Resto Fever

There are two major attractions in Indianapolis, Indiana -- the Indy 500 and the Indianapolis Colts NFL football team. The 6th Annual Hot Rod Restoration Trade Show is starting to become another Indianapolis major attraction. This event is directed at the hard-core hot rod, musclecar, and truck restoration trade. It's all about horsepower, gears, suspension, chrome, billet aluminum, and painted graphics of beauty.

After flying the friendly skies all day, we checked into our hotel room sure to get a good night's sleep before attending the early morning grand-opening breakfast that features the Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award. Every year, Petersen personally selects an individual he believes has contributed greatly to the overall growth and well being of this industry.

The breakfast is also seasoned with colorful stories of yesteryear that bring the hot-rod history to life. Later that evening, the Sagamor Ballroom of the Indiana Convention Center hosted the Hot Rod Restoration Industry Reception, allowing all attendees to gather and exchange ideas, bench race, and catch up on the latest gossip. Of course, the Hot Rod Restoration Trade Show (HRR Trade Show) wouldn't be complete without the New Products Awards. Prior to the opening of the show, the industry's journalists judge the New Products section on the floor. The winning companies are announced and recognized at the reception and have an opportunity to display their awards in the company's booth throughout the duration of the show. The Manufacturer Seminars also allow the companies a chance to deliver a more focused presentation on their specific product or products effectively. As we entered through the doors of the HRR Trade Show, we were directed to the endless rows of the industry's leading manufacturers of the performance product-driven automotive aftermarket. Strolling the show gave us one-on-one time with vendors -- many of whom have become close friends over the years -- as well as time to be introduced to new folks. There is something unique about business relationships in the hot-rod aftermarket industry.

To some, they observe our industry as a hobby, and we are blessed to be involved in such a fast-paced evolutionary industry, culture, and lifestyle. For those of us who might be considered high-mileage and out of warranty, we have seen a lot of changes along our horsepower- and gear-driven journey.

The 6th Annual Hot Rod Restoration Trade Show and Marketplace is a great opportunity to visit one-on-one with a variety of manufacturers, retailers, speed shops, customizers, rod builders, engine builders, fabricators, and restorers before the 2004 show season begins.We would like to thank Debbie Lewis and the team at Lewis Communications, producers of the Hot Rod Restoration Trade Show and publishers of Hot Rod & Restoration Trade Magazine.