By Joshua Lyford

Growing up in Massachusetts, the annual Summer Nationals event was something that got my pulse racing. This was odd, as I knew (and still know) next to nothing about performance vehicles. Aside from an aesthetic appreciation of the look, I have no real interest in cars. Yet, for some reason, there was a palpable anticipation in the early part of July.

Now, the portion of the event that would really grab our young group’s attention was most certainly the yearly “burnouts” that would be run at the Ernest A. Johnson Tunnel downtown. We would coordinate our entry and most commonly sneak down from the top of George Street and save our entrance fee for snacks. You could smell the burnt rubber almost immediately, and the scene downtown was always unforgettable. Between the babes in bikinis and the drunken rabble-rousing, it was like a sort of modern-day version of a medieval carnival.

Looking back ~ this is fairly telling ~ I didn’t even realize there was a classic car show associated with the event until years later. This year will mark the first in which the Summer Nationals will leave Worcester to find a new home in Thompson, Conn.

The man behind the Summer Nationals, Bob Moscoffian, declined any comment on the move, leaving us to speculate. He had been threatening to move the event for years, however, so we must assume that there was some straw that broke the camel’s back.

Luckily, Massachusetts car enthusiasts are ready to step up and fill the void themselves. Cars of Summer will take place from July 4-7 at Greenhill Park and aims to keep the car show tradition alive.

“We’re turning the clock back,” said co-founder Marissa Brown. “It’s a place where people can show off retro cars and bring their families for a wholesome time.” Cars of Summer looks to keep the event car-oriented and classy. Think more car-centric and less wet T-shirt contest.

Time will tell if Cars of Summer will be able to take the classic car show crown, but the new angle may be a breath of fresh air for the community.

“We’re listening to the people and taking their interests into account,” co-founder Gary Cooper said. “It’s not the quantity of the cars, it’s the quality, and we want to promote the city.”

The event includes a kids’ zone, city drives, a Ms. Cars of Summer award and a discount deal with the Greenhill Country Club.

For more information about Cars of Summer, visit carsofsummer.com.