Goodguys brings Lone Star Nationals back to Fort Worth Oct. 2-3

Goodguys Rod & Custom will take over Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth on Oct. 2-3 for the 33rd Summit Racing Lone Star Nationals, a two-day hot rodding event built around awards, racing and family activities. The show will feature top custom cars and trucks, specialty competitions and a broad swap-meet-and-shopping setup for fans and builders.

Why it matters: - The Goodguys Lone Star Nationals is Texas’ biggest hot rod gathering of the year. - The event brings together car builders, racers, vendors and families in one weekend. - Goodguys will hand out two of its Top 12 of the Year honors during the show, which raises the stakes for participants.

What happened: - Goodguys Rod & Custom said the 33rd Summit Racing Lone Star Nationals will run Oct. 2-3 at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth. - The event is set for Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. - The show will fill the Speedway infield with hot rods, trick trucks, customs and classic muscle cars. - Tickets are available at the gate or online at event tickets and details.

The details: - Goodguys will award the 2026 Griot’s Garage Muscle Machine of the Year and the Surventis Most Bitchin’ of the Year titles. - Muscle Machine finalists must complete a reliability run, autocross and drag-strip pass before the winner is named at a Saturday afternoon awards reception. - The Surventis Most Bitchin’ Award will be announced during the Saturday afternoon award parade. - More than 70 specialty award-winning cars and trucks will join the parade, including the Builder’s Choice Top 10 presented by Harold Chapman of Customs & Hot Rods of Andice. - Goodguys will also select finalists for Regional Top 12 awards, including LMC Truck of the Year (Early), Griot’s Garage Muscle Machine of the Year, Dakota Digital Truck of the Year (Late) and Roadster Shop 4x4 of the Year. - An expanded Shorty’s Lowrider Showcase returns, presented by Javier “Shorty” Ponce from Shorty’s Dream Shop and Iron Resurrection. - The Goodguys Autocross Racing Series will run all weekend, with racers chasing a spot in the Summit Racing Big Hoss Shootout on Saturday afternoon. - The Summit Racing Super Shopping Experience will bring manufacturers to the event to answer questions and show new products. - A swap meet and Car-4-Sale Corral will offer rare original parts and automobilia. - Family activities include Nitro Thunderfest with vintage exhibition dragsters, Team Texas Stock Car Rides, the Auto World Model Car Take-and-Make and the Family Fun Zone. - Show participants will also have the chance to drive on the Speedway.

Between the lines: - Goodguys is leaning on a mix of competition, shopping and family programming to broaden the event beyond a traditional car show. - The awards structure gives builders and racers multiple ways to stand out, which can keep interest high across both days. - The event also functions as a marketplace for parts, cars and vendor relationships, not just a spectator attraction.

What's next: - Goodguys will run the event Oct. 2-3 in Fort Worth. - Award winners and finalists will be announced during Saturday’s programming. - Event information and registration are available at the official event page.