There was once a time where muscle cars were only good for going very fast in a very straight line. Trying to turn these lumbering beasts was like trying to change the direction of a speeding locomotive. These days though, modern technology and suspension components allow classic muscle cars to handle better than ever before, and many drivers want to take advantage of these improvements in handling by throwing them around cones at autocross events.
Hemmings Auto Blog reports that the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association has been slowly adding autocross programs to their nationwide shows, and for 2011 they are expanding their autocross offerings to 15 of their well-attended shows.
The autocross events have proven ever more popular with muscle car guys as some people seem to be getting tired with just showing and shining their cars. We grease monkeys spend a lot of time upgrading and improving our automobiles, and we want a chance to show off their abilities, as well as our own.
At four of these Goodguys events, the autocross programs will actually extend across three days, giving participants ages 18 and older plenty of chances to test their mettle on the autocross course. There are three different classes you can enter your car into for autocross; Street Rod (pre ’55 cars), Street Machine (’55 and newer) and Trucks (all trucks through 1972.) Would you take your classic car through the autocross course, or would you rather watch other people flog their automobiles?