Goodguys Raleigh: Where LS Power Meets Classic Car Culture

With annual events across America that mix cool cars and fellowship with cool activities and entertainment, there are many things to love about Goodguys. This weekend, the world’s largest hot rodding association rolled into Raleigh, North Carolina with the 11th Griot’s Garage North Carolina Nationals presented by Grundy Insurance. In addition to many choice rides and vendors, the North Carolina Nationals included autocross, an indoor car show, live music, a swap meet, a demolition derby, and Nitro Thunderfest presented by Summit Racing.

The LS Element

While Goodguys membership is technically reserved for vehicles 1999 and older, that doesn’t include powerplants. So naturally, pretty much every Goodguys event features a high percentage of awesome LS and LT-powered classics. This year, visitors enjoyed everything from LS autocross kings to the latest LT hot rods from vendors and enthusiasts alike. I think we’ve truly reached the point where the LS has supplanted the legendary Chevy small-block as the engine of choice for builds of all kinds.

The North Carolina State Fairgrounds

For most folks within range of the show, the North Carolina State Fairgrounds are an easy highway drive. Spectator parking is free and easily accessible, with the show entrance conveniently close. The main entrance leads directly into the main attraction: the massive car show area, which includes the stage and some of the coolest rides you’ll see.

A short walk up the right hill leads you to vendors, the indoor car show, and a swap meet that includes a car coral. A quick walk up the left hill is where you’ll find autocross activities. The demolition derby takes place in an arena that’s on-site and literally in the center of the event. The Fairgrounds are also a short and direct cruise to NC State’s main campus, if participants want to grab some food or drinks in one of the more hip parts of town.

The Show Of It

Who doesn’t love a good flea market or swap meet? Including both an outdoor component and an air-conditioned indoor component, the swap meet featured everything from collectable diecast and neat garage decor to obscure parts and collectable cars. As is always the case, some of the coolest builds were in the vendor area, which is paired nicely with an indoor car show that featured a little something for everyone.

The Go Of It

At the other end of the spectrum, and the property, the autocross area featured great drivers pushing the limits in old-school sports cars, pony cars, muscle cars, and even trucks. Then there’s the demolition derby, which is scheduled as the main event for the evening. Taking place in a small stadium that’s sandwiched between car show central and the vendors, it’s a great way to cap off a great event.

At the end of the day, that’s what makes these events so enjoyable. It’s not just about one aspect of the hobby. Goodguys does an excellent job of bringing everything together in one place. You’ve got great cars on display, others being driven hard on the autocross, vendors showcasing new parts, and enthusiasts digging through swap meet finds.

And right in the middle of it all? LS power everywhere. From autocross heroes to clean show builds, the LS and LT platforms have officially cemented themselves as the backbone of modern hot rodding. It’s not a trend anymore, it’s the standard!