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Thar She'll Blow And Blow

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By GEORGE H. NEWMAN

gnewman@tampatrib.com

Published: December 10, 2008

PLANT CITY - "Big" Rick Bliss and his friends have a pretty unusual way to have fun.

Once a year, they gather for barbecue - and to destroy old cars.

You can look, but don't get too close, as car engine parts will fly at Saturday's Bill Thompson's Car Blow, now in its 27th year.

The public is invited to an evening that includes free barbecue, hot dogs and marshmallows for the kids, and a rousing karaoke contest. But the biggest draw is the Car Blow, where donated clunkers are sacrificed in a most spectacular way.

"We drain the oil out of the crank case and coolant from the radiator," said Bliss, who hosts the popular event at his place, 3940 E. Knights-Griffin Road. "We cut the fan belt and set the accelerator spring to hold the throttle wide open. Then we crank the car up and stand back until she blows."

"Rods and pistons eventually go flyin'," Bliss said. "It's fun to guess how long it will take for the engines to come apart."

Bliss said most of the engines blow within eight minutes after they are started.

"We ask folks to bring their own drinks and a covered dish to share," Bliss said. "But they better get here early."

The barbecue is served at 7 p.m. The first of six cars is blown at 8 p.m. Karaoke starts about 10 p.m., with trophies awarded to best male, female and couple.

The event - named for a friend of Bliss - has always been open to the public, but this is the first time he has publicized it.

Typically he draws 300 spectators or more.

For details, call Bliss at (813) 754-1766.

Reporter George H. Newman can be reached at (813) 865-4451.

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