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THEM’S THE BRAKES
There is no other more important system than braking, so when the folks at Baer told us at the SEMA Show that they were finishing up their latest kit—one designed to fit the Ford F-150, as well as the Expedition, Navigator and Navigator 4WD—we wanted to see one installed. Baer has been producing high-?performance braking systems since 1986. The company specializes in high-performance, bolt-on brake systems that radically enhance the ability of the otherwise stock brake systems.

RILEY’S ’72 Chevy
It seems never to fail: You buy an old truck from a friend or family member with the intent of just sticking a used motor in it and giving it a quick paint job. This usually means that the front clip comes off to put the motor in, and that leads to taking apart the front suspension, which leads to assorted chassis upgrades, as well as the rest of the frame components being unbolted and stripped down for paint, and that means the cab is taken off and sent to a paint shop. Well, you know how those stories play out, and without going any further, this is exactly what happened to Jim Riley and his son Dusty.

BUTCH
Back in the ’60s, a youthful Barry Wallner was well known in and around Illinois for his modified ’57 sedan delivery. It was a tough competitor at the local dragstrips, but time took its toll, and most of the dragstrips have disappeared, giving way to housing and shopping-center developments and industrial complexes. But this hasn’t stopped Wallner, who was an adept restorer. So, from the late-’60s through the mid-’90s, he has gone on with other ’57 Chevys to win top show awards.
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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





