Tag: helpinghannahsheart

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Guest Blog: Dan’s Hot Rod Photo goes to the 2013 Iron Invasion

Go Here to see the 2014 Coverage.

Guest Blog!
My buddy Dan Podobinski is a photographer based out of Indiana, he attends a lot of the same type of shows that I do.  Since I can’t be everywhere at once, Dan was nice enough to share some of his images from the 2013 Iron Invasion with all of you through the blog here. Okay class now all together say “Thank You Dan!” You may have seen some of his work recently in Car Kulture Deluxe Magazine, or on the HAMB. You need to go follow his page on Facebook here and buy some prints of his great photographs! And now on with the show!
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The McHenry County Fairgrounds in Woodstock, Illinois once again played host to The Iron invasion.  After a very successful debut in 2012, show creator John Wells returned for a second edition in 2013 and did not disappoint.

Despite the threat of rain on Saturday, the much warmer than last year temperatures brought out the traditional hot rods, customs and motorcycles in droves.  Friday afternoon and evening treated early arrivals to a party like atmosphere including live music, great art vendors and a twilight display by some of the flame thrower equipped rides.

Saturday brought even more cars in and with one new building on the premises there was more room for indoor “feature cars.”  Though a brief period of rain in the late morning did put a bit of a damper on the do-it-yourself stunt show that was planned, Saturday turned out to be a great day.  The sunshine even made an appearance after the rain had passed.

Take a look at the photos and plan to attend this show next year.  With a ton of great cars and bikes, numerous art vendors, a swap meet plus live bands and the pinup show there is no shortage of activities to occupy your time.  If those reasons are not enough to convince you to attend, go to www.HelpingHannahsHeart.com to see the work that the gate proceeds from the show help to do.  Now, make your plans to attend the 2014 edition of The Iron Invasion!!!

 

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Guest Blog: Dan’s Hot Rod Photo goes to Vintage Torque Fest

Guest Blog! Dan’s Hot Rod Photo goes to Detroit!

Guest Blog!
My buddy Dan Podobinski is a photographer based out of Indiana, he attends a lot of the same type of shows that I do.  Since I can’t be everywhere at once, Dan was nice enough to share some of his images from the 2013 Vintage Torque Fest with all of you through the blog here. Okay class now all together say “Thank You Dan!” You may have seen some of his work recently in Car Kulture Deluxe Magazine, or on the HAMB. You need to go follow his page on Facebook here and buy some prints of his great photographs! And now on with the show!
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The modern “car show” has, in many ways, become stale.  The large, corporate run shows lack any real feel.  Power parking, lawn chairs and crybaby dolls have become the norm.

The independent, regional hot rod shows that have sprung up in the last decade or so turn that trend on its ear and Vintage Torque Fest is at the front of the pack.  Show creator and master promoter John Wells has managed to take what started as a vehicle to raise money for the charity organization that he and his wife Kim created (www.HelpingHannahsHeart.org) and turn it into a full blown festival of all things hot rod related.

There is more action packed into this two day event than one could ever expect to find at a large, corporate event.  Aside from hundreds of traditional hot rods and customs we find a near constant stream of live music from rockabilly, surf and garage bands.  There is, of course, the obligatory pinup contest, though this one is much classier than many I have seen.  Speed freaks can get their groove on watching vintage jalopies race around the dirt oval and hot rodders even have the opportunity to take their pride and joy out for a few hot laps. Unfortunately, heavy rains kept track action at bay this year save for a few folks who stuck around the day after the show to get some seat time.  This didn’t stop some guys however, as impromptu mini bike races sprung up on a far end of the fairgrounds, followed in short order by the big boys racing vintage flat track motorcycles around the makeshift circuit.  As I said, nonstop action!

The excitement reaches a fever pitch with the charity art auction.  Culture artists from around the world contribute themed pieces each year to be sold off to the highest bidder.  The work is stunning and is worthy of display in any gallery.  Besides the art in the auction, there are the numerous artists and vendors selling all types of hot rod and lifestyle merchandise.

If this sounds like it is right up your alley then I encourage you to first check out www.HelpingHannahsHeart.org  and see what this organization is all about.  Then, look up www.VintageTorqueFest.com and see what you are missing and, finally, make plans to be in Dubuque, Iowa this time next year and catch the nonstop action that is Vintage Torque Fest.