Heat In The Street - Goodguys Nationals & Street Machine of the Year

PHR Heads To Columbus, Ohio For The Goodguys PPG Nationals And The Street Machine Of The Year

By Steven Rupp

Photography by Steven Rupp, Johnny Hunkins

There are car shows and then there are car events so huge that they dwarf all others. The Goodguys Nationals is such an event. Once a year, over 6,000 street machines, rods, g-Machines, and everything in between descend on Columbus, Ohio, for the mack daddy of all car shows. This is also where some of the best cars around vie for not only the title of Street Rod of the Year, but also for the coveted Street Machine of the Year award. Cars that would normally clean house at any normal show are lucky to get in the Pro's Pick area in Columbus. The competition is harder than a forged crank, which is why getting the title is such an accomplishment. Because we like a beautiful car almost as much as one going around a road course, PHR decided to brave the crowds and the heat for a chance to check out some of the coolest cars around.

Winning Street Machine of the Year is quite a feat. First, the herd of 6,000-plus cars is culled down to a hundred or so Pro's Picks. Then, the best of the best slug it out to be in the top five. From that handful of cars, the top dog is crowned the winner.This massive car show is about more that just the Street Machine of the Year, though. Outside the area reserved for the high-dollar stuff we saw quite a few homebuilt rides that budget-conscious builders were showing off with deserved pride. We also cruised the vendor booths and spied some of the cool new products that are about to hit the market. It was also good to see that many of these products catered to the g-Machine and pro-touring segments. If you ever get the chance to attend this event, you won't be disappointed.