Friday First Look! Goodguys 28th Summit Racing Nationals presented by Grundy Insurance
Goodguys continued their Midwest back-to-back run by kicking off their 28th Summit Racing Nationals Presented by Grundy Insurance in Columbus, Ohio. This show, known as the “Big One” on the 2026 event schedule picked up where we left off last weekend in Des Moines and continued with the hot rodding tradition of Cool Cars, Cool People and Good Times!
The good times actually started Thursday morning with a fun poker run around the area followed by kick-off parties at the two new host hotels where everyone relaxed, shared stories to catch up, and enjoyed a picture perfect Ohio evening. Even though some clouds loomed Friday morning, the hot rods rolled into the Ohio Expo Center filling up the vast grounds and ready to take in the day!
Clouds and a couple quick showers rolled in and out all day, but that doesn’t stop the hot rodding good times in this region. It also helps that people could take in some cool air and check out the indoor car show, stroll through the huge indoor swap meet, or head into the vendor area to check out the offerings of the best manufacturers and builders in the industry.
Two unique happenings at the Summit Racing Nationals include free tech seminars put on by the SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance as well as the New Product Awards area presented by In the Garage Media. Plus, you got to check out the interactive Auto Metal Direct Ultimate GM Truck Experience with celebrities, amazing trucks, and a live restoration project!
The Goodguys 28th Summit Nationals brings the best street rods and street machines from across the country to compete in the Classic Instruments Street Rod of the Year and Forgeline Street Machine of the Year competitions. These two awards, part of the Goodguys Top 12 of the Year presented by BASF, will be announced during a special presentation on Saturday evening – something you don’t want to miss – plus they’ll be unveiling the Goodguys 2027 Grand Prize Giveaway 1966 Chevelle built by GAP Industries!
The showers put a little damper on the Goodguys AutoCross action though drivers were still able to get in plenty of laps to learn the track and get their racecars setup and ready for Saturday’s Forgeline Buckeye AutoCross Shootout. Plus there’s the Family Fun Zone for the kids to romp and play games, sign up for the free Auto World Model Car Make-and-Take, the Goodgals Gallery full of locally made arts and crafts, live entertainment, and so much more!
The hot rodding fans came out and the Summit Racing Nationals presented by Grundy Insurance delivered – and this was just day one of a wide-open throttle, full-tilt boogie of a weekend celebrating vintage cars with thousands of enthusiasts! Just take a look at the action and we’ll see you Saturday and Sunday!
Photos by: Damon Lee, Terry Lysak, Todd Ryden
