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LEHI — The rain on Friday kept some show cars home but didn’t stop the crowd from attending the 26th annual Utah Valley University Auto Expo.
Show co-chair Robert Godfrey credits drag-racing pioneer Shirley Muldowney and the Jelly Belly Stagecoach dragster with drawing spectators out, even on a cool, rainy day. “It’s kinda cool, because I’ve been getting calls all day, and guys have been saying, ‘Is the show on?’ and they’re still coming out,” Godfrey said.
During fairer weather, the show draws between 700-800 cars to Thanksgiving Point. Godfrey was looking at around 500 this year — he can sympathize with those who kept their cars garaged on show day.
“A lot of these classic cars and show cars that these people build — they’ll sink anywhere between $40-100,000 in these cars, and when you drive one of these cars on the road with the rain, it takes you approximately two months to clean them afterwards,” Godfrey said.
Headline guest Shirley Muldowney signed posters and greeted fans. Muldowney, 72, broke the gender barrier in drag racing in 1965. She went on to win three national championships. Godfrey says she “whipped up on the boys pretty good. They hated to see that pink car when it rolled onto the strip.”
A lot of these classic cars and show cars that these people build — they'll sink anywhere between $40-100,000 in these cars, and when you drive one of these cars on the road with the rain, it takes you approximately two months to clean them afterwards.
–Robert Godfrey, Auto Expo Co-chair
Muldowney calls the people at the UVU show “wonderful, “ adding that “car-show people are different from racers. They look at things different. They’re nicer than drag racers. It’s just a different group. They take a lot of pride in these cars, obviously.”
Spectators who braved the sporadic rain and steady chill were treated to a 1,000-horsepower candy-scented heater of sorts. Ed Jones’ wheel-standing (wheelie) stagecoach shot flames from its methanol-powered Chevrolet engine. Jones added Jelly Belly flavoring to sweeten up the fumes. Afterward, Jones and his wife threw jellybean samples to the crowd.
What keeps the UVU show interesting is the variety. If you attend consecutive years, you’ll see many of the same vehicles, but the show is always good for a surprise or two — you’ll probably see something you remember as a kid, but haven’t seen since.
The swap meet held in the parking lot is free to visitors and had everything automotive — most of it used. Godfrey said it was “bigger this year than it’s ever been before.”
Proceeds from the Auto Expo fund UVU’s Automotive Training Programs, and Godfrey is grateful for the show’s supporters. “Without the hot-rodders, without the racing community, this show would not go on, and I want to thank each and every one of you personally about that,” Godfrey said.
Brian Champagne has reported on cars for more than nine years. He holds a Masters Degree in Communications from the University of the Pacific, and teaches at Utah State University.
