Martin Reborn

It's been more than two years since the Super Chevy Show last put up its tent in Martin, Michigan. That's because the track, formerly called US 131 Dragway closed to undergo an extensive refurbishment. The old dragstrip, a mainstay of Midwest racers for decades, was simply not meeting the expectations of racing and car show fans, nor were the facilities up to the standards necessary to draw IHRA National Events.

That's all changed with the re-christened US 131 Motorsports Park. Simply put, it's one of the most modern, thoughtfully laid out tracks in the region. One of the biggest and best changes of all is the new entrance gates, which are now paved. Those of you who hated bumping down that dusty (sometimes muddy) stretch of dirt to get to the former entrance can rejoice; it's all pavement from the freeway to the track's starting line.

US 131's revamp is already paying dividends, as it is now the host of IHRA's Northern Nationals. And, of course, the Super Chevy Show has returned. Unfortunately, one aspect of the Martin show's past has not changed -- Michigan's unpredictable and rapidly changing weather. Though relatively mild on Saturday, the weather on the show's big day, Sunday, kept chamois and Absorbers twirling.

Thankfully, after a powerful early morning downpour, the track dried out long enough to get in a couple rounds of racing, including the always-popular Nitro Coupes, Chicago Outlaws, and jet cars. Mike Swinarski's red '57 Chevy Nitro Coupe wowed the crowd, as did blistering passes from Bruce Boland and his Canada-based Willys Nitro Coupe. By mid-afternoon, however, the black clouds returned. Racers pulled to the line as though it would be their last run before the rain, and the car show judges scurried between the vintage Chevys with one eye on the vehicles' details and the other on the threatening sky.

The traditional Super Chevy Show awards ceremony was held early in an attempt to beat the rain, but just as the first award plaques were handed out, Mother Nature decided the Chevrolets gathered in Martin needed a rinse. For many, however, it was merely a soggy end to a great weekend back at Martin; and most hearty award recipients endured the blustery weather long enough to pose for the traditional winner's photo alongside the Super Chevy trailer.

Unfortunately, the scenario at Martin wasn't unique to the 2003 Super Chevy schedule, said promoter Roger Gustin. "Seems like we've had weather like this since the start of the season," said Gustin, from the relative dryness of his covered golf cart. "What can you do? We just appreciate everyone who ignores the weather reports, shows up, and still has a great time." Despite the wet ending, we were glad to be back at Martin again. The racetrack is better than ever, and so is the Super Chevy Show.

The details are what drives...        read full caption The details are what drives Chevy enthusiasts to take a closer look at all the show cars. Who knows? This guy probably has an early '70s Nova of his own to finish up, and hopes to get some detailing ideas from this one.

Check out the reverse-opening...        read full caption Check out the reverse-opening hood on the left. That trick takes a lot of engineering and fabricating talent, but man, it sure makes that Nova stand out from the rest.

Club members from the Street...        read full caption Club members from the Street Machines of Chicago were flying their colors proudly, having fun and supporting yet another Super Chevy Show.

Even the ladies have an interest...        read full caption Even the ladies have an interest in the details. How much do you want to bet that her guy has a similar project in the works and just needs the okay on his choice of engine accessories?

Dr. Don Beck	Bill Bennett	Rod Bowden
Jeff Butte	Robert Flowers	William J. Marks

Bob & Sandy Beuter	Bernard Hickey	Robert Kelly II
Mike Leversee	Tom & Lynn Niesley	Dan Owens
Dan Przano	Lee Stickney	Alan Tompsett

Ed Coffel	Kirk Johnson	Randy Kirker
Steve & Bev West	Bob Parris	Ron Carpenter
Ron Willit	Peter Ruiter	Brent & Lori Clark
Brian Cornish	Matt & Kendra Grady	Matt DeJong