Day 1 of the 5th Annual Summit Racing Equipment Atlanta Motorama concluded under warm, sunny skies at Atlanta Motor Speedway this afternoon, setting the stage for a memorable repeat when the show continues with its final day tomorrow.
One of the largest automotive festivals of its kind in the South, the Summit Racing Equipment Atlanta Motorama is a massive celebration of anything with an engine. From hot rods to rat rods to motorcycles, to monster trucks, to RVs, to boats, a massive vendor midway and even a BBQ competition, there are plenty of attractions all ages.
Fans were greeted early with a thunderous car-crushing display by world-renowned BIGFOOT® monster trucks, a visit from the only fan-built Optimus Prime replica truck from the "Transformers" film franchise, a pinstripers showcase and open autocross competitions.
Other attractions included the Pull-A-Part Swap Meet, a classic car auction, an appearance by the actual "Cousin Eddie" RV from classic Christmastime film "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation," rides on the "Sasquatch" monster truck countless other fan-friendly activities.
Now it its second year of operation, the Atlanta Barbeque Classic, a cooking competition heralding some of the best barbeque cooks in the south, filled the air with the delicious aroma of a variety of smoked meat. Show attendes were treated to five one-ounce samples of the heavenly grub for just $5, which is donated directly to Speedway Children's Charities. The winner of the competition, which will be announced during Day 2 of the show tomorrow, will take home $10,000.
Celebrities who appeared throughout the day on the Bojangles' Main Stage to meet and greet enthusiastic fans and take questions included Discovery's Lou Santiago, BIGFOOT Monster Truck owner Bob Trent, social media guru Scottie D and several others.
A film crew from the LoKar Car Show was in attendance shooting an episode of the show, and car owners who have registered their vehicles in the show have a chance to appear in the episode of the nationally televised program.
Throughout the day, more than 20 high schools from around the region competed in an official qualifying event for the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow in a quest for an appearance at the dual national finals in Las Vegas and Indianapolis this fall. The challenge: completely tear down a car engine and rebuild it faster than the other teams.
Participating schools included last year's Atlanta Motorama champs Forsythe Central High out of Cumming, Georgia, Maxwell High School of Technology, Sims Academy of Innovation and Technology, Gordon Central High School and Americus Sumter High School, among others.
The 5th Annual Summit Racing Equipment Atlanta Motorama continues with its second and final day of competition, attractions and fun for the whole family tomorrow, Sunday, April 29. Spectator gates open at 9 a.m., with another pleasant, sunny day in the forecast.
Admission to the Summit Racing Equipment Atlanta Motorama is $12 per day. Kids ages 6 through 11 will be admitted for $5, and kids 5 and under are free. For complete event information and to purchase tickets, contact the Atlanta Motor Speedway ticket office at (770) 946-4211, (877) 9-AMS-TIX or visit www.atlantamotorama.com.
