(Syracuse, NY – July 15, 2011) The 12th annual Syracuse Nationals kicks off at the New York State Fairgrounds today, July 15 through Sunday, July 17. The three-day automotive extravaganza has become a tradition for thousands of classic car and truck owners and their families from all over the country.

In 2010, the Syracuse Nationals attracted more than 7,300 registered vehicles from more than 30 states and five Canadian provinces, and more than 80,000 attendees, making the show the largest on the East Coast and one of the largest in the country.  Since 2000 the show has donated $430,000 to charity and this year hopes to reach the $500,000 mark.

“Happy Days” stars – NEW!

This year’s show will be a “Happy Days” reunion featuring appearances by actor Henry Winkler, who played “Fonzie,” actress Cindy Williams, who played “Shirley Feeney,” and actress Erin Moran, who played “Joanie,” in the popular television series “Happy Days.” All four stars will sign autographs in the Americraft Center of Progress Building during all three days of the event. Actress Marion Ross, who played “Mrs. C,” will no longer be coming to the show due to a family emergency.

“Chop Cut Rebuild” – NEW!

Dan Woods, host of the show “Chop Cut Rebuild” on the SPEED television channel will meet fans Friday, July 15 and Saturday, July 16 in the Legendary Auto Interiors booth inside the Americraft Center of Progress Building.

“Car and Driver” magazine – NEW!

Brock Yates, former editor of “Car and Driver” magazine, will meet fans during all three days of the event in the Center of Progress building. In 1971, Yates organized and competed in the first Cannonball Run cross-country race to protest the 55 mph speed limit that was in place in the United States at that time. The event was later made into the famous Hollywood movie “The Cannonball Run.”

Million Dollar Garage

The Horticulture Building will be turned into a “million dollar garage” again this year, displaying 12 cars from across the country, some of which are worth up to $1 million and represent the finest in metal shaping and car customization.

On Friday, July 15, Gene Winfield, master car customizer and builder, will choose six of the 12 cars to be named the “Select Six.” One of the six cars will be honored with the Winfield Award for automotive excellence on Saturday, July 16, during the annual Syracuse Nationals dinner dance, which starts at 5 p.m. in the Empire Room. The winner will receive a personalized commemorative jacket and $5,000.

Richard Petty Tribute Car – NEW!

The Richard Petty Tribute Car commemorates Richard Petty and his career as a former NASCAR driver. Petty is a seven-time NASCAR champion. The tribute car will be on display in the Horticulture building throughout the event.

Artie’s Party featuring pinstripers’ panel jam

Inside the Horticulture Building, participating artists at the pinstripers’ panel jam, known as “Artie’s Party,” work almost around the clock during the Syracuse Nationals to paint original designs on items of all kinds, from vehicle panels to mailboxes. The items are then auctioned off to the highest bidders with all of the proceeds benefitting the McMahon/RyanHouse Child Advocacy Site, a not-for-profit organization in Syracuse. The McMahon/Ryan House is dedicated to ending child abuse through intervention and education.

The first pinstripers’ panel jam was held at the 2007 Syracuse Nationals. More than 29 pinstripers, from as far away as Canada, California and Great Britain, helped raise more than $33,000 for Parent Plus, a local charity that gives support to children who have lost an important person in their life. The 2008, 2009 and 2010 panel jams benefited the McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Site and raised more than $131,000.

“Syracuse Nationals has been giving back to the community since the event started 12 years ago,” said Bob O’Connor, Syracuse Nationals founder and director. “With the help from thousands of Nationals participants, hundreds of car club volunteers, exhibitors and sponsors, we have been able to reach our goal every year of supporting those in need.”

This year’s panel jam will also feature a special appearance by Art Alvarez, an independent artist/graphic illustrator who has done design work for The Walt Disney Company, Warner Bros. and Fox Home Entertainment. He created and designed artwork, including the CD cover for the international markets, when “Pocahontas” premiered. He also had the opportunity to work with Ed “Big Daddy” Roth, a famous artist and cartoonist who created the hot-rod icon Rat Fink. Alvarez will airbrush t-shirts during the jam that will be auctioned off at the event.

 

Additional 2011 highlights

For the past 11 years, hundreds of volunteers from the Central New York Car Club Association (CNYCCA) have worked to make the show run smoothly and make everyone who attends the show informed, safe and comfortable. The association also designates many of the charitable organizations and causes that receive donations from the event proceeds. Syracuse Nationals has raised more than $430,000 for a variety of charitable and community organizations over the last 11 years, and this year is trying to reach $500,000.

Three days of exciting motorsports events: modified garden tractor pulls, lawn mower races, flame-throwing cars, roll-over competition, figure-eight racing, and a demolition derby. For a full schedule of the dates and times of the motorsports events visit www.syracusenationals.com

 

350 automotive-related vendors

 

A large Women’s World, consisting of dozens of non-automotive related vendors and exhibitors in the Art & Home Center.

 

Syracuse Mini Nationals, a model car contest, will be held in the Horticulture Building. The contest area will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. All models must be registered by 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. Prizes will be awarded on Sunday at noon.

 

Designer’s Dozen: Celebrity judges will choose the top 100 cars based on the judge’s discretion during the weekend and award 16 as the “designer’s dozen.” Winners will receive a commemorative jacket and custom award.

 

Syracuse Nats Radio – NEW!: Syracuse Nationals will be broadcast on FM 91.1 throughout the weekend. Those attending the Nationals can tune their radios to FM 91.1 while at the Fairgrounds for event information, lucky program number drawings, interviews and music from every decade.

 

Fifteen bands will perform throughout the weekend on three different stages.

 

Fireworks displays Friday and Saturday at 9:30 p.m. in the infield of the race track.

 

Advance sale discount tickets for the Syracuse Nationals are now available at participating Nice N Easy Grocery Shoppes.

One-day adult tickets cost $17 at the gate. Children’s tickets (ages 6 to 12) are $8.  Children five and under receive free admission.

Parking is free at the event.

For more information on the 2011 Syracuse Nationals, a schedule of events, or to register a vehicle for the event, call (800) 753-3978 or visit www.rightcoastcars.com.