HOT & HAMMERED
May 31, 2023
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
WINGED WARRIOR
The first time Dodge General Manager Bob McCurry saw drawings of the proposed mid-1969 Dodge Charger Daytona, he thought it looked awful. Legend has it that he then asked the engineers: “Will it win races?” After they said it would, the Dodge boss replied: “Well, dammit, go ahead and build it!”
Rearview Mirror
While AutoBuilder will supply you with all the latest and greatest happenings in the hot rod world, we felt looking back at how we got here would be fun and equally as important. The changes over the past sixty-plus years have been impressive.
Drop ‘N’ Stop
Getting a ’55 Chevy to sit at the right ride height is as easy as installing a set of 2-inch drop spindles, such as those from Superior Spindles and others. Getting the big ol’ car to slow down offers many more choices as well, and as long as you’re swapping spindles it is an excellent time to install those long-overdue disc brakes. When you think about it, it doesn’t make good sense to put a newly rebuilt tri-5 Chevy on the same road with stock OE cars with ABS four-wheel disc brakes. If ever you came upon a situation where a car ahead of you had to stop in an emergency situation, the performance of even a stock set of disc brakes will far “outdistance” your drum setup, meaning you would not be able to stop in time and could well end up in the trunk of the car ahead of you. Not good.
Spotlighter
C10 Nationals 2025: Nashville Sets Record-Breaking Truck Celebration
America’s Premier Truck Event Hits Its Biggest Milestone Yet
The 5th annual Classic Parts of America C10 Nationals® presented by Chevrolet Performance roared into Nashville last weekend, and 2025 set new all-time records! With 1,400 trucks on display, this was two days of pure, non-stop excitement for C10 fans from across the country. From garage-built classics to jaw-dropping pro-level builds, every truck brought its own flavor, and every corner of the show was buzzing with energy.
Author
The Auto Builder Staff
Photos by Scott Killeen
High-Octane Action on Track
The CK Truck Magazine Track Cruise let owners tear up the big oval after the awards, showing off the power and polish of their trucks. Meanwhile, the Brian Tooley Racing Friday Night Drags lit up the track with fierce grudge matches, tire-smoking burnouts, and heart-pounding launches that had fans on the edge of their seats. For those craving more thrills, the Classic Performance Products Autocross offered high-speed laps and ride-alongs with pro drivers, giving participants and spectators alike an interactive adrenaline rush.
Awards and Recognition
Over 75 awards, including the prestigious LG Billet USA Top 10 Awards, celebrated the finest trucks of the weekend. From Best Custom Truck and Truck of the Year to Best Suspension and Young Builders Award, every truck had a shot at glory. Whether built in a garage or in a professional shop, each entry had its moment to shine under the spotlight.
Vendor Midway and Fan Experience
The Vendor Midway was packed with top-tier automotive retailers, manufacturers, and builders, offering everything from performance parts to custom accessories. Fans browsed, shopped, and connected with some of the biggest names in the industry, making the event a full-on celebration of C10 culture.
Cruising, Racing, and Autocross – Non-Stop Excitement
From autocross lap times to drag strip mayhem, the energy never let up. Trucks gleamed, engines roared, and fans lived every thrilling second of the action. This was a weekend where every truck, every burnout, and every lap counted.
The 2025 C10 Nationals proved once again that this isn’t just a truck show—it’s America’s ultimate C10 celebration. And the best part? You can experience it all in our photo galleries, packed with custom builds, roaring engines, and unforgettable moments from Nashville 2025. Dive in and relive the thrill—your next favorite C10 is waiting!
Already itching to join the fun next year? Plan your trip to the 2026 C10 Nationals HERE.
ARTICLE SOURCES
