THE AUTO BUILDER
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THE OLD AND THE NEW
The relentless progress of technology is a difficult topic for those of us captivated by the cars and lifestyles of a bygone era. As technology advances at an exponential rate, we now find ourselves clamoring to keep up with the latest and greatest products that simultaneously render many of our old favorites obsolete. Just about the time you figure out how to use your new digital camera and multifunction cell phone, you find out that someone decided it was necessary to combine the two. The struggle to balance the conveniences of modern technology with our nostalgia is especially difficult for many street rodders.
The Trucks of Goodguys Columbus 2026
The Goodguys Summit Racing Nationals in Columbus, Ohio, has long been a gathering place for some of the finest hot rods, muscle cars, and customs in the country. While the event may not be dedicated specifically to trucks, the pickup presence continues to grow, and the 2026 show proved that trucks are no longer just the workhorses of the automotive world—they’re some of the most creative and meticulously crafted builds on the property.
Broncos Storm Pigeon Forge
The 3rd Annual Great Smoky Mountain Bronco® Stampede thundered into Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, on August 15–16, 2025, and for two days straight the LeConte Center was wall-to-wall Broncos. Old, new, stock, modified, lifted—if it had a Bronco badge, it had a place in the herd.
Spotlighter
A Southern Tradition
The 51st NSRA Street Rod Nationals South proved traditional hot rodding culture is still alive, thriving, and rolling strong.
Johnson City, Tennessee didn’t just host a car show—it briefly turned into a rolling museum of American hot rodding.
The 51st NSRA Street Rod Nationals South took over the Appalachian Fairgrounds on May 8–9, 2026, delivering two full days of traditional street rods, customs, and classic builds that reflected decades of craftsmanship and culture.
Author
The Auto Builder Staff
Photography by Scott Killeen
A Weekend Built on Tradition
Backed by the long-running National Street Rod Association (NSRA), the event continued a legacy that stretches back more than five decades. What started in the early days of organized street rodding has grown into a nationwide network of events that still prioritize the same core idea—preserving the spirit of early American hot rodding while keeping the community connected.
The Street Rod Nationals South has moved through different cities over the years, but its purpose has stayed consistent: bring together builders and enthusiasts who value traditional design, clean execution, and the stories behind the classic cars.
Johnson City in Full Color
For the weekend, the Appalachian Fairgrounds became a dense field of pre- and post-war steel, with everything from highboys and coupes to full custom cars and period-inspired builds lining the grounds.
The 30-years-and-older requirement kept the focus firmly on heritage, and it showed in every row. These weren’t just display pieces—they were rolling examples of how far the craft of classic car restoration has come, and how strongly it still connects people across generations.
The atmosphere leaned relaxed and conversational, with builders and owners spending just as much time talking through details as they did admiring each other’s work. It’s that mix of education, storytelling, and shared appreciation that continues to define NSRA events.
More Than a Show Weekend
Even without the structure of modern competitive events, the energy never feels flat. NSRA’s format encourages interaction over isolation, with an emphasis on learning, sharing, and keeping hot rod culture alive through hands-on discussion rather than spectacle.
That approach is exactly why events like Johnson City’s Street Rod Nationals South continue to draw a loyal crowd year after year. It’s not just about what’s parked on the grass—it’s about the people who built it, drove it, and brought it there.
A Strong Chapter in a Long-Running Story
The 51st Street Rod Nationals South fit seamlessly into the broader NSRA circuit, leading toward the organization’s flagship Nationals in Louisville. Each divisional stop adds another layer to a network that has helped shape traditional hot rodding culture into what it is today.
Johnson City, Tennessee delivered exactly what attendees came for: authentic builds, real conversations, and a reminder that the roots of this hobby are still very much alive.
When the gates opened that weekend, it wasn’t just another car show—it was a snapshot of a culture that continues to evolve without losing sight of where it started.
