Goodguys brings 3,000 classics to Pleasanton for West Coast Nationals

Goodguys Rod & Custom Association is bringing its 39th West Coast Nationals to Pleasanton, California, Aug. 21-23, with more than 3,000 classic cars and trucks, autocross, live music and family activities. The event is a key stop for hot rodders competing for regional finalist spots in the Goodguys Top 12 of the Year Awards.

Why it matters: - The West Coast Nationals is Goodguys’ crown-jewel event and a major showcase for Northern California car culture. - More than 3,000 classic cars and trucks are expected at the Alameda County Fairgrounds, making the show one of the region’s biggest summer hot rodding gatherings. - The event also feeds into Goodguys’ Top 12 of the Year Awards, giving competitors a path to season-ending recognition.

What happened: - Goodguys Rod & Custom Association is hosting the 39th West Coast Nationals Aug. 21-23 in Pleasanton, California. - The event runs at the Alameda County Fairgrounds, 4501 Pleasanton Avenue. - Show hours are Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. - The event is open to 1999 and older specialty vehicles, including hot rods, lowriders, muscle cars, classic trucks and customs. - Ticket information is available at more event information.

The details: - The weekend lineup includes non-stop cruising, a Vendor’s Midway, a giant swap meet and Cars 4-Sale Corral. - Three indoor car show areas are planned, including a Chopped Top Showcase presented by Deadend Worldwide. - Saturday competition includes regional finalist spots in the Goodguys Top 12 of the Year Awards presented by BASF. - Award categories include Snap-on Muscle Car, Vintage Air Custom Rod, LMC Truck (Early), Scotts Hotrods ‘N Customs Custom, Griot’s Garage Muscle Machine, Roadster Shop 4x4 and Dakota Digital Truck of the Year (Late). - More than 80 additional awards are available, including the Builders Choice Top 10 selected by Roseville Rod & Custom and six Memorial Awards. - Kids’ activities include the Auto World Family Fun Zone, games and crafts, a free Model Car Take-and-Make and a model car display. - The Pinstriper’s Brush Bash will let attendees watch artists work up close. - The Goodguys AutoCross gives drivers a shot at qualifying for the Wilwood’s West Coast Shootout title on Saturday afternoon. - The Summit Racing Nitro Thunderfest exhibition, live music and the Goodgal’s Arts and Crafts Gallery will also be part of the fairgrounds entertainment. - Sunday’s Meguiar’s All-American Sunday opens the show to all years of American-made or American-powered specialty vehicles. - Sunday also includes the All-American Shootout on the autocross track.

Between the lines: - Goodguys is leaning on a full-weekend format that mixes competition, shopping and family programming to keep attendees on-site longer. - The addition of road trips before the show turns the event into a broader Northern California car-culture experience, not just a static exhibition. - The mix of judged awards, autocross and special showcases suggests the event is designed to draw both casual spectators and serious builders.

What's next: - Goodguys will host the Gary Meadors Memorial Hot Rod Week starting Tuesday, Aug. 18, ahead of the show. - Daily road trips around the greater Bay Area are open to all registered participants. - Tours depart the host hotel at 9 a.m. each day. - Organizers expect the weekend to draw cars and trucks from across the country.