Premier Event in Gainesville

He said he could do it, and he said he would do it; we just had doubts about whether or not it would happen. Big Mike Swinarski has been campaigning his Nitro Coupe Camaro for a while now, even after he blew the top off. He's been talking about his new race car, a '57 Bel Air, which he wanted to have done by the end of the season. That's pretty tough when you travel to upstate New York on the off-weeks then pull the rig all over the country on Super Chevy Show weekends. Never underestimate Swinarski, though, as he brought his new racer to Gainesville the last week of October. Not only that, but the car was sufficiently "dialed-in" to record a 6.69-second e.t. on its maiden run, a time that most other Nitro Coupe drivers would be happy with on runs to qualify for the field. Of course, the car is definitely "eye candy," as well it should be, since Mike is a '57 fanatic, having one for his daily driver.

Of course, we weren't prepared for the other Swinarski event; there is a baby girl about to premier also. Had the doctor not given his okay, Mike would have had to wait to bring out the Bel Air as the princess is due any day. We'll give particulars next time.

As life can often do, we combine premiers with departures. Our long-time Super Chevy Race Director, Phil Gustin, has decided to take his well-earned retirement and enjoy life at his home on the river. Phil has served racers at tracks all over the country for many years, ensuring their safety and well-being, and is noted for being the final authority on when a dragstrip is ready for racing. We will miss Phil but wish him happiness and a good life.

On the show car front we found that Gainesville is Chevelle country. Of course there were other great cars there, but if you're a Chevelle fan, don't miss Gainesville. Heck, don't miss any Super Chevy Show.

Lindy Farmer of Ellenwood, GA, grabbed our attention with this "sleeper" '70 Nova, running a 396. The car was restored to the point that we offered to buy it for what it cost new. Lindy turned us down, but we gave the car the SUPER CHEVY Magazine 30th Anniversary Award.
Lindy Farmer of Ellenwood, GA, grabbed our attention with this "sleeper" '70 Nova, running

Street Rodder Magazine's Outstanding Street Rod award went to David Wade of Palatka, FL, for his big-block, nitrous-equipped '39 Ford coupe, with an owner-applied 4-inch chop.
Street Rodder Magazine's Outstanding Street Rod award went to David Wade of Palatka, FL, f
In these groups of winners photos, we keep seeing one smiling face repeated.

didn't notice until the film was developed, but he's everywhere!
Who is that kid?

Mike Swinarski brought his brand-new Bel Air Nitro Coupe, with club logo, to debut at Gainesville.
Mike Swinarski brought his brand-new Bel Air Nitro Coupe, with club logo, to debut at Gain

Classic Trucks Magazine's Outstanding Classic Truck award was given to Clint Wilson of Lake Butler, FL, for his bright-yellow and well-done '48 Chevy hauler.
Classic Trucks Magazine's Outstanding Classic Truck award was given to Clint Wilson of Lak

Two wagons from 1966 illustrate what we love about these cool models. Both were awarded Editor's Choice Top Ten Show Car awards.
Two wagons from 1966 illustrate what we love about these cool models. Both were awarded Ed
The red Chevelle is owned by Al Dondfriu of Palm Harbor, FL, and the Bel Air belongs to Pete Kinney of Venice, FL.
The red Chevelle is owned by Al Dondfriu of Palm Harbor, FL, and the Bel Air belongs to Pe

The Trim Parts Best Corvette award, given in association with Vette magazine, deservedly went to Gerald Copeland of Tifton, GA, for this splendid '62.
The Trim Parts Best Corvette award, given in association with Vette magazine, deservedly w
Wayne and Pat Lasley came all the way from Romney, IN, to enter their '53 convertible. It took home an Editor's Choice Top Ten Show Car award.
Wayne and Pat Lasley came all the way from Romney, IN, to enter their '53 convertible. It

Wayne Dixon and son Clint entered this beautiful '86 Monte Carlo. It's owned by Clint who is 14; he was greatly involved with the body and paint work (especially the sanding). He gets to drive it to school when he gets his license, and in the meantime, he can admire the Editor's Choice Top Ten Show Car award the car earned.
Wayne Dixon and son Clint entered this beautiful '86 Monte Carlo. It's owned by Clint who
Kerry Hunter's '55 is a classic with modern touches. We gave the Jacksonville, FL, native an Editor's Choice Top Ten Show Car award.
Kerry Hunter's '55 is a classic with modern touches. We gave the Jacksonville, FL, native

DRAG RACE RESULTS
EDITOR'S CHOICE TOP TEN DRAG CARS
Greg Belles, Lakeland, FL, '69 Camaro	Lloyd French, Ocala, FL, '71 Monte Carlo
Richard Hensley, Beverly Hills, FL, '68 Camaro	Fred Lambes, High Springs, FL, '69 Chevelle
Benjamin Matts, Alachua, FL, '67 Nova	John Morrell, Port Richey, FL, '69 Camaro
Darrell Pittman, Axson, GA, '69 Camaro	Dana Savage, Naples, FL, '67 Camaro RS/SS
Eddie Schmeing, Ft. Myers, FL, '70 Monte Carlo	Robert Underwood, Tarpon Springs, FL, '71 Chevelle

2002 GAINESVILLE SUPER CHEVY SHOW STATS
SATURDAY AWARDS
EDITOR'S CHOICE TOP TEN SHOW CARS
William & Clint Dixon, Interlochen, FL, '86 Monte Carlo	Al Dondfriu, Palm Harbor, FL, '66 Chevelle wagon
Dale Faulds Jr., Daytona Beach, FL, '61 Impala	Tim Hansard, Cumming, GA, '69 Camaro
Kerry Hunter, Jacksonville, FL, '55 Chevy	Rodney Hutto, Plant City, FL, '70 Chevelle SS
Pete Kinney, Venice, FL, '66 Bel Air Wagon	Wayne & Pat Lasley, Romney, IN, '53 Chevy convertible
Bob & Bill Pierce, Holiday, FL, '70 Nova	Charlie Pierce, Malabar, FL, '71 Camaro
SPECIALTY AWARDS
BEST INTERIOR	John Trautmann, Pompano Beach, FL, '70 Chevelle
BEST PAINT	Terry Hansard, Cumming, GA, '67 Camaro
BEST ENGINE	Richard Graf, Jacksonville, FL, '56 Chevy
BEST DETAIL SPONSORED BY RACING COMMUNICATIONS, INC.	Joe Wigley, Savannah, GA, '70 Chevelle
BEST WORKMANSHIP SPONSORED BY WATERLOO INDUSTRIES	Giulio Breviario, Hudson, FL, '67 Nova
BEST ACHIEVEMENT STOCK	Ed Bellflower, Oak City, NC, '70 Chevelle
BEST ACHIEVEMENT STREET	Bill Kumm, Port Orange, FL, '69 Camaro
BEST ACHIEVEMENT MODIFIED	Richard Boyd, Albany, GA, '66 Nova
ESPN2 AWARD OF EXCELLENCE	Frank McMillan, Valdosta, GA, '64 Chevelle
"TRANSPORT AWARD"--FEATHERLITE TRAILERS	Gerald Copeland, Tifton, GA, '62 Corvette
"GRAPHICS AWARD"--AMERICAN COLORSCANS, INC.	Shane Fonseca, Orange Park, FL, '68 Camaro
ISCA "AWARD OF EXCELLENCE"--ISCA	Donna & Rich Gregorski, Largo, FL, '41 Willys
SUZUKI "OUTSTANDING 4X4" AWARD	Rich Perillo, Cape Coral, FL, '01 Truck
"OUTSTANDING STREET ROD" AWARD--STREET RODDER MAGAZINE	David Wade, Palatka, FL, '39 Ford coupe
"OUTSTANDING CLASSIC TRUCK" AWARD--CLASSIC TRUCK MAGAZINE	Clint Wilson, Lake Butler, FL, '48 Chevy truck
SUPER CHEVY MAGAZINE 30 YEAR ANNIVERSARY AWARD	Lindy Farmer, Ellenwood, GA, '70 Nova

SUNDAY AWARDS
SPECIALTY AWARDS
WORKMAT CAR OF THE SHOW AWARD--WORKMAT	Richard Boyd, Albany, GA, '66 Nova
MEGUIAR'S "MEDALLION AWARD" FOR OUTSTANDING BODY APPEARANCE	Frank McMillan, Valdosta, GA, '64 Chevelle
"ATTENTION TO DETAIL" AWARD--SOFFSEAL	Joey Wigley, Savannah, GA, '70 Chevelle
BEST OF GOLD--STOCK--AUTOSTAR PRODUCTIONS INC.	Lindy Farmer, Ellenwood, GA, '69 Camaro
BEST OF GOLD--STREET--AUTOSTAR PRODUCTIONS INC.	Gary Trahan, Houman, LA, '69 Camaro
BEST DETAIL GOLD CLASS--AUTOSTAR PRODUCTIONS INC.	Joey Wigley, Savannah, GA, '69 Camaro
BEST '55-57--DANCHUK MANUFACTURING	Gene Talsma, Hudsonville, MI, '56 Chevy
BEST BIG CAR--SOFFSEAL	Clara & Roger Bailey, Buford, GA, '63 Impala
BEST CAMARO--RICK'S FIRST GENERATION CAMAROS	Tim Hansard, Cummning, GA, '69 Camaro
BEST CHEVELLE--ORIGINAL PARTS GROUP	Ed Bellflower, Oak City, NC, '70 Chevelle
BEST CONTEMPORARY--AUTOSTAR PRODUCTIONS INC.	Josh Solomon, Jacksonville, FL, '02 Cavalier
BEST CONVERSION--MEGUIAR'S	Donna & Rich Gregorski, Largo, FL, '41 Willys
BEST CORVETTE--TRIM PARTS & VETTE MAGAZINE	Gerald Copeland, Tifton, GA, '62 Corvette
BEST EARLY CHEVROLET--KIMBERLY-CLARK SCOTT	Clint Wilson, Lake Butler, FL, '48 truck
BEST EL CAMINO--AUTOSTAR PRODUCTIONS INC.	Wayne Banister, Marietta, GA, '76 El Camino
BEST MONTE CARLO--CHEVYMALL.COM	Lamar Johnson, Lithonia, GA, '70 Monte Carlo
BEST NOVA--WHEEL VINTIQUES	Bob & Bill Pierce, Holiday, FL, '73 Nova
BEST OPEN--MASTERS ENTERTAINMENT	Ron Vargas, Middleburg, FL, '76 Vega
BEST PRO STREET/PRO ENGINEERED--AEROQUIP PERFORMANCE PARTS	John Trautmann, Pompano Beach, FL, '70 Chevelle
BEST TRUCK--STYLIN CONCEPTS	Jack Oglesby, Swainsboro, GA, '68 truck
CLUB PARTICIPATION	Sunshine State Camaro Club of Florida
AUTOSTAR PRODUCTIONS, INC. PARTNERSHIP AWARD	The Hansard Family of Cumming, GA
WATERLOO TOOLBOX WINNER--DRAG RACE	Robert Hopkinson, Venice, FL, '71 Nova
WATERLOO TOOLBOX WINNER--CAR SHOW	Rich Gregorski, Largo, FL, '41 Willys
SUPER CHEVY SHOW YOUNG STAR AWARD	Garrett Osburn, Lake City, FL, 95 GMC

GOLD CLASS WINNERS
GOLD CAMARO '67-69--STOCK	Joey Wigley, Savannah, GA, '69
GOLD CAMARO '67-69 ZL-1--STOCK	Lindy Farmer, Ellenwood, GA, '69 ZL-1
GOLD CAMARO '67-69--STREET	Gary Trahan, Houma, LA, '69
CLASS WINNERS
'55-56-57--MODIFIED	Gene Talsma, Hudsonville, MI, '56
BIG CAR '49-54--STOCK	Jose M. Vega, Gainesville, FL, '52
BIG CAR '49-54--STREET	Wayne & Pat Lasley, Romney, IN, '53
BIG CAR '49-54--MODIFIED	Mickey Pearce, Lakeland, FL, '50
BIG CAR '58-89--STOCK	Thomas Cissell, Greenville, KY, '58
BIG CAR '58-89--STREET	John Soyak, Orange City, FL, '64
BIG CAR '58-89--MODIFIED	Clara & Roger Bailey, Buford, GA, '63
BIG CAR '90-96--STOCK	Milan & Carol Vujanich, Seffner, FL, '96
BIG CAR '90-96--STREET	Hugh Bob McGlynn, Ft. Pierce, FL, '96
CAMARO '67-69--STOCK	Bruce Eckstein, Heathrow, FL, '69
CAMARO '67--STREET	Diane Dagley, Atlantic Beach, FL, '67
CAMARO '68--STREET	Raymond Pianka, Palm Bay, FL, '68
CAMARO '69 HARD-TOP--STREET	Glenn Pieschke, Estero, FL, '69
CAMARO '69 CONVERTIBLE--STREET	Ron Adams, Citra, FL, '69
CAMARO '67-69--MODIFIED	Tim Hansard, Cumming, GA, '69
CAMARO '70-81--STOCK	Bill & Wesley Culver, Macon, GA, '70
CAMARO '70-81--STREET	Marsha Allen, Panama City, FL, '72
CAMARO '70-81--MODIFIED	Gene Struthers, Tarpon Springs, FL, '73
CAMARO '82-92--STOCK	Gary Wachowiak, St. Petersburg, FL, '91
CAMARO '82-92--STREET	Mark Woodhouse, Largo, FL, '92
CAMARO '82-92--MODIFIED	Brian Mussnug, Gainesville, FL, '87
CAMARO '93 & NEWER--STOCK	Douglas Reed, Riverview, FL, '02
CAMARO '93 & NEWER CONVERTIBLE--STREET	Robert Crockett, Palm Harbor, FL, '02
CAMARO '93 & NEWER COUPES--STREET	Jim Paugh, Winter Springs, FL, '96
CHEVELLE '64-67--STOCK	Dale Gilmore, Ft. Pierce, FL, '66
CHEVELLE '64-67--STREET	Bruce Clem, Clearwater, FL, '66
CHEVELLE '64-67--MODIFIED	Frank McMillan, Valdosta, GA, '64
CHEVELLE '68 & NEWER--STOCK	Joey Wigley, Savannah, GA, '70
CHEVELLE '68-69--STREET	Ron Haworth, Cape Coral, FL, '69
CHEVELLE '70 & NEWER-STREET	Jim Boone, Seminole, FL, '71
CHEVELLE '68 & NEWER--MODIFIED	Dan Kunik, Beverly Hills, FL, '68
CONTEMPORARY--STOCK	Jason Castor, Gainesville, FL, '02 Monte Carlo
CONTEMPORARY--STREET	Delia Pittman, Gainesville, FL, '01 Monte Carlo
CONTEMPORARY--MODIFIED	Josh Solomon, Jacksonville, FL, '02 Cavalier
CONVERSION '48 & EARLIER--MODIFIED	Donna & Rich Gregorski, Largo, FL, '41 Willys
CONVERSION '49 & NEWER--STREET	John Whooley, Tallahassee, FL, '01 Pontiac
CONVERSION '49 & NEWER--MODIFIED	David Burch, Cocoa, FL, '68 Pontiac
CORVETTE '53-67--STOCK	Stephen Twiss, Hudson, FL, '66
CORVETTE '53-67--STREET	Daniel Copeland, Tifton, GA, '62
CORVETTE '53-67--MODIFIED	Gerald Copeland, Tifton, GA, '62
CORVETTE '68-82--STREET	Gary Zimnarik, Jacksonville, FL, '75
CORVETTE '68-82--MODIFIED	Ed Dolan, Weirsdale, FL, '76
CORVETTE '84 & NEWER--STREET	Thomas Evatt, Vidalia, GA, '96
CORVETTE '84 & NEWER--MODIFIED	Bruce Harvey, Cape Coral, FL, '98
EARLY CHEVROLET '35 & EARLIER--MODIFIED	Bob Bassford, Citra, FL, '34 Chevy
EARLY CHEVROLET '36-48--MODIFIED	Clint Wilson, Lake Butler, FL, '48 Chevy
EL CAMINO--STREET	Jerry Cox, Ocala, FL, '67
EL CAMINO--MODIFIED	Wayne Banister, Marietta, GA, '76
MONTE CARLO--STOCK	Lamar Johnson, Lithonia, GA, '70
MONTE CARLO--STREET	Jim Martin, Suwanee, GA, '70
NOVA '62-67--STOCK	Peter & Rosmarie Campbell, Newport Richey, FL, '67
NOVA '62-67--STREET	Giulio Breviario, Hudson, FL, '67
NOVA '62-67--MODIFIED	Brian Moss, St. Cloud, FL, '65
NOVA '68 & NEWER--STOCK	Lindy Farmer, Ellenwood, GA, '70
NOVA '68 & NEWER--STREET	Chris Teed, Orlando, FL, '68
NOVA '68 & NEWER--MODIFIED	Bob & Bill Pierce, Holiday, FL, '73
OPEN--STREET	Ron Vargas, Middleburg, FL, '76 Vega
PRO STREET '60's--MODIFIED	Giulio Breviario, Hudson, FL, '67 Nova
PRO STREET '70 & NEWER--MODIFIED	John Trautmann, Pompano Beach, FL, '70 Chevelle
PRO STREET TRUCK--MODIFIED	James Russell, Clermont, FL, '86 Astro
PRO ENGINEERED--MODIFIED	Richard Boyd, Albany, GA, '66 Nova
STREET CRUISER	Thomas Wester, Tampa, FL, '56 Chevy
STREET CRUISER	Donald Hotz, Winter Park, FL, '37 Chevy
TRUCK '49-72--MODIFIED	Jack Oglesby, Swainsboro, GA, '68
TRUCK '73-87--STREET	Jesse Hale, Middleburg, FL, '86
TRUCK '73-87--MODIFIED	Randy Adle, Valdosta, GA, '87
TRUCK '88 & NEWER--STREET	Dale Evatt, Vidalia, GA, '00
TRUCK '88 & NEWER--MODIFIED	Emory Reiser, Richmond Hill, GA, '01 Silverado
4X4 TRUCK--MODIFIED	Ralph Perillo, Cape Coral, FL, '01
MINI TRUCK--STREET	Bob & Sarah Snider, Lake Pansoffkee, FL, '01
MINI TRUCK--MODIFIED	John Tingley, Tampa, FL, '95
SUV--MODIFIED	James Anderson, Pomona Park, FL, '86
MINI SUV--STREET	Ronnie Chesser, Alachua, FL, '87

DRAG RACE RESULTS

BRACKET 1
WINNER	Bill Highhouse, Orange Park, FL, '80 Camaro, 9.649 @ 120.28mph
RUNNER-UP	James Johnson, Cocoa, FL, '96 Trans Am, 11.866 @ 112.59mph
BRACKET 2
WINNER	Brien Radley, Belleview, FL, '79 Malibu, 12.207 @ 100.07mph
RUNNER-UP	Jamie Kelly, Ocala, FL, '73 Corvette, 15.497 @ 86.59mph
DOT STREET TIRE
WINNER	Vernon Glisson, Hawthorne, FL, '68 Camaro, 11.418 @ 117.34mph
RUNNER-UP	Derek Putnam, Gainesville, FL, '70 Nova, 12.506 @ 105.90mph
NITRO COUPES
WINNER	Gary Irving, Bolton, ON-Can, '37 Chevy coupe, 6.988 @ 199.42mph
RUNNER-UP	Dan Nickelson, LaVerne, CA, '94 Beretta, 15.421 @ 52.11mph
SATURDAY BRACKET RACE
WINNER	Bobby Fuller, Jacksonville, FL, '27 roadster
RUNNER-UP	John Rollins, Gainesville, FL, '72 Nova

NITRO COUPE POINT STANDINGS

1. Dan Nickelson 490pts.

2. Jim Nordhougen 410

3. Gary Irving 245

4. Bruce Boland 240

5. Mike Swinarski 215

6. John Reynolds 130

7. Jerry Hicks 60

8. Andy Neyer 50

2002 Gainesville Super Chevy Show Vendor's List
AAAA Toy	Automotive Catalog Supply Company
Bowtie Performance	Bradley's Car Collectibles
Buff's Tools & Equipment	C&C Enterprises
California Street Rods Inc.	CFM Motorsports
Christy's Cars & Collectibles	Classic Toys
Cory's Vinyl Graphics	Danchuk Manufacturing, Inc.
Discount Auto Watches	Don Garlits Museum
F.A.S.T. (Florida Auto Specialties & Tools)	Featherlite Inc.
First Baptist Church of Boulougne	Florida Performance
High Performance Image (Primedia)	Jim Cook Performance
LoneStar - Super Chevy Store	LoneStar Muscle Car (SoffSeal)
Meguiar's	Minnesota Pneumatic Products
Photo Sports	Priority Sales
Renegade Custom Coaches & Trailers	Rise & Shine Enterprises
Rock 104	Sports Collectibles
Wheeler Motorsports	The Wheel Tough Company