Goodguys Rod And Custom Association 2nd Indy Nationals Coverage

ggindyleadartIndianapolis, Indiana, is a city that is known as the motorsports capital of the United States and has race gas in its veins. Hosting events like the Indy 500, the crown jewel of Indy Car racing, and the U.S. Nationals, the biggest drag race on the NHRA schedule, Indianapolis has cemented itself in the racing culture.

Good Guys Indy 2015-150It’s no wonder that Goodguys Rod and Custom Association has been making a stop here for 25 years taking advantage of the regions love for all things performance car related. Using the picturesque Indiana State Fairgrounds just outside of downtown Indianapolis, the Goodguys Indy Nationals draws cars from all over the Midwest with close to 1,500 of the best on display.

Walking throughout the fairgrounds you could see pretty much every make, model, and era of car was represented at the event. If you did not feel like walking just sitting along the cruise lane would bring many of the stunning cars right to you.

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Everywhere you turned at the Indy Nats there were quality cars hanging out.

Just like any other Goodguys event, there was a plethora of things to check out at the fairgrounds that appealed to every gearhead under the sun. A large vendor area inside complemented all of the vendors outside well, and there was a nice swap meet area indoors for those looking for hard to find parts. Dodge was on hand with their performance lineup of cars on display and a test drive course for several different models.

At the Indy Nationals there was an impressive indoor car show set up that welcomed all makes and models of American muscle. These cars on display brought some extra variety and flair that allowed spectators to view them out of the elements while cooling off. There was everything from bone stock modern muscle to some over the top custom rides being exhibited.

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The Indoor Car Show offered some really unique rides in a nice and cool space.

Adding to the whole family fun experience the Goodgals Arts and Crafts Gallery added something for everybody to the show, and there was also the Revell Model Car Make n’ Take, and PPG Kids Coloring Contest. There was also great live music was always playing to keep everybody in the hot rodding mood.

The Goodguys Indy Nationals is more than just a big show, there is a whole lot of go happening at this event and it started out on the autocross course. The Goodguys Autocross started as an experiment and has exploded into a major part of the event with classes like Pro, Street Machine, Truck, and even a Fun Run class. The Indy event even brought out some open wheel racing royalty when Al Unser Jr and Robby Unser took turns wheeling a ’65 Nova around the course.

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Everybody was letting it all hang out on the Goodguys Autocross course.

Being able to climb to the top at any Goodguys event is a big accomplishment and after three days of pavement shredding competition on the rather large course event champions were crowned in each class.

Bringing home the hardware in their respective classes were Josh Leisinger (66.508), Team Speedway Motors (66.904), Todd Green (68.187), Dale Schwartz (70.171), John Conway (77.014) and Jeff Greening (96.873).

In addition to the racing around the cones, there was the Goodguys Vintage Drags held at the iconic Lucas Oil Raceway. Full quarter-mile racing for all vehicles 1972 and older with cars split up into Hot Rod for anything 1954 and older, along with Street Machine for everything from 1954 through 1972. Spectators at the event were treated to exhibition runs from exciting Nitro Burning Fuel Altereds and some Midwest Nostalgia Pro Stocks.

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The action was just as hot at the drag strip during the Vintage Drags

With all of the great cars on display it is impossible to get the story on every one of them at the show, so we picked out our top five. Each of these cars stood out in their own way and show the variety of what was on display at the Indy Nationals. In no specific order here are just five of our favorite machines from the Indy Nationals.

Greg O’Connell’s 1963 Dodge 330

Good Guys Indy 2015-108There is something about a black muscle car that makes it intimidating, but when that car is a Dodge with a top shelf racing history the reputation is earned. O’Connell’s 1963 Dodge 330 stood out at the indoor car show with it’s liquid smooth black paint, large tires, and even larger engine.

This particular Mopar began life as a slant six base model, but like many cars of this era that drivetrain didn’t last long. O’Connell says “in 1999 the car was rescued from a long career in drag racing and it began its extensive nut and bolt frame off restoration. I have owned the car now for several years and continue to enjoy stepping back into the ’60s.”

That restoration led to a 426 hemi with 843 hp 726 lb-ft of torque being dropped between the frame rails and backed by a push-button 727 Torqueflite filled with all kinds of billet goodies.

Good Guys Indy 2015-9Don Hansen’s 1957 Chevy 210 “Widow Maker” Gasser

The pure in your face nature of the classic gasser is captured to perfection with Hansen’s 1957 Chevy 210. From nose to tail this car is period correct, clean, and very well built with the best parts. Don’t let the pretty look fool you, this car is built to see the track.

Under the hood is a nasty 383 ci bowtie power plant filled with a Scat Crank, Eagle connecting rods, and SRP pistons. Topping off the motor are a pair of Edelbrock heads, a Mickey Thompson cross ram intake, and a pair of Holley 450 carbs. Shifting duties are handled by a classic Muncie four speed transmission.

Jack Ostrander’s 1955 Chevy Nomad Wagon

Good Guys Indy 2015-151There are certain cars that just never go out of style and the Chevy Nomad wagon falls into that category, Jack Ostrander’s ride redefines the style you are used to seeing this icon done in. Ostrander has taken this American classic and turned it into a real life Hot Wheels car, and we love it.

Hidden under the hood is a 350 ci small block Chevy topped off with a massive 8-71 blower backed by a 700 R4 transmission. The interior of the car is filled with stock trim but kissed with just a touch of modern that adds to the look. Setting the tone and stance for the entire car are the coil overs at all four corners and massive Billet Specialties wheels.

Don and Denise Nickelson’s 1969 “Judgmental” GTO

Good Guys Indy 2015-91Not many people are brave enough to take a true GTO and create such an over the top custom street machine, but the Nickelson’s and Indy Street Rods & Classics did just that, and more. The Judgmental GTO has details on top of details that scream top level build while still keeping the classic look of the car intact.

Starting under the hood the Butler Performance built 505 ci Pontiac mill cranks out over 665 hp and transfers that power to a Tremec T-56 six speed gearbox. Outback a Currie 9-inch Ford rear end wears Willwood brakes and a massive pair of 24×14-inch wheels. Up front, the Street Rod Garage chassis has another pair of Willwood brakes and 19×9-inch wheels.

Gene and Tyler Schwister’s 1955 Ford GT55 Custom Line

Good Guys Indy 2015-118The 1955 Ford built by Dave’s Hot Rod’s is an understated masterpiece that looks just like a clean street machine until you look just a bit closer. The subtle yet extensive body modifications are just the first thing you see, when you see under the hood and inside the GT55 it becomes apparent how much detail was put into this build.

Under the hood is a new 302 Ford Coyote power plant that has individual Weber carbs converted to EFI and hidden fuel injectors. On the outside every inch of the car has some type of body modification under the jet black paint including peaked fenders, sectioned bumpers, and filled bolt holes. Inside the car is a handmade steel dash with hidden controls.

Hot Rod Of The Year

At the Indy Nationals the Goodguys crown their Hot Rod Of The Year, one of the most prestigious awards available in the hot rod world. Participants must drive their ride on a 100 mile cruise around Indianapolis and then head over to Lucas Oil Raceway to make a nice 1/8th mile pass to show what their hot rod is made of. This year Keith Hill’s 1933 Ford 3-Window “Federale Coupe” won top honors in an extremely tight field.

The Indy Nationals fit right in with the rich tradition of motorsports Indianapolis has to offer. With an amazing variety of quality cars the Indy Nationals have something for every gearhead. There are still more shows across the country, so check out the Events section on the Goodguys website, and check out the huge gallery below from this exciting event.

Photo gallery

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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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