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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Intellitronix Digital Dash for GM G-Bodies

April 10, 2026

“Real hot rods have axles,” or so they say. That was our story, and we stuck to it fondly for more than 10 years. The ’47 Ford sedan delivery we drive came to us with a new Super Bell dropped axle and four-bar linkage professionally installed by Dick Jones’ shop in Campbell, California. It wasn’t really a hot rod; more like a primered beater with no interior, very little glass and enough rattles that a radio was a waste of time. It was a project car for another magazine for several years, and as such was the subject of many tech articles, updating it with all manner of great stuff. But it was still a primered beater, so the axle suited it just fine, and we got many miles of enjoyment out of this setup. Oh, it could have had a nice, new IRS more than once, but it just wasn’t that kind of car.

THE HYDROGEN HIGHBOY

Enter Carl Casper, a man best known for building custom cars and promoting his huge custom car show every year in Louisville, Kentucky. Casper has long been a self-thinker and innovator with plenty of experience under his belt, and he was intrigued with the concept of alternative fuels, hydrogen in particular. During our conversation with Casper, he summed it when he said, “I feel many of the solutions will come out of the car guys. I want the mechanical wizards who have taken street rodding and auto racing to the highest levels imaginable to start putting their creativity into alternative-energy systems. I’m putting my money on them. Everyone seems to be waiting for the big corporations to pull us out of this energy crisis, and they tend to forget that from the very beginning of time it’s often the little guy with a shop behind his house who creates the next great idea or invention of our time.”

150 TUNER TIPS

Have you ever looked at another enthusiast’s ride and noticed something unique, yet very clever, that made the vehicle stand out or perform better and thought, “Why didn’t I think of that?” Well, we’ve done some of the homework, legwork and research to provide you with a similar advantage. We scoured the tuning shops and interrogated the pros to find out what tips they have done that our readers could apply to their own vehicles.

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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.