Cruise-In Car Show

CLICK HERE FOR LIST OF FUN AWARDS

Car Show Judges:

The ECHF is proud to have very special guest judges this year.   All are legendary local racing stars from area Speedways such as Thunder Valley Raceway, Bedford Speedway and Jennerstown Speedway, to name a few.

Dave Maggs – This racing legend hailing from Davidsville enjoyed much success in the 70’s and 80’s during the classic dirt track days at both Jennerstown and Motordrome Speedways.  Competing in the Semi-Late and Late Model classes during his illustrious career, Dave is fondly remembered by fans, not only for the on-track success he enjoyed, but for his familiar number 66 Chevrolet’s and Pontiac’s that he competed in and were adorned yearly with a very large and visible “Mickey Mouse.”

Craig “Fireball” Dietrich -  Our second local racing legend earned the distinction “Fireball” during the July 1, 1994 Semi-Late feature at Bedford Speedway.  While battling for 4th place late in the feature race, Craig’s Chevrolet burst into flames while racing down the front stretch due to a malfunctioning fuel pump.  With the flagman throwing the red flag to immediately stop the race, Craig calmly continued to drive his flaming race car right to the fire trucks and emergency crews, who were located in turn 2 pit area where the fire was eventually extinguished.  On-site Paramedics helped Craig from his burned and charred racecar.  Ironically, Craig received a standing ovation for his exploits and thus the legend of Craig “Fireball” Dietrich was born!

Chris Rhodes - This former partner in his family’s well-known “Rhodes Performance” Engine building business in Somerset, Chris left in 2006 to open and form his own high-performance Engine building business “Edge Racing Engines” that is headquartered right here in Windber.  Few realize, but many of the nations premier race car drivers, whether it be on dirt, asphalt or the drag strip have their engines built by Chris right here in Edge’s Mine 40/Windber Shop.  A former multiple feature winner and Track Champion at the now defunct Windber Speedway, Chris continues his extremely successful racing career at Thunder Valley Raceway in Central City where he earned his most memorable feature win to date, a Super Late Model triumph on June 13. 2009.

Additional judges are being recruited and will be announced and introduced very soon.  Our sincere thanks to Dave, Craig and Chris for their participation in this year Miners’ Memorial Day Weekend/Father’s Day Car Show festivities.