
THE AUTO BUILDER
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WHEN 5 EQUALS 8
Explore how RKSport’s supercharger kit enhances the performance of Chevrolet’s inline five-cylinder engine, bridging the gap between power and economy, while considering future upgrades for even more performance gains.

Back From The Dead
Leon Sneed and Chris de Melo are the men behind Big House Customs, a Mustang restoration and customization shop in Dayton, Tennessee. We met them after moving our company to Dayton, the town we now call home. Like anyone else who runs their own shop, they are constantly on the lookout for project cars to fill in the gaps when customers don’t bring in cars, and that’s exactly what De Melo was doing when he saw a newspaper ad selling miscellaneous Mustang parts.

MEN AT WORK
Is it us, or does it seem that Jim Bell and his crew at Kenne Bell turn out hot trucks at truly astounding rates? In the past, they have built such a wide variety of trucks and SUVs that it’s hard to count them all. But when you consider all their other projects, such as their ’05 Mustang, the ’04 Focus and the ’04 Escape, it seems they have been busier than a one-armed paper hanger (whatever that means). One of their latest projects is this ’04 Ford F-150. As with most all of the other Kenne Bell projects, it started out as a new vehicle and was destined to be displayed in its SEMA booth.
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Beyond Burnouts
The Art and Adrenaline of LS Fest West's Donut Pit
Author
Jamie Dent
Photography by Scott Killeen
The Ultimate Burnout Challenge at LS Fest West
Alright, so you wanna talk about the LS Fest West burnout challenge? Well, buckle up, ’cause we’re diving deep into the heart of automotive madness.
This ain’t just your run-of-the-mill burnout challenge, oh no. This is where the raw instinct of every gearhead gets elevated into a noble pursuit of creativity. Crafting the perfect burnout ain’t just about mashing the pedal to the metal; it’s about finesse, precision, and yeah, maybe a touch of madness thrown in for good measure.
Sac Speed Shop and LS Fest West teamed up to create the legendary Up in Smoke Show. This ain’t Cheech and Chong. We’re talking about the Donut Pit, where the asphalt sizzles under the heat of roaring engines and spinning tires.
It’s like stepping into a high-octane playground, where thrill-seekers and gearheads alike can let loose without worrying about the fuzz breathing down their necks. We’re talking about a safe haven where you can push your build to the limit, unleashing horsepower like never before.
And when it comes to the show itself, it’s like a Viking funeral pyre, an offering to the automotive gods, sending roaring flames and billowing smoke up to the heavens. We’re talking about a weekend-long extravaganza where participants can shred tires, put on a jaw-dropping display for the crowd, and leave their mark in a cloud of smoke and burning rubber that ascends like an infernal tribute.
So whether you’re a seasoned pro or a greenhorn looking to make a splash, the Donut Pit is where you wanna be. This is where art and adrenaline collide in an unforgettable display of automotive excess.
Burnout Challenge Winners
Friday
1st Place – Dustin Hallinan
2nd Place – Diana Martiniez
Saturday
1st Place – Adam Stafford
2nd Place – Carlos Alexandre
ARTICLE SOURCES
Holley LS Fest West
Las Vegas Motor Speedway







