A Hamilton County man is working to keep a longtime Southern Illinois automotive tradition alive by organizing a new summer car show in Du Quoin following the announcement that the Street Machine Nationals would no longer be held in the city.
McLeansboro native Quentin Sullivan is organizing the Cruisin Du Quoin Summer Nationals, scheduled for June 18 and 19, 2027, at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds.
Sullivan, whose organization is known as the Midwest Pro Street Syndicate, said he wanted to create a new event after learning that the Street Machine Nationals, which attracted car enthusiasts from across the country for decades, would not be returning to Southern Illinois.
While the new event will feature many of the same types of vehicles, Sullivan emphasized that it will be an entirely separate show.
“Something totally different. Awesome. Might look the same, but it’s totally different,” Sullivan said.
The Cruisin Du Quoin Summer Nationals will feature pro street cars, muscle cars and street rods, while welcoming all makes and models of cars, trucks and Jeeps.
Organizers also plan to include a children’s section and an area dedicated to future builders, with an emphasis on encouraging younger generations to become involved in automotive hobbies.
Sullivan said his lifelong interest in classic cars, racing and automotive technology inspired him to organize the event.
Interest in the new show has already been strong. Sullivan said pre-registration is underway, with participants signing up from as far away as North Carolina and California.
Organizers held a smaller cruise event in September to gauge community interest, attracting approximately 400 vehicles.
Following the announcement of the summer event, Sullivan said a Facebook post generated more than 41,000 views within its first 12 hours and eventually surpassed 202,000 views.
Du Quoin Mayor Josh Downs expressed support for the effort, noting the economic benefits major automotive events can bring to the community.
Downs also indicated that discussions may still be underway with the state regarding a possible return of the Street Machine Nationals.
Sullivan said the former event attracted approximately 4,000 vehicles during its peak years and around 1,800 vehicles last year. He hopes the new show can eventually attract similar participation.
Organizers are continuing to recruit vendors and sponsors while preparing for the June event.
Sullivan hopes to establish the Cruisin Du Quoin Summer Nationals as an annual attraction, continuing the city’s tradition of bringing car enthusiasts together.
Additional information and pre-registration details are available at www.cruisinduquoin.com.