HORSEPOWER & HOT RODS CORVETTE EXPO FALL SMASH - The Ultimate Hi-Performance Auto Event By Shaun Smith

Getting hooked on speed can get you into trouble. Both financially and legally. But, man, it's a helluva lot of fun. I was introduced to some MAJOR speed this past weekend by Curtis from Mt. Vernon, KY when I met up with him at the Horsepower and Hot Rods Show in Sevierville, TN. He had one bad-ass 1967 Camaro SS, that was bright orange with a white top. He built it from the ground up and it was ready to fly. And, man, did it fly! He told me to get in for a ride and soon enough, we were pushing at least 130 on a straight stretch on some random back road. Then, he slowed down, pulled over in a curve, took the keys out, and handed them over and said, “Now it's YOUR turn.” What a rush. Of course, I didn't drive it that fast, but it wasn't until coming home on Sunday morning back on I-81 in rural Virginia somewhere that I finally snapped out of it. No, it wasn't until Sgt. Shepherd slapped that ticket in my hand that I realized I wasn't driving the Camaro anymore. 79 in a 65 zone—not too bad for a cargo van.

The Horsepower & Hot Rods Corvette Expo was held on Oct. 17-18 at the Sevierville Events Center, located in eastern Tennessee's sweet spot for classic car nuts. It is hands down the ultimate high-performance auto event in this part of the country.

What makes this event so special is the high quality of classics, hot rods, and customs that come to the show. As an added bonus, there's a collector car auction held all day Saturday. Of course, if you don't watch out, this is another thing that can get you into some major problems with your girl!

The Vendor Banquet was a success on Thursday night. Many old friends came together to enjoy a wonderful meal and drinks.

Attendance seemed to flourish as the weekend rolled on. Friday saw many car enthusiast spectators enter the gates, but Saturday is where a massive amount of car nuts began to pour in.

The cars were absolutely beautiful at the show. In fact, they were so awesome, I was able to make an all-star cover for the Auto Round-Up Magazine , issue no. 718. In fact, check out that ‘67 Camaro that ended up getting me into trouble, and you'll see what I mean!

The traditional huge following of Corvettes were on the scene all weekend. But, there was also a surprisingly large amount of Mustangs, Chevelles, and T-Birds. And not one of them had a scratch on it!

All in all, the event was a success, adding to the chapters of nostalgic classic car history in this part of the United States. Congratulations to Cooper Events, LLC for another great season.

Are you ready for next season, because I know I am. Here's the lineup:
-Spring Horsepower & Hot Rods Corvette Expo will be Mar. 27-28, 2009
-Spring Grand Rod Run will be Apr. 17-19, 2009
-Fall Horsepower & Hot Rods Corvette Expo will be Oct. 16-17, 2009

A LITTLE CORVETTE EXPO HISTORY: The first Corvette Expo was held in the Jacob Building in Knoxville's Chilhowee Park in March of 1977.

In 1980, Corvette Expo was moved to the Bill Mullins Exhibition Center in East Knoxville. The fall event in 1983 was held at the Knoxville Convention Center in downtown Knoxville at the World Fair's site. Then, in the fall of 1987, the show shifted yet again to the Knoxville Auto Auction in west Knoxville. Finally, in 1988, the event returned back to Chilhowee Park, where Corvette Expo enjoyed a 19-year span at that location before moving to the new Sevierville Events Center.

The shows held by MCS Promotions and Corvette Expo in this part of the country are the best. You get your money's worth and the people are so much fun. If you would like more information on these events, please visit www.CorvetteExpo.com or call 865-687-3976.

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