It was just one year ago when Goodguys opened their 2020 season to a rain-filled Friday, which put a wet blanket on the first day of their season opener. Later that evening, things took a turn for the worse as the entire event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. And we all know how the next 12 months unfolded.

Fast forward to 2021 and this time the tunnel into Texas Motor Speedway opened up to greet thousands of power-hungry hot-rodders for a weekend full of high octane fun as Goodguys kicked off their 2021 season. Plenty of Texans, along with fellow rodders from the neighboring states and beyond, packed the infield proving once again that Texas does things big!

One of those big Texas things are trucks, and there was a big emphasis on trucks at the Lone Star Nationals as Goodguys welcomed trucks through 1998 (the last year for GM's GMT400 platform) which was a welcome sight for a lot of pickup fans. LMC Truck hosted a special parking area and Hills Hot Rods provided special awards for their top ten favorite trucks while another cool top 10 rods were selected by KC’s Paint Shop for a unique award. Adding to the special awards at this event were the Goodguys Finalists for Custom Rod, Muscle Car, Early and Late Truck of the Year contenders.

Fred Bishop’s Coyote powered 1971 Ford was named the Late Truck of the Year Finalist.

George Poteet scored the Early Truck of the Year Finalist position with his Johnson’s Hot Rods-built 1957 Ford.

The Muscle Car of the Year Finalist went to Tony Kondrotis’ 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 428 SCJ.

Brian Baker's 5.7L Hemi-powered 1950 Plymouth earned the Custom Rod of the Year Finalist position.

Having a car show on the infield of a 1.4 mile race track provides a unique location for any race fan and is complemented with the roar of NASCAR engines as rides are available throughout the afternoon. If you wanted to take in some racing, there was plenty of action on the autocross track at the north end of the infield, along with a swap meet to pick up parts, collectibles or even a new project car.

We’re pretty stoked about the turnout at the season kickoff for Goodguys as the sign of what we’ll see at other shows and races as the years rolls on. It was a weekend that provided some sense that ‘normal’ days are coming – and everyone is ready to get back to cruising, hanging out and enjoying our rides – even while being safe and watching out for each other. What a difference a year makes!