Support the New, Cherish the Old!
H aving been editor of StreetScene for the past 17 years, I’ve always been impressed with the effort that goes on behind the scenes of each event to make sure the basics are taken care of, as well as including some new activities. I’ve witnessed Builders’ Showcase at the Street Rod Nationals grow from a small gather- ing only three years old to a ‘mini-show-within-a- show’ at the premier Street Rod Nationals. This prestigious gathering of top builders from across the nation vote amongst themselves who should win their “America’s Elite Builder of the Year” award with Moser Engineering sponsorship. With the given popularity of trucks this past decade NSRA decided to launch their new “Top Truck” awards in 2026. Billet Specialties is an eager sponsor, recognizing the impact this latest truck trend has had on our aftermarket. At every National Street Rod Association Divisional event, two standout trucks will earn this exclusive, machined billet-aluminum Top Truck award. Billet Specialties didn’t stop the CNC cutters with just Divisional trophies either, they will also be award- ing four elite Top Truck awards at this year’s 57th Street Rod Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky, coming up August 6-9. These four trucks will be chosen to advance to the prestigious Circle of Winners display area on Sunday where the ‘Best of the Best’ take center stage. We think the judges will be over- whelmed by the sheer number of cool trucks in attendance. If things keep going the way they are, we may see an annual Truck Showcase! If you think your truck has what it takes this is your moment to come out and cruise the streets of NSRA events. Another signature trait of NSRA that impresses me is the effort that goes on behind the scenes to offer free benefits to membership. Setting the stan- dard is the free Michigan Hot Rod Association’s Rod Repair Shop, but possibly on a higher level of ben- efit are the free Safety Inspections at every event. These inspections may prevent a trip to the Rod Repair Shop in the first place but regardless, it’s a first-class, industry-recognized program designed to be performed annually. The Safety Program loosely started in 1972 but officially became the NSRA Safety Inspection Program in October 1975 with Walker Radiator as the sole sponsor. Added to the list of new for 2026 is anybody who brings their vehicle through the Safety Inspection Lanes and allows the NSRA Safety Team to inspect their vehi-
cle will receive a ticket to enter the NSRA Super Prize Drawing once the vehi- cle has gone through the Safety Lanes. Vehicles must come through the Safety
Lanes to receive a ticket, but DO NOT have to pass the inspection to enter the Super Prize Drawing that takes place Saturday at 3pm. The winner will be contacted by phone, and the Super Prize can be picked up at Nick Donovan’s “Rockin’ Road Show” broadcast trailer. If the winner does not claim the prize before the Awards Program, their number will be called again during the Awards Ceremony. If still unclaimed, the prize will be returned to the drawing and awarded to another participant who is present. This new “Safety Drawing” has been established to reinforce the importance of vehicle safety and increase aware- ness of the complementary inspection service pro- vided to members. This is just one more reason to make sure you bring your vehicle through the Safety Lanes during the event weekend. Remember, inspections are a FREE service provided by the NSRA Safety Team. Not all, but many of these extra activities have been tested at the Street Rod Nationals before they catch on at Divisional events. Some are limit- ed for space, like Autocross, but case in point is the Builders’ Showcase. A spinoff has been held at the Nationals East for the past four years thanks to Custom Auto Mall and this year at the Western Nationals the 1st Annual West Coast Builders Showcase was held thanks to Old School Speed Shop. Considering 57 years’ experience hosting out- door car shows, it would fill volumes listing every special gathering and/or activity NSRA has hosted over the years for its members attending their events. We hope you’ll convince your friends to join in on the fun “NSRA STYLE.”
Tom Vogele tomvogele@verizon.net
8 JUNE 2026
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