It started out as a crazy excuse for getting out of the office for a week and flogging on other people's hot rods and custom cars. We gathered a group of readers and their rides, voted on by our readers, and subjected them to a week-long combination of competitions, road trip adventure, and out-and-out fun. By the time the original ROD & CUSTOM Asphalt Ego-Rama '01 was over, we were surprised at how popular the whole thing was with participants and readers. The big question was, could we pull it off two years in a row? Yeah, we could. Asphalt Ego-Rama '02 was an even bigger success.
It's a tradition now, so here we go again. Soon after we published the entry form for Asphalt Ego-Rama '03, the mailbox started overflowing. By the time the deadline rolled around, we had more than double the amount of entries we received in 2002. From all of those entries, we chose this selection of 20 semi-finalists. We're counting on you to vote for the six cars that will compete in Asphalt Ego-Rama '03 in November. You'll find the ballot at the end of this feature. All you have to do is pick your favorite six cars and mail the ballot. We must receive your ballot by September 19, 2003. The finalists will be posted on our Web site at www.rodandcustommagazine.com and will be contacted by phone. Full coverage of ROD & CUSTOM Asphalt Ego-Rama will appear in the April '04 issue of R&C.
Asphalt Ego-Rama '03 CategoriesAsphalt Ego-Rama finalists will compete in the following categories:Acceleration: We've got the dragstrip booked for a day of racing. The quickest quarter-mile elapsed time wins. Competitors must pass a basic NHRA safety inspection and must run the same tire/wheel combo and other components used during the road trip. Helmets are required.
Braking: The car that can go from 60 to 0 mph in the least distance is the winner.
Driveability: R&C staffers climb into the passenger's seat to evaluate comfort, handling, function, and other seat-of-the-pants ride 'n' drive criteria. The judging takes place during the road trip portion of the event. No trailers. No fooling.
Engineering: Technical and functional excellence, imagination, fit and finish, material quality, and attention to detail will determine the winner of this category.
People's Choice: Asphalt Ego-Rama winds up at the Goodguys Southwest Nats in Scottsdale, Arizona, where spectators can vote for their favorite Ego-Rama finalists.
Price: High-dollar cars beware. R&C will give high points for low-buck. We estimate the cost of duplicating each competing car and reward the best budget-built competitors.
Styling: It's all about having fun, and participant attitude is as important as car quality. This category covers sportsmanship and contribution to the success of the event.
Rod & Custom Asphalt Ego-Rama '03 Pick Six It's simple, folks! Pick the six cars you'd like to see participate in R&C's Asphalt Ego-Rama '03. Just check the appropriate boxes and mail this page (or a photocopy) to us. We will only accept ballots sent by mail. One ballot per reader please. Duplicate ballots and other attempts at ballot stuffing (usually obvious) will be thrown away.
Mail your ballot to: R&C Asphalt Ego-Rama, 2400 E. Katella, 7th Floor, Anaheim, CA 92806. Ballots must be received at the R&C office by 11:59 p.m. September 19, 2003. Finalists will be notified by September 30 that they will be participating in the Ego-Rama on November 11-16. In the event that a finalist is unable to participate, the next most popular runner-up will be invited to compete. Coverage of the R&C Asphalt Ego-Rama will appear in the April '04 issue of ROD & CUSTOM.