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A REAL NINE-SECOND STREET SLEEPER
One look at a car is generally all it takes to determine pretty much what it’s made of—whether it’s fast, incredibly slow or falls safely somewhere in between. There are always typical small details that reveal a car’s true identity, whether it’s a huge exhaust, healthy underpinnings, aggressive rubber on wide wheels, a large, efficient cooling system, a well-laid-out induction with appropriate fuel delivery, sturdy engine mounts and/or mounting, the size and scope of the ignition, as well as the inlet air system.

The Shoe Fits
In the late ’40s, car manufacturers looked for different ways to modernize their vehicles, and this strategy was evident when the Big Three introduced their ’49 line of passenger cars. For the most part, the pickups stayed the same, but many things changed for the better when the slabside approach went into a more modernized production process. Those looking for a new car said goodbye to fat fenders, slabsided doors and dated suspension that were the norm with previous models. Of those manufacturers, Ford was certainly the leader in this revolutionary new-car building technique, as it produced a stylish ’49 model range to bring in this new production process.
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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





