The Northland’s Biggest Indoor Custom Car Show Fills the DECC
by Sheryl Jensen
For over fifty years, Motorhead Madness (previously known as the World of Wheels) has been taking place the third weekend in March, featuring all varieties of cars. This includes customs, street rods, trucks, cycles, race cars, rat rods, muscle cars, and antique vehicles.
For car geeks, grease monkeys, and gearheads everywhere, Motorhead Madness is the place to be to enjoy the hard work and vehicles from like-minded car aficionados. It’s decidedly “car central” for people who love to talk with others about their cars.
History
In 2021, long-time owner Jack DeJoy (who sadly passed away in 2024), decided to sell Motorhead Madness. Around this time, a group of three friends – Mike Podgornik, Dean Birman, and Mike Busche – purchased the show. It is now called Hunt Electric Motorhead Madness, presented by Stock Tire & Repair, as an homage to two of the show’s top sponsors.
Sadly, in 2020 and 2021, due to Covid, the owners were unable to hold the show. In 2022, however, the new owners were thrilled to bring Motorhead Madness back, and it was better attended than ever, with over 6,000 spectators. This will be the 4th year operating under new ownership.
“The show has been great the last three years,” said Busche. “The amount of community support we’ve received has been incredible. We’re looking forward to another great show in 2025.”
Entertainment and Vendors
In addition to the vehicles on display, show attendees can enjoy a variety of entertainment for all ages.
For the kids, there are Lake Superior Radio Control Car Club Races, toys, “make and take” models, Modelmania (competition for model builders, kids, and adults), and a Dragster Reaction Simulator. Returning again in 2025, there will be competitions and demonstrations performed by Harbor City Robot Riot.
This year, there will be a special guest at the show. Larry Jeleniewski – who goes by “Launchin’ Larry” – will be bringing his 1969 Plymouth Barracuda, named Bad Fish, to the show. Jeleniewski is the 3-time and defending World Power Wheelstanding Champion. Visitors are invited to take a photo in front of the car – which stands on two wheels!
For spectators, hourly door prizes will be given out throughout the weekend, including tools, gift cards, and more. And, during the show, participants can watch a car being pin-striped by Dillon Aistrop, and another being wrapped by Statt Wraps.
A variety of vendors will be on hand, selling memorabilia, car supplies, signs (metal and neon), tires, and more. Food options include all the DECC’s delicious concessions, along with other treats, such as mini-doughnuts, honey-roasted nuts, and more.
Generous Prizes
Entrants in the show are eligible for a variety of prizes. This includes:
- Jack & Joyce DeJoy Best of Show ($1,000)
- Best Creative Display ($500)
- Star of the North Award ($500) – Open to first-time participants
- Rising Star, Outstanding Entry, and Best Paint, which are all open to exhibitors under age 30
- Magnificent Seven – Awarded to the judges’ seven favorite entries
- Plus, awards for several different categories of vehicles.
Returning this year is the Young Backyard Builders Award, presented by the Veit Automotive Foundation. “We wanted to make the show appealing to all ages,” said Busche.
For the Young Backyard Builders’ Program, participants must:
- Be 18-27 years of age.
- Have built the majority of their car or truck themselves.
- Be a registered entrant for the 2025 Motorhead Madness show, and be present with their car or truck during the show, in order to compete.
The winner will receive a full toolbox and $500.
Giving Back to the Community
Giving back to the community is important to Motorhead Madness. According to Busche, “In 2022, a portion of the proceeds were donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northland. In 2023, we chose the Wounded Warriors United – Minnesota as our recipient.
“In 2024, Wildwoods was our non-profit of choice. And, this year, we will be donating to the Northwood Technical College Foundation in honor of the late Steve Leino, who was a huge part of the show and passed away in 2024.”
Some of the proceeds come from sales of show merchandise, including Motorhead Madness-branded shirts and hats. The Northwood Technical College Foundation will also have a booth at the show.
Motorhead Madness would like to thank their generous sponsors, including Hunt Electric, the Veit Automotive Foundation, Marline & Associates Wealth Management, East End Auto, RSC/Auto Value, Duke Boys, Inc., Stock Tire & Repair, Esko Express, Inc., Benna Ford, Korner Store, Interstate All-Battery Center, The Jamar Company, DJ Automotive, Troy’s Service Center, Airport Auto Sales, Do North Pizza, Castair, Johnny’s Auto Body, and Quality Collision; all of whom help make the show possible.
Motorhead Madness will be held Saturday, March 22, from 10 am to 9 pm and Sunday, March 23, from 10 am to 5 pm at the DECC.
For more information, please visit motorheadmadnessmn.com
Dollar-off coupons are available at all local RSC/Auto Value locations.
