The southeast’s biggest car show and swap meet returned on November 26th-29th, 2009, as the 36th Annual Daytona Turkey Run was once again held on the infield of the world famous Daytona International Speedway. With 4,812 cars registered (300 more than 2008), there was certainly plenty to see and do once again in the show car area, which takes up the eastern half of the infield. New for 2009 was the fact the show was opened up to all years of show quality cars and trucks. Of course common sense was to be used (no “grocery getters”). There were not that many “late models” that took advantage of the new rules this year, and those that we did see were indeed show worthy. Purists, you need not be worried about the change as classic cars easily ruled.

If you need something for your car the Turkey Run is certainly the best show to try and find it at. The swap meet is legendary for its size and variety, plus there are many new parts vendors to fill that need as well. The car corral was once again jam packed with offerings, and we even spotted some bargains when we made our way down isle after isle.

One of our favorite things about the Turkey Run is the nighttime action. The official activities take place just outside the Speedway on Thursday through Saturday nights, but we usually wind up spending a good portion of our time hanging out along A1A. However, this year the cold weather kept the cruising action down. I hope that 2010 brings better conditions, because I didn’t get my fix last year. Oh well, you have to take it as it comes!

The trick at this show is trying to take everything in. That may sound easy with four days in which to do it, but with a show this size it is almost impossible to see and do everything, no matter how hard you try.

Thanks go out to the Daytona Beach Street Rods host club, the Daytona Beach Racing & Recreational Facilities District, the many volunteers, and all of the participants that made the 2009 Turkey Run another awesome success. Be sure to once again mark Thanksgiving weekend on your show calender, and we’ll see you all on November 25th-28th, 2010. For more information you can visit www.turkeyrun.com, where you can find out about all aspects of this legendary event. CN