Car show offers unique rides in high-performance vehicles

DECATUR — “131” shouted one police officer to another as a steady stream of hot cars and even a dragster roared down the runway at Crystal Lake Airport June 13 in Decatur. The number the officer referred to was the top speed of the high-performance car just before it shut down near the end of the runway.

Around 20 high-performance machines gathered at the airport in Decatur for the first Exotic Experience Car Show that showcased some of the most powerful cars in the world.

Included in the impressive list of cars were the Dodge Viper ACR, Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, Ford Mustang GT, and even a Cadillac Hennessey, a high-performance luxury vehicle.

Also making its presence known throughout the afternoon was the Lamborghini Huracan and Gallardo Spyder, and the Ferrari 488.

No matter whether it was foreign or domestic exotic cars, each made an indelible impression on the spectators as they raced down the asphalt runway pushing speeds between 135 to 145 miles per hour.

Car enthusiasts were given a chance to ride in any one of the machines. For a mere $20 for a single ride or $30 for three rides, the average Joe was able to experience the exhilarating performance of these high-performance marvels. Rides began at 12:30 p.m. and concluded at 5 p.m. A steady stream of cars roared down the runway almost continuously throughout that time period.

The event also featured Alexis Campbell and her rail drag racer. Now 17, Campbell has been on the high school race circuit for two years. The drag racing scene has become a family affair for the Campbells since her father is her crew chief and mechanic and her mother helps manage the business.

More than exotic cars were on display during the show. Classic Corvettes, Mustangs and Camaros and even a Chevy pickup greeted visitors as they walked down the driveway leading to the airport hangars.

Because of the weather, Phillipp Steinbach and his GB-1 Gamebird were unable to make the flight to Decatur. However, an RV8 aircraft from the Experimental Aircraft Association chapter in Little Rock was on display during most of the afternoon until its departure for home at 3:30 p.m.

The car show was organized by the Exotic Drive Club of Northwest Arkansas, which is based in Rogers. All proceeds benefited the Decatur Police Department and the Rogers Fraternal Order of Police.

Westside Eagle Observer/MIKE ECKELS Drag racer Alexis Campbell burns rubber just before her run down the runway at Crystal Lake Airport during the Exotic Experience Car Show in Decatur June 15. The 17-yearold Campbell is in her second year of drag racing.

Westside Eagle Observer/MIKE ECKELS The yellow blur (upper left corner) hits 85 miles per hour and accelerates as it races down the runway at Crystal Lake Airport during the Exotic Experience Car Show in Decatur June 15. The yellow blur is actually a Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder that hit 120 miles per hour before shutting down at the end of the runway.

Westside Eagle Observer/MIKE ECKELS The pilot of this RV8 goes into an aileron roll after a vertical climb to gain altitude shortly after takeoff from Crystal Lake Airport June 15. The RV8 was on display during the 2019 Exotic Experience Car Show in Decatur.

Westside Eagle Observer/MIKE ECKELS A Cadillac Hennessey performs a burnout as the driver begins his run down the runway at Crystal Lake Airport during the Exotic Experience Car Show in Decatur June 15.

Westside Eagle Observer/MIKE ECKELS A Lamborghini Spyder returns to the staging area after making a 120-mile-per-hour run down Crystal Lake Airport’s runway June 15. This car was part of the Exotic Experience Car Show in Decatur.

Westside Eagle Observer/MIKE ECKELS Classic cars like the Chevy Corvette (left), Ford Mustang GT and Chevy Camaro were on display during the 2019 Exotic Experience Car Show at Crystal Lake Airport June 15 in Decatur.