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Midwest Regional Hot Rod Rally
Returns to Moville for Eighth Year By Tanya Manus | Photography by Double R Design & Photography
The 2026 Midwest Regional Hot Rod Rally cruises into the Woodbury County Fairgrounds in Moville, Iowa, on Friday, Sept. 11, and Saturday, Sept. 12.
“We see interest from all over the country,” Rachels adds. “We have quite a few die-hard groups that really show up in big numbers, and they look forward to the event every year.”
Bicycles, cars, semi-trucks, tractors, motorcycles, and even children’s tricycles are all welcome. Founder Pat Rogers describes the rally’s broad appeal simply: “If it’s on wheels and has a motor and it’s kind of cool, bring it out and have a good time with it.”
She credits the community’s enthusiasm as a driving force behind the rally’s consistent growth.
Now in its eighth year, the Midwest Regional Hot Rod Rally draws participants and spectators of all ages from across the region. This year, a new generation of organizers has taken the reins. Pat’s niece, Rachel Rogers, and his son, Matt Rogers, have assumed primary planning responsibilities, allowing the founder to enjoy the event as an attendee.
“There are so many people from the community who were extremely excited to have something like this in Moville, and it’s grown every year,” Rachel shares. “There are a lot of people who are really passionate about classic cars and all things motor-related who have a lot of great ideas. It’s cool to see the next generation get involved: kids who grew up attending this event or seeing Mom and Dad work on making this event a big deal for the community.” Matt Rogers echoed that sentiment. “It’s really been a big team effort. We’re making it work and having fun doing it.” Returning favorites such as the burnout contest continue to draw enthusiastic crowds. The full schedule includes races, tours, live music, food vendors, tailgating, dirt drags, a live auction and more.
Gates open at 9 a.m. Saturday. The day’s schedule includes mini-bike races at 11 a.m., the Deranged Freestyle motorcycle stunt show at noon, a burnout contest at 1 p.m., dirt drags at 2 p.m., an awards ceremony at 4 p.m., and a raffle drawing and live auction at 4:30 p.m. Children’s activities are scheduled throughout the day. The rally concludes with bonfires and a live music performance by Bailey Stetson.
winner Ted Goss of Sioux City, Iowa, who restored the vehicle alongside his father and son.
“The motorcycle stunt show with the group we have does a great job of keeping the crowd involved,” Matt shares. “That’s one of my favorite parts.”
“The awards are a huge hit, Rachel adds. “Something people really like about the show is getting to have their car on the T-shirt and website and everything the next year.”
The awards ceremony has emerged as one of the rally’s most anticipated moments. The 2026 Viewers’ Choice Award winner will have their vehicle featured on shirts, calendars and other official merchandise for the 2027 rally. This year’s promotional items feature the El Camino belonging to 2025
Admission is free for spectators. To register a vehicle, view the full schedule of events, or find additional information, visit midwesthotrodrally.com.
Three generations of car enthusiasts restored the 1964 Chevy El Camino featured on promotional materials for the 2026 Midwest Regional Hot Rod Rally, a testament to the multigenerational spirit that defines the event.
2025 Viewer’s Choice winner Ted Goss of Sioux City with his award-winning 1964 El Camino
The rally gets underway at 5 p.m. Friday with mini-bike practice runs, followed by a cruise through Moville and a series of garage tours to “man caves,” an informal tradition in which locals open their workshops to visitors. “The garage tours have kind of taken over Friday night,” Matt explains. A tour of the Everhart Museum, music and bonfires round out Friday’s events.
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