My latest issue of the Goodguys Gazette came in a couple weeks ago and I was able to get my 6 year old to do some of her summer reading with it, reading the article on Cody Walls' "Ardun Killer" 3 window deuce. Then I saw the recent thread on the HAMB about the Helmuth family 37 Chevy, and it got me to thinking that Goodguys doesn't get enough credit for all they do for traditional rodding and customizing. Sure, Goodguys caters to a large swath of automotive genres, including stuff decidedly not HAMB friendly like restomods, square bodies, Fox-body Mustangs, and so on. In fact, they're probably better known for those types of vehicles. But that's not to say that they have excluded the traditional genre, or even catered to the popular flavors at the expense of the traditional. Admittedly, I am somewhat biased. My 61 Olds was a Custom of the Year finalist in 2024. But the mere existence of the COTY category is a nod that this sub-genre of automobiles matters and is worthy of press to show how cool these cars are. But the write-ups done by Damon Lee (who I'm not sure is a HAMBer or not) are legit, extremely well done, and highlight the mechanical and aesthetic aspects of the builds. The same can be said for the Hot Rod of the Year awards, which prominently feature traditional builds. Kustoms Illustrated obviously gets a lot of credit for all of the work and coverage they have done over the years for the traditional style. But with HRD, Ol Skool Rodz, and many others having folded, the Goodguys Gazette is still a magazine that proudly flies the traditional flag, even if not exclusively. Anyone else feel this way?
Gary Meadors, founder of Goodguys, was old school at heart. also, a businessman that knew that he had to be open to change to keep his operation going. the changes not accepted by all, on both sides of the fence. have gone to at least a couple of GG events each year since they started. so, I have supported them, as they support the car/truck world.
I let mine lapse years ago. But is a good car mag. Lots of pics. I like the newer year cutoff. Only went to one 48 and down (NSRA ) show. Kinda boring without 50s and 60s beater Never had any of the newer car stuff rub off on my ride. Ya get a very wide variety at Goodguys. The “of the year” stuff was a smart move. I really like the hot rod and custom of the year They did good on how they split up the other big awards.
It’s been close to 40 years since I last attended a GG event and in the time in between GG has grown by leaps and bounds. Do I agree with what they’ve done? Time will tell. Have I any interest in attending another GG event? I’ll get back to you.
I agree, Joe! GoodGuys is the best organization going, as far as I'm concerned. Damon Lee and his staff do a great job with the magazine and, as you said, they still respect and promote traditional rods and customs. I wish NSRA would learn how to publish a decent magazine. They could learn a lot from GG, if they wanted to. Also, GG has a website called FuelCurve.com that has pictures and features of lots of the winning cars from over the years. https://fuelcurve.com/
The Good Guys show in Columbus had a big crowd, lots of families, which means kids and that is good exposure of the car hobby in general to youngsters which is what the hobby needs.
Goodguys definitely does one hell of a job promoting their events which costs a lot of money to do, therefore the cost to get in. They also promote events within reasonable driving distance from pretty much anywhere in the lower 48 states and Canada and with me being from the Pacific Northwest I can't say that for the NSRA. With my experiences with the NSRA I really can't think of anything positive to say about them.
I wish I were closer to Des Moines. I hear its a great show but it would be a 2 day trip one way for me. My wife's health makes it difficult for me to be away that long, plus Columbus is the next week. Its less than 7 hours to Columbus if I take it leisurely, which I seldom do.
I’m a long time member and love the shows and everything that goes with them. You’re right about the fact that it is a family oriented show and with all of the different activities they have going on, there is something for everyone. And I don’t mind the year cut off that they have because most of those cars are god forbid considered antique now…….25+ years old now. God I’m getting old
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