DES MOINES, Iowa– Rain or shine, the 34th Speedway Motors Heartland Nationals is at the Iowa State Fairgrounds this weekend.

The event is a must during Independence Day weekend in Des Moines.

“It’s always on Fourth of July weekend. It’s a staple on our schedule. We do 15 events across the country. This one stands out to us,” said Steven Bunker, the director of marketing for Goodguys. “It’s the heartland, you know. When you’re in this part of the country, it just means a little more feels a little different. So, we really enjoy the Heartland Nationals, Fourth of July Weekend, Independence Day.”

Bunker said around 30,000 people are expected to come through the fairgrounds this weekend to see over 5,000 retro cars.

Lincoln native, Dalton Dreesen, built two vehicles from scratch that are now on display. He built a 1957 Thunderbird and a 1967 Chevelle. This is his second year participating in the Speedway Motors Heartland Nationals.

There are over 100 awards gifted throughout the weekend, and last year, Dreesen left empty-handed. However, this year, he’s leaving with both cars earning awards.

The Chevelle won the All Chevy Performance Magazine award, and the Thunderbird won the award for Ford Muscle Pick.

“I was actually really surprised, especially on the Thunderbird. That kind of caught me off guard,” he said.

People can continue to register cars all weekend long.

The car show will go until 8 p.m. on Saturday, followed by a fireworks display at the Grandstand at 9 p.m. The fun will continue on Sunday from 8 a.m. through 3 p.m.