Super Run 2012: Hot Rods Thrive in the Desert

Autumn in Southern Nevada brings welcome changes to the local desert environment. It also heralds the return of the popular Super Run held each year in Henderson. The Las Vegas Cruisin’ Association and the City of Henderson have partnered on this much anticipated annual event since 2000 and this 13th edition was a reflection of where hot rodding is and the direction that it is headed.

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From Pro-Mod to classic, rat rod to high-finish show custom, lowrider to race car, there was bound to be a hot rod to fit your custom preference!

There were over 930 entries for the event held September 20-23, 2012. Because the event has no vehicle manufacturing or age restrictions, entries reflected a diverse cross-section of what is seen in the hot rodding world today. Along with the traditional hot rods and musclecars that most attendees expect to see at events such as this, an impressive array of trucks, lowriders, classics, customs, late model streeters and even some imports were also on hand to participate in the automotive fun.

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Sightings of wheeled history is one of the fun things to experience at the Super Run. This 1923 T-bucket is powered by a 1949 Olds Rocket 88 with vintage multi-carb induction. Inverted leaf spring suspension, lots of chrome, beer barrel gas tank and tufted Mohair upholstery are all true to the era and wood and brass accents add a little extra class.

Entrants were all vying for a share of the show’s $15,000 in cash prizes and hundreds of other trophies and awards up for grabs over the four-day event. Also included in the weekend activities were the Slow Drags/Burn-Out Competition, Roaring Engines Competition, Parts Corral and the ever-popular Swap Meet. Free live entertainment at the adjacent Henderson Events Center was also provided Friday and Saturday night. How many other events can you bring your family to and get this much to see and do for free?

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It was unclear if these two competitors were warming up for the roaring engines competition or just bowing to the wishes of the fans. Either way they delighted the crowds as they filled the air with music to hot rodder's ears!

Opening up the show to all makes and models has really spiced up the sightings of all sorts of automotive gems and oddities. But it has also grown to show that we can all enjoy the diverse creations and ingenuity that it takes to build something truly unique – no matter the make.

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By opening the entry to any year, make or model, Super Run conveys the message that a car truck or bike can be a hot rod and our culture is diverse and open for everyone no matter what your automotive preference!

Perfect weather, a great venue, and even cooler cars makes this an annual retreat worth coming out to. With some of the nicest folks in the west, and no shortage of hot rides in sight, the Super Run has notched out a spot in our collection of Rod Authority’s “must hit” events.

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All along the historic Water Street District of Henderson some of the finest examples of the car culture could be seen and enjoyed.

A representative of the promotion team told us this year’s edition of the Super Run was not the largest turnout they’ve seen. Persistent triple-digit temperatures and a stubbornly sluggish economy are some factors that have contributed to a slight decline in car show attendance as of late. However, despite a small dip in numbers, enthusiasm for the event from patrons, prompters, attendees and participants remains at record levels and growth is ever-promising for next year’s event. The Henderson Super Run is an established fixture on the event calendar and our sport’s growth even during difficult times that helps to raise optimism and expectations for the future hot rodding culture.