Rod & Custom's Americruise 2001

Flying along the interstate in the back of a high-performance pickup at greater-than-legal freeway speeds is a thrilling way to capture a parade of vintage vehicles. While working the shutter button of my Canon camera, colorful cruisers fill my viewfinder as they roll along, creating a shimmering snake of flamed hot rods, low-riding customs, and potent pickups. This group’s ultimate destination is Lincoln, Nebraska, to join two more tours and a bunch of Midwestern iron for R&C’s annual driving event: Americruise.

For a few days, three separate tours cruised across the country. Tour participants who started as a group of strangers were well into the process of making new friends—and discovering how reliable their rides are. The ingenuity and mechanical capabilities displayed were quite often inspiring. By Thursday afternoon, we were happily checking our maps to find the fairgrounds and our hotels in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Upon arrival, our collective mood turned toward a party atmosphere as everyone got through registration before heading to their hotels to unpack. There would be several thousand hot rods and custom cars to check out tomorrow, but Americruise isn’t simply a car show. In addition to * the multitude of participants and their cars, there were over 50 exhibitors and sponsors displaying their wares and offering sales and technical support, many of them located in comfy air-conditioned halls. Other excuses to take a break and duck inside included technical seminars and demonstrations, which ran nearly non-stop for two days. There was also an engine-building contest that lasted through three days of eliminations. The observing crowd seemed as pumped as those spinning wrenches.

There were even more ways to get involved, like participating in the dyno challenge, where contestants could compete to see who could make the most rear-wheel horsepower. There was even an antique tractor pull.

It wasn’t just car stuff, though. The activities also included an ice cream social, a pancake breakfast, and the T.O. Haas concert and barbecue. All this entertainment and activity is due to a group of generous sponsors. Our heartfelt thanks goes to all our 9th Annual Rod & Custom Americruise sponsors and hosts. Tour 1 was hosted by Carriage Works Billet Accessories from Fort Worth, Texas, and led by Curt Cunningham. Tour 2 was hosted by Summit Racing Equipment of Tallmadge, Ohio, and led by Jack and Judy Trepanier. Tour 3 was hosted by Chevrolet and led by Primedia Events Vice President Joe Sebergandio. We also owe a big thanks to both the Lincoln/Lancaster Convention & Visitors Center and our hard-working event staff.

As Friday evening’s 16-mile parade of several hundred custom creations winds its way through the streets of Lincoln to the delight of cheering spectators, it occurs to us how fortunate we are. We live in a country where our automotive cultural heritage is regarded with pride and enthusiasm. As we reflect on our treasured memories of new friends and fun, we hope you’ll all join us again next summer.