1998 1999

Dan Smith has entered FunKist in car shows for 21 years. His orange 1933 Ford 3-Window Coupe street rod is a favorite at car shows near and far and his home office is covered in plaques, trophies and awards for his prized classic car.

The thing is, said Smith during an interview at his home in Lakewood, "I've never entered my cars into car shows for awards, I don't think any of us do it for awards, we do it for the comaraderie."

Car enthusiasts who participate regularly in car shows all know each other, said Smith, "We're like a car show community - everyone knows everyone and we look forward to seeing each other at car shows, they're like family reunions for us."

A resident of Lakewood for 40 years, Smith's FunKist was named Best of Show at the 2022 Summer Stampede Car Show. Every year, the Best of Show winner is showcased on all of the following year's car show marketing materials. Smith has also brought FunKist out to a few community events in Lakewood.

"Lakewood is loved for its community events, but it's also known for its car shows. People love their car shows, well let me correct that, us old guys, we love our car shows. I can say that because I'm an old guy," Smith said with a smile. "We're part of the 'old guys rule club.' The truth is that we're all looking to up and coming generations to continue the car show legacy."

Smith and his wife have lived and raised their family here in Lakewood. Their son lives in Lakewood as well. "I love everything about Lakewood," said Smith. "But most of all I love that we still have the Summer Stampede after all these years. I look forward to this car show every year, so it was an honor to hear that my car would represent the 25th anniversary of the Summer Stampede. Maybe I might be a little biased but I have to say that this year's marketing materials for the car show are beautiful."

Smith said that he's loved classic cars and car shows his whole life, but FunKist is the first car that he's ever entered in car shows. FunKist has won over 50 awards in the last 21 years. "Going to car shows is a hobby," he said. "For us car enthusiasts they're a lot of fun. Of course, the cars are what get all of the attention, but we get to see each other - when I say we, I mean hundreds of people who have a common interest and who have known