SUMMIT RACING NATIONALS | Event Coverage

The First Major Event to Return to Central Ohio

The Goodguys 23rd Summit Racing Nationals show in Columbus, Ohio, was a welcome sight to all. Presented by PPG, it was one of the first major events to return to Central Ohio since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

After the 2020 show was canceled, it wasn’t clear even at the beginning of 2021 whether the show would go on. Thankfully it did—and successfully. More than 6,000 people from at least 40 states were registered to show off their rides, featuring all makes and models. Despite a drizzly Saturday morning and rainy Sunday, the days were pleasantly cool as thousands of gearheads crowded through rows upon rows of show cars, restorations, and vintage muscle cars and trucks. It was a great time to gather the family, eat some good food and enjoy the sights.

Dan “Boots” Longenette, who is a local radio personality for AutoSmarts Radio that broadcasts on Columbus’ WTVN, had his wife’s freshly done 1948 Chevy Thriftmaster truck on display. While talking with Boots, he said he has been to every Goodguys show in Columbus for the last 23 years and this was by far the most exciting show.

“The people were overly nice,” he said. “There was positivity in the air. The Goodguys show was 100% good guys! I think this show was a more appreciated, well over-due, needed car show.”

With the many car projects he has going on, keeping up with the industry is important, he added.

“The show is always a good opportunity to see how the industry is changing,” Boots said. “Big brakes, big tires and custom paint.”

The Goodguys CPP AutoCross event had almost 100 contestants ripping through the course hoping to make Saturday’s Buckeye Shootout, presented by Forgeline. Rob MacGregor won the LMC Truck class and the Truck/Challenger shootout. There was more winning happening off the track, too, as Hunter Detrich’s key started the 1967 Nova built by Designer Street Rods, the Goodguys 2019/2021 Grand Prize Giveaway car! To Hunter’s surprise, as the key was turned the supercharged Edelbrock engine roared to life.

For the 2021/2022 Grand Prize Giveaway, a 1986 Chevy Squarebody pickup built by Goolsby Customs was unveiled during the Saturday evening awards ceremony. This was a great event that we would recommend to any and all truck enthusiasts.

Despite a drizzly Saturday morning and rainy Sunday, the days were pleasantly cool  as thousands of gearheads crowded through rows upon rows of show cars, restorations, and vintage muscle cars and trucks.  It was a great time to gather the family, eat some good food and enjoy the sights.