REMEMBERING KEN BLOCK
January 3, 2023
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
Driven Racing Oil: GP1 Racing Products
Driven Racing Oil, born from Joe Gibbs Racing, is formulated specifically for all-out race and high performance engines. What makes Driven’s products different? In simple terms, Driven’s products are unique because they always put the “Motor ahead of the Molecule”. While other oil companies are in love with chemistry and have no real world understanding of how the products are actually used, Driven keeps things in the proper order. The oil is for the motor, not the other way around. Driven’s product development team looks at the motor and how it is used; then they design application specific products using a “zero compromise” approach that delivers a measurable performance advantage.
Beyond the Lift: Navigating New Heights with Upgraded Steering
Steering is one of the two most important systems on any vehicle, along with the brakes. Unfortunately, steering is often neglected for modifications that yield more visual impact, such as suspension lifts and larger tires. These are the exact modifications, however, that make attention to steering so important. Suspension lifts can alter steering geometry while big, heavy tires may cause increased wear to steering components, particularly if the tires are out of balance.
After a springover conversion was performed on the Dana 44 front axle in our ’67 Toyota Land Cruiser, the new spring location interfered with the steering geometry. The draglink was then bent as a temporary fix, but this sacrificed strength and resulted in poor steering angles.
Remembering Walker Evans (1938–2025), Off-Road Racing Icon and Pioneer
The off-road world lost one of its true giants on Saturday, August 2, with the passing of Walker Evans at the age of 86. A pioneer, champion, and lifelong ambassador off-road racing, Evans leaves behind a towering legacy carved across the sands of Baja, the dirt of Riverside, and the rugged rocks of the American backcountry.
Spotlighter
AN EVENT TO REMEMBER
Goodguys’ 10th PPG Nationals
Author
Stephen K. Anderson
Words & Photography
A Decade of Excellence at the Goodguys PPG Nationals
It’s been said before, and judging from what we saw this year, we agree that the 10th Goodguys PPG Nationals “was one of the finest automotive events ever!”
A Spectacular Showcase of Automotive Artistry
As the years go by, and as the quality of cars continues to exceed expectations, it isn’t surprising that the venues attracting the top cars get more spectacular over time. This year, record crowds in Columbus, Ohio, came out in droves to witness an amazing chrome carnival. Cars of every description, many of which were completed weeks, days, and in some cases only hours before the event, were debuted there, which made for an amazing array of automotive artistry. And if you think you’ve heard this before, know that even the most ardent car nuts were wide-eyed and standing motionless with mouths gaping as they tried to make sense of all the hardware in attendance.
An Impressive Range of Rides
The variety of cars at this year’s show covered the gamut of time and taste, from vintage classics to the latest street rods, leading-edge muscle cars and vehicles that defied description. While some centered on the visual senses and others focused on performance, all were captivating in one way or another, and many provided onlookers with concepts that will undoubtedly find their way into future creations.
More Than Just a Car Show
As always, Goodguys events offer up so many other areas of interest, so it’s easy to get lost in the indoor and outdoor exhibitor aisles, looking at all the components available through the aftermarket today. There were also special seminars held to inform and educate enthusiasts. Add in a swap meet, the car corral, DJ Dave’s continuous tunes, Friday night drags just up the road and lots of great food, and there was no shortage of things to do, people to meet, and cars to ogle over. With the Street Rod and Street Machine of the Year competition, it couldn’t get any better.
See It for Yourself
But rather than trying to tell you about an event that is altogether visual, check out this fantastic array of machinery with your own eyes. It’s nothing short of awe-inspiring and definitely memorable.
One of the more radical muscle cars at the event was Kevin Triplett’s ’69 Camaro with a 632ci engine wedged in front, ahead of a TKO five-speed and an extensively modified interior that is sure to start something.
One of the most exceptional ’56 F-100s to come along was Steve and Becki Haessly’s brilliant red example featuring a neat molded interior and a clear bed floor, exposing all of the beauty that rolls beneath this pickup.
