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A RADICAL DRIVER
Some of the most interesting conversations around the office usually center on whether a rod built without shiny paint can be considered a finished rod or something else. There are some trendy names floating around that are often associated with these cars, but we don’t particularly think these names are appropriate or accurate for a proper description. Just because a rod has a satin finish doesn’t mean it is lacking any aspect of a finished rod. Rick Nowak’s ’48 Chevy pickup definitely falls into the latter category. As its owner and builder say, “It’s not a ratty rod; not perfect, just a radical-looking driver.”

Super Stock Hemi Plymouth
Back in 1965, the Chrysler Corporation took Super Stock drag racing very seriously. It was heavily involved in National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) competition and to a lesser extent with other, smaller drag racing sanctioning bodies. It could be said that, without question, if you were at a dragstrip in America on any given Sunday during this time, there were plenty of winning Mopars blasting down the 1,320-foot racetrack.

DUPONT DEUCE
For many of us, the culmination of money and time spent on our street rods comes through experiences with our friends, whether it’s at the corner drive-in on the weekend or at a national event with thousands of people. It’s there we can share stories, laughs and the fruits of our labors, namely, the cars that bring us together in celebration of history, creativity and realized possibilities.
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Gunning for Glory
The High-Stakes Action of the 3S Challenge at Holley LS Fest West
Author
Jamie Dent
Photography by Scott Killeen
Alright, buckle up and listen up, folks, ’cause we’re about to dive headfirst into the heart-pounding world of the 3S Challenge at the Holley LS Fest West. Now, you might be wondering what the heck “3S” stands for. Well, let’s break it down for ya—it’s all about Start, Steer, and Stop, tearing through a side-by-side, low-speed, down-and-back course layout that’ll knock your socks off. Picture this: 180-degree turnaround, slalom, and stop box—each one a challenge waiting to be conquered. But it ain’t just about speed; it’s about finesse, precision, and making split-second decisions. You wanna taste victory? You gotta master both sides of the course, blending ’em together like a symphony for one flawless execution.
Start
First up, we got Start, with Competitors lined up, engines revving, heartbeats thumping like bass drums in a Tarantino flick. When that starting beam lights up, it’s like a gunshot at the start of a wild west duel. Both drivers slam their foot on the gas, gunning for glory. It’s pedal to the metal, and these drivers are gunnin’ for two sweet times to set their score. It’s a symphony of speed and precision, tryin’ to launch like a bat outta hell without losin’ grip.
Steer
Steer’s up next. After that rush of pure adrenaline, it’s time to whip those wheels around in a full-on 180, tearing down that road like you’ve got the devil on your tail. One course, two choices—left or right, doesn’t matter, ’cause either way, you’re in a tango with fate. They gotta thread that needle with precision, slicker than a getaway driver dodging the fuzz.
Stop
Last but not least, we got Stop. You’ve blasted through the course, adrenaline pumping, heart racing, but now you gotta bring that beast of a machine to a screeching halt inside a tiny box. No room for error here, folks. One wrong move, and you’re knocking over cones faster than a bull in a china shop.
But hey, it ain’t just about the spectacle, alright? For these drivers, it’s a religion. Some dissect every second of their run, analyzing it down to the nanosecond, like mad scientists,searching for that perfect formula, that extra edge.
So, you see, the 3S Challenge ain’t just about horsepower and speed. It’s a test of grit, of skill, of adaptability. Only the baddest, most versatile drivers and machines come out on top in this automotive battleground.
Photo Gallery
ARTICLE SOURCES
Holley LS Fest West
Las Vegas Motor Speedway









