Hundreds come out to enjoy cars

Saturday, 09 June 2012 by Ashley Corn

More than 100 participants were on hand in Confederate Park last Saturday for the second annual Texas Invitational El Camino/Sprint Meeting and Drag Shootout. People traveled from as far as Missouri, Oklahoma and Louisiana to take part in the event.People from out of town and neighboring states, all joined together by an online community of more than 21,000 members of El Camino fanatics, gathered at Confederate Park in Belton for their second annual Texas Invitational El Camino/Sprint Meeting and Drag Shootout.

"I love this," said El Camino owner and winner of last year's drag race, Mark Wood. "I love El Caminos. I know mostly all of these people from the online group and it's just great to put a face with their names."

Everyone who attended the event walked around looking in awe at the beautiful classic cars, some dating back to 1959. As they observed the cars, they took down notes and voted for their favorites to earn a trophy in several different categories including the best in show. They were categorized by the different generations and stock vs. modified. "Modified" was defined as any vehicle with three or more alterations from the original showroom stock, which is very similar to the criteria used in most major car shows around the country. Each car owner explained details of their cars and answered any questions the on lookers had.

Spectators judged the numerous El Caminos on hand and prizes were awarded in several categories.Most of the car owners were from Texas, but some traveled from as far as Missouri, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. There were door prizes, hot dogs, brats, and beverages available for everyone to enjoy while walking around in the heat.

"We really appreciate the city of Belton for being so generous and letting us come here," said Glenn Lee, Region 13 (TX) director. "We have grown a lot already. Last year only 75 people came with their cars, this year we had 101 and we're hoping to grow every year."

After the ballots were closed, the winners for each category were announced and the results were as followed:

Bob Hanes, Bryan Simon, Curt Johns, and Bill Hunter for best stock and modified car in generations 1959-1960, 1964-1967, 1973-1977.

Ken Rogers, Jimmy Thompson, Darryl Roberts, and Paul Edwards for best stock and modified car in generations 1968-1972.

Larry Wiswell, Wilbur Floyd, Bud Hallmark, and Tom Widmer for best stock and modified car in generations 1978-1987.

Best paint job went to Bill Hunter and best engine, interior, and even best in show all went to Darryl Roberts.

Participants came from as far as Missouri, Oklahoma and Louisiana to show off their El Caminos Saturday in Confederate Park.After the trophies were given away, everyone packed up their things and headed to the Little River Dragway in Holland where people raced and competed for various best time trophies.

Dee Morris was also won the Big Block vs. Small Block and the El Camino Eliminator rounds competitions.

"Oh this event was great," Lance Kay said. "I was excited to see so many people have a passion for these cars as much as I do. This was my first time here, but I'll definitely come back next year."

If you would like more information or wish to join the community, visit www.elcaminocentral.com or call director Glenn Lee at (903) 640-6979.

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