Sharing the Joy of Car Shows and Race Cars

First, as the holiday season approaches (much faster than I am prepared for) I want to wish everyone a joyful one.

Speaking of joyful, one of the things that tops my list of enjoyable events is car shows.  Attending either as an entrant or just showing up to wander around, I find it relaxing and fun.

At these shows you are always going to find the t-buckets and hot rods with the big blown engines, some with so much chrome, you can be pretty sure they don't really race much. Over the years I've noticed in an increase in the number of race cars being included.  This often constitutes not just static displays, but even as entries that can be judged. (Now, I'm not all the way on board with the judging part, but why not, these aren't Pebble Beach Contour d' Elegance events.) Even at the "mom and pop" cars shows, the small weekly shows around your town, you'll find static displays of a local guy's drag or stock car included.

I think that is great, because whether you race your car or not, you know you want to and would if opportunity presented its self!  Poking your head inside a static display, you immediately picture yourself on a track somewhere, with mental images flashing through your mind of taking the inside of corner 1 on an imaginary track or smoking the tires just before you pull up the "tree" at the drag strip. 

You are doing it right now I bet!

I recently attended one of the larger shows in my areas (Cops and Rodders 2010) and I was glad to see a regional road race team, Jim Click Racing there with their Fords, and in particular, my favorite, the Mustangs.  These folks also participate in vintage racing with their Shelby Mustang GT-350 and Shelby Cobra 289 CSX2473.

Having the local or regional cars and drivers available at car shows is a huge plus for fans.  It removes some of the barriers (even if they are just mental) that separate the Average Guy from racing. It brings it down to a level where you think, "Yes it's possible! I could actually participate!" 

Breaking down these barriers is something I try to do over on my blog, by having a page dedicated to the little race teams.  Young people, and older, who are participating at a local, state or regional level with little or no sponsorship are perfect examples of what can be done.  Featuring them there is a lot of fun and you'll find some interesting stories.

If you've read any of my racing pieces here on Racing in America, you know that you don't need a team to enjoy racing. So get out there and attend a race, support the local tracks, participate (safely) in  test and tune events and charity events, just have fun.

Read more from Tim Sweet at Average Guy's Car Restoration, Mods and Racing

Photo Credit: Tim Sweet