Vintage Torque Fest 2018 – The Best Fest In The Midwest
For many, Vintage Torque Fest is one of the greatest traditional car shows in the Midwest. Ask anyone and they will tell you this isn’t your typical show. You’re not judged on paint color or precision door gaps here – this show is about people, their cars, and the soul of hot rodding’s culture.
It can’t just be a coincidence that “Showing the Spirit” is one of Dubuque Iowa’s better-known mottos. Especially since every Spring, thousands of anxious motorheads flock to the Dubuque County Fairgrounds to experience not only a massive celebration of vintage cars and bikes, but at its core, a gathering that’s dedicated to helping others.
“Every year we’re reminded why we are here, and on Saturday at 2:30pm there won’t be a dry eye on that auction floor because everyone see’s exactly who they’re helping,” John said.
The show is all about paying it forward – each year the foundation selects a family to donate proceeds to. On top of that, a portion of the art auction proceeds helps the Wells family pay their own bills. After experiencing this disease first hand with their daughter Hannah, John established Vintage Torque Fest as a charity event in 2010.
Being founded on such virtues, it’s no surprise the registration count continues to increase every year. Numbers have more than doubled since the show’s debut. This year, there were over 1,000 registrants.
After your fill of hi-octane dirt track racing, the music lineup featured 20 bands across 3 stages. There was anything from Americana, Punk Rock, Surf, Metal, Rockabilly, Bluegrass, Outlaw Country, you name it, it was there!
It was all fun in the sun walking the main fairgrounds loop. It was fair game to grill off the tailgate, keep the beverages on ice, and simply kick back and share your favorite hot rod story.
After a late-night flame show, plenty of smoky burnouts, the show settled to another calming yet hopeful end.