Woodward Dream Cruise 2000

You could not have asked for a better day for the Woodward Dream Cruise 2000 held Saturday August 19th, 2000. The sun was shining, the air was cool and over 1 million people came out to take part in this one day event. Over 30,000 muscle cars, street rods, custom, collector and special interest vehicles were on hand – cruising up the now famous 16 mile Woodward Avenue. This mid summer classic celebrated the cars, music and memories of cruisin’ in the fifties and sixties in the place that put America on wheels.

Pre-war cars to recent factory productions cars were noticeable – one of my favorites being the highly recognizable 57 Chevy BelAir. This car is a classic and talking to the owner of one, Harvey from Northern Michigan – his car is his passion. As he talks about a 283 motor and an automatic 350, I just smiled thinking nostalgically of poodle skirts and letterman sweaters. I now know what happened to all those fuzzy dice!

A 1966 Pontiac GTO is another pre-Nika’s birth muscle car that caught my attention. While today’s cars are more refined – maybe even comfortable to drive, this old muscle car shook as its’ engine snorted – I can’t say that it purred. 

But the feeling of knowing at any given time you could be thrust back in your seat with a burst of power and tire smoke – well, that takes the cake.

Our highlight of the weekend was meeting Stephen and June Irons from Kent England, the lucky winners of a GM sponsored contest earlier this year at the Goodwood festival across the  pond. Both avid Corvette lovers and members of the local British Corvette owners club, their enthusiasm showed even by their apparel – June I loved those Corvette earrings!! Besides being VIP guests at the cruise they had the chance to a very rare guided tour of the inner workings at the GM Tech Center and the Cadillac Historic Museum in Warren, Michigan. As well as a lengthy tour of the Romulus Engine Plant, where they produce nearly 4,000 V-8's a day - one every 26 seconds! The opportunity to see the birthplace of American Muscle made this trip one they would never forget.

Speaking with some classic car owners and see the proof that the automobile is an integral part of American lifestyle. Do you have a classic? Here's the official definition of a classic car:

A "Classic" is any car (or vehicle) that: creates a feeling of nostalgia stimulates a memory (or) fulfills a fantasy

If you have any of the above vehicles I look forward to seeing you next year at this one day free event held every third Saturday in August. This racerchick can truly say she enjoyed the chrome, the rumble of those big block motors, sounds of old rock & roll and the super company -- this cruisin’ weekend.