Gallery – Scenes from Musclepalooza 25
This 10-second Willys, named “Rattle Trap,” repeatedly tested the strength of its wheelie bars. Photos by Hemmings staff.
Perhaps it was the result of a seemingly endless winter, or this spring’s abundant wet weather, but Sunday’s moderate temps and overcast-but-dry skies drew record crowds to Lebanon Valley Dragway for Musclepalooza 25. By late morning it was standing-room-only in the show field, forcing some show entrants to park outside the gates.
From late model to old school, there were muscle cars for all to appreciate.
There was no shortage of on-track action, either, with competitors running everything from gently launched daily drivers to purpose-built eight-second monsters. A few Hemmings staffers even got into the spirit, prompting a showdown between managing editor Dan Beaudry, in his 2014 Ford Mustang GT, and associate editor Terry “El vengador de la turquesa” in his all-wheel drive 2016 Ford Focus RS. The margin of victory was a mere .21 seconds (nearly mirroring the difference in reaction time of .331 for Dan and .504 for Terry), proving the adage “there’s no replacement for displacement.”
Terry Shea (L) stages against Dan Beaudry in a Hemmings staffer throw-down.
Graciously admitting defeat, El vengador de la turquesa returns to his car.
Below are a few of our favorite shots from Sunday’s event, but look for moire in-depth coverage in the September issue of Hemmings Muscle Machines.
When was the last time you saw a car with fuel injector stacks punched through the hood?
As the license plate notes, this 455-powered Le Mans was not a GTO.
The Deuces High Chevy II pointed skyward.
Paul Menin’s 1965 Pontiac GTO took home both the Favorite Pontiac and the Best Paint awards.
Jamie Feagain’s 1964 Ford Fairlane caught our eye.
As did this 302-powered 1970 Ford Mustang, owned by Doug Rodger.
How much torque does it take to deform a sidewall like this?
Mike and Cheryl Johnson’s 430-powered 1967 Buick Special wagon wasn’t your ordinary grocery-getter.
This Stingray wore a few non-factory upgrades.
He’s got a point.
A 427 high riser-powered 1964 Ford Custom.
