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CROWN WORTHY: THE TOP 6 WINNERS OF THE 2026 TRIPLE CROWN OF RODDING

THE OTHER ’55

IFS Install on Chevrolet C-10 Pickup Trucks (1960-1987)
Let’s face it: The new, hot truck of the hobby is the 1960-1972 Chevy. With the amenities available for these trucks they have become modern classics. The Chevy truck was available with power steering, A/C, IFS and a host of other great goodies, including power disc brakes. While still not up to today’s standards, with a little tweaking they make really great options on a classic truck without having to break the bank to have cold air and comfortable seats. The only downfall to this is that they are outdated.

Blank Canvas
The longer we are in this business, the more we are certain that the one skill which is most important to know is how to paint. A custom painter can take nearly anything and turn it into a fine ride. Sure, those who can work on suspension or engines are able to take their specialty and turn it to their advantage, but no one modification makes more impact than a cool paint job. That is why guys such as Sam Spinelli, a custom painter for more than 12 years, can cruise around town in this 1990 Chevrolet C1500. Adorned with a killer basecoat and an amazing set of flames, it would be a show truck for the rest of us, but he simply describes the Chevy as his daily driver.

BIG-MOUTH FORD SMALL BLOCKS
Ford engines are hot, and everyone—even non-Ford guys—are talking about it. The small-block Ford is an awesome package that is made even more awesome by Ford Racing and aftermarket parts. It has continually gained popularity as a high-performance buildup, as a Ford In A Ford engine transplant and as a replacement performance engine for vehicles that were optioned as such but were less equipped when new. With all of this activity surrounding the small-block Ford engine, it is safe to say that it is quickly becoming the small block of choice.
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Pedal to the Metal
LS Fest West 2024 Drag Racing Showdown Unleashed
Author
Jamie Dent
Photography by Scott Killeen
LS Fest West 2024: A Showdown of Epic Proportions
The asphalt trembled beneath the thunderous roar of LS and LT-powered beasts as they descended upon the Las Vegas Motor Speedway for LS Fest West 2024. This wasn’t just a race; it was a showdown of epic proportions, where horsepower ruled and adrenaline flowed like never before.
Picture this: side-by-side battles on The Strip at LVMS, where the fastest cars in the West clashed in a symphony of speed and skill. It was a sight to behold, with engines revving and tires screeching as competitors vied for dominance on the asphalt battleground.
But the LS Fest West Drags were more than just a race. They were an experience, a chance for enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the world of high-octane excitement. From tire-changing services by Ted Wiens Tire & Auto to the thrill of the Quick 16 Shootout, where racers pushed their machines to the limit in pursuit of glory, there was no shortage of heart-pounding action.
And let’s not forget the variety of classes and competitions that catered to every taste and skill level:
- QUICK 16 SHOOTOUT: A hunt for the speediest car, open to all drag class racers with no extra fee. Simply bring your fastest qualifying timeslip to drag tech by 3pm Saturday for a chance to race. It’s a heads-up race with a $1,500 prize for the winner.
- GRUDGE TEST-N-TUNE: A casual, no-payout class for fun runs, ideal for experimenting with setups or enjoying a Saturday night race. Open to competitors without another class entry.
- DRAG & DRIVE: Formerly True Street, this heads-up class is for fast street cars. Participants cruise around LVMS before making passes on The Strip.
- RUMBLE INDEX: Open to various vehicles powered by LS or current LT engines, races follow a .500 Pro Tree and an index format.
- STREET KING: Similar to Rumble Index but with a faster ET range.
- TRUCK & SUV: A platform for showcasing the performance of LS-powered trucks and SUVs.
- LATE MODEL 10.00 HEADS-UP INDEX: For the quickest Late Model LS and current gen LT-powered vehicles from 2008 and up.
- 5.50 HEADS-UP: Accommodates LS/LLT enthusiasts with varying power levels, where the closest to a 5.50 ET wins.
- STICK SHIFT/BANGER: An entertaining class with vehicles required to have clutch-assisted H pattern-shifted transmissions.
As the dust settled and the engines fell silent, LS Fest West 2024 left behind memories that would last a lifetime. It was a rumble of horsepower, a celebration of speed, and an experience like no other. So here’s to the thrill-seekers, the speed demons, and the horsepower junkies – until next time, keep the rubber burning and the engines roaring!
FINAL RESULTS
5.50 INDEX
Champion: Gernard Prince, 1987 Mustang
Runner up: Shannon Taylor, 1982 Capri
LATE MODEL 10.00 INDEX
Champion: Charlie Williams, 2019 Camaro
Runner up: Guillermo Tapia, 2015 Chevy
TRUCK AND SUV
Champion: Jesse Maurer, 1961 Chevy
Runner up: Tylor Pansini, 1984 Chevy
STREET KING
Champion: Brandon Gant, 1973 Dart
Runner up: Tim Weber, 2014 CTS-V
RUMBLE
Champion: Devlin Clark, 2020 Corvette
Runner up: Michelle Beirzius, 1999 Trans Am
STICK SHIFT BANGER
Champion: Kevin Costa, 1971 Datsun
Runner up: Beaudee Bluemel, 1988 Camaro
QUICK 16
Champion: Robert Horton,1998 Camaro
Runner up: Frank D’Esposito, 2014 Corvette
Photo Gallery
ARTICLE SOURCES
Holley LS Fest West
Las Vegas Motor Speedway







