SYRACUSE N.Y. (NCC News) – Last year 8,000 classic cars roared into the New York State Fairgrounds for the Syracuse Nationals, the largest classic car show in the Northeast. Only the “Select Six” will have an opportunity to claim the Winfield Award and take home the $10,000 prize.
The Winfield Award is just one reason why the Syracuse Nationals have become ingrained in the local culture. “Syracuse is a really budding music town, it’s a foodie town and it’s a car town,” says Visit Syracuse CEO Danny Liedka.
The Syracuse Nationals had an economic impact of $19 million dollars last year, and Liedka said “I wouldn’t be shocked if there is a 10-15% increase year-over-year. No wonder Liedka says Syracuse is becoming a car town.
But Syracuse Nationals Operations Manager Brian Badger says it’s about more than the cars, “You may be a Ford guy. I may be a Chevy guy. We’re all here together. You know, you end up parking your car next to somebody who’s from a different state. Now you guys are buddies after 3 days.”
That’s why Syracuse Nationals Operations Manager Brian Badger is so eager to bring to bring families into the community by making admission for this classic car show free for kids twelve and under. Badger says kids can enjoy seeing the Transformers as well as participate in a pinewood derby this weekend.
Syracuse Nationals opens at 8 AM this Friday at the New York State Fairgrounds.