2014 Goodguys PPG Nationals Autocross Action From Columbus

The Ohio Expo Center played host to the crown jewel of the Goodguys tour: the 17th Annual PPG Nationals. During the PPG Nationals spectators are treated to one of the most popular portions of the show, the Goodguys Autocross. During the Columbus Autocross event there was all kinds of competition, fun runs, and even the Sponsor Shootout where the pro divers raced for a PPG Nationals Sponsor. This year’s Autocross did not disappoint with fast times, big action, and totally killer cars racing around the coned course.

With over 6,000 cars at the PPG Nationals there is tons to look at and the Autocross adds just that much more to the event. With classes like Street Machine, Truck, Hot Rod, All American Sunday, Fun Runs, and the Pro Class there is absolutely no shortage of action to see on the course. The event is open to anybody who is registered for the PPG Nationals.

Even the land yachts get in on the racing action!

To keep everybody safe and the competition fair, any car that rolls out on the course must pass a pretty tight technical inspection. Everything from tire tread wear, how things are fastened to the car, and where the exhaust exits the car or truck (along with tons of other rules) are looked at. The classes are broken down to Street Machine (1955-1972 model years), Hot Rod (1954 and older), Truck (1972 older trucks), All American Late Model (1973 and newer), and the Pro class that is run what you brung and hope its enough.

A big part of the PPG Nationals is the crowning of the Goodguys Street Machine of The Year. To be eligible for this award you have to complete two laps on the Autocross course under your own power. There is no official requirement for how fast you do the two laps since some of the Street Machine of The Year competitors are either totally fresh builds, or not ready to be pushed to the limit, but that does not stop some. JF Launier took his Ridler-winning “Rivision” ’64 Buick and put on a show for the crowd, not taking it easy at all on his impressive twin turbo machine.

The Street Machine Of The Year contenders did laps on the AutoCross course. Some of them took it easy, others really got after it.

When it comes to Autocross racing Danny Popp is one bad hombre winning all kinds of hardware, and he showed why he has the reputation at the PPG Nationals. Popp started his weekend of Autocross dominance by winning the Goodguys Sponsor Shootout representing JRi Shocks. Starting as number one qualifier Popp laid waste to the field with a string of sub 28 second runs and that set up an epic battle in the finals with number two qualifier Josh Leisinger. The final frame had Popp coming out on top with a 28.140 to Leisinger’s 28.706.

Popp also won the Pro class at the PPG Nationals in his LS7 powered 1972 Corvette.  The Pro class came down to three way battle between Popp, Leisinger, and Brian Finch. In the end Popp showed why he is the king of the cones by laying down a best time of 27.949 to get the win. Popp also jumped behind the wheel of a C5 Corvette to win the All American Late Model class. If you are ever at an event where Popp is on the property make sure to take advantage of a ride along on the course if the opportunity presents itself, because its as close as a ground based roller coaster ride you will ever get!

Danny Popp's C3 Vette is monster on the course when he is behind the wheel. Popp uses the precision of a surgeon to slice the course up.

The Pro class has its share of different cars that attack the course too. Everything from trucks to muscle cars run for the title of champion

There were more than just Pros and Ridler award winners out on the Goodguys Autocross course at the PPG Nationals. There is a huge variety of cars that take on the course after they pass tech. Ryan Buck took home the win in the Street Machine class with his 1963 Nova SS laying down a best of 29.449. Joe Durand finished on top in the Truck class racing his 1970 Chevy running a time of 31.806. Brad Miller scored the victory in the Hot Rod class wheeling his 1934 Ford to an outstanding 34.917. Big, small, fast, and slow, the Goodguys Autocross had it all.

There is such a huge variety of cars that participate in the AutoCross event at the PPG Nationals

The Goodguys 17th Annual PPG Nationals did not disappoint with the quality of cars or the level of competition on the AutoCross course. Spectators were treated to some great racing and the competitors laid it down on a very tight course. Next time you are at a Goodguys show make sure you check out the action on the AutoCross course, or better yet, get your hot rod out there and put the fear in some cones! See more of the action in the gallery below.

About the author

Brian Wagner

Spending his childhood at different race tracks around Ohio with his family’s 1967 Nova, Brian developed a true love for drag racing. Brian enjoys anything loud, fast, and fun.
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