Quad-Cities Street Rod Nationals Weekend Recap
Our weekend kicked off early Thursday morning as we hit the road north to Davenport, IA for the 2nd Annual Quad-Cities Street Rod Nationals. This was our first trip to both the event and the Quad-Cities area, so it was one we were looking forward to.
The drive itself was no small feat — about 620 miles each way, making this the longest trip to date with the C10 since I bought it last year. When it was all said and done, we logged roughly 1,285 miles round trip.
We rolled out of the driveway around 5:45 a.m., cruising up I-57 and US-67 through northeast Arkansas and into southeast Missouri. Our first of four gas stops came in Poplar Bluff, MO, followed by St. Louis, Lincoln, IL, and somewhere outside Peoria. By late afternoon, we crossed the Mississippi River and could see the host hotel — the Isle Casino & Hotel in Bettendorf, IA. First stop was registration at the hotel, then we headed to our own hotel, and finally over to the fairgrounds for the kickoff dinner.
The kickoff dinners at these events are always a highlight, usually hosted by the local Convention and Visitors Bureau. It’s a chance to sit down, enjoy a good meal, and catch up with friends you haven’t seen in a while — plus, the parking lot turns into a mini car show. This time, they served up BBQ with all the fixings, which hit the spot after a long day on the road.
Day 0 Pics from the Kick-off Dinner
Friday — Day One
Friday started bright and early. I had an 8:30 a.m. meeting on the fairgrounds and then spent the morning working in the Safety Lanes. For those who don’t know, I volunteer with the NSRA Safety Division and help out with inspections at the events I attend. I also get the privilege of helping pick award winners.
Our team knocked out about 30 inspections before noon, then I had a chance to walk the grounds and snap some photos. That evening, we cleaned up and found a great little Mexican restaurant just a few miles from the hotel.
Day 1 Pics from a walk-around
Saturday — Day Two
Saturday morning was a little more laid back since I wasn’t on Safety Lane duty. It was a good day to hang out, visit with friends, and shoot more photos and video. After the show, we cleaned up and went out to dinner with friends again — this time capping the night off with some fantastic ice cream. Because let’s be honest: it’s not always about the cars. Sometimes it’s about finding the good food too!
Day 2 Pics from a walk-around
Highlight Video
Sunday — Heading Home
Sunday morning we loaded up, rolled out of the hotel parking lot, and pointed the C10 south for another 620-mile run home. Gas stops were about the same as the trip up, with a couple of changes along the way. By 5 p.m. we pulled into the driveway, got the truck put away, and unloaded just in time to get ready for work Monday morning.
It was a long, tiring trip — but so worth it.
Final Thoughts
I’m fortunate and blessed to be able to do what I love. For me, half the fun of this hobby is the road trips — driving these old vehicles to events and back. The other half is spending time with friends from all over the country who share the same passion.
If you’ve never done a long road trip in a vintage ride, you really should. It doesn’t have to be 1,300 miles, but trust me — it’s a blast (well, most of the time).
Next up: we’re gearing up for an even longer road trip next month — Kalamazoo, MI for the NSRA Street Rod Nationals North!
Until next time — Keep Kruzn!