FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Vaughn Early Memorial Award presented by American National and its $10,000 Cash Prize were Won by Brad Ranweiler and His Beautiful 1963 Chevrolet Impala Wagon at the 50th Annual Birmingham, AL O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels
Birmingham, AL February 12-14, 2021
Brad Ranweiler was presented with the prestigious Vaughn Early Memorial Award presented by American National on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2021 for Best 1st Time Shown vehicle at the 50th annual Birmingham, AL O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels. His 1963 Chevy Impala Wagon won the hotly contested prize over four other leading contenders. Together, these five finalists were dubbed the “Fabulous Five”.
About the Vaughn Early Memorial Award:
Started in 2011, the Vaughn Early Memorial Award presented by American National places special emphasis on “the vehicle that best exhibits excellence in design and fabrication”. Each year, professional ISCA (International Show Car Association) judges select the “Fabulous Five”, the top five first time shown vehicles in the Birmingham, AL O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels. Each Fabulous Five winner receives a trophy, a sign and $600 cash. The top vehicle from the Fabulous Five receives the coveted Vaughn Early Memorial Award presented by American National and its $10,000 cash prize.
The Vaughn Early Memorial Award represents a vehicle as a total package and places its importance on creativity, ingenuity and overcoming design obstacles. The award’s namesake, Vaughn Early, was an avid car lover and father-in-law of the nationally recognized custom car builder, Jonathan Goolsby of Goolsby Customs.
About the winner:
The 1963 Chevy Impala Wagon, named “Impressive” was built by Brad, Brady, and Cory Ranweiler of Show Cars Automotive in New Ulm, Minnesota.
Find the Vaughn Early Memorial Award Online:
worldofwheels.net/awards-birmingham
facebook.com/worldofwheelsautoshow
instagram.com/worldofwheelsautoshow
About the Event:
The Birmingham, AL O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels is the largest, longest running indoor custom auto show in the Southeast. Since 1971, this event has grown in size and stature to one of the most respected shows in the nation attracting top vehicles from across the US. The event producers felt there was no better venue to establish a perpetual award of this prestige than the Birmingham, AL O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels.
COVID-19 Precautions:
We are proud to be the first ISCA event and one of the first large indoor events to safely take place since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The health and safety of our participants and spectators is our top priority. We worked closely with the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex to adhere to rigorous safety standards in order to make this event possible. The BJCC has earned STAR Facility Accreditation on cleaning, disinfection & infectious disease prevention from the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC). The GBAC STAR is the industry’s leading outbreak prevention, response and recovery accreditation. The accreditation evaluates 20 key efforts, from standard operating procedures, risk assessment strategies, PPE & measures to combat biohazards & infectious diseases. Key efforts include proper cleaning & chemicals, inventory management, signage, physical distancing, internal roles, responsibilities, & other safety efforts for guests at the BJCC. More information about the GBAC STAR Accreditation can be found at: BJCC-earns-accreditation-from-the-global-biorisk-advisory-council
Media Contact:
Amy Coffey
(205) 862-4949
amy@signaturemediamarketing.com
Adam McLean
Executive Director, World of Wheels
(205) 655-4950
adam@worldofwheels.net
Additional Fabulous 5 Winners:
Randy West, Woodruff SC, 1968 Chevy Camaro
Greg Wilson, Louisville KY, 1929 Ford Woody
Quint Walberts, Coatsville IN, 1941 Willys Coupe
Keith Kyker, Telford TN, 1969 Ford (Bronco) Ranger