3rd Annual First-Gen Monte Carlo Takeover during the 23rd Annual Blue Suede Cruise, Summit Motorsports Park - Norwalk, OH
3rd Annual First-Gen Monte Carlo Takeover (23rd Annual Blue Suede Cruise)
Summit Motorsports Park (Norwalk, OH) announced the 23rd Annual Blue Suede Cruise will take place July 26-28, 2024. Once again, track owner Bill Bader has graciously offered us the same show space we used in 2023, which is a prime spot for watching, racing, or just showing. The space holds up to about 50 cars, which is why I'm asking you to register to reserve a space. He has agreed to offer us more space, if we let him know ahead of time.
As of 3/10/2024, 58 have already registered for '24, Link TBD
A few Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. What is the First-Gen Monte Carlo Takeover?
A. The First-Gen Monte Carlo Takeover started in 2022 as a large group of 1970-72 Monte Carlo enthusiasts converging on one of the premier muscler-car events of the summer - The Blue Suede Cruise at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, OH. The track owner has graciously allocated our group a space to park together, which is greatly appreciated.
Q. What is the Blue Suede Cruise?
A. Thousands of classic cars from ‘78 and earlier attend the annual Lingenfelter Performance Engineering Blue Suede Cruise presented by Cometic Gasket at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, OH. In addition to a very colorful and chrome-filled car show, fun-runs and Nostalgia Drag Racing League competition, there will be an autocross, a manufacturers midway, a concert by Phil Dirt and the Dozers, fireworks and more.
Q. Is there an additional charge for the First-Gen Monte Carlo Takeover?
A. Actually, it’s quite the opposite. There is no additional fee for attending the First-Gen Monte Carlo Takeover, and by registering early for the “Takeover,” you will be eligible to purchase a discounted Blue Suede Cruise Car Show ticket.
Q. How many First-Gen Monte Carlos will attend the First-Gen Monte Carlo Takeover?
A. The numbers from the previous years...
2022 - 18 (1st Annual)
2023 - 38 (2nd Annual)
2024 - ??
Notable highlights from the 2nd Annual First-Gen Monte Carlo Takeover:
Saturday saw 38 First-Gen Montes attend the Takeover (plus two more that had no idea of the event). We had at least 3 Monte Carlo SSs attend.
Long Distance:
Brad Austin trailered his Black 454-powered '70 nearly 500 miles from Opdyke, IL, while Adolfo Rodriguez drove his Autumn Gold 396 small block powered '70 nearly 300 miles from Holland, MI. Honorable mentions: Steve Griffith drove his highly customized '72 about 250 miles from Pendleton, IN. Those traveling 200 miles or more: Gary Hull, Steve Playter, Rich Carter, Mike Lovegrove, and Jack Makowski.
Racing: Erik Kuderick's green, 582-powereed, alcohol sipping '72 blasted to an 8.99 @ 150 mph and took the honors as the quickest and fastest First-Gen at the Takeover. Jim Cherol's gold, 572-powered '70 Monte took similar honors for Montes driven to the track (2hrs).
Show:
We didn't have classes or pick a winner, but there were a couple in the group which stood out.
Hope to see you and your First-Gen Monte Carlo next year.
Best Regards,
Mike
Summit Motorsports Park is located at 1300 State Route 18, Norwalk, Ohio. For more information, visit summitmotorsportspark.com or call 419-668-5555
