If you find yourself in Bristol, Tennessee, in October, you've got to sidle on over to Bristol Motor Speedway for Year One's annual Bristol Bash-you won't be disappointed. Year One started this annual event in 2001 as a customer appreciation tribute. So far, we've attended all three Bristol Bashs and plan on many more. Last year the event was held October 16-19, and we are happy to report it was a first-class event that just keeps getting better. The Bristol Bash is an all-encompassing show-non-stop drag racing, including the Factory Appearing Stock Tire (F.A.S.T.) shootout, a SCCA-designed autocross, two chassis dynos, a judged car show, a manufacturers midway, a swap meet, and, if that's not enough, street-legal cars were given the opportunity to make some hot laps on NASCAR's steepest-banked oval. Year One also provided fun for the kids with a huge inflatable slide, obstacle course, moonwalk, rock-climbing wall, and a host of other family-oriented activities. The Year One staff was as helpful as ever and displayed examples of their many products and project vehicles. It's evident that Year One is a company owned and run by enthusiasts.
Last year we laid down a challenge to Mopar enthusiasts to step up and see what this event is all about. We are happy to report that several more did step up to the challenge this year, but we were still out-numbered. Every year, the folks at Year One award the Year One Cup at this event, and usually it's an all-GM final. The Year One Cup is an award separate from the class awards. It is given to a single vehicle that falls within the Year One catalog lines, and is judged by a group of industry VIPs and invited automotive editors and publishers. The award is a 14-inch-tall, 24 percent lead-crystal cup accompanied by a $5,000 Year One gift certificate and an amenity package. This year, Doug Young of Jacksonville, Florida, brought his '70 Superbird out and made the top 3. Doug's 'Bird has been restored for a decade and still looks that good. Sadly, Doug had to congratulate Darrel Teeters for the overall win, but at least the Mopars are starting to contend. Hopefully, next year even more Mopars will make the trek. It would be great to see more than one Mopar make the final cut for the Cup.
If you like Mopars and all things car related, don't miss this year's Bristol Bash. Watch for upcoming information about the 4th Annual Bristol Bash in Mopar Muscle. We'll be there, will you?
Mopar Award WinnersYear One Class '66-'74 Dodge/Chrysler/Plymouth A- and C-bodies First Place Rodney Arndt Antigo, Wisconsin'69 Plymouth Baracuda
Second Place (tie)Emilee SturgillBristol, Virginia'64 Plymouth ValiantC.J. DavenportBeaver, West Virginia'66 Plymouth Barracuda
Year One Class '66-'74 Dodge/Chrysler/Plymouth B- and E-bodies First PlaceRon BradleyKnoxville, Tennessee'70 Dodge Challenger
Second PlaceDoug YoungJacksonville, Florida70 Plymouth Superbird