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January 3, 2025
THE AUTO BUILDER
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TRADING PLACES
It was during the ’60s when Vern Hill’s love for all things automobile blossomed. And like so many young men of that era, his love of cars turned into a thirst for speed, and there was no looking back. Hill began building cars, several of which were racecars, which helped him accumulate a few Wallys that adorn his trophy case.
101 SHOW-WINNING TECH TIPS
We have compiled 101 show-winning tech tips that will make it a bit easier on you when you are about to get ready for a show. There are certain things you should know, along with things that you should do to your car to grab the attention of show judges and competitors alike. Staring you in the face right now are tips that will take you to the next level. Enjoy these bad boys and we look forward to seeing you at the next show.
Dialed In
When it comes to performance, the devil really is in the details. Ever wonder why one engine makes more power than another, when both are seemingly identical? The answer to this very common performance question lies in the attention to detail. Basic performance elements such as engine tuning, spark timing curves, and, yes, even oil selection all come into play when you attempt to extract the maximum amount of power from your existing combination.
Spotlighter
CRUISIN’ THE COAST 2026: DAY 2 – Long Beach, Gulfport, & D’Iberville
The Rain Moves Out, the Horsepower Moves In!
After a soggy start on Sunday, Cruisin’ The Coast 2026 shifted into high gear on Monday, October 5. The skies cleared, the crowds rolled in, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast came alive with chrome, horsepower, and enough automotive eye candy to keep your head on a swivel. From the bustling activity at Cruise Central to the streets of Long Beach and the autocross course in D'Iberville, Day 2 delivered a little something for everyone. And with the 30th anniversary celebration just getting started, there was plenty more to come.
Author
Jamie Dent
Photography by Scott Killeen
Jones Park: Let the Cruising Begin
The day started at Jones Park in Gulfport, where Cruise Central was buzzing with activity. Registration and packet pickup brought another wave of participants into the fold, with lines of hot rods, muscle cars, classics, and custom trucks making the check-in process a spectacle of its own.
KOTO kept the oldies spinning, Mississippi Gulf Fresh served up samples of local seafood, and automotive personality Courtney Hansen made an appearance. It was a fitting welcome to a week devoted to great cars, good food, and even better company.
Long Beach: Show, Shine, and a Rolling Parade
Just down Highway 90, Long Beach was putting on a show of its own. The Long Beach Show & Shine transformed Jeff Davis Avenue into a gathering of polished chrome, custom paint, and vintage Detroit iron.
With live music from The Project adding to the atmosphere, the downtown streets offered plenty of reasons to park, wander, and admire the machinery.
But the real spectacle came later in the day. Up to 600 registered vehicles were eligible to participate in the Long Beach Parade, turning the streets into a rolling celebration of automotive history. Courtney Hansen joined the festivities as a celebrity guest, adding to the excitement as cruisers made their way through town.
It was everything a good old-fashioned cruise should be: great cars, enthusiastic spectators, and plenty of horsepower on parade.
D’Iberville: Time to Put That Horsepower to Work
Not everyone came to Cruisin’ The Coast just to polish chrome and idle down the boulevard. Over at the Scarlet Pearl Casino in D’Iberville, the Autocross Guys gave registered participants a chance to put their machines through their paces.
Presented by Scarlet Pearl Casino, the City of D’Iberville, and Autocross Guys, the afternoon autocross traded leisurely cruising for tight corners, quick transitions, and a little friendly competition.
Watching vintage iron and modified street machines tackle the course was a reminder that some of these beauties were built for a lot more than looking good in a parking lot.
Two Days Down, Plenty More to Come
Monday also brought the rescheduled Cruisin’ Through The Decades celebration in Gautier, complete with a drive-in showing of Stroker Ace. Meanwhile, live entertainment and evening festivities kept the party going long after the daytime cruising wrapped up.
With the rain in the rearview mirror and the 30th anniversary celebration gaining momentum, Cruisin’ The Coast was hitting its stride.
And this was only Monday.
Stay with The Auto Builder as we continue our daily look back at Cruisin’ The Coast 2026, bringing you more of the cars, the people, and the places that make this one of America’s great automotive events.
← CLICK HERE TO SEE COVERAGE OF DAY 1 or CLICK HERE TO SEE COVERAGE OF DAY 3 →
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