Hot Rod Showdown #6 Photos by Shane Garletts Words by Rudy Morales

Rudy Morales & Roger Gonzalez are both native Texans who grew up sons of old school Hot Rodder’s.  They met at a hot rod get together at a San Antonio burger joint back in 2007. They have remained friends ever since and have attended car shows across the country together. 

Coincidentally, in 2018 they were both planning to put on a small car show in Wimberley Texas. Rudy was In the planning stages of a show at the local Wimberley VFW where he is a member. Roger had attended the Deuce Reunion show in Wimberley as a kid & wanted to have a show there of his own. He remembered it being at an “old western town”. Word got to Roger from a mutual friend (Jeff Peterson from the Preserve) that Rudy was already planning a show in Wimberley and that perhaps they should get together. Rudy and Roger met in downtown Wimberley for lunch and discussed their vision. Roger mentioned the show in Wimberley that he attended as a kid & brought pictures of that show but couldn’t remember the location or if the location still existed. Rudy saw the pictures & said“I know exactly where that’s at” and they drove to Pioneer town at 7a Ranch. They both agreed it was the perfect setting for a small town, grassroots, Texas Hot Rod show which is exactly what they both wanted. They decided to join forces & shook hands to seal the deal just like their father’s would have.  

(some history of 7a Ranch)

In 1946, a rock recreation room marked the beginning of 7A followed by five rock cottages in 1947. A decade later, a whole new atmosphere was created with the building of Pioneer Town as an attraction and entertainment place for young and old alike.

While there is only space for about 100 or so cars at Pioneer Town in all actuality was perfect For their vision of a small town Texas traditional style hot rod show. The setting by the Blanco River along with the Opera House for live music just feels so right. 

Things started progressing quickly & they brought in another hot rod buddy Will Martinez to join the team. He too, is the son of a Hot Rodder and grew up around the scene. 

The intention was never to make it into a big production show but to keep the small town grassroots vibe that they all grew up with. Something their fathers would be proud of and something that brought back memories of their childhood. The support was immediate And Hot Rod Showdown number one took place in February of 2019. We look forward to continuing to provide a small town setting for a group of hot rod pals to get together & enjoy a Hill Country cruise, Some food and drink, Live music, traditional style, hot rods, and a few killer customs. while all three of their fathers have passed away and didn’t get to experience the Hot Rod Showdown, Their presence was certainly felt, especially at the first one When the forecast was 100% rain chance just three days before the show. On the day of the show, it was  sunny skies and it was a perfect 75°  Hopefully, some young kid will come to the show & be inspired to carry on the traditional hot rod love we all have.