Why wouldn't record numbers of cars and people come to Super Chevy at Maple Grove, Pennsylvania? After all, it's the middle of summer, it's one of the most beautiful stops on the tour, and it's where we see some of the best cars in the Northeast. A week after Super Chevy's biggest event at Indianapolis, we travel east a few-hundred miles to this forest near Reading, Pennsylvania, where a racetrack, show grounds, and picnic area have been carved out of the wilderness, just for us. People come from about 20 nearby states and Canada to enjoy the show and races. On top of that, the Manufacturer's Midway presents sellers and products that won't be seen at other shows, and the crowds around those booths are usually about four people deep.
Every show seems to have its own character. Some locations are known for Camaros, some for big cars, some for convertibles. Maple Grove surprises first-time visitors with a large array of trucks. We expect trucks in the wide-open spaces, but the Keystone state folks have affection for their pickups, panels, and SUVs-and it shows. We also notice that Maple Grove is where a car fan needs to go to see the most and best "Pro-Street" machines, many of which come from builders in the area. Don't ever let anyone hear you say, "Pro-Street is dead," when you're in Pennsylvania.
Here's a great Pennsylvania...
Here's a great Pennsylvania truck! Steve Myers of York, PA, displays his Outstanding Classic Truck Award from Classic Trucks magazine, presented for this great '50 panel.
2002 Maple Grove Super Chevy Show Stats
Saturday Awards
Editor's Choice Top Ten Show Cars
Dino DeRocili, Newark, DE, '60 Bel Air
Jack Jabs, E. Greenville, PA, '66 Nova
Paul Krick, Wernersville, PA, '64 Corvette
Kyle Phillips, Alpha, NJ, '66 Malibu
Morris & Bonnie Romig, New Tripoli, PA, '72 Nova
Tom Satterthwaite, Jackson, NY, '34 Chevy
Mark Shuchart, New Freedom, PA, '70 Chevelle
Danny Smith, Shrewsbury, PA, '69 Camaro
Denny Sneath, Mountville, PA, '69 Camaro
Paul Trudell, Schenectady, NY, '55 Chevy
Mel Eaves doesn't get his...
Mel Eaves doesn't get his Nitro Coupe to every show, but when he does, it's "showtime." In the Nitro finals, it was Dan Nickelson cranking a 6.238 e.t. at 219.01 mph to take the prize against Jim Nordhougen who had to shut off during the run. The two finalists are now tied for the season points lead.
Specialty Awards
Best Interior
Bryan Wilde, Huntingtown, MD, '56 Chevy
Best Paint
William Gravitt, Manorville, NY, '63 Nova
Best Engine
Dave Shugard, Millsboro, DE, '64 Impala
Best Detail Sponsored By Racing Communications, Inc.
Russ & Pat Galbaugh, Lititz, PA, '57 Chevy
Best Workmanship Sponsored By Waterloo Industries
Joe Sulpy, Ledgewood, NJ, '57 Chevy
Best Achievement Stock
Ernie Gebers, Bohemia, NY, '58 Cameo truck
Best Achievement Street
Eric & Kristine Karow, Stowe, PA, '69 Camaro
Best Achievement Modified
Fred Tugend, Lancaster, PA, '37 Ford
ESPN2 Award Of Excellence
Bruce Elliott, Chesapeake Bay, MA, '64 Nova
"Transport Award" - Featherlite Trailers
Dick & Barbara Lagasse, Enfield, CT, '62 Corvette
"Graphics Award" - American Colorscans, Inc.
Tim & Sinah Douglas, Chesterfield, VA, '67 truck
ISCA "Award Of Excellence" - ISCA
Lee Poole, Blandon, PA, '71 Chevelle
Suzuki "Outstanding 4x4" Award
Craig Brinken, Kutztown, PA, '54 delivery
"Outstanding Street Rod" Award - Street Rodder Magazine
Bob & Sandy Weikel, Hilltown, PA, '36 Chevy
"Outstanding Classic Truck" Award - Classic Truck Magazine
Steve Myers, York, PA, '50 panel truck
Super Chevy Magazine 30 Year Anniversary Award
Ronnie Welty, Thurmont, MD, '54 Chevy
 Shrewsbury, PA's Danny Smith...  Shrewsbury, PA's Danny Smith rolled in his '69 Camaro convertible, which stopped crowds with its looks and workmanship. We gave it an Editor's Choice Top Ten Show Car award and it also took the class win. |  It's hard to pass this little...  It's hard to pass this little guy up. Jake Eden of New Freedom, PA, promises to change brands when he gets a little older, but for now he's enjoying the ride. |  Three amigos from north of...  Three amigos from north of the border made the trek to Maple Grove to show off these primo '70 Malibus. From left to right, the cars belong to Gordon Tustian of Lynden, Ontario; Paul Carr of Burlington, Ontario; and Mark Buchanan of Kitchener, Ontario. The trio drove their cars and had a ball! |