A new Chevy Silverado pickup valued at $70,000, supplied by Dave Kirk Chevrolet, is the grand prize at the 2026 Triple Crown of Rodding event.

The excitement is building as the well-known 2026 Triple Crown of Rodding Presented by Summit Racing Products announces its highly anticipated return to Nashville Superspeedway, scheduled for September 11-12. Back again is Automotive Racing Products (ARP) as the Presenting Sponsor of the awards for the cars, as well as sponsoring the vintage dragster exhibit and cacklefest; LMC Truck is the Presenting Sponsor of the truck awards; and Classic Performance Products (CPP) is the Presenting Sponsor for the Top 30 and the Elite 10. Once again, the very popular Builder’s Picks, where the trophies are made and presented by some of the most respected industry builders. They are always a hit because of their unique, creative designs.

With over 200 exhibitors confirmed and more than 1,500 pre-registered participants, the excitement around this iconic event is already evident. Over 2,000 hotel rooms have been booked, demonstrating the dedication of the rodding community as we gear up for this spectacular showcase—six months before the main event. Triple Crown of Rodding LLC (comprising Bobby Alloway and Gary Case) is confident that this edition will uphold the tradition of excellence that has characterized the Triple Crown of Rodding in previous years.

One of the most highly anticipated features of the event is the coveted Chevrolet Silverado Giveaway truck. Designed by the renowned Eric Brockmeyer and expertly hot-rodded by Alloway’s Hot Rod Shop, this unique truck showcases an ultimate “slammed” profile. Highlights include a custom billet grille by Alumicraft Street Rod Grilles, 22-inch Billet Specialties Bonneville wheels wrapped in distinctive Diamond Back Tires with a bold orange stripe. The truck also features a Pro’s Pick custom aluminum tonneau cover and an acculturated two-tone paintjob, sprayed on at Alloway’s, is sure to turn heads wherever it goes.

To ensure maximum performance, the giveaway truck features a 4- to 6-inch lowering suspension kit and premium Belltech shocks, offering both eye-catching appearance and a smoother ride. Additionally, participants will have a chance to win a powerful LS3 BluePrint engine, just like last year’s high-performance engine, making this year’s giveaway more exciting than ever.

All registered event participants will automatically be entered for a chance to win great prizes, including a Chevy Silverado from Dave Kirk Chevrolet valued at $70,000, and an LS3 engine from BluePrint worth over $10,000. The winners will be announced on Saturday, September 12, and they must be present to claim their prizes. Speedway Children’s Charities will receive the proceeds of the 50/50 Drawing, with one lucky ticket holder taking home the “other” half.

Mark your calendars and reserve your spot for an unforgettable weekend of cars, camaraderie, and celebration of the hot rodding community at the 2026 Triple Crown of Rodding.

For more information and to register for the event, please visit triplecrownofrodding.com.

Another one of the monster giveaway prizes is the LS Compatible complete, ready-to-run V-8 from BluePrint Engines. Make sure to be there, and if you win, be ready to take home this amazing prize.

Westech Performance, the well-known tuning and dynamometer testing facility recognized throughout the automotive performance industry, will continue its operations under new ownership by Evan Perkins. A former Hot Rod magazine editor, Perkins has a broad background in editorial work, marketing, and manufacturing, along with a lifelong passion for performance engines. (Editor’s note: Perkins is being modest, but he developed all those journalistic skills while working on Super Chevy and many other projects with In The Garage Media and its three brands. —B.B.)

“Westech is a truly special place, and when the opportunity to keep it going presented itself, I knew what I had to do,” Perkins said. “I’ve been a Westech customer for 13 years and have learned so much from Steve Brulé, Eric Rhee, Ishmael Candia, and Troy Goldie. I’m also deeply grateful to the previous owner, Rick Stoner, for giving me the chance to carry the business into its next chapter.”

Westech Performance offers professional engine and chassis dynamometer testing and tuning services to the public, engine builders, and aftermarket manufacturers aiming to test, validate, and improve performance components. Under Perkins’ leadership, the shop will keep its industry-leading technical skills while increasing its media presence through high-quality video and written content. This enhanced capability strengthens Westech’s long-standing relationships with top automotive and performance media outlets.

Perkins’ vision for Westech focuses on maintaining its trusted reputation while adapting the business to better serve modern enthusiasts, builders, and manufacturers.

For more information, contact Westech Performance at westechperformance.com or (951) 685-4767.

You will always notice that “ear to ear” smile as it’s Perkins’ trademark — and also his understanding of how to squeeze that last bit of horsepower out of “your” powerplant.

Good friends, from left to right: Charley Hutton of Charley Hutton’s Color Studio, Harold Clay, and Travis Sylvester of Sylvester’s Customs.

Harold’s Hot Rod Shop traces its roots back to 1979 when Harold Clay opened Clay’s Collision Center in Enid, Oklahoma.

In 2014, Clay’s Collision Center celebrated its 35th year in business as the largest and busiest body shop in town, with Harold adding 5,000 square feet to the collision center’s 20,000-square-foot footprint. Harold opened the doors to the 5,000-square-foot addition as a hobby shop for building personal projects, naming it Harold’s Hot Rod Shop. Harold’s Collision Shop earned a strong reputation for producing quality work, but it was still a surprise when owners and restorers of rare, exotic, and classic cars began flocking to Harold’s Hot Rod Shop to commission work. 

Complete builds or vehicles with the fit and finish by Harold’s Hot Rod Shop have garnered First Place wins at GNRS, Pebble Beach, Hilton Head, Amelia Island, Goodguys, and the San Marino Motoring Classic. In 2024, long overdue, Clay’s Collision Center needed to expand and absorbed the 5,000 square feet and Harold bought a large property adjacent to the collision center and constructed a new 7,500-square-foot, state-of-the-art shop.

In June of 2025, Harold invited industry friends and valued clients from around the country to join him in celebrating the new digs with a spectacular open-house barbecue. Currently, Harold’s Hot Rod Shop is completing builds and, in the near future, will focus solely on providing fit and finish for professional builders and private clients alike. 

For more information, contact Harold’s Hot Rod Shop at haroldshotrodshop.net or (580) 548-3033.