The 2005 Mopar Nationals paid...
The 2005 Mopar Nationals paid homage to the car that is arguably the most recognized musclecar to Mopar aficionados-The Road Runner. All weekend, Road Runners were doing burnouts, shown, and raced.
The Mopar Nationals is what comes to mind when people think of a Mopar-only car show. This year was the 25th time around the block, and the 'Nats showed off the best of what Mopar was and is, with vendors, manufacturers, and enthusiasts showing off the goods on a grandiose scale to thousands of spectators. Sure, many other great shows are popping up all over the nation, but the Mopar Nationals still resides in the hearts of all Mopar aficionados as the end-all, be-all of Mopar-only musclecar weekends.
Over the three-day event last August, more than 56,000 showed up at National Trail Raceway in Columbus, Ohio, to battle the heat and evening rainfall. An amazing 3,155 cars were on display with many more parked around the surrounding grassland. With nearly 2,000 vendors and countless more in the swap meet, Mopar fanatics had almost too much to do in only three days. the days were filled with the roar of passing dragsters and door slammers, car judging, displays, and Year One's F.A.S.T. invitational race class.
Celebrating the Plymouth Road Runner this year, the Nats put up a massive tent with several choice examples of the everyman's musclecar. Like the salutes to the Dart and Charger the previous two years, this year's Road Runner display was a presentation in history. With models from nearly every production year, the Mopar Nationals' exemplary vehicle pavilions help to educate as well as showcase some of the finest in restored and surviving machines in the hobby.
The Nats are truly too large an event to fully show you here, so for even more Nats coverage, check out our Web site: www.moparmusclemagazine.com. And for more information about the 2006 Mopar Nationals, go to www.moparnats.com.
This survivor '70 Super Bee...
This survivor '70 Super Bee was one of the first participants to ruin a perfectly good set of tires in the ever-popular burnout contest. Clouds of choking white lingered over the dragstrip long after the last contestant participated. But that didn't stop the tire hazing; the hijinks continued that night on Brice road.
This classic Dodge 500 carrier...
This classic Dodge 500 carrier truck received a new tow bed, parading the owner's gorgeous matching red '69 Dodge Charger Hemi R/T.
This mid-'80s Chrysler might...
This mid-'80s Chrysler might not have been the prettiest Mopar at the show, but in the back alley burnout contests, it reigned supreme.
This is something you don't...
This is something you don't see very often- a Cummins diesel-powered dragster. This bear roared and snorted up to the tree and let out a hellacious whine as it shot down the 1320 in the 8-second range. If you're going to go crazy, do it all the way.
Mopar Muscle's Tech Editor...
Mopar Muscle's Tech Editor Dave Young and Contributing Tech Editor Steve Dulcich were more than happy to stay a little longer to help present the Mopar Muscle picks for the 2006 Nationals. Here, Dave (sporting the sunglasses and microphone) presents Dave Walden of Wildwood, Missouri, the Best of Show award for his pristine '70 Plymouth Cuda.
Even some of the vendors pried...
Even some of the vendors pried themselves away from their stands and got into the action. Here, Shafi Keisler of Keisler Engineering, boils the hides with his personal Road Runner, sporting one of his new automatic overdrive transmission swaps.
Not all classic Mopars are...
Not all classic Mopars are Chargers or 'Cudas. Robert Vietmeier of Bridgeville, Pennsylvania, brought out his military green '52 Dodge Power Wagon, and made quite the impression on many that feel Mopar's heyday was only during the '60s.
Corey Pant returned for his...
Corey Pant returned for his last year in the Young Guns category, and walked away with the Mopar Muscle Young Gun's award once again.
Recognize John Cope's wheelstander...
Recognize John Cope's wheelstander '63 Dodge from our August issue? Wheelstands like this are a real crowd pleaser.
For all you C-Body fans out...
For all you C-Body fans out there, Daniel Hanson of Tinley Park, Illinois, brought out his white '69 Chrysler 300, and took the trophy and bragging rights for the best burnout all weekend, as evidenced by his tires.
Ah, the Parking Lot Parade....
Ah, the Parking Lot Parade. This parade of burnouts and street races is the highlight of every evening all weekend long. It was great to see some of the nicest machines in the show field out on the street pounding the pavement with the best of them.
Cruising Brice Road on Friday...
Cruising Brice Road on Friday and Saturday night requires patience and a good cooling system. Traffic usually backs up for several miles.
Not many people would be daring...
Not many people would be daring enough to take their beautifully restored, winged, 440-powered '69 Daytona down the dragstrip.
Our Young Guns came out in...
Our Young Guns came out in full force, bringing tents, water, BBQs, and their families. Unfortunately, many were so busy participating in different bracket races, other show fields, or the burnout contest that not everyone involved was able to get together at the same time. Talk about a hectic weekend!
Mopar Performance showed up...
Mopar Performance showed up in style with nearly ten different Hemis on display, including this polished cut-away of the new 5.7.