The Eleventh Annual DuPont Syracuse Nationals a Huge Success
First Annual Winfield Award Presented

Syracuse, NY- The second decade of the DuPont Syracuse Nationals started with another record breaking car count, a huge crowd and some very cool new additions and exhibits to the delight of car owners and spectators alike July 16-18 at the New York State Fairgrounds.  This three-day automotive extravaganza has become a tradition for thousands of classic car and truck owners and their families from all over the country.

This year’s car count once again broke the 7,000 barrier, with 7,323 show cars; cars came from more than 30 states and five Canadian Provinces. The long distance award went to Joe Bellino, who brought his ‘48 Chevrolet pick up…all the way from Hawaii no less!  And, the show has taken on an international appeal with spectators coming from around the world like Veronica Metton and Katherine Petre who came all the way from France to see the show!

A highlight of the show was the presentation of the first annual Winfield Award was presented to Rich and Paige Udell, of Big Fork, Montana for their spectacular ’32 Ford Roadster.

The prestigious award for automotive excellence was presented by car customizer and builder Gene Winfield.  As every rodder knows, Gene is a master of his craft, and world famous for his custom cars and hot rods. A recipient of the 2001 NHRA Lifetime Achievement Award, he has over 60 years experience in custom hot rod fabrication, land speed, and oval track racing.

The winner was selected from over 100 entries and was among a “select” six of  finalists on disaplay at the show.  Rich and Paige received a beautiful one of a kind award, a personalized commemorative jacket, and $5,000.

Rich and Paige have always been such great ambassadors for the hobby and now we can count on them as part of the Syracuse Nationals/Right Coast family.  They said that Syracuse “may well be the most prestigious event on the planet”.  We’re not sure about that…but, we’re honored that folks like Rich and Paige and all the other members of the select six brought their beautiful cars to the show and we hope they’ll be back.            


As always, the highlight of the show is the awarding of the giveaway car to one lucky car owner.  This year’s car, a very, very cool 70’ Nova built by Chop Shop Customs of Woburn, MA., went to Spike Furman of Colonie, N.Y.

Again this year, the event attracted approximately 300 vendors and exhibitors of all types from all over the country. In addition to the main sponsors, the Nationals has become an “A-List” event for custom and classic car parts and service companies like Ride Tech, Hemmings Motor News, Ididit, Mac’s Antique Auto Parts, Borgeson, Tucci Hot Rods, Cool Flex, Meguiar’s, Jeep, Flamming River, Pypes, Summit Racing, Spectre Performance, Stabil, Vintage Air, VP Racing Fuels, Tremec Transmission, Hubbard’s Impala Parts, Factory Five, Lokar, American Autowire, Billet Specialties, Flow Master, Dennis Carpenter, Mr. Gasket, Teas Seats…and the list goes on.

Giving Back in a Big Way  
Bob O’Connor says that one of the goals when the annual event began in  2000 was to give back to the community and with the help of thousands of Nationals participants, hundreds of car club volunteers, exhibitors and sponsors, they have done just that. 

“The Nationals has generated $429,478 for a variety of charitable and community organizations over the last nine years. Each year the show donates proceeds from the event to local charities designated by car club volunteers,” O’Connor said.

Planning and executing a show of this size and complexity would not be possible without help from dedicated volunteers. Since 2001, hundreds of volunteers from the Central New York Car Club Association (CNYCCA ) have worked to make the show run smoothly and make everyone who attends the show informed, safe and comfortable. The association also designates many of the charitable organizations and causes that receive donations from the event proceeds.

The 2010 panel jam raised $47,478 to benefit the McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Site, located in Syracuse, N.Y. McMahon/Ryan House is a non-profit organization established to honor the ideals of members of the McMahon and Ryan families and provide support to existing community efforts that address child abuse.

Participating artists at the jam work almost around the clock during the event to paint original designs on items of all kinds – from vehicle panels to mailboxes. The items are then auctioned off to the highest bidder with all proceeds going to a great cause.

Sponsors for the 2010 Syracuse Nationals included title sponsor DuPont , presenting sponsors Advance Auto Parts and Nice n Easy Grocery Shops, Central New York Chevy Dealers, Alfred State College, McDonald’s, Chop Shop Customs, Meguiar’s, and WSEN Radio 92.1 FM.  Our other sponsors included Tucci Engineering, Interstate Batteries, Verizon Wireless, SAVES Autobody Supply, the US Army and Lamar Advertising.  For a complete list of sponsors go to rightcoastcars.com.

Hundreds of participants and exhibitors have already registered for next years show which is set for July 15-17, 2011 at the NY State Fairgrounds, Syracuse, NY.  For more in formation, or to register, go to www.rightcoastcars.com and click on the Syracuse Nationals link or call toll free at 800-753-3978.