Friday First Look! Goodguys 32nd Speedway Motors Heartland Nationals presented by BASF

Let the midsummer fun begin! Goodguys is getting into the peak of the summer event season here in Iowa this weekend with the 32nd Speedway Motors Heartland Nationals presented by BASF. Despite a damp start to our Friday here in Des Moines, we welcomed thousands of rides to the Iowa State Fairgrounds for an afternoon of sun, fun, and V8-powered Good Times!



The festivities began early for several dozen rodders on Thursday who joined us for a laid-back Poker Run around the Des Moines area with stops at a local carousel, Tony Moro Powder Coat, Carnock Creations, and Karl Kustoms. It was a fun afternoon cruise followed by a kickoff party in the host hotel parking lot that got engines warmed up and wheels turning for the weekend.




Once the sun came out on Friday the fairgrounds quickly filled up with a killer collection of rods, customs, classics, cruisers, muscle cars, and fun-loving enthusiasts ready to cruise and enjoy the day. A steady stream of traffic made its way down Grand Avenue and around the cruising loop, vendors welcomed customers into their booths, and that relaxed vibe we’ve come to expect from this heartland event guided the good times for the rest of the day.



We’re expecting that fun atmosphere to guide things throughout the weekend. We’ve got a jam-packed schedule of activities that includes CPP AutoCross Series racing action – highlighted by the Duel in Des Moines presented by Optima – plus R/C car exhibitions, valve cover races, a watermelon eating contest, pie bake-off competition, dozens of awards for show cars, a bustling swap meet, smokin’ burnout competition, and our festive Saturday Night Fireworks Extravaganza preceded by live music and a nighttime Nitro Thunderfest exhibition.


It’s a weekend you don’t want to miss, so get here if you can, and stay tuned to Goodguys and Fuel Curve social media for updates all weekend!

Photos by Damon Lee & Terry Lysak

Editor, Goodguys Gazette

Damon Lee began snapping photos at car shows when he was 10, tagging along with his father to events throughout the Midwest. He has combined his passion for cars and knack for writing and imagery into a 20-year career in the automotive aftermarket, writing for titles like Super Chevy and Rod & Custom and, more recently, working for respected industry leaders Speedway Motors and Goodguys Rod & Custom Association.