Spring Daytona Car Show & Swap Meet 2003

While we here in Florida aren't hindered by the snow during winter, one of the first big shows of the year that helps kick-off the upcoming show season is the Spring Daytona Beach Car Show & Swap Meet. Held inside the Daytona International Speedway, this year's 14th Annual instalment took place on March 21st thru 23rd, 2003.

Of course, most of you reading this already know about this show, as it is the second biggest in the state. Only the Turkey Run, also held inside the Speedway over Thanksgiving weekend, can boast as big of numbers. I'm not only talking about 2,000 plus show cars, but also the big car corral, huge swap meet and spectator turnout.

Making your way through all of the show cars is a big task, especially since you'll find hundreds that draw you in for a close inspection of their quality craftsmanship. From our end, I just wish they'd issue rear view mirror hanger indentificaiton tags like they do for the Turkey Run. We can obviously find plenty of cool vehicles to photograph for the show coverage, but being able to put an owner's name to it can become a monumental task if they aren't sitting right behind their ride - and at this show they usually aren't since there is so much to see and do. So as a tip, if you have your own info card the odds of getting in the magazine go way up.

Once again I spent a fair amount of my time perusing the car corral area. It's always interesting to see what is available, and if I find the right cool older station wagon for the right price I'd like to get it as a daily driver [this is Michael, the younger of the two Kelly guys]. However, with a limited budget, and other expenses coming in the future it's hard to commit unless it feels perfect. However, there were plenty of vehicles that changed owners over the three days, which is why it is a good place for buyers and sellers to come together.

The swap meet was the mamoth spectacle that the Daytona shows always are. I don't usually get to spend much time in that area of the event, which takes up about half of the expansive infield, since getting photos takes up most of my priorities. From what I did see, however, it was as good as always with lots of parts any enthusiast building a vehicle could put to good use, plus those odd-ball items that are hard to find...which is where the Daytona shows really shine. Though I've seen it many times, I still get a kick out of seeing someone carting off all their loot. Sometimes they can get pretty imaginitive, hooking fenders over their heads while carrying other items in their arms. And for those that aren't Stretch Armstrong, you can usually flag down a guy in a golf cart who will deliver you and your parts out to the spectator parking lot for a fee. Just make sure you come in a vehicle that can haul it home from there.

We gave out a bunch of magazines over the weekend at our booth located right across from the big white registration tent. While we were at our tent some of the time, there were periods where we would just pile up a bunch of complimentary magazines for people to take and head out onto the show field to take it all in. Thanks again to all of you that stopped by and offered up encouraging words.

This event also has a few "shows within the show", held for specialty makes and models, one of which (the Sunshine State Cougar Club) is also covered in the June 2003 issue of the magazine. There was also a very strong turnout of Fieros, a long line of Impala SS cars, and certainly more that I am forgetting at the moment. This adds a pretty neat feel, especially if your into the featured make or model, since you can take in many great specimens in one area and not have to walk the entire infield to see them all.

Luckily the weather was once again cooperative basically all three days. The only rain that we saw was on Sunday afternoon, once the show was already pretty much winding down.

We once again had a blast at the Spring Daytona Car Show & Swap Meet, and though it's still more than 6 months away, before you know it the Turkey Run will be here. For more info on either the Spring Daytona Show or the Turkey Run turn your web browser towards www.daytonabeachcarshows.com. See you later! CN