Destined Bel Air
March 15, 2024
THE AUTO BUILDER
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NOPI Nationals 2025: A Legendary Comeback
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.
Trick Truck Suspension
Free Jaguar? Don Shirer couldn’t resist the tempting offer, even if it meant just for the prized suspension lurking beneath. This XJ6 boasted the coveted independent rear suspension and A-frame front, perfect for his vision of a smoother-riding ’55 Chevy pickup. Follow along as Shirer masterfully tackles the swap, using readily available tools and his own ingenuity to bridge the gap between classic and modern.
THE RIDLER LOVE AFFAIR
It’s been said that in a perfect world creativity would flourish without criticism. Most attempts to reach a certain artistic understanding are generally met by some degree of judgment, and sometimes offhanded ridicule. Call it a misunderstanding, envy even, but the bottom line comes down to outrageous personal expression, whether some understand the need for it or not.
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The Heart of GNRS 2026: Highlights from the ARP Booth
Celebrating Legacy, Innovation, and Hot Rod Craftsmanship
At GNRS 2026, the ARP Booth was a centerpiece of precision, passion, and performance. Automotive Racing Products (ARP Fasteners) has long been a cornerstone of the Grand National Roadster Show, sponsoring iconic awards like the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) Award and the Al Slonaker Memorial Award. Each award offers $12,500 in prize money, and during the show, the Al Slonaker Memorial Trophy is proudly displayed at the ARP Booth, symbolizing ARP’s commitment to hot rod craftsmanship, innovation, and community.
Author
The Auto Builder Staff
Photography by Scott Killeen
ARP: Craftsmanship, Legacy, and Community
Throughout the weekend, the ARP Booth became a hub for builders, racers, and enthusiasts alike. Conversations happened shoulder to shoulder. Old friends reconnected. New projects were dissected in detail. From a moving tribute to Chris Raschke to the presence of the Horan Racing Funny Car and the Martin Indy Special, the booth showcased the intersection of engineering discipline and creative vision. Decades of steady support have positioned ARP as more than a sponsor—it’s part of the foundation that keeps this culture moving forward.
Honoring Chris Raschke: A Life in the Fast Lane
This year’s display carried added meaning as ARP honored Chris Raschke, longtime Director of Sales and Marketing. Joining ARP in 1996, Chris spent nearly three decades representing the brand with unmatched knowledge of high-performance fasteners and a genuine passion for the industry. He mentored builders, supported racers, and helped shape conversations that influenced the global hot rod community.
Chris was also a driving force behind The Auto Builder’s Fab’d Four of Auto Shows coverage, helping us deliver comprehensive, high-energy reporting from the nation’s top events. His generosity and insight elevated our storytelling and strengthened connections throughout the industry. His passing in 2025 left a deep void, and the tribute at GNRS reflected the respect and admiration he earned over a lifetime in the sport.
Tribute on Wheels: The Horan Racing Funny Car
Displayed proudly in the ARP Booth, the Horan Racing Funny Car paid tribute to Chris while competing in the #NHRA Heritage Series at the California Hot Rod Reunion. Built on a McKinney chassis, the car represents the kind of precise engineering and relentless performance Chris championed. Ryan and Dan Horan’s tribute ensures his influence continues to echo through tire smoke, throttle hits, and quarter-mile passes.
Modern Engineering Meets Classic Inspiration: The Martin Indy Special
Also featured was the Martin Indy Special, a contemporary roadster inspired by the legendary Miller and Kurtis Indy 500 cars of the 1940s and ’50s. At its heart is the last 1966 Drake Engineering “Offenhauser” engine—a 168ci supercharged DOHC powerhouse producing 525 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. Beneath its vintage silhouette lies a 106-inch wheelbase chromoly tube frame, double A-arm suspension, and race-developed components engineered for modern performance.
From hand sketches to 3D modeling and finite element analysis, the Martin Indy Special bridges eras seamlessly—proof that tradition and innovation can coexist when executed with intent and precision.
Holding It All Together
The ARP Booth at GNRS 2026 wasn’t simply a showcase of parts or projects—it was a statement. A reminder that behind every award-winning roadster and championship-caliber race car is a network of support, partnership, and shared commitment.
From honoring Chris Raschke’s enduring legacy to celebrating machines like the Horan Racing Funny Car and the Martin Indy Special, ARP demonstrated what it has stood for from the beginning: integrity, engineering excellence, and steadfast support of the automotive aftermarket.
In a building packed with polished aluminum and big horsepower, ARP proved that sometimes the most important component isn’t what draws the eye—it’s what holds everything together.
Chris Raschke Legacy Scholarship
Chris Raschke lived and breathed the automotive world, leaving a mark on everyone who knew him. To honor his legacy, SEMA is establishing the Chris Raschke Legacy Scholarship, supporting students chasing their dreams in the automotive aftermarket. This scholarship ensures Chris’ passion, mentorship, and love for the industry continue to ignite the next generation of innovators and leaders.
Keep Chris’ spirit alive—donate to the scholarship. CLICK HERE to learn more and to contribute.
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