Far-Out Cars, Flamethrowers & Fireworks at Blue Suede Cruise

With music of the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s playing in the background, drivers will shine, show and go in their 1972 and earlier street rods as part of the 16th Annual Blue Suede Cruise sponsored by AkzoNobel, Friday through Sunday, July 14-16, 2017 at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio.

The event with a Sweet 16 theme in honor of its sixteenth year in existence will boast a manufacturers’ midway with products from Summit Racing Equipment, Trick Flow Specialties, AkzoNobel, Muscle Products and other companies, as well as seminars, a vintage fashion show and Women’s World shopping.

In addition, Nostalgia Drag Racing League’s Pro 7.00, Pro 7.50, Pro Comp and Pro Gas categories, as well as Hot Rod Eliminator and a Gasser Magazine Gasser Appreciation Race, will be in the spotlight.

A Smoky Burnout Contest will bring even more heat at 7:20 p.m. Saturday, July 15, and it will be followed by a concert by the Van-Dells and a flame-throwing contest featuring judging for Injection and Non-Injection categories, and $250 awaits the winner in each of those two categories. There also will be a parade of neon lights and a colorful display of fireworks over the track.

Door prizes will be offered throughout the weekend.

Admission for adult spectators costs $15 Friday, July 14 or Sunday, July 16; $20 Saturday, July 15, or $40 for the weekend. Admission is free for children 15 and younger. For cost of entry for 1972 and earlier street-rods, Nostalgia Drag Racing League entries, car corral, swap meet, and for more information, visit www.summitmotorsportspark.com or call 419-668-5555.

Also at Summit Motorsports Park this weekend is the Ron Hackenberger Collection Auction, featuring hundreds of chock-full of character cars, trucks, motorcycles and more. An open house with viewing and a meet-and-greet with Ron Hackenberger and his wife, Eunice Hackenberger, will be 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, July 14, and auctions will begin 7 a.m. Saturday, July 15.