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Texas Sized Toyota
They say that everything is bigger in Texas. “Everything” applies to belt buckles, women’s hair, and yes, even trucks. Frisco, Texas residents Charles and Vickie Kim’s 1969 FJ-40 Land Cruiser was built using that same “bigger is better” philosophy, in everything from the gearing to the axles to the tires.

Hydro-Boost Brakes
Nothing is more terrifying than cruising down the street to the fairgrounds when some idiot pulls out in front of you and you have to jump on the binders. Making a panic stop can be difficult when you are trying to stop 800 throbbing horsepower with a set of 9-inch rotors and single-piston calipers. You might even wonder if it will stop as you mash the brake pedal. When it comes to street rods with big motors, one braking concern is vacuum pressure. Is there enough? Many high-performance camshafts add power to the motor but produce low vacuum levels. This is something to consider when selecting your engine components. Of course, if the motor fails, you will have no vacuum, so stopping will be a real problem.

High Speed Med Machine
Starting from the ground up, Chamberlain and his good friend Owen Hopes created a new chassis for the truck using 2X4 boxed steel tubing. Since he was intrigued with the Pro Street look, Chamberlain located some of the widest street legal tires made at the time, knowing they would set the tone for the rest of the project. Almost fat enough to qualify for separate zip codes, the 21-inch wide Mickey Thompson tires were rolled into position and Chamberlain began adjusting everything until they fit.
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From Vegas with Horsepower
Recap of the Winners at Holley LS Fest West
Author
Jamie Dent
Photography by Scott Killeen
Holley LS Fest West in Las Vegas, Diverse Automotive Events

Las Vegas, Nevada, baby! Picture this: the Holley LS Fest West roaring into town like a beast on four wheels, revving up the asphalt at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway from April 26-28, 2024. This shindig ain’t your average car meet; nah, it’s a full-throttle celebration of all things LS engine from GM. You got your gearheads from every corner gathering round, ready to rip it up in Autocross, Drifting, Drag Racing, Off-Road showdowns, and then some. But it’s not just about the racing; it’s about the vibe, man. Folks bonding over their love for LS-powered rides, swapping stories, and soaking in that sweet, sweet automotive culture.
Now, let’s rewind the tape a bit. The roots of this bash stretch back over a decade to Bowling Green, Kentucky, Holley’s stomping ground. Started off as a small gig for LS muscle cars, and now? It’s a global phenomenon, baby. LS Fest West popped its hood in Sin City back in 2017, bringing the party out west. And year after year, it’s grown into this monster of an event, drawing in folks from all walks of life to witness the LS engine flex its muscles in drag races, off-road tracks, and sideways drift battles.
Fast-forward to 2024, and the Las Vegas Motor Speedway is buzzing like a hive of horsepower. Car show? You betcha. Classic rides, modern beasts, all strutting their stuff, showing off what an LS engine can do. But the real showstopper? The Grand Champion showdown, where drivers throw down in multiple events to snag that top spot. And hey, it’s not just about the races; you got vendors peddling the latest LS tech and aftermarket goodies, turning this fest into a gearhead’s paradise.
So, in a nutshell, the Holley LS Fest West ain’t just about burning rubber and throwing sparks; it’s a full-blown celebration of LS power. It’s where petrolheads come to swap stories, push their rides to the limit, and soak in that sweet, sweet camaraderie that comes with being part of the LS family.
Couldn’t make it to the event? No worries! The Auto Builder has got you covered. Join us as we recap the big winners of Holley’s LS Fest West 2024.
Holley LS Fest West Grand Champions
Holley’s LS Fest West isn’t just another competition; it’s where automotive legends are made. The Grand Champion title isn’t handed out lightly — it’s earned through a grueling series of challenges that test both machine and driver. From the adrenaline-fueled drag races where street tires grip against high horsepower, to the precision-demanding road courses and the balance-testing skid pads, every aspect of automotive performance is put to the test. It’s not just about power; it’s about finesse, control, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Winners in each class — Late Model, Vintage, and Truck — may take home cash prizes and coveted jackets, but the true reward lies in the respect earned as the ultimate master of automotive prowess at LS Fest West.
Dyno Challenge Winner
3S Challenge & Autocross Winner
Grand Champion Drag Race Winner
Drift Challenge Winner
Car Show Winner
ARTICLE SOURCES
Holley LS Fest West
Las Vegas Motor Speedway










