Photo courtesy of Motor Sports 2008
LOCAL LEGEND. Spanaway-born NASCAR driver Derrike Cope will be a featured guest at Motor Sports 2008, where he will mingle with fans and sign autographs.
The largest motor sports show ever held in the Pacific Northwest is coming to the Tacoma Dome and Exhibition Hall Nov. 7, 8 and 9. Featuring several hundred of the most famous and historical vehicles ever seen in the Northwest under one roof, Motor Sports 2008 will include vintage and collector cars and motorcycles, hot rods and customs, NASCAR race cars, Indy cars and dragsters, and up to 45 vintage and new hydroplanes from the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum in Kent, the largest hydroplane display ever seen in the history of the sport, according to organizers.
“There has never been a show of this kind ever in the Northwest,” said Walt Kaplin, a local auto sports enthusiast who is co-organizing the show with fellow racing fan Doug Danstrom. “I hope it brings to the Northwest the motor sports recognition I sincerely believe it deserves. I don’t think there’s anywhere else in the United States that has done more for this sport than this area.”
Danstrom agreed, noting that there are numerous and very good car shows around Puget Sound, but not one that includes vessels for racing on both land and water. “We felt we really needed a show to capture the passion for all things motor sport,” he said.
In addition to bringing back fond memories of the Northwest’s illustrious motor sports history, the show will give fans of all ages plenty of opportunities to meet some of the legendary drivers as well and get their autograph. Hydroplane Hall of Fame drivers, including Chip Hanauer, will be there along with other greats like prolific drag racer Jerry Ruth (Nov. 8 at 1 and 2 p.m.); Walt Austin, founder of Walt’s Auto Care Centers and Walt Austin Racing (Nov. 8, 5 p.m.); national funnycar champ Pat Austin (Nov. 8 at 1 and 2 p.m.); and many others. Builders and owners will be there as well to mingle with the crowds and swap stories.
Famed NHRA racer Bucky Austin will be highly visible during the show. At 7 p.m. Nov. 7 and 8 he will lead what is called a Cacklefest (sponsored by Bucky’s Mufflers), when gas-powered dragsters from the 1960s and 70s will be lined up and revved up with the sound of roaring thunder for the crowds to have that full-body experience. “When you start up a drag racer you can feel it and hear it,” Danstrom said. “This gives folks the opportunity to appreciate (the racers) more than just looking at them.”
NASCAR legend and 1990 Daytona 500 winner Derrike Cope will be at the show to meet with fans Nov. 9 at 2 p.m. Originally from Spanaway and now living in North Carolina, Cope will be competing in Phoenix in the NASCAR Nationwide series race the day before.
On Nov. 11 at 6 p.m., a special event will be held at the LaQuinta Inn just east of the Dome to honor 17 of the fearless men who have contributed to the Northwest’s vibrant motor sports history. Founded by Walt’s Auto Care Centers, the Northwest Motor Sports Hall of Fame will recognize these individuals who have helped make the Northwest a key region in national racing that continues today. Tickets are $40 each, which includes a prime rib or king salmon dinner, and will be available at the show.
Motor Sports 2008 will be full swing noon to 9 p.m. Nov. 7; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Nov. 8; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 9. Guided tours will be given at 2 p.m. Nov. 7 with a second one at 4 p.m. (depending on demand); and Nov. 8 and 9 at 11 a.m. Those interested can sign up at the information booth in the entry lobby.
Admission is $12.50 for adults and children under age 10 get in free with regular adult admission. Members of the military get in for $10.50 with identification. For more savings, $2 discount coupons are now available at any Walt’s Auto Care Center or Schuck’s Auto Parts location in Tacoma, Destination Harley (18810 Meridian Ave. E., Puyallup), Northwest Motor Scooters (5428 S. Tacoma Way), and Freeway Trailer Sales (7100 Pacific Hwy. E., Milton). A portion of the proceeds from the show will be donated to Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital and Health Center.
For more information and latest schedules, visit http://www.motorsports2008.com.
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