In our May ’23 issue of Modern Rodding, we showcased a vintage photo and were able to identify several of the people in the photo. Unfortunately, we couldn’t identify who the recipient of the award was in the photo. The photo was taken at the awards ceremony of the 1st Rod & Custom Street Rod Nationals held on August 14-16, 1970, in Peoria, Illinois. Aside from the staff of R&C pulling duty it was also the Slo-Pokes Car Club out of Peoria who were instrumental in pulling off the first event. It wasn’t until a few street rod nationals later that the event carried the name it does to this day: the NSRA Street Rod Nationals. Technically the National Street Rod Association wasn’t created until after the first event.

However, our unknown street rodder mystery is solved. Tom and Robin Westrope from NorCal identified the award recipient as Orv Elgie who now lives in Oregon. He was receiving an award for his ’37 Ford Sedan Delivery, which for the past 44 years has resided with the Westropes. (Under the “I should have known category,” I’ve known Orv for decades but didn’t recognize him from back in the day. Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with Orv and recall many of the early memories. —B.B.)

Yes, that’s a much younger Orv Elgie receiving an award at the 1st Rod & Custom Street Rod Nationals in Peoria, IL. Associated with this award was a perpetual trophy and was awarded for Best Overall. The following year Orv awarded the trophy to Andy Brizio; now, we know we have heard that name a few times over the years. 

Orv today with the very plaque he is holding in the photo from the 1st Street Rod Nats. Job well done.

Speedway Motors is very excited about their latest Cars & Coffee event series held at the newly finished Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed that features an additional 90,000 square feet. This monthly event is held on the last Saturday of each month beginning in May and running through October. The one-day car show begins at 8 a.m. and closes at noon.

Bring your specialty car and Speedway will provide free coffee and doughnuts. Also, by bringing your specialty car you will be given two complimentary vouchers to enter the Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed. The current record for attendance is 700-plus cars. Now that’s an early morning gathering.

For more info on the Speedway Motors Cars & Coffee event visit speedwaymotors.com/pages/carsandcoffee.

Make sure to grab a complimentary cup of coffee and a doughnut (or two) and make the rounds with your rodding buddies to check out what’s happening in the Lincoln, NE, area.