The Danny Popp Sweep- Goodguys Nationals Columbus, OH Complete Recap

[Trackside-Brandy]

Goodgusy 17th PPG Nationals
July 11-13, 2014
Ohio Expo Center

Last weekend marked one of the biggest car shows throughout the 2014 show year. Not only is the Goodguys PPG Nationals in Columbus, Ohio one of the most anticipated events for car enthusiasts, but many builders and autocross participants spend all year prepping their cars for this event. With over 6,000 cars (not including all American Sunday participants), 400 vendors and tons of awards, this show has something for everyone.

The autocross kicked off Friday morning with the Street Machine of the Year Participants. Every year some of the top builders bring their cars to compete in the Street Machine of the Year Contest. In order to compete they must make two laps around the Goodguys autocross course to prove that their car is indeed a street car. It is always awesome to watch this part of the weekend. Within past years we have seen cars that are worth millions, including Ridler cars, come out on the autocross course and take it around the track.
So you might be asking, do they push it as hard as some of the competitive autocross participants that run throughout the rest of the weekend. We will let you watch the video below and judge for yourself. The video features J.F. Launier’s as he drove the 2014 ridler winning 1964 Buick Riviera around the course. Though a ridler car, he isn’t holding back much as he takes those turns. 2014 Riddler Winner takes to the autocross course:




The real treat was watching DSE bring out Angelo Vespi's '69 Camaro that they had built to compete in the Street Machine of the Year. We featured a full write-up on the car that was debuted at Goodguys Columbus here: https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/...-s-1969-Camaro

Saturday evening was a much anticipated moment for these Street Machine of the Year contestants as the finalists were presented and the winner was announced. Steve Tornari and Miranda Built won with their ’67 Chevy Nova. For those that were not able to make Columbus, but still want a chance to check out this car in person, it will be featured at the Goodguys Scottsdale show in November right after SEMA.
After the Street Machine of the year contestants cleared the track, the course went hot for anyone who wanted to come out and test their car out on track. For some this was a first time experience. For others, it meant time to put down some serious practice laps. This would be the only chance some drivers would get before the official Autocross Sponsor Shootout on Saturday.

Ron Francis and his '59 Ford out on course:




Each Autocross Sponsor was allowed one vehicle to represent them come Saturday for the shootout. The event is held more like a bracket race, narrowing it to the last two competitors; with one ultimate winner. Here’s the breakdown of the shootout:

ridetech brought out their corvette and made some impressive lap times. Corvettes seem to be the latest trends at these events and they are hard to compete against. We can't wait to see what ridetech can do with this one.

The shootout came down to a Corvette battle between Danny Popp and Josh Leisinger

Danny Popp took the win for JRI Shocks at the Goodguys Sponsor Shootout. This isn't the last time we will hear his name throughout the weekend. Danny and his '72 Vette were about to set some very impressive records, possibly more than there has ever been at a Goodguys Nationals event.

Just like any other Goodguys Autocross, there was a Pro Class, Street Machine Class, Truck Class and Hot Rod Class. As you might have heard or even guessed, Danny Popp blew away the competition in his '72 Vette once again in the Pro Class. Ryan Buck won Street Machine in a '63 Chevy Nova followed by Ken Edwards in his '66 Mustang, Ray Thompsonin his '68 Camaro, and Billy Utley in his '72 Nova. In the Truck Class Joe DuRard maintained the lead in his '70 C-10, taking first and Brad Miller won the Hot Rod Class in his '34 Roadster.

Hot Rod Winner Brad Miller and his '34 Roadster:




Over the course of 3 days there were 118 participants that ran the autocross. Sunday brought a whole new class to the three day competition; All American Sunday. Anything '73 and newer was allowed to participate in the show and run the autocross for a chance to win the Super Sunday Autocross Award. What we didn't see coming was that Danny Popp didn't just bring his '72 Corvette, he also brought his '03 Corvette. By mid Sunday scores were submitted and Popp officially claimed first in the All American class with Bryan Johnson and his '13 Camaro closely following in second.

As many know who have attended the Goodguys Columbus show, it has to rain at least once while during the event. Luckily for the autocross participants, the rain came late Sunday. This was unfortunate for all the vendors though who had to teardown in the rain.

We want to thank Terry Lysak for helping us cover the event and getting some great photos out on course. Check out our Facebook page for a complete gallery of the 2014 Goodguys PPG Nationals event.




For more information on events near you visit out 2014 events calendar at: https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/...-Days-and-more

For a complete list of winners at the 2014 Goodguys 17th PPG Nationals visit: https://www.good-guys.com/events/awa...-award-winners

[Rat Fink]

Brandy, thanks for throwing the video of my car among all of those really fast cars! We had a ball at the Nationals and we improved all weekend. I met lots of great folks and learned a lot, any body who missed it really missed it. Thanks also for taking a few photos of us on the track, we really like seeing the car at full lean & squeal.

[Offlimts502]

Full Tilt? Naaaaah