Goodguys brings 6,000 cars to Columbus for Summit Racing Nationals

Goodguys Rod & Custom Association will take over the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, July 10-12, for its 28th Summit Racing Nationals presented by Grundy Insurance. The event will feature more than 6,000 hot rods, muscle cars and trucks, major awards, racing, new-product showcases and family activities.

Why it matters: - The Summit Racing Nationals is one of Goodguys Rod & Custom Association’s biggest events and a major stop for the classic-car industry. - The show is expected to draw more than 6,000 vehicles, along with builders, manufacturers, racers and car enthusiasts. - The weekend includes award announcements that can influence recognition, sales and bragging rights across the hot rodding market.

What happened: - Goodguys Rod & Custom Association will host the 28th Summit Racing Nationals presented by Grundy Insurance at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, July 10-12. - The event will run Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Friday and Saturday are open to 1999 and older classic cars and trucks. - Meguiar’s All American Sunday will welcome all years of American-made or American-powered vehicles. - The event website for tickets and registration is more information.

The details: - Goodguys calls the Columbus show “The Big One” on its 15-event national schedule. - The event will feature hot rods, muscle cars, classic trucks, customs and specialty vehicles. - Saturday night’s program will include the announcement of two Top 12 of the Year awards presented by BASF: the Forgeline Street Machine of the Year and the Classic Instruments Street Rod of the Year. - Goodguys will also announce the Best New Products of the Year, presented by In the Garage Media. - The 2027 Grand Prize Giveaway car, a 1966 Chevelle built by GAP Industries, will be unveiled. - The Goodguys AutoCross Racing Series will run all weekend on a tight, fast course. - Drivers will compete for the Forgeline Buckeye Shootout on Saturday. - The weekend also includes an All American Shootout on Sunday for newer, American-made or powered vehicles. - Summit Racing Nitro Thunderfest will feature supercharged racing engines. - The schedule also includes a Burnout Contest on Saturday. - Street Machine and Street Rod contenders will make cruise laps around the fairgrounds. - Family activities include a Family Fun Zone with a pedal drift cart, games and a free Auto World Model Car Make-and-Take. - The Goodgals Gallery will feature locally made arts and crafts. - Live music, a giant swap meet of vintage parts and the Cars 4-Sale Corral will also be part of the weekend. - Manufacturers will be set up in the Manufacturers Midway and inside the Bricker Buildering. - The New Product Showcase will highlight the industry’s newest products and offer a path to Best New Product of the Year recognition. - Two days of free tech seminars will be part of SEMA’s Hot Rod Industry Alliance’s Education Days. - Auto Metal Direct will return with its Ultimate GM Truck Experience, featuring celebrities, cars and a live restoration project. - Sunday’s awards ceremony will feature more than 100 specialty awards. - Builders Choice Awards will be selected by Dutchboys Hotrods and Roadster Shop. - More than 80 additional specialty honors will be handed out. - Eighteen finalists will choose a lucky key for a chance to win the 2026 Grand Prize Giveaway car, a 1940 Ford Coupe built by Roseville Rod and Custom.

Between the lines: - The event is designed to be part car show, part industry trade gathering and part family festival. - Goodguys is using the Columbus stop to spotlight new products, live education, racing and builder recognition in one venue. - The mix of pre-1999 vehicles on Friday and Saturday and all-American vehicles on Sunday broadens the audience and keeps the event open to multiple segments of the hobby.

What's next: - Goodguys will unveil the 2027 Grand Prize Giveaway car during the weekend. - Winners of the top awards will be announced Saturday evening. - The final awards ceremony on Sunday will close the event with more than 100 specialty honors and the Grand Prize Giveaway car selection.