- Joey Lee
Diamonds in the Rough
Some times, things change. And some times, they don't. One thing that hasn't change in the past 22 years has been the Mitsubishi Cook-out. This long time cook-out barbeque and car meet has been going on and on without any issues with the exception of last year (2020) due to the pandemic. A small yet truly popular meet is brought to you by one, Curt Gendron, every year with some help of local sponsors here and there. Curt also even has quite the collection with a couple of 3000GT's, Dodge Stealth R/T, Mitsubishi Starion and even a few other Mitsu's that he has sold off like a Mitsubishi Montero Sport and a 4G Mitsubishi Eclipse. He organizes the cookout and the Midwest 3/S (3oooGT/Stealth) meets in Wisconsin Dells every year. An avid fan, and a man very well knowledgeable of many Diamond Star Motors (DSM).
The cookout is certainly an amazing place and time for owners of any DSM or even newer Mitsubishi or Mopar shared platforms and motors. Even if you don't own one, you can always come and spectate for free and enjoy in some conversation with people locally, or from afar. Cars can range from a mid-80's Dodge Challenger to a brand new Mitsubishi Outlander. Sadly, the numbers of Dodge Stealth's and Mitsubishi 3000GT's are starting to dwindle, yet the number of Lancer Evo's are growing. One car that always amazes is a rare sighting of a Galant VR-4 or a Mitsubishi Mighty max. From 4G63's, 4B11's, to 6G72's and 6G75's, there's always something here for someone to appreciate.
The meet itself sees over over 100 cars and even more spectators each year. Many cars and their owners are from Minnesota, but you can find many will drive from the surrounding upper mid-western states and even Canada. During the show, there has been lots of minor events that have happened in the past including what was called the "slow-drag" which tested the driver on how long it would take the driver to drive from start to finish, in the slowest speed possible without touching the brakes or wheels coasting to a stop; one of my personal favorite events of the past. Awards await from those who registered and are readily available respectfully within each category or make and models and include fun ones like dirtiest car and longest travel example.
Locations have changes a few times, but currently has found its current home at Ramsey Central Park (7925 161st Avenue Northwest; Ramsey, MN 55303) in Ramsey, Minnesota. And the set date for 2021 is Sunday, August 29th. So be sure to register and get yourself into this spectacular event. You can see for free, but you gotta pay if you wanna eat. Registered DSM/Mitsubishi's automatically are in, but as a spectator, expect to pay a small fee to eat but it all goes towards supplies and such. Regardless, hit the link and register for the 2021 Mitsubishi Cookout on Event Brite now to secure your spot for this friendly rain or shine event.
Important Links: 2021 All Mitsubishi Cookout Registration
Facebook: Minnesota Mitsubishi
Instagram: Minnesota Mitsubishi
Facebook: Minnesota 3000GT/Stealth
Facebook: Minnesota Starion/Conquest
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