The Goodguys Rod & Custom Association is gearing up for its top summer event: the 38th West Coast Nationals. This highly anticipated event will take place from August 22-24 at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, California, featuring over 2,500 classic cars and trucks, making it California’s largest hot rod celebration of the summer.
The West Coast Nationals welcomes all specialty vehicles from 1999 and older, including vintage hot rods, chromed lowriders, muscle cars, classic trucks, and street machines. A special indoor exhibit honoring the iconic Tri-Five Chevy will display three sections: a showcase of 1955s, a display of 1956 models, and a dedicated area for the finned 1957 Chevy.
Participants can compete for a top spot in the Goodguys Top 12 of the Year awards, presented by BASF, which feature categories like Snap-on Muscle Car, Vintage Air Custom Rod, and more. Over 80 unique awards will be given out, including the Builders Choice Top 10 chosen by Roseville Rod & Custom and several Memorial awards.
The weekend also features family activities, including the Auto World Family Fun Zone with games, crafts, a free Model Car Take-and-Make station, and a model car display. There will also be chances to meet artists during the Pinstripers Brush Bash, along with a swap meet offering vintage parts, a Cars 4-Sale Corral, and a Vendor’s Midway showcasing top hot rod parts and services.
The Goodguys AutoCross runs all three days, with drivers competing on Friday and Saturday to qualify for the Fall Shootout. Then, more excitement follows as the Burnout Contest is scheduled for Saturday, along with the Summit Racing Nitro Thunderfest featuring vintage racing engines.
Come Sunday, the event wraps up with Meguiar’s All-American Sunday, featuring all American-made or powered specialty vehicles, including the All-American Shootout on the autocross track.
In the lead-up to the event, Goodguys will host the “Gary Meadors Memorial Hot Rod Week,” starting Tuesday, August 19, with daily road trips around the Bay Area. All registered participants are encouraged to join, with tours departing from the host hotel at 9 a.m. sharp each day.
The Goodguys 38th West Coast Nationals will be held at the Alameda County Fairgrounds, 4501 Pleasanton Avenue, Pleasanton, California, August 22-24, Friday and Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
All the info you need to register or buy tickets can be found by visiting good-guys.com/wcn, or you can buy tickets at the gate. MR
