History of the The Grand National Roadster Show Hall of Fame

Bonneville: The Final Frontier

May 22, 2025

Replacing interior components is not usually that difficult, but interior repair–especially seat repair–requires skills, equipment and training which many enthusiasts may not have acquired. To find out what it takes to make a replacement seat, we went to the Performance Choice division of Mid America Motorworks in Effingham, Illinois.

THE SMART CHARGER

If you are going to connect anything automatic to your car, especially when dealing with electricity, lead and acid, you owe it to yourself to do a bit more research rather than pulling just any super-discounted, off-the-shelf item and connecting it to something as potentially volatile as a lead-acid battery. But we have, haven’t we?

A Tribute to Hot Rodding Legends

The Grand National Roadster Show Hall of Fame is where hot rodding’s biggest names get the recognition they deserve. Since 1960, it’s been the ultimate nod to the builders, visionaries, and die-hard gearheads who’ve left their mark on the scene. This isn’t just a list of names—it’s a legacy of the innovators who’ve shaped the custom car world and made the Grand National Roadster Show the powerhouse event it is today.

The Roots of Recognition

Back when the Grand National Roadster Show was still finding its groove, a handful of passionate folks realized that the pioneers of hot rodding deserved more than just a pat on the back. That’s how the Hall of Fame was born. The first inductees? Absolute legends—Al Slonaker, Joe Bailon, George Barris, Wally Parks, and Robert E. Petersen. These guys didn’t just build cars; they built the foundation for everything that came after.

How Induction Works

Getting into the Hall of Fame isn’t just about having a cool build or a flashy name. It’s a serious process. Current members nominate the best of the best, followed by a vote to decide who’s earned their place in history. Each year, the new inductees get their moment in the spotlight at the Hall of Fame dinner during the Grand National Roadster Show. It’s more than just an award ceremony—it’s a gathering of the most passionate people in hot rodding, celebrating where the industry has been and where it’s headed next.

A Rich History on Display

Eric Geisert, inducted into the Grand National Roadster Show Hall of Fame this year, put together a killer display on the GNRS Hall of Fame’s history, and we’re making sure it gets the recognition it deserves. If you missed it, here’s your chance to check it out and dive into the rich history of the show! Be sure to follow Eric on Instagram to see more cool stuff!