Not Street Rods Anymore? (NSRA)

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This weekend was the NSRA Mid American STREET ROD Nationals (plus). While I had a great time hanging out with my friends, and talking to some pretty cool folks, (and even got a hug from Laura Chrispyn, who know’s I’m probably one of the grumpiest folks that she knows about the whole “rolling 30 year old” change to the events), I would be lying if I said that I was not disappointed with the event.

I have had extended conversations with several NSRA reps, all the way up the ladder to Bubba Bugg and Vernon Walker, about how I am disappointed in the NSRA’s decision to open up their events to any vehicle that is 30 years old or older. The proof was in the proverbial pudding, however, in that out of 33 cars chosen for awards, 18 of them were “late models” or ’49 and newer. That’s 54.55% or more than half that were NOT Street Rods.

The NSRA’s web site defines a Street Rod as such:

By definition a street rod is: An automobile of 1948 or earlier manufacture which has undergone some type of modernization, to include any of the following; engine, transmission, interior refinements, and any other modifications the builder desires. A street rod is to be driven to events under its own power and is to be used as a safe, non-racing vehicle for total family enjoyment.

(http://nsra-usa.com/index.php/site/section/C7)

Am I gonna shred my NSRA membership card…No. Will I continue to participate in their events…yeah…I probably will, as long as they continue to have one here in Springfield. Will I continue to keep an NSRA sticker on the windshield of my hot rods…NO.

Sorry for being a curmudgeon over the whole pre ’49 thing, but it’s what I believe. Wish the NSRA still believed in it.

Meant to take more pictures. Here’s some cars that I actually liked.