Friday First Look! 6th Griot’s Garage North Carolina Nationals

Goodguys is ramping up momentum for the 2021 event season with our first trip east of the Mississippi this weekend as we host the 6th Griot’s Garage North Carolina Nationals in Raleigh, North Carolina. And based by the tremendous turnout of both cars and people today, East Coast rodders are anxious to get out and enjoy some cool cars, cool people, and good times with Goodguys!



Following a laid-back kickoff party at Raleigh Speed Shop Thursday evening, a steady stream of hot rods, cool customs, trick trucks, mighty muscle cars, and vintage cruisers rolled through the gates of the North Carolina State Fairgrounds all day today, populating the facility with colorful paint, gleaming chrome, and loads of thumping horsepower. After a long time away, it was sweet music to the ears and eyes of rodders!

It was fun-filled, sun-filled first day with comfortable temperatures in the 60s, perfect for getting cars and trucks wiped down, shined up, and ready for a weekend of Goodguys fun. In addition to showin’, shinin’, shoppin’ the vendor midway, and catching up with old friends, we had nonstop on-track action for the CPP AutoCross Series, a bustling swap meet, plus two hits of our popular Nitro Thunderfest drag race cackle cars.

We’re just getting started and anticipate two more days of fun here in the Tar Heel State, so come join us if you can, and stay tuned for more coverage as we get the East Coast show season kicked off in style!

Photos by Damon Lee & Todd Ryden

Editor, Goodguys Gazette

Damon Lee began snapping photos at car shows when he was 10, tagging along with his father to events throughout the Midwest. He has combined his passion for cars and knack for writing and imagery into a 20-year career in the automotive aftermarket, writing for titles like Super Chevy and Rod & Custom and, more recently, working for respected industry leaders Speedway Motors and Goodguys Rod & Custom Association.