
THE AUTO BUILDER
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Remembering Alex Xydias
The automotive world lost a true legend with the passing of Alex Xydias in 2024. Born in 1922, Xydias was not just a figure in hot rodding; he was a driving force whose innovations and passion forever changed the landscape of the industry. His life was a journey of relentless pursuit—of speed, of innovation, and of community.

CONCEPTUALLY ’40
It was a sketch published in another street rod title, and while it brought many interesting comments, to our knowledge no one acted on the sketch to convert it to a real roadster. Enter Sam Magarino of Sussex, New Jersey. Now, Magarino likes hot rods, and lately he has enjoyed building some pretty outrageous hot rods with the help of Barry Lobeck and his crew at Lobeck’s. This would be a project of great magnitude, and that was the name aptly applied to this car for the show season.

MOOSETANG
Lots of people know what they want, at least generally—as in, “I want a car” or, more specifically, a performance car. A slightly more motivated person might narrow it down to a late-model car, as opposed to an old car, or even refine his goal further to a Ford car. The ability to thoroughly define your goals is generally the province of the mature individual who, with the wisdom of a few years under his belt, has come to truly know what winds his clock.
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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







