Literally Lightning
July 16, 2023
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
The Trucks of Detroit Autorama 2026
Every winter the custom car world makes a pilgrimage to the Motor City for one of the most legendary indoor shows on the planet: the Detroit Autorama. Held inside the massive Huntington Place, the 2026 edition once again packed the halls with hundreds of wild customs, Ridler contenders, hot rods, and trucks that refuse to blend into the background.
REMEMBERING KEN BLOCK
The automotive and racing world was rocked by the sudden passing of racing phenom, internet sensation, and master of all-things automotive Tom-foolery, Ken Block on January 2nd. Hoonigan, Block’s automotive lifestyle and clothing brand, reported that Block was riding snowmobiles at his Utah ranch, where a single snowmobile incident on a steep incline claimed the life of the 55 year old.
A STRIKING SERPENTINE SOLUTION
When Chevrolet introduced the LS engine, many clever and effective innovations were incorporated to simplify operations and reduce engine weight and overall dimensions. An integral part of these new technologies was a compact serpentine belt system designed from the start to lower frictional losses, which in turn improved belt strength and longevity.
Spotlighter
Gary Sinise Brings Star Power and Patriotic Spirit to Triple Crown of Rodding 2025
The Lt. Dan Band Proves It’s Got Serious Legs at TCOR 2025, All While Helping Heroes
Author
The Auto Builder Staff
Photography by Scott Killeen
A Rally of American Pride
The Triple Crown of Rodding 2025 wasn’t just the biggest hot rod event in the nation — on Saturday, September 6, it became a rally of American pride at the Nashville Superspeedway. Actor, advocate, and true patriot Gary Sinise lit up the night with his Lt. Dan Band, delivering a high-octane rock ’n’ roll concert that saluted our service members, veterans, and first responders.
Red, White, and Blue Energy
From the first guitar riff to the final encore, the show felt more like a red, white, and blue block party than a concert. With more than 3,500 custom vehicles, 190 exhibitors, and thousands of fans waving flags, the crowd embodied everything the Triple Crown stands for: American craftsmanship, unity, and gratitude for our heroes.
A Concert with a Mission
Sinise’s performance wasn’t just entertainment — it was a mission. Funds were raised for the Gary Sinise Foundation
Support America’s Heroes
Want to make a real difference for the men and women who serve our country? The Gary Sinise Foundation provides vital support to veterans, first responders, and their families—building mortgage-free homes for severely wounded heroes, equipping first responders, and honoring the families of fallen service members.
CLICK HERE to donate and help ensure our heroes get the support they deserve.
Gary Sinise Foundation
"While we can never do enough for our nation's heroes, we can always do a little more."
- Gary Sinise
