The first Carolina Collector Auto Fest Summer Spectacular was held May 29-31, 2009 at Southern National Raceway Park in Kenly, North Carolina. Inside the 4/10 mile asphalt race track vendors offered every part imaginable. Hubcaps, bumpers, sheet metal, wheels, tires, and specialty parts for hot rods, customs, and classics were available.
Along the back stretch infield wall, a car corral had plenty of deals for sale. Chevrolet, Ford, Pontiac, Studebaker, were some of the brands that were being offered along with others that were looking for a new home.
The first Summer Spectacular also included two car shows. On Saturday, vehicles with a vintage of 1900-72 were displayed and Sunday vehicles from 1973-2009 participated.
Saturday, the weather was hot with endless sunshine. A great response by the owners of some amazing vehicles made the show a success. Custom cruisers, traditional hot rods, muscle cars, lowered pickups, and cool cars of all kinds attracted attention all afternoon.
The large sign in turn two at Southern National Raceway Park made everyone aware the complex is for sale and seeking new ownership. The Carolina Collector Auto Fest Summer Spectacular certainly would be a featured event on the schedule at any venue.
Let’s not only hope the track finds new ownership to restore racing at the facility, let’s hope the first Summer Spectacular isn’t viewed as the one and only. This brings to mind a popular bumper sticker at dirt and paved tracks across the country. “Support your local short track racer, Go.”
