Motorhead Madness is Northland’s Biggest Indoor Custom Car Show
Arena view from the 2022 Motorhead Madness. Photo by Mike Busche
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 including 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.
Mike Momb's 1950 Chevy. Photo by Curt Lawson
In 2020, when the long-time owner Jack DeJoy, decided to sell the car show, business partners Mike Podgornik, Dean Broman and Mike Busche bought the show, now renamed Veit Automotive Foundation Motorhead Madness, presented by Hunt Electric.
In 2021, because of Covid, the new owners, sadly, were unable to hold the show. In 2022, they were thrilled to bring Motorhead Madness back, and it was better attended than ever, with over 6,000 people.
“The show was great last year! Bigger than we expected! Because of time off with Covid, many people had more time to work on their cars, bringing many cars in for last year’s show and now this, that people have not seen before,” said Busche.
Luke Merril's 1940 Chevrolet (2022 best of show winner). Photo by Mike Busche
Entertainment and Vendors
In addition to the cars and 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), East and Proctor High Schools Robotics Clubs demonstrations and more.
One of the weekend’s fun events is the Miss Motorhead Contest sponsored by the Border Town Betties, featuring women in costumes from the 1940s, 50s and 60s. Contestants are judged on their hair/makeup/costumes, personalities, props and thoughtful responses to questions.
Other attractions include a Dragster Reaction Simulator, Hourly door prizes are ongoing over the weekend, hotel stays, tools, gift cards, and more.. One car will be pin-striped and another wrapped during the show.
Vendors will have memorabilia, car supplies, signs (metal and neon), tires, and more. For food, attendees can enjoy all the DECC concessions and other treats such as mini-doughnuts and honey-roasted nuts.
Generous Prizes
Entrants in the show are eligible for a variety of prizes, including the “Star of the North Award” prize of $500, open to all entries being shown for the first time in Duluth.
The Veit Automotive “Rising Star,” Best of Show, outstanding entry, and Best Paint, is open to exhibitors under 30, and Magnificent Seven to the seven favorite entries, along with awards for several different categories of vehicles.
“We wanted to make the show appealing to all ages,” said Busche. “So we started the Young Backyard Builders Program.”
For the Young Backyard Builders’ Program, participants must:
—be 18-27 years of age.
—have built a good portion of their car or truck.
—be a registered entry for the 2023 Motorhead Madness show and be present with their car or truck during the show to compete.
The winner will receive a full toolbox and $500
Giving Back to the Community
Check presentation to the Boys and Girls club after 2022 show.
According to Busche, “We also wanted to give back to the community with our shows. Last year, we gave $3,000 to the Boys and Girls’ Clubs (Superior Chapter). This year we chose the Wounded Warriors United-Minnesota as a worthy cause.”
Wounded Warriors Community Outreach logo. Submitted.
Some of the proceeds come from their sale of show merchandise, including their branded shirts and hats. Wounded Warriors will also have a booth at the show.
This year, the show will be held Saturday, March 18, from 10 am to 9 pm and Sunday, March 19, from 10 am to 5 pm at the DECC.
For more information on Motorhead Madness, visit motorheadmadnessmn.com
Tickets are available at the DECC Box Office the week of the show and online at decc.org
