March 2 (3-2) marked the opening breakfast of the Hot Rod and Restoration Show in Indianapolis, which this year focused on a celebration of the 32 Duece to us Car Crazy folks. Debbie Lewis, the producer of HRR, is truly one of the treasures of our automotive aftermarket with her relentless pursuit of success for HRR. Deb and her husband, Jim did this deal together as a team until a few years ago when Jim died suddenly. Deb has picked up the reins all by herself and continues to do a great job!
The Hot Rod n Restoration Show opening breakfast is attended by close to a thousand hot rodders & restoration guys. Debbie Lewis’s HRR has teamed up with Bob Petersen ( Petersen Publishing) to each year honor a treasure to us car crazy folks. Previous recipient’s are Carroll Shelby, Andy Granatelli, George Barris, Vic Edelbrock and this year, the Ford family. Edsel Ford was on hand to accept the Petersen Award on behalf of his family. Mr Petersen couldn’t come but sent my friend, Dick Messer from LA’s Petersen Museum to present the award to Edsel.
Deb invited several of us to sit down front with Edsel and his wife Cynthia at the breakfast. It is always a treat to be w my buddy Keith Crain and his son, KC Crain. KC is the able Publisher of Autoweek. Barry Meguair is certifably Car Crazy and a Pro with a microphone and a crowd. Henry Astor of the Hot Rod Foundation was with us (HRF is documenting so many of the heros and founding fathers of hotrodding on film). Chris Kersting of SEMA was with us to show support for the HRR Show and Deb Lewis.
Barry Meguair helped us with an insight into the Ford family by interviewing Edsel on stage. It was really fun to hear and witness a representative of one of the most impactful and successful family businesses in the history of our country! Edsel commented that “the company” was in tough shape right now and that “they” could use our help, so he said, “if you are in the market for a vehicle, we could use the business!” I thought it was priceless, honest, humble and genuine.
Edsel was asked how he liked the new NASCAR car of the future designed and presented by NASCAR. He hesitated as if measuring his response but then commented that “it is really butt ugly”. He spoke fondly of his grandmother, (original Edsel’s widow) of her wit how she called him “Ned” just like she did her husband, Edsel.
The Hot Rod and Restoration trade show opened immediately following the breakfast with brisk business for all the exhibitors for most of the day. Jess and Eric manned our Coker booth in the trade show. It looked good as did the Coker Tire/ Honest Charley Double Exposure Duece on display in the center of the trade show.
We entered our new 820-18 Firestone Grooved Rear hot rod tire in the new products award. I think our new hotrod tire is “cooler than dang-it” but what do I know? I’m just a dumb ole country boy tire jockey. I like tires any way. It didn’t win any mention by the judges. I guess tires (or tars spelled like I say it) just aint too sexy.
Saw a bunch of my old friends and met some new friends at the HRR show. I had the opportunity to introduce friends to Wade Kawasaki, who will be running for SEMA Chair Elect in the big SEMA elections this coming May.
The Hot Rod and Restoration Show gives an opportunity for both the HRIA (Hot Rod Industry Alliance) and ARMO (Automotive Restoration Market Organization) councils of SEMA to organize educational seminars for their members. It is a great coordination of effort by SEMA and HRR.
Indy is a good centralized location to have the HRR show. It is always good to see this show come around during early March because it means that Spring is about here and we will soon be able to get the hot rods n antiques out and drive em! And you know, “You can’t get the smiles unless you do the miles”!
Great job Deb Lewis. You’re da best!
From the road,
Corky
