ing line on Saturday . “ Probably 80 percent of the cars here this weekend , we ’ ve never seen before !” laughs Rolison .
The entrants that participate in the annual crosstown trek to Gulfport represent some of the finest autos ever turned out by the pair of legacy automakers , and there ’ s also a class for dragsters and roadsters . “ The car that really caught my attention this weekend was that late-1960s model Corvette with an old-school paint design , and still sporting the vintage Super Stock stickers from decades past !” says Castanedo . For fans of Ford ’ s Pro Stock efforts from the 1970s , the Bob Glidden Pinto tribute car was also a huge hit . No matter the performance level or model year , there ’ s a class for practically everyone through the gate ,
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and fans quickly pick their favorites .
Even the jet car exhibition reflects the event perfectly , as David Douthit , driving the “ Black Pearl ” 1968 Camaro , was pitted against Chris Bennett , who wheels the “ Quartermaster ” 1965 Mustang . Racers and fans alike line the fence to watch these guys make quarter-mile blasts in their jet-powered machines for both days of the event . “ I don ’ t believe there ’ s been a time when jet cars weren ’ t a part of Ford vs . Chevy weekend ,” says Rolison .
Rolison and his cohorts dream of someday really ramping up the thrill show exhibitions on this weekend , and they ’ ve even seriously discussed including a pair of Top Fuel dragsters and flame-throwing wheelstanders . “ We ’ d love to do it someday !” they confirm .
A car show and swap meet were included this year , and will likely continue moving forward , although Castanedo says he needs to curb his spending . “ I dropped $ 750 at the swap meet this weekend !” he laughs . Cummings showed much more restraint , though , only spending $ 10 on a set of horns for his scooter . “ I couldn ’ t justify the price of the larger set of bull horns , but they would have looked good though !” he laughs .
It ’ s hard to imagine this legendary weekend in Gulfport being much more entertaining , or achieving a greater local following , but the trio of friends currently managing the place are going to give it their best shot , all while enjoying every second of it themselves . DI
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