PUMP THE POWER: PART 2
February 22, 2024
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
Aurabella: The 2025 Al Slonaker Memorial Award Winner
Boom! Andy Leach and the Cal Auto Creations crew have done it again, taking home the 2025 Al Slonaker Memorial Award with one of the slickest Pontiacs to ever roll through the Pomona Fairplex. This isn’t just another custom—it’s a full-blown, no-expense-spared masterpiece that took seven years to perfect.
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.
GOOD OL’ BOYS
No, your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you—you really are seeing a two-door Dodge Charger. A lot of car guys were very upset with DaimlerChrysler for releasing the Charger as a four-door sedan, rather than staying true to tradition with a two-door coupe—so much so that DaimlerChrysler gave production on the two-door Challenger the green light.
Spotlighter
C10 Nationals 2025: Nashville Sets Record-Breaking Truck Celebration
America’s Premier Truck Event Hits Its Biggest Milestone Yet
The 5th annual Classic Parts of America C10 Nationals® presented by Chevrolet Performance roared into Nashville last weekend, and 2025 set new all-time records! With 1,400 trucks on display, this was two days of pure, non-stop excitement for C10 fans from across the country. From garage-built classics to jaw-dropping pro-level builds, every truck brought its own flavor, and every corner of the show was buzzing with energy.
Author
The Auto Builder Staff
Photos by Scott Killeen
High-Octane Action on Track
The CK Truck Magazine Track Cruise let owners tear up the big oval after the awards, showing off the power and polish of their trucks. Meanwhile, the Brian Tooley Racing Friday Night Drags lit up the track with fierce grudge matches, tire-smoking burnouts, and heart-pounding launches that had fans on the edge of their seats. For those craving more thrills, the Classic Performance Products Autocross offered high-speed laps and ride-alongs with pro drivers, giving participants and spectators alike an interactive adrenaline rush.
Awards and Recognition
Over 75 awards, including the prestigious LG Billet USA Top 10 Awards, celebrated the finest trucks of the weekend. From Best Custom Truck and Truck of the Year to Best Suspension and Young Builders Award, every truck had a shot at glory. Whether built in a garage or in a professional shop, each entry had its moment to shine under the spotlight.
Vendor Midway and Fan Experience
The Vendor Midway was packed with top-tier automotive retailers, manufacturers, and builders, offering everything from performance parts to custom accessories. Fans browsed, shopped, and connected with some of the biggest names in the industry, making the event a full-on celebration of C10 culture.
Cruising, Racing, and Autocross – Non-Stop Excitement
From autocross lap times to drag strip mayhem, the energy never let up. Trucks gleamed, engines roared, and fans lived every thrilling second of the action. This was a weekend where every truck, every burnout, and every lap counted.
The 2025 C10 Nationals proved once again that this isn’t just a truck show—it’s America’s ultimate C10 celebration. And the best part? You can experience it all in our photo galleries, packed with custom builds, roaring engines, and unforgettable moments from Nashville 2025. Dive in and relive the thrill—your next favorite C10 is waiting!
Already itching to join the fun next year? Plan your trip to the 2026 C10 Nationals HERE.
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