Goodguys Rod & Custom Association, the world’s largest hot rodding group, is bringing thousands of cool cars, cool people, and good times to the Southern California coast for the 25th anniversary of the Meguiar’s Del Mar Nationals presented by FiTech Fuel Injection. The event takes place over three days, April 10-12, at the scenic Del Mar Fairgrounds.
Thousands of regional customs, lowriders, street rods, and classic trucks will fill the grounds to celebrate SoCal’s diverse automotive lifestyle and culture. Several special indoor show areas will be featured, including the Lowrider Palace, packed with stunning paintjobs and detailed rides, along with a new Mini-Truck Row, both inside and outside, alongside traditional hot rods, roadsters, coupes, sedans, pickups, and more, all showcasing the eclectic styles of SoCal hot rodding.
This event celebrates the selection of the first Goodguys Top 12 of the Year Awards presented by BASF, along with the announcement of the prestigious Meguiar’s West Coast d’Elegance title for 2026. This esteemed honor draws top builders from across the country to showcase their elegant pre-1966 street rods, classic trucks, customs, and hot rods in the competitive category.
Goodguys will also select finalists for their six regional Top 12 awards, including Scott’s Hotrods & Customs Custom Rod, LMC Truck Early, Dakota Digital Truck Late, Griot’s Garage Muscle Machine, Vintage Air Custom, and Snap-on Muscle Car. Additionally, they will choose a special Builder’s Choice Top 10, selected by Streamline Custom Designs. Over 70 other unique awards will be presented throughout the weekend, with the winning cars displayed in a special winner’s circle on Sunday.
As America’s Favorite Car Show, Goodguys provides fun for the entire family, starting with the Family Fun Zone with free games and crafts. There’s also a model car show, including an Auto World model car Take-and-Make for kids. On Saturday, a lowrider hopping contest takes place to see which rides can jump the highest. For those seeking the sound and thrill of drag racing, the Summit Racing Nitro Thunderfest exhibition features vintage dragsters roaring to life.
Intense racing action occurs over all three days as skilled drivers navigate through cones and corners to qualify for the Goodguys Duel in Del Mar Shootout happening Saturday afternoon, followed by an All American Shootout on Sunday. If you’re searching for parts or a new project there’s a swap meet, a Cars 4-Sale Corral, and a Manufacturer’s Midway packed with some of the nation’s biggest automotive companies.
The Goodguys Del Mar Nationals welcomes specialty classic vehicles made before 2000. On Sunday, newer American-made or powered vehicles are welcome to join the fun for the Meguiar’s All-American Sunday.
For more information, purchase tickets at the gate or online, on the Goodguys 25th Meguiar’s Del Mar Nationals presented by FiTech Fuel Injection at the Del Mar Fairgrounds (2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, CA 92014) April 10-12, 2026, Friday/Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Visit: good-guys.com/dmn. MR
