The New England Summer Nationals is quickly becoming one of
the largest antique and hot rod shows in the Northeast, if not the entire
country. This show has grown from 1,500 show cars to over 3,700 cars and from
2,000 spectators to over 75,000 since 1991. This year the expected attendance
is over 6,000 vehicles, and 200,000+ people.
This all started when Bob Moscoffian and his crew built a replica
of Speedy's Drive In on the grounds of Green Hill Park in Worcester.
Back in the 50's the drive in used to be the hang out for the street racers
and motor heads. It was destroyed by a fire in 1967. Helping raise money for
the parks department. Bob and his friends built a restaurant replica and organized
the car show. It drew over 1,500 cars the first year and has not stopped growing.
The New England Summer Nationals is an event that extends well
beyond the borders of the downtown park. Each host hotel has it's own schedule
of fun filled things to do, special discounts on food, and some offering shuttle
services to the show. The City of Worcester is also behind the show, They
give up downtown streets for parking and a wild Burn-Out contest unlike anything
seen anywhere! Situated
between the Police Station and the Courthouse, ("The Tunnel") was the
place to be after hours, Each night, just after dark, a couple of hundred
local rodders and racers line up for their chance to burn the tires off
their cars, filling the air with smokey tire smog. After each successful burn-out,
drivers would raise their clenched fist out their window to the cheers of
thousands of spectators who lined the walls to watch. Some car owners are
so encouraged, the burn-outs last until they blow the tires off their rims.
(The crowd REALLY loves that!!) Between some of the burn-outs would be flame
throwers. Developed into a fine art, these cars and trucks shoot flames 25
- 30 feet out their exhaust pipes, filling the night air with balls of
flames. When you add wheel standers and Lowrider hydraulic suspensions, the tunnel sees
more action in those 4 nights than you can imagine.
Believe it or not, there is a car show in there as
well. Bob and his friends work at a feverish pace to ensure that a great time
is had by all. There is a variety of show vehicles that is second
to none. Events scheduled at the park include day time burn-outs, swap meet, and miles of parts and gift vendors. All of this
and more.... Ms. New England Summer Nationals beauty pageant.
This show is for all of you that hate to go to a show and sit
in the hotel at night. There is more to do here than any other car show on
the coast.
I Hope to see you all next July 3rd thru the 6th for the 18th Annual New England Summer Nationals!
