THE AUTO BUILDER
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A Bit of History
Hundreds of thousands of these “little” big-blocks were sold in the 1960s. In 1965-66 alone, over 150,000 came in the Impala, Biscayne and Bel Air big cars. Few paid attention to them because the hot engine of the day was the L-78 with high-rpm, rectangle-port heads. But when stock eliminator drag racers began flogging the L-35, it responded magnificently.
Driven Racing Oil’s GP-1 8OW-90 Gear Oil
GP-1 Conventional 80W-90 GL-5 Gear Oil is a conventional limited-slip gear oil for use as recommended by high performance gear and differential manufacturers. Designed for racing and high-performance differentials and transaxles, it’s formulated from USA made Pennsylvania Grade base oils that provide natural film strength, tack, and tenacious cling without relying on polymers that shear causing viscosity loss.
SUBTLY SLICED
Subtle is a term that doesn’t describe many hot rods, as most of them use bright paint and loud engines to stand out in the crowd. The new wave of high-end hot rods, however, often use softer colors and more elegant themes to make an outstanding statement. Doug Hoppe’s ’35 Ford coupe is a fine example of a subtle yet radical rod, and the crew at Lakeside Rods and Rides did an amazing job with the extensive metalwork, paint and final assembly. Lakeside Rods and Rides is notorious for elegant street rods, including this year’s America’s Most Beautiful Roadster, and the guys in the shop know exactly what it takes to build a jaw-dropping car.
Spotlighter
NOPI Nationals 2025: A Legendary Comeback
The legendary car show makes a triumphant return with custom rides and high-octane entertainment.
After years away, NOPI Motorsports made a triumphant return with the NOPI Nationals 2025, officially the NOPI Nationals Motorsports Supershow. Fans from across the country flocked to the event, experiencing two full days of custom car showcases, high-octane competitions, and festival-style entertainment that reminded everyone why NOPI is a cornerstone of car culture.
Author
The Auto Builder Staff
Photography by Scott Killeen
A Premier Event for Car Enthusiasts
Part of the larger NOPI Tour, the Nationals brought together two routes of enthusiasts for a high-energy meetup celebrating performance, creativity, and community. From static displays of meticulously modified vehicles to dynamic action on the autocross and drifting courses, the show offered something for every type of car fan.
Saturday: Screeching Tires and Bass-Pounding Action
The weekend kicked off at 9 a.m., with autocross, drifting, and sound competitions taking center stage. By 11 a.m., burnouts fired up the crowd, while live music from Walt and FF Talk kept the atmosphere electric. Afternoon highlights included HOP competitions, more drifting and autocross, and nonstop beats from DJs and Electric Soul. As night fell, the glow-off competition lit up the venue, while late-night burnouts and autocross runs kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Sunday: Competition, Community, and Creativity
Day two carried the energy forward with more autocross, drifting, sound competitions, and burnouts. Attendees witnessed show-stopping custom builds and gravity-defying HOP contests, while music from DJs, RYE, and Electric Soul powered the action through the afternoon. By the end of the day, fans had experienced two full days of tire-shredding, bass-pounding, and adrenaline-fueled entertainment.
More Than Just a Car Show
Beyond the competitions and displays, the 2025 NOPI Nationals was a celebration of car culture and community. Builders and enthusiasts swapped stories, explored cutting-edge mods, and shared a passion for performance and creativity. The event reaffirmed NOPI’s status as a trailblazer in automotive entertainment, bridging the nostalgia of its legendary past with the excitement of modern car culture.
Hopping Cars, Burnouts & Drifting — NOPI Does It Differently
NOPI Nationals 2025 wasn’t just about polished paint and spotless chrome—it was about action. The HOP competitions brought the crowd to its feet as lowriders launched skyward, slamming back down with hydraulic precision and ear-splitting style. Just a few feet away, the burnout pits turned tires into smoke clouds, with competitors laying down rubber in a haze of noise and adrenaline. On the drifting course, drivers pushed the limits of control and creativity, slinging their cars sideways at full tilt. When the smoke cleared, it was Taylor Hull in his Dale Earnhardt tribute car who captured the win, sealing his status as the drift king of NOPI 2025. This blend of showmanship, skill, and spectacle is exactly why NOPI still defines the high-energy edge of car culture.
Show Cars
At the heart of NOPI Nationals 2025 were the show cars—wildly customized builds that pushed creativity and craftsmanship to the limit. From sleek imports with flawless paint and stance, to muscle cars packing modern power under classic sheetmetal, the show floor was a rolling gallery of innovation. Every car told a story, blending performance with personality, and reminding fans why NOPI has always been the stage where builders bring their boldest visions to life.
Even More Show Cars
A Comeback That Left a Mark
From classic throwbacks to futuristic builds, the 2025 NOPI Nationals delivered speed, style, and spectacle at every turn. The event wasn’t just a return—it was a full-throttle reminder that NOPI still sets the standard for high-energy automotive events, inspiring enthusiasts old and new alike.
NOPI is officially back and next year promises to be even bigger, bolder, and harder to miss — CLICK HERE to learn more and make plans to attend next year’s NOPI Nationals. Don’t just watch car culture, be part of it.
ARTICLE SOURCES
NOPI Motorsports
Official page of NOPI. NOPI Nationals Super Show and NOPI Drag Racing. The NOPI Show is a celebration of all things automotive.
