Goodguys 2013 Fall Nationals in Del Mar, Ca- Full Event Coverage

[Trackside-Brandy]

Goodguys 3^rd Annual Fall Nationals
Del Mar, California
November 22-24, 2013
Story and Photos by Brandy Morrow Phillips

Though the Goodguys 16^th Southwest Nationals in Scottsdale, Arizona marked the end of the autocross shootout and Rob MacGregor was announced as the overall point leader, the race season did not end there. Goodguys Rod and Custom Association had one final event in Del Mal, California this past weekend. Although the show was slightly smaller in attendance due to the expected rain, this allowed for plenty of runs on the autocross course. The three day event unfortunately was cut a day short due to the weather on Friday. We could all agree that running the autocross in the rain would be quite fun, but we spent more time running for cover as the marble sized raindrops fell from the sky. Saturday looked to be promising as the sun came out and the cars lined up to go through tech. The bleachers were filled and spectators lined the fence three rows deep to cheer on each driver as they dodged cones racing to the finish line. Here’s a complete rundown of what happened at the Goodguys Del Mar Autocross this past weekend.

Course Layout:
For those who have been to the Goodguys Del Mar fall show, they know that the autocross track is not your usual “peanut” course. The course usually consists of a couple hairpins and one giant sweeper. Though the hairpins make it difficult for larger vehicles to get around, the course is actually much faster than most, with four additional straightaways. Trent from Goodguys decided to surprise us all with a couple added technical elements during this autocross event. The details of this tight two lap course can be seen below:

FROM THE STARTING LINE:
1. Slalom into a left hairpin
2. Long Straightaway followed by a quick right hairpin
3. Shorter straightaway into a left hairpin
4. Quick straight followed by a left sweeper
5. Do it all over again
6. After step 3 the left hairpin turns into a left sweeper as the driver mashes the throttle to the ground pushing their vehicle through the finish line.





Competition:
All four classes (Pro, Street Machine, Truck and Hot Rod) had some tough competition as the competitors battled within hundredths of seconds of each other. The pro class held some of the toughest competition as Rob MacGregor, Jeff Schwartz, James Crosby, Mary Pozzi, Brett Campbell, Cheryl Herrick, Tim McGilton, Deb McGilton, and Greg Thurmond battled for the number one spot. The competition came down to Mary Pozzi and Rob MacGregor as they battled it out at the end of the day. Rob MacGregor in his 1969 C-10 took the lead on the last lap, winning first in the Pro Class, while Mary Pozzi followed close behind in second. The Street Machine class also brought some heavy competition. Aaron Ogawa from Hotchkis ran the 1970 Dodge Challenger and took first place right away. He was able to maintain first throughout the day, though his competition trailed closely behind. Matt Alcala and Rodney Proudy came in right behind Aaron, claiming second and third place in the Street Machine Class. The Truck Class also brought several competitors out for the weekend. The battle between Scott Call, Kyle Newman and Wes Drelleshak was determined within the last couple minutes, as they were within a couple hundredths of a second from each other. Scott Call managed to pull it off, securing first place in the truck class. As for the Hot Rod Class, Dennis Russell was his only competition for the day in his 1933 Factory Five. He ran strong the entire weekend and didn’t hesitate taking passengers and he secured his the first place spot early Saturday morning.

Post by Pro-Touring.com.

The Goodguys Fall event also included an All American Sunday, which brought a new group of competitors to the autocross course. There were several late model Camaros, a couple Mustangs and Corvettes and even a Pinto. Some of the competitors who had pre-1972 cars on Saturday brought their late model vehicles out on Sunday. There were about 10-15 new competitors at the autocross on Sunday. Tom Kamman proved to be the fastest All American vehicle in his 2013 Ford Mustang. His excitement over his win was obvious when he arrived to the winners’ circle to claim his award. Overall the two day autocross at Del Mar was the perfect end to the 2013 season. We want to thank everyone who came out and joined us for the weekend and hope to see all of you again next year.

Don't forget to check out all the photos from the Goodguys Fall Nationals: