Chevrolet introduced the Camaro as a response to the Ford Mustang and it was wildly successful from day one. The General Motors F-body platform gave the Bowtie brigade another high-performance option in the already powerful 1960’s lineup. Now, nearly 60 years later, Camaro enthusiasts are passionate about their cars and enjoy them in a variety of activities. Some like car shows, others like racing, but one thing is the same—the Camaro reigns supreme. Every year, Camaro enthusiasts gather in Bowling Green, Kentucky for a weekend of fun at Beech Bend Raceway Park. The event is called Camaro Fest and 2024 marks its thirteenth year of operation.
The three-day event consists of many activities, including track time at the National Corvette Museum road course, drag racing on the historic quarter mile drag strip, and autocross racing inside the paved oval track on-site. There is also a car show area, with a great variety of Camaros, ranging from restored originals to high-end customs. While the event’s focus is on late-model performance, there is a growing crowd of first, second, third and fourth generation Camaros on hand.
We enjoyed an action-packed weekend at Camaro Fest XIII, and saw some extremely close drag racing action, especially as the field came down to the semi-finals and final rounds in the respective classes. The drag racing program featured index classes for all types of Camaros, heads up classes for the heavy hitters and there was a general bracket racing class as well. Autocross racing was split into groups, tackling the challenging course with precision and speed. As if the show wasn’t enough, the after-show parking lot party was a blast. There is something for everyone at Camaro Fest, so if you’d like more information, check out www.camarofest.org and make plans to join the fun next year.
Camaros of all generations are represented at Camaro Fest in Bowling Green, Kentucky, but it’s hard to argue with the styling and heritage of the first-generation body style.Russ Gilbert pilots this slick second-generation Camaro, which is a street legal drag car with a big-inch big block Chevy under the hood. The car ran consistently all weekend long and took home the win in the Unlimited class with an elapsed time of 8.29 seconds at 162.74 miles per hour in the finals.Second-generation Camaros went through a rough patch in the mid 1970’s, but this ultra-slick 1974 Camaro Type LT proves that a killer stance and attention to detail can bring a 1970’s car out of its shell. Paul Rivard traveled from Tallmadge, Ohio to display his outstanding LS-powered Camaro.Tony Leis didn’t have to travel very far to participate in the Camaro Fest event, as he’s a Bowling Green native. His 2001 Camaro is a Dale Earnhardt Intimidator SS, built by GMMG of Marietta, Georgia and it features commemorative logos and special equipment throughout. Only 83 of these Intimidator SS Camaros were built.Bright white paint and red interior pops in the Kentucky sun and gives this 1990 Camaro a super clean look. Power comes from a Tuned Port injected small block Chevy engine, and an enhanced stance and IROC wheel package makes for a modern appearance. Sarah Basham of Bethalto, Illinois is the owner.Bill Reno displayed this beautiful 1969 Camaro Z/28, which features Fathom Green paint, American Racing Torq Thrust wheels and raised white letter tires for a classic combination. A highlight under the hood is the vintage Edelbrock SY1 intake manifold bolted to a set of double hump cylinder heads.We’re loving the appearance of this 1967 Camaro drag car. It’s a subtle combination with no decals, a flat hood and what appears to be an all-steel body. The Rallye wheels are widened out back and wrapped in big slicks, and horsepower comes from a cast iron big block. The car ran consistently in the 10.40 range at 125 miles per hour.Staggered Ridler wheels add some shine to this already vibrant 1973 Camaro Rally Sport Type LT. Jeff Baskerville of Bethpage, Tennesse brought out the split-bumper Camaro, which sports a healthy small block that has been upgraded with Aces electronic fuel injection.The autocross course was packed with action all weekend long. While most of the competitors drove fifth and sixth generation Camaros, we couldn’t help but gravitate to this heavily modified 1969 Camaro. Giant tires, powerful brakes and an aero package helped keep the Z/28 under control.Racing enthusiasts had several options throughout the weekend. Track time at the National Corvette Museum’s road course offered high speed thrills, while the autocross kept the action more contained inside the paved oval track at Beech Bend Raceway Park.
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