INTRODUCING: SMOKIN’ SS – Part 1
April 9, 2024
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Spotlighter
The Crown Jewels: Meet the Top 6 Winners of the 2025 Triple Crown of Rodding
A Competition Like No Other
Author
Jamie Dent
Photography by Scott Killeen & The Auto Builder Staff
The Prestige of the Triple Crown
When it comes to prestige in the custom car and truck world, nothing shines brighter than the Triple Crown of Rodding. With over 50 state-of-the-art billet-machined aluminum and show-chrome-plated trophies on the line, the competition is fierce. Builders from across the country bring their absolute best, pushing the limits of design, engineering, and craftsmanship. Every detail is scrutinized—paint, metalwork, interior, and drivetrain—because at this level, perfection isn’t optional.
But at the top of the heap are six elite titles—the ones every builder dreams about, the ones that truly define “best of the best.” These aren’t just awards; they’re career-defining milestones that recognize years of passion, sweat, and precision. Winning a Triple Crown title is a statement: this builder didn’t just compete—they conquered.
Presented by Industry Giants
Presented by industry giants ARP and LMC Truck, these six awards represent the pinnacle of craftsmanship, design, and innovation. ARP’s reputation for precision fasteners and LMC Truck’s dedication to quality parts for classic trucks set the standard for excellence in the industry. Together, they ensure the Triple Crown not only honors the vehicles but also celebrates the skill, dedication, and creativity of the builders who bring them to life.
Honoring the Best of the Best
Here’s a closer look at the Top 6 Winners of the 2025 Triple Crown of Rodding. Each winner showcases the highest level of artistry and technical mastery, proving that the crown truly belongs to those who go above and beyond in every detail. From jaw-dropping paintwork to meticulously crafted interiors and powerhouse drivetrains, these builds define what it means to be the very best in the custom car and truck world.
The Triple Crown of Rodding – Street Rod of the Year
Presented by ARP
The Myers Fenderless ’36 Ford Roadster
Owners: Ross & Beth Myers
Builder: Rad Rides by Troy
Fresh off its Goodguys Columbus Street Rod of the Year win, Rad Rides’ Fenderless ’36 stormed into TCOR25 and claimed Street Rod of the Year, proving it’s the hot rod to beat in 2025. The accolades keep piling up: America’s Most Beautiful Roadster at GNRS, the Legend Cup at Chicago World of Wheels, and at TCOR25, the Coker Tire Best Hot Rod Stance award, chosen by the celebrity judge Corky Coker. Stripped of fenders and any unnecessary fluff, it’s a pure expression of old-school hot rod ethos—every line, every panel, and every mechanical choice speaks to precision and craftsmanship.
Beneath the gleaming Porsche Aventurine Green Metallic skin, a 312ci Ford Y-block backed by a ’57 McCullough supercharger delivers old-school punch with modern precision. A Bowler 4R70W automatic feeds power to a Winters Quick-change rear end, while the torsion bar suspension, tuned with Ridetech adjustable shocks, keeps the ride tight and responsive. Wilwood disc brakes, cleverly hidden behind vintage-style drum covers, blend performance with period-correct flair. Step inside the hand-built interior with square-weave carpet and lift-off top, and the attention to detail hits every sense. Sitting tall on custom wide-five wheels wrapped in Excelsior rubber, the Fenderless ’36 doesn’t just compete—it dominates, exuding hot rod soul, show-winning charisma, and swagger all its own.
Beneath the gleaming Porsche Aventurine Green Metallic skin, a 312ci Ford Y-block backed by a ’57 McCullough supercharger delivers old-school punch with modern precision. A Bowler 4R70W automatic feeds power to a Winters Quick-change rear end, while torsion bar suspension tuned with Ridetech adjustable shocks keeps the ride tight and responsive. Wilwood disc brakes, cleverly hidden behind vintage-style drum covers, blend performance with period-correct flair. Step inside the hand-built interior with square-weave carpet and lift-off top, and the attention to detail hits every sense. Sitting tall on custom wide-five wheels wrapped in Excelsior rubber, the Fenderless ’36 doesn’t just compete—it dominates, exuding hot rod soul, show-winning charisma, and a swagger all its own.
The Triple Crown of Rodding – Street Machine of the Year
Presented by ARP
Nicknamed “Relentless,” this 1970 Dodge Challenger built by Hot Rod Garage out of Oklahoma lived up to its name at the 2025 Triple Crown of Rodding, claiming Street Machine of the Year and cementing its place as one of the fiercest builds of the year. Fresh off a strong showing at the Goodguys Nationals, where it landed in the Top 5 Street Machine of the Year and took home TMI’s Best of Show Interior award, Relentless proves it’s a no-compromise street weapon, perfectly blending raw power with meticulous craftsmanship.
Riding on an Art Morrison chassis with Baer brakes and massive Forgeline Dropkick wheels—19s up front, 20s out back—wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sport rubber, the stance is aggressive and purposeful. Beneath the hood, a twin-turbo 428ci Mopar small-block built by Nelson Racing Engines sends monstrous power through a Bowler-prepped 6-speed manual, delivering jaw-dropping performance. Inside, the interior crafted by the legendary Recovery Room team balances luxury and precision, turning heads at every show. Relentless is exactly what its name promises: brutal on the street, refined in execution, and unstoppable in every detail.
The Triple Crown of Rodding – Street Cruiser of the Year
Presented by ARP
Fresh off the road and onto the podium, Jason Graham Hot Rods L.L.C.’s 1960 Cadillac “Ruby Slippers” took home Street Cruiser of the Year at TCOR25, proving that some of the biggest, baddest classics can still thrive on the street. Owned by Mark Fuqua, this Eldorado convertible isn’t a trailer queen—it’s a true cruiser, driven to and from the show, blending show-stopping craftsmanship with daily-drivable credibility.
Under the sleek exterior, a supercharged LSA powers the ride, perfectly complemented by Ridetech suspension for handling that belies its size. The interior is a masterclass in custom execution: a one-off console fabricated in-house with a machined aluminum top and lid by Alumicraft Grilles, plated in triple chrome by Advanced Plating, and paired with custom Dakota Digital gauges that integrate climate controls for Vintage Air and Ridetech info screens—modern technology meeting vintage elegance. Every detail, from the Dayton Wire Wheels to the flawless BASF Glasurit finish, reflects a dedication to perfection.
Even the bodywork tells a story: the rare, 92-inch-wide Eldorado rocker moldings were impossible to source in restorable condition, so the team machined a custom pair in aluminum, resolving complex mounting issues to achieve laser-straight, mirror-perfect lines. Finished in triple chrome, they define the lower body with impeccable precision. With its combination of supercharged performance, high-tech custom interior, and timeless Cadillac elegance, Ruby Slippers isn’t just a showpiece—it’s a fully realized, street-ready masterpiece that embodies everything the Street Cruiser category is about.
The Triple Crown of Rodding – Truck of the Year (pre-1972)
Presented by LMC Truck
Curt Wittman’s 1955 Chevrolet Cameo “Fine Whine” rolled into the Triple Crown of Rodding 2025 and came out on top, taking home Truck of the Year (Pre-’72) honors. It’s a huge win for Wittman, who not only owns the truck but was hands-on in its build alongside McLin Paint Works. Freshly finished in June, the Cameo has been racking up accolades, including Tri-Five of the Year at the Tri-Five Nationals and a finalist nod for Goodguys Truck of the Year Early—all before staking its claim at TCOR25.
Underneath its timeless skin, this Cameo is all modern muscle. A Whipple-supercharged GM LS3 puts down 672 rear-wheel horsepower through a GM 4L80E, riding on a full Bodie Stroud Industries chassis with Ridetech coilovers, Wilwood brakes, and Schott Performance wheels. Fabrication support from Graham’s Hot Rod Shop and Stroud himself helped transform the classic lines into a pro-touring powerhouse. The interior, stitched in full leather by Mark Lopez of Elegance Auto Interiors, pairs luxury with performance, while a custom audio system featuring multiple amps, subs, and tweeters by The Art of Sound and LIS Audio makes sure the cabin sings as loud as the engine.
And then there’s the finish—Custom Axalta Red Merlot Trim Coat by McLin Paint Works gives “Fine Whine” its unforgettable glow, perfectly complementing the refined lines of Chevrolet’s original Cameo design. From its stance to its sound to its flawless execution, Wittman’s Cameo embodies what the Truck of the Year (Pre-’72) title is all about: timeless style, cutting-edge performance, and a builder’s personal passion brought to life.
The Triple Crown of Rodding – Truck of the Year (1973-1987)
Presented by LMC Truck
If you’re a fan of squarebody Chevys, buckle up—because Lucille 10 is rewriting the book on custom pickups. Built by the team at Lakeside Speed and Shine in Lake Havasu, Arizona, this ’75 C10 blends raw power, flawless execution, and futuristic creativity into one jaw-dropping package.
The story began with a rust-free four-wheel-drive survivor that Lakeside transformed into a ground-hugging, show-stopping custom. Riding on a Roadster Shop SPEC Slammed chassis with air ride, massive 22- and 24-inch Schott wheels, and big 16-inch Wilwood brakes, the stance is as aggressive as it gets.
Under the hood, things get even wilder: a 427ci Dart LSX topped with a Whipple supercharger cranks out a mind-bending 1,000 horsepower, delivered through a Gearstar 4L80E and 9-inch rear. Every detail under the hood—right down to the bead-rolled firewall and liners—oozes craftsmanship.
The exterior retains its OEM steel, finished in “Lakeside Blue”, a custom-mixed teal that perfectly complements the crisp white accents. Inside, Mobile Toys Inc. went all-in on innovation, creating a 3D-printed composite interior that looks like it belongs in a concept car—yet tailored with the soul of a classic Chevy.
Lucille didn’t just debut—it dominated. From Dino’s Git Down to the Grand National Roadster Show, it’s collected top honors like Best Paint, Best Interior, Best Display, and First in Class. Now, it takes its crown as Truck of the Year (’73–’87) at the 2025 Triple Crown of Rodding, cementing its place as one of the most talked-about builds of the year.
This isn’t just a squarebody C10. It’s a statement piece—and proof that when old-school cool meets cutting-edge innovation, magic happens.
The Triple Crown of Rodding – Truck of the Year (1988-1998)
Presented by LMC Truck
Talk about cutting it close—this build was finished Thursday night before the gates opened, and by the weekend, it had already claimed the crown as the 1988–1998 Truck of the Year at the Triple Crown of Rodding. Meet Big Papa, a 1995 Chevy single cab short bed that proves the OBS movement is here to stay—and it’s only getting wilder.
Built by Scott’s Hotrods for owner Brian Wojcik, this Chevy sits slammed to perfection thanks to a full Scott’s coilover chassis. With mandrel-bent frame rails, an 8-point round-tube X-member, tubular control arms, and RideTech adjustable coilovers, the stance is aggressive without sacrificing precision. Massive Wilwood brakes tuck behind Hot Rods by Boyd HR23 wheels (20×9 and 20×12) wrapped in Michelin rubber, while a custom 4-bar rear with Watt’s link keeps everything planted.
Power comes courtesy of an LS engine backed by a 4L70E, breathing through Scott’s stainless headers and Flowmaster exhaust, while cooling duties are handled by a Pro Performance radiator and Vintage Air system. Inside, custom Dakota Digital gauges, an EVOD steering wheel, and plenty of DEI sound deadening keep things tight and refined.
The finishing touch? A killer two-tone paint job—Toyota Amazon Green on top, Honda Green Tea on the bottom—set off with Ron Fleenor’s gold leaf and pinstriping. It’s bold, it’s clean, and it’s pure attitude.
From start to finish, Big Papa is the full Scott’s treatment—a modern OBS done right, blending high-end engineering with street-ready style. Wrapped up just in time, and already walking away with the big award, this Chevy shows that sometimes the best builds are the ones that cross the finish line in the nick of time.
