Car lovers of Kentucky rejoice! The 2nd Annual Kentucky Nationals are nearly here, and there will be no shortage of fun and good times to be had with some of the most impressive and gorgeous cars in the country on display. Whether you’re a collector working on your fourth classic car, or you need a vehicle, and you’re looking to Buy Here Pay Here in Lexington, this show will have something for pretty much everyone.
If you’re interested in the Kentucky Nationals, now is the time to act, as you can still take advantage of pre-show sales on tickets and vehicle registration. Even if you’re not a Goodguys member, you can get a discount by buying your tickets now. Waiting until the show starts, and buying your tickets online or at the gate then will cost you more, so don’t wait!
Big events at the show this year include the Goodguys AutoCross, featuring 16 cars competing for the big win, a Spectre Performance showcase, and exhibits from numerous vendors and manufacturers. There will be more than 1,500 classic and custom cars and trucks on display from 1987 or older, so you can come and see them for yourself. Of course, if you have a beauty that you want to show off, then register today and join in the fun – maybe you’ll even win an award!
Check Out these Special Events
There are going to be way too many things to see and participate in during the 2nd Annual Kentucky Nationals to list them all here, but this should give you a sense of what to expect. It all starts with the Thursday Kick-Off Party on Thursday, October 10th, the night before the event officially starts. On Friday, October 11th, things start to get going with the Goodguys AutoCross beginning at 8 am and going until noon, then starting again at 1 pm and going until 5 pm. This will feature hot rods, trick trucks, and muscle cars all competing on a timed road course.
There will also be a TGIF Parking Lot Party from 6 pm to 8 pm at the Embassy Suites by Hilton on Friday evening. Saturday turns up the fun with the second round of Goodguys AutoCross, from 8 am to noon, then from 1 pm to 5 pm. This will include the 16-car Southern Shootout from 3:30 pm to 5 pm. A Kids Zone with free arts and crafts, games, and prizes will go from 10 am to 3 pm on Saturday. There will also be a Burn Out Competition on Saturday at noon so you can see who can make the most smoke.
Major Fun Happening All Weekend
Of course, there are also events planned all weekend long, which will be available pretty much during the entire duration of the 2nd Annual Kentucky Nationals. These include a vast selection of vendors and manufacturers exhibiting their products and parts. Hundreds of different retailers will be there with just about anything you could need to repair, build, or restore a street rod, a trick truck, or a classic vehicle.
A swap meet and corral with cars for sale will also be going on throughout the event, giving you a great chance to interact with other passionate car fans and see what they have to sell or trade. Whether you’re looking for a specific part of a classic vehicle, want to find some cars for sale, or simply want to browse what’s available, this will be a great opportunity. There will be an indoor car show going on throughout the duration of the event, of course, as well as a selection of prizes and giveaways offered by Goodguys. A lot of these prizes will be given out simply for entering your name and information when you come to the event, so there’s no reason not to try and see what you can win.
Awards for Cars and Trucks on Display
Of course, there will also be a number of prizes awarded throughout the event to attendees who bring their vehicles to showcase during the 2nd Annual Kentucky Nationals. In addition to all kinds of different general awards, there will also be a lot of individual awards for specific categories and areas chosen by the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association. Some of these categories are make-specific, such as the Chevy Truck Pick, a Ford Truck Pick, and All American Ford, Chevy, & Mopar picks.
Additional special awards will be given in categories including Goodguys Builder’s Choice Awards, which are presented by Greening Auto Company, Best Ride on BFG presented by BFGoodrich Tires, and a Dream Car award. Further awards include a Goodguys Pick, Homebuilt Heaven award, and Innovation Award to highlight builders with particularly impressive skills. All of these awards and more are available to attendees who register and bring their vehicle to show off during the Kentucky Nationals.
What you Need to Know
So now that you know what to expect, you’re probably wondering where and when it’s happening and how much everything costs. The fun kicks off on Thursday night as I said above, but the main event runs from Friday, October 11th through Sunday, October 13th, and the official event hours are from 8 am to 5 pm on Friday, 8 am to 5 pm on Saturday, and 8 am to 3 pm on Sunday. The 2nd Annual Kentucky Nationals will be held this year at the Kentucky Horse Park, which is located at 4089 Iron Works Parkway in Lexington, Kentucky.
If you buy your tickets right now, before October 7th, then you can get online pre-sale pricing, which is less expensive than at the gate. Pre-sale pricing for Goodguys Members is $15 for Friday or Saturday General Admission and $10 for Sunday General Admission. Non-Member pricing is $17 for Friday or Saturday General Admission and $12 for Sunday. Kids from 7 to 12 years old qualify for kids tickets, which are only $10 each regardless of the day. Kids six and under get free admission.
If you wait and buy your tickets at the gate, then they will be $17 for Goodguys Members on Friday or Saturday and $12 for Sunday. Non-Members will have to pay $22 for Friday or Saturday General Admission and $17 for Sunday. Kid’s ticket prices are the same regardless of if they are in advance or at the gate.
Vehicle registration pricing is also less expensive in advance, but the deadline for this deal is September 29th, so you better act fast! Discount pre-registration is $45, but this is only available to Goodguys Members. All other event registration is $60, which includes two-weekend passes as well as the vehicle registration itself. You can also register for the All American Sunday, rather than the full weekend, which is only $30 but does not include a weekend pass and is only available for American-made vehicles.
Goodguys Rod & Custom Association
If you’re interested in that member pricing, but you’re not already a member of the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association, then you can sign up today. Goodguys is a leading organization in recognizing passionate hot rodders and custom car builders. It is the largest hot rod association in the world and has over 70,000 active members. Whether you are into hot rods, classic or custom cars, or trick pickup trucks, the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association welcomes you. They host events all across the country, so there is more to do and enjoy as a member than the 2nd Annual Kentucky Nationals.
