NorCal’s First Round Knockout

Posted by pikesan on Jul 27, 2010 in Featured, Shows & Events | 0 comments

Words and Pictures by Nick K

Welcome to the 2010 NorCal Knockout

Korena Goldstien and Henrik Forss aka “Hollywood Hank” are no new comers to the hot and custom car scene by any stretch of the imagination.

Henrik grew up in Sweden and moved to the US some 10 years ago. Since the early 90’s Hank’s promoted both music and car events in Sweden as well as here in the US. Hank also contributes at Gasoline Magazine out of Sweden. Here’s the link (good luck reading it!) http://www.gasolinemagazine.se/ (looks very well done though, excellent photography!) Hank does a little of everything… here’s Hank’s Homepage

Korena, a local Vallejoan is the founder of MissyLu handbags and accessories and has promoted music events and clubs around the Bay Area in the past. But with that said, Nor Cal Knock Out is Hollywoods & Korena’s 1st major Northern California show.

The title Nor Cal Knock Out could not have been any more fitting.

The show was at the Solano County Fairgrounds. I know, I know, when you hear “fairgrounds” you think the smell of livestock lingering in a dust bowl. This was far from it. It was more like the perfect setting for a hot day in Vallejo,Ca. Lawn, lush shade trees, the smell of ribs and hot links firing away on the BBQ and yes the beer stand. Picnic benches provided ample seating for the tuckered out rod fan.

Speaking of rods, the array of customs, classics, rats and roadsters was impressive. The list of car clubs looked like Santa’s address book the night before Christmas. Not to mention Rob and Ginger Struvens 40 Merc and Kirk Jones ” Legion Special”. Also on the bill was the “Vagabond” legendary 60’s top fuel dragster. The first on of it’s kind to go 200mph at Sacramento Raceway back in 1965.

The list of vendors was no different. strategically placed under some cool shade netting on the 14400 sq ft Starlite patio area there was tattoo booths, tiki carvers, vintage clothing and pinstippers. Among some of the vendors where Gearhead mag, Lucky 13 and the amazing pics by KatAttack photography. Of course we can not forget about the music.

Every car show has to have tunes. If Texas Steve or Dusty Chance and the Allnighters were not playing on the main stage, DJ Jett was pumping out some serious rockabilly and surf throughout the day. If DJ Jett got tired or needed an ice cold refreshment, the surf sounds of the Deadbeats filled in just dandy. I mean come on, this show pretty much nailed it. In my opinion I would rate this among the big shows of the year. For Northern California shows you have are the Sac Autorama, Strangers BBQ show, the Goodguys summer bash, Midnight Mass and Billetproof.

Well show junkies, I think we have a new sheriff in town and it’s a knock out! The organization of the show was flawless. I applaud the effort and hard work that Hank and Korena put into their first ever NorCal show. I raise my cold can high in salute to you two and say but one word… encore.

For more info on next years show go to http://www.norcalknockout.com/

See all the pictures from NorCal Knockout Car Show here.

If I don’t see ya at the show, I’ll see ya in the streets. -N/K