Not a rod event, but anybody going to the Newport IN Hill Climb? I missed the last couple of years but plan on going this Saturday. There's something cool about seeing a 60-100 year old car racing up that hill.
Straight shot from the Courthouse front steps up the long hill out of town. This hill used to be used by the automobile manufacturers to test their running gears way back in the early years. Vehicles must be stock and pass inspection before competing on the hill. Usually 4-500 stock antique and discontinued makes show up every year. They also have a car show that parks on the streets of Newport and draws about 400 additional rods, customs, trucks etc. I think parking was 5 dollars in a field on the edge of town, and you walk into this quaint little town with a population of about 500, which also acts as the County Seat. Lots of street vendors, food and they always give away an antique vehicle by selling chances for only 1 dollar apiece. The winner of the car gets a chance to run up the hill and compete for a class trophy on Sunday. Well worth the trip into town.
I have a good friend that races with us that has 2 AMA national championships under his belt. He won the widowmaker back in the late 70's @ age 53.
I'll be in the show car area with my '40 Plymouth Coupe. I ran the hill several years with my '36 Dodge pickup, but the rules won't let me run the hill with the hemi!
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