Goodguys Car Show in Raleigh NC: Classic Car Events Guide
Goodguys Rod & Custom Association brings the nation's premier hot rod and classic car events to the Southeast, with shows in nearby Charlotte and throughout the region. Whether you're a car owner, enthusiast, or diecast collector, Goodguys events celebrate American automotive culture at its finest.
🏁 About Goodguys:
Goodguys Rod & Custom Association hosts over 20 events annually across the USA, featuring hot rods, customs, classics, muscle cars, and trucks from 1987 and earlier (some modern exceptions). The closest regular event to Raleigh is the Goodguys Southeast Nationals in Charlotte.
Goodguys Events Near Raleigh NC
🏆 Goodguys Southeast Nationals
Location: Charlotte Motor Speedway (Concord, NC) - ~2 hours from Raleigh
When: Typically April (Spring event)
Size: 3,000+ vehicles, 50,000+ attendees
Features: Autocross, manufacturers midway, swap meet, pin-up contest, live music
🎸 Goodguys Nashville Nationals
Location: Nashville, TN (~7 hours from Raleigh)
When: Typically June-July
Note: Worth the drive for a weekend trip
What to Expect at a Goodguys Event
Vehicle Categories
- Street Rods: Pre-1949 heavily modified hot rods
- Customs: 1949-1959 with custom bodywork and paint
- Muscle Cars: 1960s-1970s American performance
- Classic Trucks: Pickup trucks, panels, suburbans
- Sports & GT: Corvettes, Camaros, Mustangs, T-Birds
- Gassers: Vintage drag racing-style cars
- Autocross Competitors: Performance-driven builds
Activities & Attractions
🏁 Autocross Competition
Timed cone course where classic cars show their performance. Spectators love watching '32 Fords and '57 Chevys navigate at speed!
🛒 Swap Meet & Vendor Midway
Parts vendors, restoration supplies, apparel, tools, memorabilia. Diecast vendors often set up booths!
🎵 Live Entertainment
Rock'n'roll bands, DJ entertainment, pin-up contests, classic car culture immersion
🏆 Awards & Judging
Multiple award categories, people's choice, top builds revealed Sunday afternoon
Attending Your First Goodguys Event
First-Timer Tips:
- Buy Tickets Online: Save money vs. gate prices, skip lines
- Arrive Early: Best parking, see cars arriving, browse before crowds
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: You'll walk miles viewing thousands of cars
- Bring Cash: Swap meet vendors often cash-only
- Sunscreen & Hat: Most shows are outdoors, sun exposure is real
- Camera Ready: Incredible photo opportunities everywhere
- Talk to Owners: Most love discussing their builds
- Check Schedule: Plan around autocross, awards, special displays
Ticket Prices & Packages
| Ticket Type | Typical Price |
|---|---|
| Single Day Adult | $20-$30 |
| Weekend Pass | $35-$50 |
| Kids (7-12) | $5-$10 |
| Kids (6 & under) | FREE |
| Participant Registration | $50-$75 |
*Prices vary by event. Check goodguys.com for current rates.
Bringing Your Own Car to Show
Want to display your classic at a Goodguys event? Here's what you need to know:
Eligibility Requirements
- 1987 and Earlier: General rule for American-made vehicles
- Exceptions: 1988-1994 trucks, 1988-2002 Corvettes, 1988-2002 Mustangs, Camaros, Firebirds
- Modified Welcome: Street rods, customs, lowriders encouraged
- Stock Accepted: Original restorations equally appreciated
Registration Process
- Pre-register online at goodguys.com (saves money vs. gate registration)
- Arrive during designated participant check-in hours (typically Friday afternoon/evening)
- Receive dash plaque, event guide, parking assignment
- Display your car all weekend, meet fellow enthusiasts
Famous Show Cars & Award Winners
Goodguys events showcase some of the world's finest custom builds. Many award winners become immortalized in diecast form:
- America's Most Beautiful Roadster: Annual award at California events
- Street Rod of the Year: Top honor for pre-1949 hot rods
- Custom of the Year: Best 1949-1959 custom build
- Muscle Car of the Year: Top muscle car restoration/build
- Truck of the Year: Best classic truck build
Diecast Models of Show-Quality Classics
Can't afford a $100,000 custom build? Collect diecast replicas of show-quality cars!
Popular Goodguys-Style Diecast:
- ✓ '32 Ford Roadsters & Coupes: Hot Rod Magazine covers, custom builds
- ✓ '55-'57 Chevy Customs: Tri-five classics with period modifications
- ✓ '69 Camaro/Firebird: Pro-touring builds, restomod styles
- ✓ '67-'72 C10 Trucks: Lowered, custom paint, modern wheels
- ✓ '40 Ford Coupes: Classic hot rod style
🏁 Shop Classic Car Diecast
Build your collection of show-quality diecast models. Hot rods, customs, muscle cars - just like the real show winners!
View Classic Cars →Other Classic Car Shows Near Raleigh
- Cars & Coffee Raleigh: Monthly informal gatherings (Cary, North Hills, various locations)
- Raleigh Classic Car Club Shows: Various venues throughout year
- NC State Fairgrounds Events: Mega swap meets, car shows
- Local Cruise-Ins: Weekly summer events at restaurants, parking lots
- Shelton Vineyards Car Show: Annual event in Dobson, NC
- Pate Swap Meet: Charlotte - massive twice-yearly event
Car Show Photography Tips
Capture Show-Quality Photos:
- ✓ Early Morning Light: Best lighting before crowds arrive
- ✓ Get Low: Shoot from car's perspective for dramatic angles
- ✓ Detail Shots: Engines, chrome, custom work deserve close-ups
- ✓ Ask Permission: Always check with owner before photographing
- ✓ Mind the Background: Avoid trash cans, porta-potties, crowds
- ✓ Car Show Apps: Many events have official apps with car info
Planning Your Raleigh to Charlotte Road Trip
Distance: ~170 miles (2-2.5 hours)
Route: I-40 West to I-85 South into Charlotte
Hotel Tip: Book early! Concord/Charlotte hotels fill up during Goodguys weekends
Make a Weekend: Combine with NASCAR Hall of Fame, Charlotte Motor Speedway tour
Stay Connected
- Website: goodguys.com for schedules, tickets, news
- Social Media: @GoodguysRodCustom on Instagram/Facebook
- Email Newsletter: Sign up for event announcements
- Mobile App: Goodguys app has show maps, schedules, car details
Conclusion
While Raleigh doesn't host its own Goodguys event, the Southeast Nationals in Charlotte is close enough for an easy day trip or weekend getaway. Whether you're bringing your own classic, shopping the swap meet, or just soaking in thousands of incredible builds, Goodguys shows celebrate everything great about American car culture. And if you can't make it to the show, you can always bring home the cars in diecast form - no trailer required!