Premier Event in Gainesville

He said he could do it, and he said he would do it; we just had doubts about whether or not it would happen. Big Mike Swinarski has been campaigning his Nitro Coupe Camaro for a while now, even after he blew the top off. He's been talking about his new race car, a '57 Bel Air, which he wanted to have done by the end of the season. That's pretty tough when you travel to upstate New York on the off-weeks then pull the rig all over the country on Super Chevy Show weekends. Never underestimate Swinarski, though, as he brought his new racer to Gainesville the last week of October. Not only that, but the car was sufficiently "dialed-in" to record a 6.69-second e.t. on its maiden run, a time that most other Nitro Coupe drivers would be happy with on runs to qualify for the field. Of course, the car is definitely "eye candy," as well it should be, since Mike is a '57 fanatic, having one for his daily driver.

Of course, we weren't prepared for the other Swinarski event; there is a baby girl about to premier also. Had the doctor not given his okay, Mike would have had to wait to bring out the Bel Air as the princess is due any day. We'll give particulars next time.

As life can often do, we combine premiers with departures. Our long-time Super Chevy Race Director, Phil Gustin, has decided to take his well-earned retirement and enjoy life at his home on the river. Phil has served racers at tracks all over the country for many years, ensuring their safety and well-being, and is noted for being the final authority on when a dragstrip is ready for racing. We will miss Phil but wish him happiness and a good life.

On the show car front we found that Gainesville is Chevelle country. Of course there were other great cars there, but if you're a Chevelle fan, don't miss Gainesville. Heck, don't miss any Super Chevy Show.

In these groups of winners photos, we keep seeing one smiling face repeated.	didn't notice until the film was developed, but he's everywhere!	Who is that kid?
Mike Swinarski brought his brand-new Bel Air Nitro Coupe, with club logo, to debut at Gainesville.
Classic Trucks Magazine's Outstanding Classic Truck award was given to Clint Wilson of Lake Butler, FL, for his bright-yellow and well-done '48 Chevy hauler.	Two wagons from 1966 illustrate what we love about these cool models. Both were awarded Editor's Choice Top Ten Show Car awards.	The red Chevelle is owned by Al Dondfriu of Palm Harbor, FL, and the Bel Air belongs to Pete Kinney of Venice, FL.
The Trim Parts Best Corvette award, given in association with Vette magazine, deservedly went to Gerald Copeland of Tifton, GA, for this splendid '62.	Wayne and Pat Lasley came all the way from Romney, IN, to enter their '53 convertible. It took home an Editor's Choice Top Ten Show Car award.	Wayne Dixon and son Clint entered this beautiful '86 Monte Carlo. It's owned by Clint who is 14; he was greatly involved with the body and paint work (especially the sanding). He gets to drive it to school when he gets his license, and in the meantime, he can admire the Editor's Choice Top Ten Show Car award the car earned.
Kerry Hunter's '55 is a classic with modern touches. We gave the Jacksonville, FL, native an Editor's Choice Top Ten Show Car award.