2,000 classic cars on display in Dover this weekend at show with races and kids' games

The world’s largest hot-rodding association, which produces car shows throughout the United States, is hosting its first event in Delaware this weekend.

Goodguys Rod & Custom Association is organizing the Grundy Insurance Mid-Atlantic Nationals presented by R&M Performance June 7-9 at Dover Motor Speedway, 1131 N. Dupont Highway.

Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, June 7 and 8, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 9.

“Goodguys hosts major car shows across the country but this is its first foray into the mid-Atlantic region and we’re honored it selected the Monster Mile as its host venue,” said Michael Lewis, Dover Motor Speedway communications manager.

Founded by lifelong hot rodder Gary Meadors in 1983, Goodguys has over 70,000 active members worldwide. While members receive a discount on show tickets, you don’t have to be a member to attend. The event is open to the public.

“To host a major car show you need three things: an onsite team that has experience with successfully hosting a major event, a region with a lot of car enthusiasts and plenty of parking space. We have that in abundance at Dover,” Lewis said.

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The event will feature an estimated 2,000 vintage cars and trucks filling the Monster Mile for three days of gearhead fun including hot rods, muscle cars, classic cruisers and trick trucks. Participants showing their cars will have the opportunity to drive around the high-banked, 1-mile race track on Saturday evening.

All three days will include a swap meet, the “Cars 4-Sale Corral” and the manufacturers midway where visitors can speak directly to the product experts and see their latest parts.

Races and contests

Timed races will be held all three days with CPP Autocross qualifying Friday for Saturday’s Mid-Atlantic Shootout. Racing continues on Sunday with the All American AutoCross Shootout.

A tire-smoking burnout competition will be held Saturday.

Nitro Thunderfest will give visitors the chance to hear and feel the wail of vintage exhibition dragsters revving engines.

After the Sunday race, a parade will feature over 80 award winners from the show.

Pro builder Mark Giambalvo of Creative Rod and Kustom will attend to select the top 10 builder's choice rides.

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Activities for kids

Children can make and take a model car courtesy of Autoworld and enjoy free games along with arts and crafts.

“Dover Motor Speedway’s Fan Zone area, as well as the space around the Monster Monument at Victory Plaza, will be teeming with family-friendly activities,” Lewis said.

Ticket prices and information

For Goodguys members, tickets June 7 and 8 are $20 for ages 13 and up online or $22 at the gate. On June 9, tickets are $15 for ages 13 and up online or $17 at the gate.

For nonmembers, tickets June 7 and 8 are $25 for ages 13 and older online or $28 at the gate. On June 9, tickets are $20 for ages 13 and older online or $22 at the gate.

For children 7-12 of members or nonmembers, tickets are $10 online or at the gate.

Ages 6 and younger are free.

To order tickets online, see the website good-guys.com.

Reach reporter Ben Mace at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Car show in Dover June 7-9 features 2,000 vehicles, races, kids' games