The Return of the Street Machine Nationals

[mrclean81]

This event was the highlight of the summer for me as a child, along with my father and every other gear head in our area. It was one of the bigeest shows in the country at the time, and is partly responsible for my love of cars at such a young age. Reading my dads Hot Rod mags and seeing the cars on the cover and then getting to see them up close was really cool for a young kid. The entire town of DuQuoin Il would be taken over by every old car imaginable. By the mid nineties, it had gotten so big and so out of control, that they shut it down. Alcohol played a large roll in its demise. Wild women, thousands of pro street cars, etc and it proved to just be too much.
Then a page popped up on Facebook one day entitled "Bring the Street Machine Nationals Back to Duquoin Illinois". These guys were serious. The page grew in popularity so fast that the local news started taking notice. He/they fought tooth and nail, attending city meetings, working with Family Events, etc until they got it back. This weekend, the Car Craft Street Machine Nations will be held at the Duquoin State Fair Grounds for the first time since 1998. A lot of restrictions and changes had to be made for this to happen, but I think everyone is so happy thats back, that they can live without beer for the weekend.
This article tells the story pretty well.
The Legendary Street Machine Nationals Returns In 2013 - Dragzine

Im going Saturday, so Ill post some pics in this tread.

 

[tropicsteve]

remember to have fun and try to avoid statements like "whoever detailed this should try it with his eyes open next time" or " i hope you didn't pay extra for these holograms"

 

[mrclean81]

Yeah I try to put the detailer in me aside at shows. Guys sort of take offense to strangers making comments about their paint and such, especially when they built the car lol.

 

[mrclean81]

Last I heard, the entry count was over 4000 cars. Heres some pics of some of my favs from the show.

 

[mrclean81]