It's a gathering of large-by-huge proportions. every August, all-things Mopar converge on National Trail Raceway near Columbus, Ohio. The event should be considered an "at least once in a lifetime must-do" for any Mopar enthusiast.
If you like racing, they've got it. Do you like looking at restored and modified Mopar show cars? they have that too. Need a part? You'll find it at the Nats.
This year, the event theme was the year of the Barracuda. Every year of Plymouth's mighty muscle Barracuda was represented and even included two of the Sox & Martin race cars.
If you weren't tired enough from walking the show grounds, you could spend the evening cruising. Brice Road has always been known as the place to go after the show, but the small town of Heath, just east of the racetrack, is quickly becoming just as popular as an after-hours destination for cruisers.
While we could go on and on about what happened at the Nats, let's get to showing you what was there.
The Mopar Nationals in Columbus,...
The Mopar Nationals in Columbus, Ohio, gives all walks of Mopar life a weekend of Mopar fun that is unsurpassed-just ask these guys. The burnout contest is always a crowd pleaser, but you need to sign up early if you want to be one of the limited participants.
If racing gets your blood...
If racing gets your blood pumping, the Nats have so much of it that the staging lanes are a virtual parking lot with cars waiting their turn down the track.
This year featured the Barracuda,...
This year featured the Barracuda, and you could see every year of the model that was built and even some with options that you couldn't get.
This 440-powered ride's owner...
This 440-powered ride's owner deviated somewhat from the stock style and added a Six Pack with a GM-style air cleaner. We won't knock the use of a GM part because it did look good.
If you just can't get enough...
If you just can't get enough of Mopar mayhem, Brice Road is the after-show location for you.
When I went to school, my...
When I went to school, my principal never drove a cool convertible like Mrs. Berndt of Knox, Indiana. The '69 Satellite features small-block power with an automatic transmission for economical cool cruising. If my principal had driven something like this, I might have enjoyed all those walks to the office.
Jamie Kwiatek made the trek...
Jamie Kwiatek made the trek to Columbus in his Young Guns entry: a '70 Duster with 340 power. Jamie and his dad have been building this car for quite awhile, and it's an absolutely beautiful ride.
With the price of pre-'71...
With the price of pre-'71 musclecars skyrocketing, more people are finally paying attention to the later model cars Ma Mopar offered. This '74 Road Runner with the GTX option is one of seventy-four built and is completely unrestored. John Rockovich of Scenery Hill, Pennsylvania, is the proud owner of this 440-powered gem.
Mark Tracy of Lafayette, Indiana,...
Mark Tracy of Lafayette, Indiana, brought his '70 Dodge Charger to be judged in the Street class. Additions of aftermarket wheels and a car color-keyed engine with chrome tinnage add a nice touch to an otherwise stock-looking car.
Harmless shenanigans are always...
Harmless shenanigans are always a fun part when any group of guys get together. Check out the way the sign was changed at a local hotel by some guys having a good time.
On Saturday afternoon, a memorial...
On Saturday afternoon, a memorial was held in honor of the late Ronnie Sox. Thanks to collector Todd Werner, Herb McCandless was able to get behind the wheel of the '70 'Cuda for a trip down memory lane and the quarter-mile.
Just when you thought you...
Just when you thought you had seen everything, the recreated High and Mighty made an exhibition pass for the spectators. This car has been painstakingly recreated, and the sight and sound of it going down the track was unbelievable.
Rodney Knight of New Middletown,...
Rodney Knight of New Middletown, Ohio, has a lot to be happy about. His '74 Road Runner was chosen as the Young Guns champion and deservedly so.
The 360/four-speed-motivated...
The 360/four-speed-motivated Runner took a lot of time and patience to complete.
Joseph Warino of Marysville,...
Joseph Warino of Marysville, Ohio, brought his '69 Bee to be judged.
Do you like A-Bodies? David...
Do you like A-Bodies? David Laube of Findlay, Ohio, does and brought his '72 Duster to prove his point. The Duster is powered by a warmed-over 440 with a Six- Pack.
If you like the early Mopar...
If you like the early Mopar muscle cruisers, you're like us and are glad that Rod Larson made the trek from Windsor, Ontario, Canada, with his '63 Max Wedge clone.
And, finally, if you need...
And, finally, if you need parts, vendors of both used and new parts were on hand to supply virtually everything.