As Americans, we definitely go for iconic transportation. Whether rugged cowboys on horses, timeless Harley Davidsons or chromed hot rods, we love to stand out. On April 27 and 28, come see a few of the Northwest’s best four-wheeled classics at Quinault Beach Resort and Casino 9th annual High Rollin’ Hot Rods at the Beach.

These cars dominate the imagination as well as the silver screen. In 2018, it’s the 50th anniversary of the movie Bullitt, featuring Steve McQueen’s epic San Francisco car chase, and the 40th anniversary of two amazing car movies: the ever-popular singalong Grease and The Driver starring Ryan O’Neal.

Lance Lambert
Visit with emcee and returning fan-favorite Lance Lambert of the Vintage Vehicle Show who will be signing copies of his book Fenders, Fins & Friends: Confessions of a Car Guy. Photo credit: Lance Lambert

According to AutoTrader.com, “The term hot rod became popular in the 1940s. But the first examples—called gow jobs or soup-ups—were built during the Depression by young enthusiasts, usually with little or no money, who were eager to tinker with what then was still a novel piece of machinery.

“Many of those early hot rodders also wanted to show up their wealthier cohorts, to prove to them that money wasn’t the only way to gain automotive status. So, despite its emphasis on power and performance, a hot rod has also always been a social statement, having to do with self-reliance, ingenuity and ultimately independence. It is this added emotional resonance that separates hot rods from mere homebuilt racers and gives them a deeper definition not addressed by dictionaries.”

Whether you prefer your hot rods brash and loud or topless and classy, High Rollin’ Hot Rods at the Beach has something for everyone. Admission is free for spectators and events run all weekend long. Have a car you’d like to show off? Register online for $15 or $20 the day of the show. In person sign-up is from noon until 4:00 p.m. on Friday and 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Quinault Beach Casino
Rain or shine, Quinault’s oceanfront resort setting is the perfect weekend escape, whether traveling solo or bringing the whole family. Photo courtesy: Quinault Beach Resort and Casino

Registration fees include a goodie bag, dash plaque and entry both to the show and many prize drawings. Door prizes will be awarded every 10 minutes on Saturday and there will be a city-wide Poker Run on Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Come for the day or make a weekend of it thanks to Quinault’s special discounted room stay. Simply call 888-461-2214 and mention room code HRHR to receive a two-night stay an easy two hours from Tacoma for only $309. This deal has limited availability, so make your reservations early.

The main indoor expo takes place on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Come explore booths full of car-themed merchandise galore before hitting up the indoor root beer float bar or beer garden that runs from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

While you’re there, visit the Q-Club window to sign up for your free membership card then try your luck at their Spring Into Summer promotion running Fridays from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. or Sundays from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Lucky players could win a share of $10,000, new covered patio set or fire pit perfect for those long summer nights.

QBRC Hot Rods 2018
Come stay, play and win at Quinault Beach on April 27-28 for the 9th annual High Rollin’ Hot Rods at the Beach. Photo courtesy: Pushrods of Hoquiam

Hungry? Quinault Beach Resort has an array of delicious dining options and don’t miss out on their newest treat: Alderwood Traditional wood-smoked coffee. This custom blend is roasted over traditional alder wood and available while you’re exploring or in bags to take home.

High Rollin’ Hot Rods is sponsored each year by the Pushrods of Hoquiam Car Club. Since 1953, they’ve used events and car shows to “raise money to provide two college scholarships for Grays Harbor College to assist motivated students to study the auto and business industries. We also donate to the Aberdeen High School Auto Shop, the Meals on Wheels Program and the Center for Domestic Violence.”

Returning as emcee is Lance Lambert of the Vintage Vehicle Show. A noted TV personality, he’s spent his life around cars and even wrote the book Fenders, Fins & Friends: Confessions of a Car Guy. His Vintage Vehicle Show has been shown on 100 stations across the United States and in 27 foreign markets for more than 25 years.

Find details about High Rollin’ Hot Rods through their Facebook page and use it to share or invite your favorite pit crew. For questions about the show itself, call the Pushrods at 360-581-9911.

Sponsored