The rain chant didn't work for the original April 8 date of this event, but for the most part, it did for the reschedule date, May 27, 2006. We were pleased at the turnout considering this was a rain-date makeup race and show held on Memorial Day Weekend.
Under sunny skies, racers and show cars made their way into Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, New Jersey, to compete for prizes and bragging rights at the High Performance Pontiac magazine Show and Go. We even had a couple of parts vendors show up.
You may think that because this is a one-day event, it would lack the diversity and quality of the show and race cars that go to major multi-day events, but that isn't totally true. Sure, some of the heavy hitter racers don't attend because the event is held on Saturday and mufflers are required, but because the Tri-State area is so densely populated with Pontiac hobbyists, there are plenty of great GTOs, Firebirds, Big Cars, Grand Ams, Grand Prixs, and other models in restored or modified form on the show field and the race track.
New-age GTOs have already...
New-age GTOs have already become a mainstay of the event, showing up in force this year and last.
Regardless of the time frame, a lot of action is packed into that day, and racers and show cars can compete in both venues if they so choose. As I have said before, if you're looking for a great time and an exciting day stuffed full of Pontiacs, and don't want to take vacation days and spend money on hotel rooms to do it, this event is made for you.
Despite the fact that it rained a few times during even the May 27 makeup, the show and racing went on with the E-town crew expertly maintaining the track and assuring safe conditions. As you will see in the photos, there was no lack of rarities, weird stuff, or Concours-quality restos and modifieds at this event. See what new ideas you can glean for your Pontiac from this year's participants.
Next year's event date had yet to be confirmed at press time. Visit www.etownraceway.com for next year's schedule and info as it becomes available.
Rich Olivier's '78 Macho T/A...
Rich Olivier's '78 Macho T/A (a past HPP feature car) is very rare and has been treated to even more extensive mods than the Macho package.
This '61 Tempest wagon is...
This '61 Tempest wagon is so fresh it doesn't even have its front bumper installed yet, but Jim Pickett wanted to show it at E-town and surprise everyone with its Ram Air V engine. A full feature is upcoming.
Third-Gen racers and show...
Third-Gen racers and show cars were competing on both sides.
Kenny Colacino brought out...
Kenny Colacino brought out his super-rare '63 Bonneville with a factory 421 H.O. Tri-Power engine.
Clean Grand Ams are few and...
Clean Grand Ams are few and far between these days. This one really shined.
Who says Third-Gens aren't...
Who says Third-Gens aren't collectable? Jerry Ciriaco's '83 Daytona Pace Car Trans Am is one of 2,500 made and one of just 520 with a five-speed trans.