2013 marks the 44th annual National Street Rod Association Street Rod Nationals Plus, bringing thousands of street rods and other assorted means of horsepower up through the late 1980s to the fairgrounds at the Kentucky Exposition Center. This year is also the 19th year the Nationals Plus has been held in Louisville and the 16th consecutive year of street rods converging upon the fairgrounds, an occurrence that will continue through 2020.
Prior to the yearly gathering, around 30 such machines thundered from Papa John’s Stadium to Fourth Street Live Wednesday. This was then followed by a press conference held near the Hard Rock Cafe at around noon with appearances from Louisville Metro Mayor Greg Fischer, Kentucky Speedway General Manager Mark Simendinger, Horseshoe Southern Indiana Vice President of Marketing Any Matheis, Kroger Customer Communications Manager David Nett, and National Street Rod Association Special Events Director Jerry Kennedy. The event concluded at 2 p.m. when the cars departed from the downtown tourist attraction.
For guests who arrive at the Expo Center during the four days the Nationals Plus will be in operation, there will be several displays, seminars and demos, a builder’s showcase featuring pieces from thirty of the nation’s top car crafters, activities for children, and a special area for women’s interests. Legendary car customizer Darryl Starbird will also be in attendance this year to promote his new book "Bubble Top King," and the National Rod & Custom Hall of Fame Museum, located in Afton, Okla. Prizes will be awarded Sunday in various categories, ranging from delivery trucks to the best of the best in street rods.
The Street Rod Nationals Plus begins at 8 a.m. on August 1, and will conclude at 3 p.m. August 4. The longest day will be Saturday, August 3, when gates will open at 7 a.m., and close at 7 p.m.; gates open at 8 a.m. on the remaining dates, closing at 5 p.m. on the 1st and 6 p.m. on the 2nd. Tickets to the event are $14 for adults 13 and over, $5 for children 6 through 12, and free for those up to 5 years of age. Discounted tickets are available at the Expo Center for guests who show their Kroger Plus Card, UPS employee badge, military ID, current NSRA membership, or any adult 60 years of age or older who show their ID or license.
Photos: Cameron Miquelon/Louisville.com.