The Daytona Turkey Run Turns 40!

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (May 30, 2013) – The November 28^th – December 1^st 2013 Thanksgiving weekend Daytona Turkey Run marks a historical 40 year event!  Rich in local history the event has created many unforgettable memories for local residents and visitors alike.

            In celebration of the Turkey Run’s 40^th anniversary, organizers created a monumental photograph like no other…40 beautiful classic cars, on display in the infield of the Daytona International Speedway, showing their excitement to be celebrating 40!

            The Turkey Run was created in 1974 by the Daytona Beach Street Rods association. The clubs president, Stu Sarjeant had previously attempted to enter his 1923 Ford Hot Rod in the Ormond Beach 1973 Gaslight Parade but was denied as no modified cars were permitted. Sarjeant said, “My four year old son started to cry and we decided right then and there we would have a show of our own. And that’s exactly what we did the following year.” The first Turkey Run hosted 45 cars and was held at the Howard Johnson hotel across from Bellair Plaza.  

Continuing to grow, the show moved to Seabreeze High School in 1982 and added a swap meet. By 1987 The Turkey Run had grown to more than 900 cars and relocated to a property at the Daytona Beach airport.

In 1989 the Daytona Beach Street Rods association partnered with the Daytona Beach Racing and Recreational Facilities District and found a permanent home in the infield of the Daytona International Speedway. By this time, the show had grown to over 1,520 show quality cars and 250 swap meet vendors.

The 40^th Anniversary show in November will host over 6,000 vintage, classic, muscle and race cars and trucks for show and sale. In addition, guests will be treated to anniversary celebrations, and can shop the massive swap meet in which vendors sell and trade hard-to-find auto parts and accessories.  There are also arts and crafts, entertainment and a full midway of food vendors.

           Admission starts at $15 and parking is free.  Children under 11 are free when accompanied by an adult.  Show hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. 

To purchase tickets or for more information about the Daytona Turkey Run, visit www.daytonabeachcarshows.com or www.turkeyrun.com.

Muscle Express, Inc

Muscle Express, Inc has been attending the Turkey Rod for 22 years and are a local Florida company. They've got some pretty cool projects in the works; from a complete pro-touring 1968 convertible Camaro, to a 1970 LS powered Land Cruiser, to a surprise birthday restoration gift from a son to his father (which included switching the father's car out with one of their own so he wouldn't know they were taking it). But this one is not a traditional restoration either. They can't say what kind of car yet because it hasn't been unveiled however, here are a couple of details,  ABC performance boxed frame, full Detroit Speed suspension, a Monster Performance overdrive transmission, a Mast Performance LSX with over 640 hp, and more.

They have also worked with Robert Kibbe on the Muscle Car Place podcast and Cars For A Living podcast. 

This year they are working on a segment for one of Kibbe's podcasts where they will be documenting what it takes for a shop to prepare for a show, in particular the Turkey Run. 

We are very excited to have Muscle Express, Inc join us again this year. Be sure to stop by and see them for 10% off orders placed pre-show to be picked up at the Turkey Run and 10% off at the show.