Remembering the good times and making new memories is what cars are all about for true enthusiasts (okay, we all want cars that flat-out haul butt, too). Events like the Super Chevy Shows are like a giant meeting place where car nuts come together to show off and exchange stories-stories of days gone by, stories about building cars, and stories about today's driving adventures.
Super Chevy Shows have always been billed as a family event, but that theme was truly evident at the Memphis show. All around great memories were being created, with tomorrow's hot rodders being shown the ropes by their parents. One particular family at Memphis had three generations of Chevrolet enthusiasts in attendance.
Rumors have it that Vance...
Rumors have it that Vance Shappley's low-mileage '68 Yenko Camaro has never been registered--and never restored.
Others may not have been family, but everyone was treated like next of kin. That was evident when our good friend (and Super Chevy columnist) Chuck Hanson and this author were invited to one group's race pit to sample from one of the biggest vats of jambalaya we've ever seen. Made between racing rounds, this stuff tasted great and had just about everything in it (there may have even been some racing fuel added in for good measure).
Walking the show grounds was an experience of sights and sounds, but there was even more. Gathered between the rows of cars were groups of enthusiasts sharing stories over barbecue and cold drinks. Sometimes the groups were good friends who trek to shows together. Other times it was simply a group of car owners parked near each other who exchanged tips and tricks. Whatever the case, it was obvious that Memphis had an atmosphere not found at many other shows. To be sure, Memphis had all the fixin's for a great weekend of fun.
Classic trucks are becoming...
Classic trucks are becoming a bigger presence at Super Chevy Shows, and Doug Suhorr's Donnellson, Iowa-based '65 Suburban is a prime example.
Drag Race Results
Bracket 1
Winner: Kenny Pease, Dyersburg, TN, '98 Lancer, (5.377@127.09mph: 1/8-mile)
Runner-Up: Eddie Kelly, Sr., Memphis, TN, '99 Racecraft Dragster, (5.157@133.21mph: 1/8-mile)
Bracket 2
Winner: Tony Fowler, Covington, TN, '69 Nova, (6.839@101.16mph: 1/8-mile)
Runner-Up: N/A
DOT Street Tire
Winner: Mitch White, Brighton, TN, '88 S-10, (12.011@107.27mph)
Runner Up: Billy Kennedy, Colt, AR, '70 Camaro, (10.680@115.00mph)
Nitro Coupes
Winner: Bill Kuhlmann, Wentzville, MO, '69 Corvette, (7.108@205.35mph)
Runner Up: Jeff Brozovich, Tracy, IA, '38 Chevy Coupe, (8.138@196.96mph)
2000 Street
Winner: Mike Peeler, Dresden, TN, N/A, (17.000@76.01mph)
Runner Up: Tom Ratliff, London, KY, Impala, (17.052@81.53mph)
Junior Dragsters
Winner: Dustin Scheele, Crump, TN, '97 Jr. Dragster, (9.332@68.02mph)
Runner Up: Thomas Wilson, Murray, KY, '97 Jr. Dragster, (8.031@78.46mph)
 This Camaro was looking a...  This Camaro was looking a bit dated, but the owner went back and changed a few things. Next on the to do list is a lower stance and switching the white lettering on the tires to the inside. |  We don't get to see enough...  We don't get to see enough nice Monte Carlos. Mike Andrews' Mourssuri-based '72 Monte Carlo sat right, looked great, and had a healthy engine under the hood. |  It may be grandpa's '57, but...  It may be grandpa's '57, but the whole family was out in force to help get it shined and ready for the show. |