The 2026 Al Slonaker Memorial Award wasn’t just about who won—it was about twelve extraordinary contenders, each showcasing craftsmanship, vision, and execution. From paint and stance to metalwork and mechanical finesse, every build pushed the limits and demanded attention.
Every November, the SEMA Show turns Las Vegas into the beating heart of the custom car world—but one showdown always steals the spotlight: the Battle of the Builders 2025. It’s the aftermarket industry’s ultimate test of skill, creativity, and innovation—where the best in the business fight for glory and the title of the world’s top custom builder.
The automotive and motorsports world has lost one of its most influential figures with the passing of Angelo “Junior” Giampetroni. A pioneer, promoter, and passionate builder, Angelo helped shape the hot rodding and drag racing scenes from the postwar boom through the modern era. His impact can be felt not just in Detroit, but across the globe—from gritty speed shops to high-level factory performance programs. Angelo wasn’t just part of the culture—he connected it all together.
On May 19, 2025, the hot rod community lost one of its most respected and beloved figures—Tom Prufer. For those familiar with polished frames, hand-fabricated parts, and the unmistakable smell of hot oil on cold mornings, Tom was more than just a builder—he was a quiet giant in the world of traditional rods and custom craftsmanship.
This week, the hot-rodding world lost a true legend, Richard Peters. Known for his passion, craftsmanship, and unwavering support of the local car community, Richard’s influence will be felt for generations to come. His was a life filled with creativity, adventure, and a deep appreciation for the art of the automobile.
The hot rod world just lost a titan—Gene Winfield, a guy who didn’t just customize cars, he straight-up reshaped the scene. Over seven decades of cutting, welding, painting, and innovating, Gene left behind a legacy that won’t ever fade, no matter how many coats of candy paint get sprayed in the future.
The mastermind who turned wild ideas into rolling legends. At the 2025 Grand National Roadster Show, organizers pulled out all the stops to honor what would have been his 100th birthday, showcasing some of his most legendary and jaw-dropping creations.
Hot rodders used to scoff at the idea of trucks stealing the show. Now? They’re the stars. The 2025 Grand National Roadster Show (GNRS) proved that trucks aren’t just workhorses anymore—they’re rolling showcases of power, design, and straight-up cool factor. Whether slammed to the pavement or built for full-throttle performance, trucks have carved out their own space in the custom scene, and this year’s GNRS made it clear: the truck takeover is real.
It seems to more than the occasional observer that there are about five Fords that make up the heart of the super rodding and custom car culture: the ’27 T pickup; the ’32 roadster; the ’33-’34 Ford coupe; the ’40 coupe; and the ’49-’51 “Shoebox” Ford, in all of its deviations.
While there’s numerous automotive events spread across the nation that center on specific kinds of automotive interests, be they classic cars, street rods, muscle cars or super rods, there’s one that welcomes them all. It’s a place where friends gather and new friendships start. The Goodguys 8th Columbus Nationals is an event for all reasons, drawing cars from across the Midwest, along the Eastern seaboard and from as far away as California, Oregon and Arizona. The event is held at the Ohio State Fairgrounds, and with everyone in attendance and all of the cars parked side by side, with a sea of semis supporting all the exhibitors, there was little space left.
