Four grand championships will be awarded this afternoon at the event.

Four grand championships will be awarded this afternoon at the event.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
CANFIELD -- Tina Kolbrich-Godina beamed as she stood next to the 1998 Chevy Cavalier that she hopes will bring home a prize at this year's Hot Rod Super Nationals.
Kolbrich-Godina; Gerry Dixey, the car's owner; and a slew of others spent the past three months working to get the 5-year-old car ready for the show.
"Oh, it's been nerve-wracking trying to make sure every detail is just right, and we were real nervous because we had an interview with Hot Rod Magazine ... we wanted the car to be all done," Kolbrich-Godina said.
The interview with a writer from the national publication was held this weekend, and the black Cavalier with flames painted on the hood will be featured in an upcoming issue, Kolbrich-Godina said.
The vehicle, complete with electric sunroof, tinted windows and red and black leather interior, was receiving quite of a bit of attention from those who attended the 25th annual show at the Canfield Fairgrounds.
"We'd like to get something, but the fact we got it completed is all that counts," Kolbrich-Godina said. "It's been a lot of fun."
Grand championships are awarded at each Super Nationals to the owners of what are judged to be the best vehicles in four categories: street; street rod; two-wheel truck; and pro vehicle.
Awards will be given out around 3:15 p.m. today, officials said.
Why they're involved
But those participating in the event agreed with Koldrich-Godina, that the awards are nice, but not the main reason to take part in the three-day event.
"It's just a great hobby, and it's lots of fun," said Scott Allen of Conneaut Lake, proud owner of a 1957 Chevrolet Bel-Air.
He noted that there is more than cars at the events. He found love.
He met his fianc & eacute;e at a car show in Andover about two years ago. Not only was she beautiful but she owned a 1957 Chevy truck, Allen said.
"I guess we are a perfect match," Allen noted, as he and his fianc & eacute;e, Jamie Chapman, finished polishing the car.
Doc Riley, spokesman for the event, said 2,000 car owners participated this year.
Officials were not sure how many people would be attending this weekend but said 51,353 walked through the gate in 2002.
The Youngstown/Mahoning County Convention and Visitors Bureau estimated that last year's event pumped about $1.2 million into the local economy through the purchase of food, gas and hotel rooms.
sinkovich@vindy.com