Modern Rodding EVENT
InTheGarageMedia.com
Mike Bilina’s battered and bruised ‘56 Chevy is one of several exhibition drag racing machines at the Tri-Five Nationals. Mike’s sky-high wheelstands and wild driving style make him a fan favorite. More than 2,500 cars poured into Beech Bend Raceway Park for the Danchuk Tri-Five Nationals.
Photography by THE AUTHORf you’ve been around the hobby for a while, you know what it was like when rod runs had energy. The type of energy that would motivate you to load up in a hot rod and head across country just so you could say you were there. That’s the kind of energy that radiates at the Danchuk Tri-Five Nationals. In its eighth rendition, the event drew more than 2,500 Tri-Five Chevys into Bowling Green, Kentucky, from every corner of the United States and some from abroad. The event takes place at the historic Beech Bend Raceway Park, a venue that offers lots of shade, a quarter-mile dragstrip, and plenty of room to continue growing.
The event is open to all ’55, ’56, and ’57 Chevrolet vehicles. Obviously, that includes all variations of the famous Bel Air, 210, and 150, but it also includes pickup trucks and Corvettes. While some folks might assume that the Tri-Five Nationals is repetitive in nature because of the narrow three-year focus, the variety of the cars in attendance is incredible. Gassers, restomods, pro touring cars, restored stockers, and so much more are on the grounds each day.
Thursday includes a full day of activities, including a celebration of American Tri-Five Association All Stars and Hall of Fame members. Then, a special bracket race is held on Thursday night under the lights. Friday kicks off with another full day of action, with a special judging area where cars are eligible for specialty awards and the coveted Top 25 award. Saturday’s action is intense with final drag racing eliminations, the Top 5 awards presentation, and the crowning of the Tri-Five of the Year. This year, it was Mike Taylor of Monroe, Georgia, taking top honors with his beautiful ’55 Chevy Cameo truck. The truck features an all-aluminum ZL1 427ci big-block Chevy engine and a showstopping Candy Apple paintjob.
The final order of business at the Danchuk Tri-Five Nationals is the drawing for the giveaway car. This year it was a ’56 Bel Air convertible, utilizing a brand-new Woody’s Hot Rodz body and chassis, and a host of sponsored components to create a great-looking custom Tri-Five that’s ready to hit the road. William Rodgers took the beautiful convertible home to Yonges Island, South Carolina.
Diehard Tri-Five enthusiasts already have plans to attend the 2024 event, and you should, too! For now, enjoy some of our highlights from the 2023 Danchuk Tri-Five Nationals.
Ralph Baldwin displayed this immaculate ’55 Chevy 210, which features trick metalwork that blends in perfectly with the factory lines. Ralph’s LS3-powered creation took home a Top 5 award.
Gary Brown always brings at least one Tri-Five to the party and this year’s entry is a bad-to-the-bone, black ’55 Chevy 210. The black steelies and dog dish caps provide the sleeper look, while a NASCAR SB2 hides underhood.
Two gassers that always put on a show are Boyd Howe’s “Red Baron” ’55 Chevy and Mike Bilina’s green ’56 Chevy. These wheelstanding Tri-Fives performed twice a day during the three-day event.
Mike Taylor took home the Tri-Five of the Year award with his stunning ’55 Chevy Cameo pickup truck. Forsaken Rod and Custom applied the beautiful paint, which draws you in for a closer look to see the ZL1 big-block 427.
Jeff and Charlotte Hefler’s “Super Fly” ’55 Chevy 210 effortlessly carried the front wheels 100 feet down track, much to the satisfaction of thousands of fans in the covered grandstands. 
Check out this wild survivor from the ’60s. It’s a ’55 Chevy sedan delivery that has a chopped top, major engine setback, and a straight front axle. Thomas Sutton brought the old drag car out of hibernation and displayed it in the swap meet.
Gassers are hot at the Danchuk Tri-Five Nationals. Whether you’re cruising through the car show area, swap meet, or drag racing pits, you’ll find gassers of every variety.
The Tri-Five Nationals has a variety of drag cars on hand, including a great turnout of cars for Junior Stock Eliminator. This ’57 Bel Air is a historic car called “Chambers Chomper” and has deep drag racing roots, going back to the ’60s.
Jason Knobeloch brought his homebuilt ’56 Bel Air two-door post and was chosen as a 2023 All Star winner. His ’56 features an LS6 for power, slick body modifications, and a beautiful Lazer Blue and Pewter paintjob.
We love the stance of Curt Thomas’ two-tone ’56 Chevy 210. The car sits on American Racing 200S wheels with 285/70R15 tires tucked under the back. Diamond-stitched upholstery gives it an old-school look.
With every available piece of stainless steel or chrome-plated trim, this ’55 Bel Air is the epitome of ’50s styling, but it has been updated with a 383 stroker, Wilwood brakes, and Schott wheels.
The vendor midway was packed with all the big names in Tri-Five parts, including CPP. In 2024, the official name of the event will be the Tri-Five Nationals presented by CPP, as Danchuk steps down from title sponsorship.
William Rodgers waves to the crowd as he drives away in his new ’56 Bel Air convertible. This Woody’s Hot Rodz giveaway car is fresh, from top to bottom, with a new body, frame, and crate engine.
Rick Talbot of Ridgeway, VA, brought out this ’56 Bel Air, which features LT1 power, backed by an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rick built a custom chassis to nail the stance and finished it off with Billet Specialties rollers.
Check out this old-school ’55 Bel Air convertible custom that was for sale in the swap meet. It has all the tricks, including split bumpers, stacked headlights, and shaved handles.
Mike Goldman Customs knocked this build out of the park with an Art Morrison chassis, a Woody’s Hot Rodz body, and LT5 engine. Doug Scott took home Top 5 honors with this high-end ’55 Bel Air.
Thursday night’s bracket race featured 44 awesome Tri-Fives. No matter the configuration of the car, the Thursday night drags added a fun element to the Tri-Five Nationals.