Cruising is what the Nats have become famous for; it’s about driving your hot rod on the Kentucky Expo grounds or around town.
Photography by THE AUTHOR
he NSRA Street Rod Nationals, held annually in Louisville, Kentucky, at the Kentucky Expo Center, is a premier event that brings together car enthusiasts nationwide to celebrate and showcase some of the finest vintage and custom cars on the road. The 2024 edition fulfilled its promise to be memorable, with 8,000-plus hot rods of all years and descriptions in attendance. An array of activities, exhibits, and special features captivated attendees and participants alike.
One of the highlights of the NSRA Street Rod Nationals is the opportunity for car owners to showcase their vehicles and compete in various categories for prestigious awards. From classic hot rods and custom builds to meticulously one-off hot rod builds, the show features various cars that cater to various tastes and preferences. The event is a mecca for gearheads, car aficionados, and collectors who appreciate the craftsmanship, creativity, and passion for building and maintaining these stunning automobiles.
In addition to the impressive lineup of cars on display, the NSRA Street Rod Nationals also feature a bustling vendor area where attendees can shop for parts, accessories, memorabilia, and other items related to the automotive industry. This includes the Builder’s Showcase, Pro’s Pick, New Products, and many other interesting topics for rodders to visit and take in. Whether you’re looking for rare parts for a restoration project or want to pick up some cool swag to show off your love of cars, the vendor area is a paradise for those who enjoy all things automotive.
During the NSRA Industry Awards function, a handful of notable recognitions were handed out. The 2024 Builder’s Showcase display, in its 19th year, with Tyler Nelson of Revision Street Rods, awarded the Elite Builder of the Year presented by Moser Engineering to the 1951 Henry J owned by Joe Faso. From here, CleanTools sponsored the Fit ’n’ Finish award (the first year) and presented it to Mark Schlegel for his 1932 Chevy coupe. For the NSRA Pro’s Pick, it was a combination of Classic Instruments and Alumicraft sponsoring this year’s award that was presented to Dennis Strobel for his 1950 Ford pickup (also taking home the Alumicraft Pro’s Pick award at the 2024 York event). The 2024 Manufacturer of the Year went to Eaton Detroit Spring; well deserved. The 2024 NSRA Individual of the Year was presented to a longtime favorite among builders and hot rodders: Alan Johnson of Johnson’s Hot Rod Shop; another well-deserving hot rodder and manufacturer within our industry.
Four notable awards were handed out in the world of new products, which is always a rodder’s favorite to visit and see what’s new. Bowler Performance Transmissions was honored in Group A for their 5/8-inch heater hose clip, Group B was Phoenix Machine for their 1954-1955 Truck Gauge Adaptor, and Group C was Vintage Air for their Gen5 1957 Chevy Evaporator Kit. This makes it six times Vintage Air has taken home top honors in the new products category.
Another popular feature of the NSRA Street Rod Nationals is meeting and interacting with fellow car enthusiasts, industry experts, and automotive celebrities. From autograph sessions and meet-and-greets to panel discussions and presentations, attendees have plenty of opportunities to engage with like-minded individuals who share their passion for cars and hot rods. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the hobby, the camaraderie and sense of community at the event will make you feel right at home.
For those looking for a more hands-on experience, the NSRA Street Rod Nationals also offers a variety of workshops, demonstrations, and seminars on topics ranging from car care and maintenance to customization and restoration techniques. Whether you’re interested in learning how to fine-tune your engine, upgrade your suspension, or paint your car like a pro, there’s something for everyone at the event. The knowledgeable presenters and instructors help you expand your skills and knowledge to get the most out of your car and enjoy it to the fullest.
Of course, no trip to the NSRA Street Rod Nationals would be complete without taking in the sights and sounds of the event itself. From the gleaming chrome of the cars on display to the roar of engines as they rev up for a show or race, the event is a feast for the senses that promises to leave a lasting impression on all who attend. The Kentucky Expo Center provides the perfect backdrop for the festivities, with its spacious indoor and outdoor venues that accommodate the large crowds and the impressive lineup of vehicles.
As the NSRA Street Rod Nationals in Louisville enters its 55th year, the event continues to evolve and attract new generations of car enthusiasts drawn to the timeless appeal of classic cars and the thrill of street rod culture. With its rich history, vibrant atmosphere, and focus on celebrating all things automotive, the event remains a must-visit destination for anyone with a passion for cars and a love of the open road.
From the Khrome Shoppe Special to the meticulously restored vintage Ridler winner on display, the 2024 NSRA Street Rod Nationals in Louisville delivered as a spectacle that celebrates the hot rod community’s diversity, creativity, and passion. As attendees come together to share stories, swap tips, and revel in the beauty of these stunning machines, the event serves as a reminder of the enduring appeal of classic cars and the enduring legacy of street rod culture. Whether you’re a seasoned car enthusiast or a casual observer, the NSRA Street Rod Nationals offers something for everyone to enjoy, appreciate, and celebrate in the heart of the Bluegrass State.
At the In the Garage Media booth, one could take home free magazines or purchase subscriptions to get a free T-shirt or ball cap. You could also see this year’s awards for the Triple Crown of Rodding, once again sponsored by ARP for the cars, LMC Truck for the trucks, and CPP for the Elite 10 and the Top 30.
The 1955 Chevy, big-block powered, belonging to Ed Avis, was on hand in the ITGM booth along with a cool Camaro and Chevelle for attendees to enjoy.
There is always more than one way to get around and see what’s happening. Here, this custom 1956 Corvette is making the rounds, and lots of video is being taken. There is plenty to look at later.
MeKenzie Murphy was on hand with her AMBR-competing 1932 Ford highboy roadster built at Alan Johnson’s Hot Rod Shop. You can’t miss that “pink” coming at you—look for a feature in Modern Rodding down the road.
The Khrome Shoppe Special (1984 Ridler winner, then belonging to Bob Reed and now belonging to Tony Pisano) was on hand and looking particularly sharp. It was also featured on the event program and other publicity materials for the 55th Annual NSRA Street Rod Nationals.
Ray Bonebrake of Fractured Rods and Restorations built this fine-looking 1937 Ford Business coupe for Jim and Cinda Shafer. The coupe is powered by an LS2 with Inglese stack injection and a 4L65E overdrive, all run on a Scott’s Hotrods chassis with Wilwood brakes.
This beautiful 1940 Chevy convertible was built by Patrick Heady of New Age Designs for Royce Horenkamp. The wire wheels work well on this hot rod style.
No stranger to building good-looking hot rods. Once again, Chad Adams of Adams Hot Rod Shop showed off his 1932 Ford highboy roadster.
Glenn M. See III built this muscular 1963 Ford Galaxie at The Garaj Mahal by Glenn for himself, John Forcum, and Jim Maddox. We are particularly fond of the two-four barrel equipped with a 390 that is now 445 inches—pure brute power.
We just don’t see enough T-buckets. Inspecting this 1923 Ford T packed with a tunnel ram equipped small-block Chevy was fun—lots of chrome, paint, and plenty of detail. Owner Dustin Cooper of Cooper’s Paint & Body built this hot rod for himself.
Another Pro’s Pick winner was this 1933 Ford three-window fenderless coupe.
Another Pro’s Pick selection was the 1937 Ford Woodie from Dave and Kathy Geiger of Bristol, TN. We believe it was once a Barry Lobeck build and was redone after a fire.
The 1941 Ford sedan is seldom seen, but this one is a beauty and took home honors at the Friday’s Pro’s Pick. It belongs to Peter and Donna McGrath of Texas.
There are old hot rods and old hot rodders, and when the two come together it is a beautiful thing. Here, Gerry Burger, an accomplished journalist, builder, and reasonably accomplished driver, was on hand with his latest effort, his 1936 Ford Phaeton. You’ve seen his tech stories on Modern Rodding pages during its build.
There are Corvairs, and then there are blown small-block Corvairs–Ralph Nadar would really have a fit if he hit the throttle on this beast.
You don’t see many 1935 Chevy fenderless coupes, but this one, channeled, was an interesting look that we found in the Pro’s Pick area. It belongs to Dale and Kathy Brown of Independence, MO.
We like small Falcons, and this one with a Roush eight-stack injection 347 small-block Ford has the proper V-8. Throw in Wilwood brakes, Billet Specialties wheels, Advanced Plating Brightwood, and Classic Instruments gauges and you have a hot rod.
This 1960 Chevy Bel Air, belonging to Mike Amn of Louisville, KY, is a homegrown favorite.
Tim Kinslow of Wanamaker, IN, was on hand with his 1961 Ford Falcon, which is powered by a twin-four-barrel small-block Ford.
Living in Nitro, WV, sure sounds cool, and should you run around town as Keith Diehl does with his “Arrest Me Red” 1955 Chevy, life is grand. An injected LS resides underhood.
This 1955 Chevy two-door wagon isn’t a Nomad, but it sure does look cool. It belongs to Ron Alford of Batavia, OH.
Another Pro’s Pick favorite is this LS-powered 1960 Corvette belonging to Carl Jones of Black Diamond, WA.
We don’t see many 1938 Buicks, especially those turned into mild customs, but here is “Duck’s” 425 Nailhead-powered purple beauty with wide whites. (We are guessing there’s a story in his name somewhere.)
The 1956 Ford Ranch Wagon, belonging to J.T. Bumgarner of Richfield, MN, was recently featured in Modern Rodding. He was on hand with his Coyote-powered, Art Morrison Enterprises chassis-equipped wagon built at Hot Rods by Dean.
Shoebox Fords are always popular, and this 1950 coupe gets the point across as to why they are; it is owned by Jeff Webb of Knoxville, TN.
This iconic-looking 1932 Ford highboy roadster with its DuVal-style windshield came from La Grange, KY, and belongs to Cornell and Cheryl Woosley.
Daryl McGough of Highland Home, AL, was on hand with another oddity (and that’s a good thing) in his 1969 AMC Rambler. It is LS1 powered with a 4L60 trans, A/C, power steering, airbags, and a leather interior; nicely done.
Ah, the ol’ high school days. If you had a 1967 Chevelle SS in maroon with a vinyl top, 396, and four-speed, you were the “Mac Daddy” of the parking lot. Dan and Carol Hornback of Elgin, IL, must be cool.
Every year, the Michigan Hot Rod Association and its Rod Repair Shop help rodders in need. Everyone who uses this service appreciates it. A big “thank you” for a job well done to the MHRA.