THE AUTO BUILDER

Featured

Brizio Street Rods Shines at GNRS 2025

February 27, 2025

You have to admit that the thought of injecting water into your engine sounds crazy. We all know that water doesn’t burn and it can’t be compressed. Those unfortunate souls who have tried to do this now have engines that are the equivalent of ship anchors. In this installation, we aren’t going to be injecting huge amounts of water into an engine, but rather a fine mist that’s proportionate to the fuel flow (10 percent to 20 percent), using a high-pressure pump. This will help lower the chances of detonation by reducing the intake charge temperature.

Hydro-Boost Brakes

Nothing is more terrifying than cruising down the street to the fairgrounds when some idiot pulls out in front of you and you have to jump on the binders. Making a panic stop can be difficult when you are trying to stop 800 throbbing horsepower with a set of 9-inch rotors and single-piston calipers. You might even wonder if it will stop as you mash the brake pedal. When it comes to street rods with big motors, one braking concern is vacuum pressure. Is there enough? Many high-performance camshafts add power to the motor but produce low vacuum levels. This is something to consider when selecting your engine components. Of course, if the motor fails, you will have no vacuum, so stopping will be a real problem.

NO. 1 of 25

Most car guys know all about rare cars, and this certainly is one of the rarest Ford Mustangs on the road. In what some may consider an odd collaboration, Carroll Shelby International Inc. and celebrity customizer West Coast Customs (WCC) have teamed up to produce a line of limited-edition high-end 2006 Ford Mustangs. Starting with only 25 stock 2006 Ford Mustang GTs, the Shelby/West Coast Customs team has a solid foundation on which to build, and build it did.

Spotlighter

Chris Raschke Legacy Scholarship: Fueling the Next Generation of Builders and Racers

SEMA Legacy Scholarship Pays Tribute to Late Racer and ARP Brand Ambassador Chris Raschke

Chris wasn’t just a driver or ARP ambassador—he was a mentor, a connector, and a lifer in motorsports. From racing ATCs and sprint cars to building engines and guiding builders at ARP, he left his mark everywhere he went. His encyclopedic knowledge, hands-on approach, and love for teaching made him a cornerstone of the performance world.

Author

The Auto Builder Staff

Images Courtesy of Speed Demon 715 & SEMA

The automotive world lost a legend on August 3, 2025, when Chris Raschke tragically passed while piloting the Speed Demon streamliner at Bonneville Speed Week. But his passion, expertise, and drive won’t be gone—they’ll live on through the Chris Raschke Legacy Scholarship, established by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA).

More Than a Driver

Chris wasn’t just a driver or ARP ambassador—he was a mentor, a connector, and a lifer in motorsports. From racing ATCs and sprint cars to building engines and guiding builders at ARP, he left his mark everywhere he went. His encyclopedic knowledge, hands-on approach, and love for teaching made him a cornerstone of the performance industry.

A Legacy of Opportunity

Now, SEMA is giving his legacy a permanent home in the SEMA Scholarship Memorial Fund. The Chris Raschke Legacy Scholarship will support students chasing careers in the automotive aftermarket, giving the next generation of builders, racers, and innovators the tools—and inspiration—to reach their full potential.

How to Contribute

Industry members and fans can contribute to the scholarship fund, ensuring that Chris’ energy, curiosity, and mentorship continue to drive the automotive industry forward. Applications for the 2026 SEMA Scholarship Program open January 1, 2026, at sema.org/scholarships.

Carrying the Torch

Chris Raschke’s legacy was defined by speed, skill, and passion for helping others succeed. Through this SEMA Legacy Scholarship, that same drive will continue to shape the builders, racers, and automotive leaders of tomorrow.