimate hotroddin’ weekend.

Event hours are Friday and Saturday, 8am to 5pm and Sunday, 8am to 3pm. General admission is $17, and kids 7-12, $6. Kids 6 and under are FREE. Spectator parking is free. To purchase tickets online, go to www.greatamericannats.com

Be sure to stop by the Grundy exhibit to have all your insurance questions answered by reps from our office. Grundy's Mike Gosciniak, Bethanne Michael and Rich Klauser will be available to provide you with a fast and free on-the-spot quote.

For additional event information, contact the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association at (925) 838-9876 or visit www.good-guys.com. For local information, call Pocono Raceway at (570) 646-2300 or visit www.poconoraceway.com

Story by: Becky McLaughlin

To our readers: We want your SPECIAL story! To be interviewed for our Weekly Reader, click here to e-mail us today.