The Loafer is proud to be a co-sponsor of the second RatRod event to be held in the Tri Cities. The event host and primary sponsor is the Holston River Brewing Company, and the events will take place at their facility and campground. Officially known as the Second Annual Home Built Summit, it kicks off on Friday at 1:00 with activities throughout the weekend.
Lots of people have asked me, what is a RatRod. Essentially, it is a home-built vehicle, many of them cars but some motorcycles and boats as well. RatRod aficionados literally use almost anything to build their vehicles. The parts do not have to be original, and most RatRods have parts from 10 or more cars included. Most are customized and can be considered works of art. It is a fascinating subset of car buffs, one that almost everyone will enjoy checking out. Many of the vehicles are equipped to shoot flames up in the air, and there is even a flame throwing contest Saturday evening – along with a burnout competition – lots of smoke and tires disappearing quickly! Pretty cool stuff! Bring your own RatRod and join the exhibition – no extra charge for RatRods to participate.
While check in can begin as early as Wednesday, the event really gets started on Friday when the gates open at 1:00. Admission is only $10, with Kids 12 and under $5, under 6 free. The Loafer refresh and recharge tent opens at 2:00 on Friday, providing an oasis from the sun and an opportunity to charge your phones and other apparatus. Stop by, loaf and say hello!
The site will feature many different vendors, including some delicious food options and a parts swap meet. Check the agenda in this issue of The Loafer for all times, events, etc.
As a special treat, the Brewery is featuring their delicious craft beer, a Vienna lager aptly named RatRod. Be sure to try one. Adam, the master brewer, tells us that this a great beer. I have had the privilege of tasting it and I heartily agree.
Ever wanted to race at the speedway? You can register at RatRod and for $45 you can run 15 laps at BMS on Saturday afternoon. That should be quite interesting. Proceeds from the BMS run will benefit Speedway Children’s Charities, so you are actually making a charitable donation as you zoom around the world’s fastest half mile.
It’s going to be a great weekend. Come out and enjoy yourself. We guarantee you’ll be fascinated!
Schedule
Friday, June 1:
Gates open at 11 am… Check in and registration
Bar opens at 12 pm
Vendors need to be set up by 12 pm
Loafer refresh and recharge tent opens
8:30pm-11:30pm we have the band Boo Ray from Nashville, TN inside the Brewery
Saturday, June 2:
9 am – Gates open
10am – DJ will be playing music
10-11:30am — Pin Up girls & Car pictures
12pm – Bar opens
12:30pm – Pin Up girl talent & model competition
1:30pm – Burn out competition
2:00pm – Boo Ray on stage in the Brewery
5-7pm – Bristol Motor Speedway Laps (4:45pm all cars need to be lined up to parade to BMS)
8-9pm – Flame Throwing Competition
10:30-12:30pm – Railway Express on stage in the brewery
Sunday, June 3
10 am – Car category awards ceremony
12 pm – Bar opens
