It was a long weekend out at the Goodguys Southwest Nationals, announcing the autocross, soaking up the sun, and checking out hot rods. It’s a tough life for sure. While many of you in the country were getting hammered by the cold weather, Scottsdale was picture perfect. Temps hovered in the low to mid 70’s on Friday and Saturday, which made it perfect for everyone to get their cars out. The crowd was huge, and on Saturday it got so big they actually started moving fencing to accommodate more cars!
This weekend was a special one in Scottsdale, as the Goodguys put on their season finale Duel in the Desert autocross shootout which had more than $15,000 in cash and prizes on the line. The field of 32 cars was filled with 20 contenders who had already won invitations throughout the year, and another 12 who would have to race their way in on Friday and Saturday. At the end of Friday we took the quick 16 and told them to get some sleep, because in the morning they were going to battle it our for the 12 spots that would get them into Saturday afternoon’s elimination rounds. Saturday morning everyone strapped themselves in and until the last run was made we didn’t know who the top 12 would be. The field was set, and each competitor got 2 qualifying runs to set their positions on the ladder, and that’s when the strategy started. I have to say, not everyone thought about that, which could have hurt them, as some drivers went up against other teammates in round 1, or found themselves in a spot where even pulling off a win against a major player in round 1 put them right into another one for round 2.
The action was hot and heavy, and drama filled for sure, but when the final 4 were set it was Josh Leisinger, Mary Pozzi, Danny Popp, and Brian Hobaugh who were going to battle it out. Ultimately just tenths of a second determined the winners in the semi final, but the two big dogs, Danny Popp and Brian Hobaugh found themselves going head to head for the win just like in 2013. In that battle Danny Popp took the win, but not this year. This time it was Hobaugh’s turn, and he celebrated with some epic donuts on the track. One thing to note on Brian’s win, is the fact that in qualifying he broke a right rear half shaft in his car and wasn’t sure he would even be in the competition. He had one qualifier under his belt, but if he couldn’t repair this thing then he was going to be out. Danny Popp, and a bunch of other folks, ran to Brian’s pit with tools in hand. Danny’s power tools were key to getting Brian’s car back in running condition before the first round, and it was pretty emotional for both drivers after the final round, with both men hugging and Brian showing his appreciation for Danny’s efforts to get him back out there. These guys want to win, but only if they can do it on the racetrack.
Congratulations to all, and check out our photos from the weekend by clicking the link below.
Superbird convertible….one of none
I kind of dig the drop top superbird. its pretty cool i wonder if it was a real one or they used a roadrunner convertible as the base