More than 2,000 cars strutted their stuff during the 18th Annual Lingenfelter Performance Engineering Blue Suede Cruise presented by ScottRods Custom HotRods and Fiberglass, July 12-14 at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio.
While many drivers took part in the car show, and others made fun-runs or competed in Nostalgia Drag Racing League or Gasser Magazine categories, all were admired by thousands of fans over three days.
In Nostalgia Drag Racing League competition, Nick Melone took the win over Todd Kapp in Pro Comp, Bo Boles blasted to the win over Pat Mulloy in Pro 7.50, Dana Glick grabbed the win over Michael Sexton in Pro 7.0 and Bob Mitchell motored to the win over Mike Cutler in Pro Gas. The Hot Rod Eliminator saw Ken Feber record a 10.84 on a 10.83 dial to defeat David Remus, who had a better reaction time but wasn’t quite as close to his 10.65 dial with a 10.68.
In Gasser Magazine categories on Saturday, Kirk Dupre defeated Ed Beaumont with a 9.74 to Beaumont’s 9.90 in the Nostalgia Gas A/9.50 Index, Bob Ramella picked up the win with an off-the-throttle 11.02 after Lipka turned on the red light in the Nostalgia Gas B/10.00 Index, Larry Cousino clocked a 10.74 and collected the win after Billy Bregltzer left too early and turned on the red light in the Nostalgia Gas C/10.50 Index, Neal Hangbrake hauled to the win with an 11.46 when Kim Brush turned on the red light in the Nostalgia Gas D/11.00 Index, Troy Vanstone took the win with an 11.74 over DJ Kletcho, who turned in a 12.20 in the Nostalgia Gas E/11.50 Index, Charlie Long lapped up the win with a 12.31 over Jerry Barnes, who stopped the clocks at 12.65 in the Nostalgia Gas F/12.00 Index and Freddy Wilkerson wrapped up a win with a 12.53 over Ken Sherwood II, who was 12.62, in the Nostalgia Gas G/12.50 Index.
In Gasser Magazine categories on Sunday, Wayne Stine secured the win with a 10.53 on a 10.50 dial over Kirk Dupre, who was 9.66 on a 9.50 dial in Nostalgia Gas, and in the Gasser Magazine Runoff, Elizabeth Hagen hauled to the win with a 13.64 on a 13.60 dial over Wayne Stine, who ran a 10.54 on a 10.50 dial.
In the Lingenfelter Performance Challenge, Brian Cook cruised to the win with a 12.16 over Gary Hurst.
Dave Roemer rocketed to the winner's circle with a 4.05 over Jason Kalso, who was not far behind with a 4.09 in the R&R Auto Body, DeCerbo Construction and P2 Contracting Rumble Wars Extreme 8.
Manufacturers were given the opportunity to choose cars and their drivers for Manufacturers’ Choice Awards, and they included Paul and Linda Flora (Lingenfelter Performance Engineering), Mike Friend (Lingenfelter Performance Engineering), Phil Spurlock (Trick Flow Specialties), Ray Thenot (ScottRods Custom HotRods and Fiberglass), Dave Shook (Moto Lenz Photos), Don Oergel (Racers for Christ), Josh Stoubing (Edelbrock), Rod and Lori (Hagerty Insurance), Dan Fuller (Cruisin’ Times), Rick Thunberg (Summit Racing Equipment), Frank Komires (Summit Racing Equipment), Butch Hill (Nostalgia Drag Racing League), Ben Smith (Edelbrock), Bob Dipman (McConnell Motorsports), Keith Croker (Choppers), John Hamann (Krystowski Tractor Sales), Tom Glick (Jason’s Custom Metal Polishing) and Mack Simple (Dornan’s Sales and Service).
For the very bright and beautiful Neon Parade of Lights, Amanda and Andy Fisher won, while Amy McKenzie was the runner-up, and Rob Rose won the Non-Injected Flame-Throwing Contest.
