Friday First Look! Goodguys 28th Griot’s Garage Colorado Nationals
Hot rodders from the Centennial State and the surrounding regions rumbled into The Ranch Events Complex to kick-off three days of hot rodding fun at the Griot’s Garage Colorado Nationals. Though we’re two weeks into September, it seemed like a beautiful summer day with blue skies and warmer temps – perfect to get the weekend rolling to celebrate Cool Cars, Cool People, and Good Times on the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains!
Colorado has always had a strong hot rod scene, and the showing of so many cool rides packing the recently renovated Ranch Complex provided a peek at what’s to come on Saturday and Sunday. The facility upgrades created more grass parking with an improved cruising path for people to take a lap or two. All told, it’s a great place to show off your ride, hang out with friends, and soak in everything a Goodguys weekend has to offer.
Regional high school students that are enrolled in automotive classes were treated to a unique experience at the show for the Careers in Hot Rodding seminar presented by Goodguys and the ASE Educational Foundation. Students listened to a panel discussion featuring industry leaders then had time to take in the show and visit with builders and vendors. A great opportunity for students to be introduced to the hot rod industry.
On the mountain view side of the Complex there was there was non-stop action on the Goodguys AutoCross track as racers learned the track and tweaked their vehicle setup with hopes of racing into a qualifying spot for the Great Western Shootout that takes place Saturday afternoon. A huge swap meet is setup next to the AutoCross track with aisles of used vintage parts and even some cool projects cars – not to mention all the vendors and builders showing their latest offerings and rides.
As Friday afternoon at the show came to a close, the party was just getting started down the street at Ron Jones Garage for a TGIF night kick-off party! The shop was open so everyone could take a look at all the different projects RJG is working on and an inside look at the quality and craftsmanship going into each build.
If you missed Friday, don’t worry as there’s plenty to take in the next two days! Ron Jones will be picking his Builder’s Choice Top 10 and the Goodguys staff will be selecting finalists for their Top 12 of the Year presented by Surventis for Snap-on Muscle Car, Griot’s Garage Muscle Machine, LMC Truck Early, plus a Goodguys Feature Pick, and so much more!
With great weather on tap for the weekend and a fantastic Front Range facility to enjoy, be sure to make it out to continue the Goodguys good times! If not, stay tuned to Goodguys social media and Fuel Curve for more highlights of the 28th high-altitude hot rod celebration!
Photos: Damon Lee, Todd Ryden
