STOP, DROP, AND ROLL
December 1, 2024
Spotlighter
Featured
Cool Breeze
When Tony Gonzalez says that it is his business to be cool, he really means it. Gonzalez owns an air conditioning repair and installation company, but what gets him hot in his spare time (read, winter) is to build and ride in his 1995 Chevy Silverado.
Vendor Spotlight
The Holley LS Fest West 2024 descended upon the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, drawing horsepower enthusiasts from far and wide to celebrate the iconic LS and LT engine platforms. Under the scorching desert sun, the air reverberated with the roar of engines, creating a scene straight out of every gearhead’s dreams, with the scent of burnt rubber lingering in the air. Amidst the bustling midway, vendors showcased the latest LS performance parts and accessories, offering exclusive discounts and limited edition gear that had attendees reaching for their wallets in excitement.
WE HAVE A WINNAH!
This beauty is easy on the eyes. It’s lightning-quick on the throttle and a lot of fun to cruise around town in—but it wasn’t always that way.
IT TAKES A KEEN EYE
Tucked away in rural Northern New Jersey is a collection of some insanely cool hot rods and I know the mildly insane guy that built ‘em. I’m proud to say I knew Lance Sorchik even before “Jersey Suede” hit the road. It’s hard to believe 45-years have passed since that
SELECT COMPANY: THE 2026 TRIPLE CROWN OF RODDING TOP 30 & CELEBRITY PICKS
Now in its fourth year, the Triple Crown of Rodding had given builders and enthusiasts plenty of reasons to circle the calendar. The 2026 edition added another impressive lineup to that reputation, bringing together cars and trucks whose appeal went well beyond a polished exterior. These were builds that rewarded
The Auto Builder’s Hottest Product Picks from The Triple Crown of Rodding 2026
There’s always something new to discover at the Triple Crown of Rodding, and the fourth annual gathering was no exception. Held September 11–12, 2026, at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tennessee, the event brought together an impressive collection of hot rods, customs and trucks, along with many of the builders and
CROWN WORTHY: THE TOP 6 WINNERS OF THE 2026 TRIPLE CROWN OF RODDING
The 2026 Triple Crown of Rodding delivered a winner’s circle loaded with horsepower, imagination, and extraordinary craftsmanship. From a sparkling ’32 Ford roadster to a towering Squarebody Chevrolet, this year’s six top winners covered a remarkable range of styles. Each brought its own personality—and enough beautifully executed details to keep
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: HEAVY-DUTY 6-BOLT LS IRON BLOCK by SMEDING PERFORMANCE
Big horsepower gets expensive fast. Between the rotating assembly, cylinder heads, valvetrain and power adder, an LS build can burn through a budget before the first bolt gets tightened. Your engine needs a strong foundation—but buying one shouldn’t derail the entire project.
JEEP INVASION 2026: THE SMOKIES GOT CRAWLED
For three wild days in August, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, didn’t just welcome the Jeep community—it was completely overrun by it. The 2026 Smoky Mountain Invasion stormed into the LeConte Center August 20–22, bringing an army of Jeep owners, clubs, builders and aftermarket heavy hitters from across the country.
ONE REMARKABLE DAY WITH THE LEGENDARY XR-6
It was summer of 1981 when the phone rang. On the other end was Bob Juliano, calling to tell me about a car we might be interested in for Rodder’s Digest Magazine. The car was none other than the 1963 Oakland Roadster Show winning, XR-6. While the XR-6 remained on
WHEN “THE HEAT” GOES HOT RODDING
Hang out with your hot rod buddies and I guarantee talk will turn to days gone by. Some stories are more complex than others, but all are fun and most are true. Our latest Rear View Mirror takes a look at Jack Klingel’s tales of the open road. To
INSTANT AWESOME
It seems that everyone with a talent for building something is finding a career in television these days. Channels that were once dedicated to the preservation of rainforests and historic perspective have turned their attention to various forms of reality shows centered on street rods, choppers and wicked creations that
HOT ROD POWER FEST TAKES OVER ATLANTA
HOT ROD brought the Power Fest name back for 2026, filling Atlanta’s EchoPark Speedway with a weekend of fast cars, cool builds and nonstop action. Held August 28–29, Power Fest transformed the NASCAR facility into a giant automotive playground with drag racing on pit road, an autocross course, a huge
