Summernats 2008

When it comes to car shows, they don't get any bigger or better than Summernats

Summernats 21 was arguably the best and most diverse display of vehicles ever assembled in one place in Australia. With all categories represented from Elite and Street, Hot Rods and street machines, Tuff, Classic and competition cars almost 2000 entrants and over 100,000 spectators attending the car festival. The competition for awards was intense with judging being carried out over the 4 days to finalise all results.

Again Meguiar's left its mark on the crowd with its outrageously huge product stand and incredible presence at the show. This year House of Kolor shone with our giant wall of kustom kolors and our display vehicle owned by Andrew Spira - A Black 2007 Holden VE GTS featuring a Cobalt Blue overlay and custom graphics. As we quickly discovered, our collection of vivid and unique colours had no trouble capturing the audiences gaze.

Inside the Meguiar's Judging Pavilion, banner after banner wore the ever familiar logo and many of the entrants could be seen using the products for that extra show-winning advantage.

Throughout the entire weekend, the Meguiar's and House of Kolor Stand was overflowing with car enthusiasts who were keen to restock their garage with the massive selection of products we had on display.

Much the same as last year, late on the Thursday night, six never before seen cars were carefully delivered to the grounds to prevent premature exposure to the masses. These vehicles sat in wait for the 3rd Annual event of "The Great Meguiar's Uncover", where they were exposed one by one to the anxious crowd of thousands.

The Grand Champion this year was the awesome Holden One Tonner owned by Rob Godfrey.
He has owned this vehicle for over 10 years starting out as a grey street car then progressed to Tuff street with a bigger engine and mechanicals. About 2 years ago Rob decided he wanted to build an Elite car but still be able to drive and race it. He and his team set out and built a vehicle with elite engine bay, interior and HOK Sunset Pearl paint job, neat and clean undercarriage but still useable on the street or drag strip. After taking all the major awards in Tuff Street 07 he decided to have a shot at Grand Champion this year. Here the vehicle must judge well (he made the top 10), score votes in peoples choice and do well in 2 driving events. Not only did he do well but won both of the driving events scoring maximum points for driving. In all the years I would say this was the most deserving and popular winner of all the grand champions.

The main trophy winners of the show were:

Summernats 
Grand Champion – Robert Godfrey - 1972 Holden HQ One Tonner

Top Judged Elite – Ditch Jones - 1967 Holden HR Ute

Meguiar’s People’s Choice – Joe LoRe - 1971 Ford XY Sedan

Top 10:
Joe Agnello – 1965 Ford Mustang
Howard Astil – 1966 Ford Mustang
Peter Elliot – 1937 Ford Roadster
Mick Fabar – 1929 Ford Pickup
Aaron Fitzpatrick – 1969 Datson 1600 510 Sadan
Robert Godfrey – 1972 Holden HQ One Tonner
Ditch Jones – 1967 Holden HR Ute
Darrell Leemhuis – 1990 Holden Rodeo Ute
Joe Lore – 1971 Ford XY Sedan
Ben Sacilotto – 1964 Holden HE Ute

There are a lot of good shows and events in Australia these days but after 21 years Summernats sure is the pinnacle of the outdoor shows making it a real car festival. Congratulations to Chic Henry and his team and all the winners for such a great 21st Summernats.