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CONTENTS
Volume 56 Number 7
July 2026
DEPARTMENTS
Curbside
NSRA Open Positions
8
90 92 94 96
Thy Rod
Write Of Way Street Sweeper NSRA Autocross
10 14 16 18 20 86 88
Safety First
New Products 104 Coming Events 112 Where Were You In..? 114 Ad Index
Book Review
Car Art
29 Below Street Sale
NATIONALS NEWS
24 STREET ROD NATIONALS — Louisville, KY
48
NORTHEAST — Burlington, VT
46
50 NORTH
QUAD CITIES — Davenport, IA
— Kalamazoo, MI
On The Cover Rob Iulo’s sinister ’32 Ford sedan uses supercharged Chevy 350 power with uniquely mounted Webers, a Franklin quickchange, and a heavily chopped top to strike fear in anything it stalks.
6 JULY 2026
magazine
Editorial Director/Editor Tom Vogele tomvogele@verizon.net Photo Editor Louie Mayall hotrodlouie@yahoo.com Art Director
FEATURES
Car Feature — Amalgamated Firebird 52 51st Street Rod Nationals South — The South is Back 58 Car Feature — Woody Wood Packard 82
Raymond Salcedo hairfarm@earthlink.net Managing Editor Paul Sloup streetscenepaul@gmail.com Associate Editor Debra Starbird Vogele debravogele@verizon.net Contributors & Correspondents Kevin Webb, Roger Barnhill, Steve Tiebout STREETSCENE Editorial Offices 11290 Showdown Lane Moreno Valley, CA 92557 Phone: 901-301-8698 Member Services NSRA Headquarters, 4030 Park Ave.,
Table of Contents Photo The Southern Brushslingers are a group of pinstripers who feel blessed with talent and are happy to do what they love with nothing in return for their time, expenses or talent. All monies raised go directly to charities and at the Nationals South it appears there was a Rat Fink fan amongst them.
Memphis, TN 38111 Phone: 901-452-4030 www.nsra-usa.com
Director of Advertising & Sales Bob Reynolds 2365 Royal Oaks Dr. Alamo, CA 94507 Phone: 925-855-1808 nsrabob@yahoo.com Sales Manager Tom Vollbrecht, Jr. 10546 253rd St. Chisago City, MN 55013 Phone: 651-213-3183 tvollbrecht@nsra-usa.com Director of Marketing Craig Meads 2305 East Cardinal St. Springfield, MO 65804-6756
Phone: 417-827-0099 cmeads@nsra-usa.com
STREETSCENE (USPS #998-360) is pub- lished monthly for 40.00 per year by the National Street Rod Association, 4030 Park Avenue, Memphis, TN 38111, phone 901- 452-4030. Periodical Class Postage paid at Memphis, Tennessee and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Please send form 3579 to STREETSCENE/NSRA, 4030 Park Avenue, Memphis, TN 38111. CHANGE OF ADDRESS...Notify: NSRA Headquarters, 4030 Park Ave., Memphis, TN 38111 (phone: 901-452-4030). Nothing in whole or in part may be repro- duced without written permission of the publisher. Publisher assumes no responsi- bility for unsolicited material. ALL pub- lished photographs will not be returned and become the property of the National Street Rod Association.
JULY 2026 7
Look It Up!
I vividly remember how important my “Thomas Guide” map books became in my life after moving to Orange, California, in 1980 to
palm of our hands simply serves up directions to our favorite food, even in unfamiliar places. Many of today’s rodders are long dis- tance cruisers so visit- ing new towns is nothing new and knowing rodders of
work for Street Rodder magazine. The job had me running all over Los Angeles and Orange counties with only the name and address of my destination to gather story material. Before heading out it became my procedure to plot the
every genre appreciate good food, the NSRA creat- ed a group of six “Preferred Restaurants” in the local area surrounding the Kentucky Exposition Center for your stay during the 57th NSRA Street Rod Nationals roaring into Louisville, Kentucky, August 6-9. Locally these six restaurants have great
course and if it was interrupted by road construc- tion, accidents or driver error by making a wrong turn, I would find myself sitting in a parking lot studying my ‘Guide’ trying to figure out my exact
location. Lawmakers think cell phone use while driving is dan- gerous (illegal?), they should have seen me trying to flip from page-to-
ratings and since ‘the world is open’ all you need do is put their name in your Map App and follow the instructions! Every year locals look forward to this
page through a 500-page distraction while steering with one knee and flipping the pages with both hands. By today’s standards, carrying that tattered 500-page block of wood around
four-day event, not only because it brings seven million dollars to the total economy, but also for the street rods, customs, classics and muscle cars, whose value easily exceeds $300 million dollars, visiting hotels and motels, gas stations, restaurants and most of all, cruising the streets of their city.
seems archaic, but my memory says it’s only been 50 years! It became my lifeline in the concrete jungle in which I was living out my dream.
This combination of high-value vehicles and large attendance makes the NSRA Street Rod Nationals a major driver of tourism and revenue for the city of Louisville. This is all coming from a 76-year-old rod-
While we’re on the subject, I understand why lawmakers think cell phone use is so dangerous while driving, but curious why they’ve basically allowed car manufacturers to install computer screens in the ‘middle’ of the dash and that’s okay. Many essential controls now force you to take your eyes off the road to focus on the screen! As active street rodders traveling to cities and towns across the USA more often than the average traveler, the ability to simply speak into a micro- phone, type into a keypad, or open an App on our cell phone has eliminated the need for maps alto- gether and has even prevented a lot of frustration and arguments. Instead, the technology in the
der, who at one time, ‘look it up’ meant 500 pages of gridlines and tiny type to find my way around Los Angeles. Today, “Alexa” and “Siri” have become familiar voices around my house and in my cars guiding me around the world.
Tom Vogele tomvogele@verizon.net
8 JULY 2026
JULY 2026 9
The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the National Street Rod Association and/or StreetScene Magazine. To appear in StreetScene, Death Notices must arrive within 30 days of decedent’s death (no exceptions). Mail items to: StreetScene Editorial Offices, c/o Write of Way, 11290 Showdown Lane, Moreno Valley, CA 92557 or e-mail to tomvogele@verizon.net.
Don’t Let the Camel’s Nose Get Under the Tent Tom,
them. The proposed legislation did not get far, but in many ways the attention it did attract shows how lit- tle some in the legislature really know, or care, about the collector car environment in Minnesota. Being a member of a number of national automo- tive associations there were concerns being raised across the country by groups like the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA), the Oldsmobile Club of America (OCA), and the Veteran Motor Car Club of America (VMCCA), and others that were con- cerned this legislation could sweep across the nation and limit our ability to have antique car tours, nation- al events, Cars and Coffee type gatherings and many other ways we enjoy our cars. There are people who take advantage of these classifications and utilize them on their “daily drivers,” however those are few and far between when you consider the required age of the vehicles that classify for these license plates. You also need to have a daily driver that is licensed and insured to qualify for these classifications.
As I sit down to write this letter, May is already here and as I look back on the Gopher State Timing Association (GSTA) Show this past month, it provided an opportunity to meet up with a lot of Minnesota Street Rod Association (MSRA) members and catch up on what they have been up to. All are looking for- ward to this coming summer, and everyone is looking forward to MSRA’s “Back to the 50’s” weekend, but less optimistic were a lot of comments that followed the line; “the car is in the shop getting XY or Z done and I’m hoping it will be done in time for the show.” Another big discussion that kept popping up was concern about legislation proposed in Minnesota which potentially shines a spotlight on issues sur- rounding any number of special licensing categories that most Minnesota car enthusiasts use, such as Street Rod, Pioneer, Collector, and Classic among
Street Rod Evangelists Staff,
Collector vehicles, like our street rods, need to be driven on a regular basis to keep them in top condition. The number of miles most are driven in a year usually don’t come close to what someone’s everyday car is driven…even for those who do ven- ture cross country to large shows like the NSRA National events. We need to continue to be vigi- lant in watching not only in Minnesota, but across every state, that the camel doesn’t get its nose under the tent. What may seem like government “cleaning up” some statutes can become a much more focused effort to change our ability to enjoy our old cars and gather with like-minded friends while doing so. Wally Burchill NSRA Minnesota State Representative Wally, Your concerns parallel Early Times Custom Car Club member Jerry Jones whose letter we ran last month outlining his 16-year struggle in Ohio to get Historic Replica titles and license plates for vehicles built from parts. Although restrictive, following the DMV’s guidelines that govern antique vehicles seems a reasonable alternative to what could be. This topic is just one of many hurdles that need jumping before the race is finished. You’ve got to recognize the hard work and dedication to those who finish in the cruisin’ lanes.—ED
What a great idea publishing the article “Street Rod Evangelists” that was in my recent issue! Whether you refer to street rodding as an interest, a hobby, a lifestyle, or a passion, none of it would exist as we know it without a dedicated legion of volun- teers keeping the wheels turning. How about featur- ing a couple of them in every issue? The recognition is more than well-deserved so thank you one and all. Jeff Peirce Indianapolis, Indiana Jeff , When it comes to supporting our younger members with 29 Below or our State and Safety Representatives, we have quite a track record the last few months. In the February and March issues we published our salute to 29 Below participants with 12 pages spotlighting 33 young rodders. This was followed up in April with an expanded car feature on National Safety Director Roger Barnhill’s ’40 Ford sedan along with 10 spotlights on NSRA State Safety Directors. In May we featured NSRA National Field Director Charlie Bryson’s ’47 Chevy pickup and 20 spotlights on NSRA State Representatives. We plan to carry on this coverage of our volunteers in the off- season coming 2027, but for now we have thousands of cool cars coming your way.—ED
51st Annual Street Rod Nationals South Shop Tour
By Charlie Hamilton NSRA East Tennessee State Representative
R odders surrounding the Appalachian mountain range were delighted when the NSRA Street Rod Nationals South was revived after celebrat- ing its 50th Anniversary in 2024, especially when Johnson City, Tennessee, was chosen for the 51st Annual event. The entire area is surrounded with active rodders and homebuilders along with dozens of professional shops making this area a hotbed of rodding activity. On Thursday, the day before the event, a series of Shop Tours was organized by East Tennessee State Representative Charlie Hamilton and it proved to be a tremendous success, drawing more than 50 street rodders and automotive enthusiasts for a full day of cruising, fellowship, and behind-the- scenes access to some of East Tennessee’s premier hot rod and restoration facilities. Participants depart- ed from the Host Hotel early Thursday morning and began the scenic journey through the foothills of east Tennessee to the first stop, East Tennessee Chrome Plating in Elizabethton, Tennessee. The staff graciously opened their facility and provided an in- depth look at each stage of the chrome plating process, giving attendees a rare opportunity to see the craftsmanship and detail involved in restoring and refinishing automotive trim and components.
completed builds, high-end restorations, and current projects in progress. Attendees enjoyed the opportu- nity to speak directly with the builders and see first- hand the level of craftsmanship that goes into each custom vehicle.
The tour then continued south on Highway 11E into historic Greeneville, Tennessee, home of the 17th President of the United States, Andrew Johnson. The final featured stop was Lilly-Jack Custom Coachworks, where Reed Lane and his team opened their doors to the group with true Southern hospitality. Participants explored a shop filled with custom builds, ongoing projects, vintage signs, gas and oil memorabilia, and automotive nostalgia that perfectly reflected the spirit of hot rodding and clas- sic car culture.
From Elizabethton, the tour continued south through Johnson City and along historic Highway 11E, passing through Jonesborough, Tennessee’s oldest town, known for its rich history and small- town charm. The second featured stop was Kyker Rod and Custom in Telford, Tennessee. The Kyker team welcomed participants with refreshments and hospitality while showcasing an impressive lineup of
14 JULY 2026
As a special bonus stop, the tour also visited the City Garage Car Museum in downtown Greeneville. Owner Kent Bewley welcomed the group into his incredible collection featuring both domestic and foreign automobiles ranging from the brass era to modern performance and luxury vehicles. The museum provided attendees with a memorable walk through automotive history and served as a highlight of the day for many participants.
Following the museum visit, the group departed Greeneville and enjoyed a relaxing scenic drive through the beautiful Tennessee coun- tryside and mountain byways before returning to the Host Hotel. The tour was filled with great cars, outstanding shops, new friendships, and appreciation for the craftsmanship that keeps the street rod hobby thriving. I want to personally thank each shop for allowing us to visit and to everyone who attended the tour. By the end of the day, partici- pants agreed the NSRA Street Rod Nationals South Shop Tour was a tremendous experience, and excitement is already building for next year’s event to be held May 7-8, 2027. Be sure to come in a day early and take in another great tour of the area’s builders and preservers.
JULY 2026 15
NSRA Autocross 2026 Autocross Action in the Ozark Empire
By Kevin Webb NSRA Autocross Director autocross@nsra-usa.com
T he National Street Rod Association was excit- ed to host another weekend of autocross excitement at the Mid-America Street Rod Nationals, May 22-24, in Springfield, Missouri. The first stop on the 2026 NSRA Autocross season did not disappoint, starting with great weather all weekend making it the perfect way to spend time at the track. Fast and loud cars and trucks were the main attraction, but we’re seeing a definite rise in first-time drivers wanting to challenge those cones. Aside from the fun and excitement autocross brings to NSRA events, it’s the safety aspects of both the cars’ and drivers’ responses, along with performance handling that’s attracting much after- market interest. American Autowire, manufacturer of high-quality vehicle wiring harnesses and acces- sories and Bowler Performance Transmissions, manufacturer of high-performance transmissions and driveline components, were two early spon- sors of NSRA Autocross. Gateway Classic Cars, top seller of classic vehicles with 16 locations since 1999, and Sanderson Headers, with over 60 years of experience producing high quality exhaust headers and system components, have joined Simpson Racing Products and RaceQuip, both pro- viding high quality track safety products. Their donation of loaner helmets meant every person who wanted to try our NSRA Autocross program for the first time could do so safely. Most importantly, thanks to everyone at AutoXperts Promotions who provided the track layout, timing and all the ride-alongs in their very fast fleet of race cars. They helped new and expe-
rienced drivers improve their lap times and provid- ed live lap times throughout the event.
When the engines were shut down the Class Winners included: Late-Model (1997 and newer) William Lumpkin in his 2024 Subaru WRK TR. William was able to perfect his driving line with over 50 runs at the event. The “Early” class (1908- 1963) was won by Jon Busbe in a ‘63 Chevrolet Biscayne owned by his grandfather, Ron Busbea. His team included Megan Busbea, overall Operations Manager, and 4-year-old Kohen as Crew Chief. “Mid-Year” class (1964-1996) was won by Scott Stuewe and the ‘94 Corvette he co-owns with his wife Sarah. Womens class (1908-1996) was won by two- time champion Janetta Slayton in her 2017 Chevrolet Corvette. Her crew chief, ‘heyboy,’ and Husband of the Year is Jamie Slayton. Truck class (1917-1996) was won by Jackson Dale in his ‘70 GMC short-bed pickup, with support from Crew Chief Hanna Dale, and as anyone with a young child knows, Family Manager McClain (11 months).
A very special guest was the Springfield Police Department. Officers Chaney and Torres stopped by to do some demonstration runs on the track and apprehend Rod Schoch and Lyle Hartsock for excessive speed. Consensus was, don’t try to outrun these two officers—they are very fast!
16 JULY 2026
The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the National Street Rod Association and/or StreetScene Magazine.
Ford Toploader Transmissions How to Rebuild 1964-1973 By John Carollo
L earn to rebuild and modify the Ford Toploader four- speed transmission, which shifted millions of Ford per- formance cars. Ford muscle cars of the ‘60s helped the Toploader transmission quickly gain a reputation as the best of Detroit’s new four-speeds. Introduced in 1964, this trans- mission was an immediate upgrade over prior models, and it paired well with Ford engines, such as the 289, 302, 351 (Windsor and Cleveland), 390, 427, 428, and 429 (Cobra Jet and Boss). The Toploader manual transmission was used in cars from Cobras to Galaxies and was mandatory equipment in the Boss cars. The simplicity of the Toploader transmission lends to an easy understanding of its operating procedure within its effective design. Even though the transmission was phased out toward the end of the muscle- car era (1973), the Toploader is still alive and well today, shifting race cars and performance cars with speed and ease. This book features step-by- step procedures in an easy-to-fol- low format by award-winning motorsports author John Carollo. It shows the intricacies of how Toploaders work, aiding in their repair and offering a full rebuild blueprint. Upgrading a Toploader is also covered using today’s modern parts to keep this versatile transmission rele- vant. Learn what to look for
with Toploader parts, where and how they fit, and how they operate together via hundreds of informative color images. The Toploader shifted leg- endary cars, such as the Fairlane 427, Boss 302 Cougar, and the Mach 1 Super Cobra Jet. Whether you want to rebuild a Toploader yourself or want to learn about the process and hire a professional, this expertly writ- ten book guides you through the process. The 8 1/2-inch x 11- inch, 144-page softbound book features 275 color photos. Title: Ford Toploader Transmissions How to Rebuild 1964-1973 Available From: CarTech 800-551- 4754 or cartechbooks.com Price Range: $30. 00 plus S&H
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57 th Annual NSRA Street Rod Nationals AUGUST 6-9, 2026 KENTUCKY EXPOSITION CENTER LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY
What’s To Do In We invite you back to Bourbon City!
L ouisville is looking forward to welcoming our street rod friends back for one of the city’s favorite annual summer traditions. The city is proud to be the host of the 57th NSRA Street Rod Nationals. There’s no shortage of reasons to gear up for the Street Rod Nationals, especially in a city that continues to rack up national attention. Louisville is coming off a banner year in 2025, with new attrac- tions and continued recognition as a must-visit desti- nation. National travel outlets including TripAdvisor and Airbnb spotlight Louisville as a top “U.S. trend- ing destination,” while the city’s vibrant food and bourbon scenes continue to earn rave reviews. Louisville stands out as an affordable and accessible destination, earning spots as one of the “Cities That Offer Incredible Food Scenes Without High Costs” and “Most Accessible Cities in the US.” Louisville’s walkable neighborhoods, free attractions like the award-winning Big Four Pedestrian Bridge and diverse festival calendar are great options to enjoy Louisville’s experiences on any budget.
The city’s creative energy extends to NuLu, which was named one of the “10 Best Arts Districts in the U.S.” and remains a hub for award-winning restau- rants, galleries, and new dining concepts. Add in Louisville’s standing as home to North America’s Leading Bourbon Distillery Tour and a growing line- up of nationally recognized bars, distilleries and tast- ing experiences, and it’s easy to see why Bourbon City continues to attract attention from leading travel and lifestyle outlets. There are many local businesses that lend their support to the Street Rod Nationals, including Derby City Gaming Downtown, Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay, the Louisville Bats and Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, Shoppes of the Bluegrass, Bullitt County and Southern Indiana. We know they appreciate you visiting them while you’re in town. Kids will love spending a day at Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay, located right on the grounds of the Kentucky Exposition Center. Spend some time in art and nature at the new Speed Art Museum Elizabeth P. and Frederick K. Cressman Art Park, a three-acre landscape surround- ing the museum that transformed its outdoor space, adding a sculpture garden and 150 trees. One of the biggest hits for kids is the new PlayPort at Waterfront Park offering a fresh way to play and learn outdoors. The iconic 120-foot baseball bat towering over Museum Row at the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory is one of the highlights of downtown. Inside, browse the expansive gift shop for one of the ‘51 Best American-Made Products You Can Buy’—a genuine Louisville Slugger bat. Every tour includes a complementary mini bat souvenir. Further along Main Street, the Muhammad Ali Center offers a pow- erful and immersive cultural experience celebrating the life, legacy, and global impact of Louisville’s
24 JULY 2025 JULY 2026
hometown hero. Louisville continues to earn acclaim for its legendary steakhouses, the iconic Hot Brown, and a dining scene that’s both diverse and approach- able. A stay or stop at Louisville’s historic Brown Hotel comes with a bite of culinary history as the hotel celebrates the 100th anniversary of the iconic Hot Brown in 2026.
on “Discover What Makes Louisville Legendary,” a daytime walking tour featuring tastings of iconic dishes like the Hot Brown, Derby Pie, mint juleps, and bourbon truffles alongside stories of Louisville’s most famous figures. For those who prefer to explore at their own pace, the “Easy App Walking Tour Series” offers self-guided audio tours of areas like West Main Street, Whiskey Row and Civil Rights land- marks, narrated by local voices and designed to be enjoyed in about 45 minutes to an hour. Step back in time aboard the Belle of Louisville, the last remaining authentic Mississippi River-style steamboat in the world, or cruise the Ohio River on her sister vessel, the Mary M. Miller. Both offer a one- of-a-kind way to experience Louisville from the water. One of Louisville’s most iconic experiences not to be missed is historic Churchill Downs and the fan- favorite Kentucky Derby Museum. The museum invites visitors to experience Derby Day year-round through updated, interactive exhibits, simulated races and immersive storytelling that brings horse racing history to life. Bourbon is big in Louisville and there are no short- ages of places to sample America’s native spirit. New experiences include The Coupe (Chicken Cock Whiskey), Green River Distilling Co., Pursuit Spirits’ sec- ond Main Street location, Uncle Boojie’s Homestead and WhistlePig’s The Vault. If you want to try your hand at mixology, the Frazier Kentucky History Museum offers a variety of bourbon classes. Take the opportunity to create your own custom bourbon blend to bottle and take home at Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory’s visitor experience, Big Bat Bourbon.
Along historic Whiskey Row, visitors will find an inviting mix of food and drink options. Catch a show at the Louisville Comedy Club, grab lunch during the day, or browse outdoor apparel at Duluth Trading Company. Bourbon fans can tour Old Forester Distilling Company, enjoy a pour at George’s Bar, and shop the on-site gift store, while Monk’s Road Boiler House from the Log Still Distillery family deliv- ers an elevated dining experience paired with curat- ed bourbon tastings. Hotel Bourré Bonne is one of downtown Louisville’s newest additions, welcoming guests with refined accommodations and an upscale dining opportunity called Steakhouse Bourré Bonne. Nearby, another newcomer to the dining scene is Steak & Bourbon, situated just across the street from Derby City Gaming Downtown. While you’re downtown, go beyond window-shopping and stop inside the Louisville Visitor Center, conveniently located at Fourth and Jefferson streets, where you’ll find Louisville-themed merchandise and helpful travel tips. Louisville offers a variety of guided and self-guided tours that bring the city’s stories to life in different ways. The “Phantoms of Prohibition: Ghosts, Cocktails & Bites Tour” is a three-hour evening walking tour that blends haunted history with food and drinks along Whiskey Row. For a darker historical lens, “Whispers on Whiskey Row: The Dark History of Derby City” uncovers Louisville’s more chilling past, sharing tales of unsolved crimes, bootleggers and hidden histories tied to downtown and the Ohio River. Food lovers can savor the city’s signature flavors
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Immerse yourself in the tastes and tales of Louisville while you experience the city one bite at a time. There are several to choose from through “Louisville Food Tours,” who were named as one of America’s Best Food Tours by Inside Hook. One of Louisville’s lively neighborhoods is Paristown Point, a quirky development nestled between the tight-knit communities of Germantown, Smoketown, Phoenix Hill and the Highlands.
One of Louisville’s oldest neighborhoods, Butchertown, just east of downtown, was the city’s original meatpacking district with butcher shops domi- nating the area in the 1800s. These days, though one large meatpacker still anchors the area, Butchertown has undergone a renaissance and is seeing an influx of tasty restaurants, chic boutiques, the city’s only brandy distillery, and a state-of-the-art stadium. For a heart-thumping adventure, try indoor rock climbing at Climb NuLu or tee up on a PGA Tour venue at Five Iron Golf (with a new location down- town in addition to NuLu) with ten TrackMan golf simulators. If golf is your thing, venture out to both Top Golf and Puttshack in St. Matthews. Enjoy an authentic Bourbon experience at Angel’s Envy or Rabbit Hole Distillery, where you can take inti- mate tours, capped off with guided tastings. Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. is a newer tasting experience in NuLu, offering unique, straight-from-the barrel unfil- tered whiskey. Located in a renovated 145-year-old church, Bob’s Dylan’s Heaven’s Door Bourbon brand has established the renowned The Last Refuge.
A Louisville institution is the renowned Stoneware & Co, offering handcrafted pottery since 1815. Just next door to The Café, this colorful store is a delight to browse their handcrafted selections of patterned pot- tery. For a vintage thrill, check out the nearby Fleur de Flea Vintage Urban Market, a 35,000 sq. ft. ware- house with 150+ vendors selling relics of years past. Have you checked out Louisville’s Germantown neighborhood lately? Germantown was named after the influx of German immigrants who first settled into the neighborhood in the mid-1800s. The area is dotted by one of the largest collections of shotgun houses in the country. Nearby in Shelby Park, Louisville’s first public market, Logan Street Market, is an easy place to spend a few delicious hours. Spanning two floors with ample seating throughout the market, it’s easy to linger over your food and soak up the community vibe before heading out to explore more of the neighborhood. The East Market District of downtown, also referred to as NuLu (for New Louisville), has become known for its unique art galleries, specialty stores, antique shops and award-winning culinary scene. To get a quick taste, Louisville Food Tours offer a taste of NuLu tour and gives participants a chance to try Kentucky staples. NuLu boasts one of Louisville’s hottest dining scenes. It is filled with bars and lounges to suit any mood. East Market Street is pep- pered with local shops.
The Highlands is home to Louisville’s original “Restaurant Row” and is also known for local nightlife and hopping. Between restaurants, bars, boutiques, and galleries, you’ll also find inviting retreats in the many independent coffee and tea shops. With its Victorian homes and turn-of-the-cen- tury architecture, the Highlands is as quirky as it is charming. A short walk across the Big Four Bridge will land you in Jeffersonville at the Big Four Station Park which features green space, fountains, a pavil- ion, and a playground. NoCo Arts & Cultural District is a hub for creativi- ty. The 22-block area is home to an art center, artist studios, a private maker space, and museums,
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including the Vintage Fire Museum. Take a step back in time to the Great Steamboat Era with a tour of the Howard Steamboat Museum. The area is also home to several breweries. If you’re a lover of art and history, don’t miss The Floyd County Carnegie Library Cultural Arts Center, a museum and contemporary art gallery. Take a tour of the historic Culbertson Mansion, which tells the story of an influential dry goods merchant and one of Indiana’s richest men. Have a family-friendly good time at River Run Family Waterpark. For those in search of mystery and magic, visit J&B Magic Shop and Theater or The New Albany Wicked Walk. For skateboarders, New Albany Flow Park is a one-of-a-kind skateable work of art. Game lovers will enjoy old-school pinball and the vintage arcade at Recbar 812. Looking for some fresh air and exercise? The Ohio River Greenway is a 7-mile stretch of pathway along the edge of Jeffersonville, Clarksville and New Albany that can be explored by bike or foot. Rent a bicycle on-site at Widow’s Walk Ice Creamery found right on the Ohio River Greenway.
historic district that owns the bragging rights of having the largest collection of restored Victorian mansions in the country. Appreciate the beautiful homes with the “Old Louisville Walking Tour.” If you’re an art lover, a visit to the Speed Art Museum will give you plenty to explore. You’ll also find car racing simulator games, virtual reality and a rage room. At Full Throttle Adrenaline Park, you’ll get your adrenaline pumping with high-speed go kart- ing, axe throwing and a rage room. F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” turned 100 years old last year and the Seelbach Hilton Hotel offers a Great Gatsby Suite due to their prominent role in the Gatsby story. The hotel offers a free guid- ed hotel history tour. No trip to Louisville is complete without learning about the country’s only native spir- it. Louisville Tourism has a new “Bourbon City Companion,” a curated guide to help visitors and locals navigate the spirited heart of Bourbon City. The primer offers a directory of distilleries and tasting rooms and a curated mix of experiences. Louisville stands out as an affordable and accessible destination. Don’t miss your area dis- counts with the “Inside Track Pass,” an exclusive program for street rodders to use while in Louisville. Take advantage of special offers and discounts from some of the city’s most popular sites. Just show your app at the following loca- tions around town for access to their special dis- counts and offers. All you have to do is visit https://www.gotolouisville.com/inside-track-pass to get your pass, complete an authorization via text and redeem at any participating business by pre- senting your phone to a staff member. Louisville Tourism JULY 2026 27
Take a scenic drive out to NSRA sponsor Bullitt County to visit four award-winning wineries: Brooks Hill Winery, Forest Edge Winery, Crume Haven (MillaNova) Winery and Wight-Meyer Winery. If Bourbon or brews are more your thing, you’re in luck with the James B. Beam American Outpost and Four Roses Warehouse & Bottling as well as Gallant Fox Brewing Co. in Mt. Washington. Bullitt County also has Kentucky’s Official State Arboretum, Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest boasting more than 16,000 acres of wildlife sanctuary and landscaped gardens. Bullitt County is also home to the longest go-kart track in the world at Kart Kountry. Louisville is well-known for its variety of architec- ture. Find your way to Old Louisville, a registered
Rodders Fest
T he National Street Rod Association proudly presents the Rodders Fest located under the big- top tent on the west lawn of the Kentucky Exposition Center, this year sponsored by John Jones Auto Group. This great three-day musical presenta-
tion will be held for the eighth time at the 57th Street Rod Nationals. Live music will be featured from 12pm to 8pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Stop in, sit back and relax, listen to some dynamic sounds and enjoy fellowship with family and friends.
Thursday
12-4pm — Rear View Mirror: Rear View Mirror is a Louisville classic rock and modern blues cover band that knows how to fire up a crowd. With a deep well of hard-
driving favorites and an easy chemistry built from years on the local circuit, these guys are the perfect way to kick off your Thursday at the Rodders Fest tent. Buckle up!
5-8pm — Lindsey Lane Band: The Lindsey Lane Band is a four-piece power- house out of Louisville deliv- ering Classic Rock, Southern Rock, and high-energy vari- ety in a way that sticks with you long after the last note fades. Fronted by the mag-
netic Lindsey Lane, a gifted vocalist who doubles on key- board and keytar, and anchored by lead guitar virtu- oso David Ford, the band brings decades of crowd favorites to life with fire and finesse. Their motto says it best: More Music, Less Talk!
Friday
12-4pm — Hook, Line & Sinker with Special Guests Tony Bowles & Alex Reed: Hook, Line & Sinker, the trio of Tom Monyhan, Phil Abell and Kelly Clark, is a Louisville-area out- fit known for rolling out crowd- pleasing classic rock and blues with a laid-back grit that feels right at home at a street rod show. Joining them Friday are
5-8pm — DoorWay, A Tribute to the Summer of Love: Louisville’s DoorWay brings the spirit of 1967 roaring back to life with a visceral, note- perfect tribute to “The Doors” and the music of the Summer of Love. At the mic is Johnny Edwards, a Louisville native and two heavy-hitting special guests. Tony Bowles is one of the most decorated guitarists on the American touring circuit, a 28- year veteran of the Hank Williams Jr. Band who has also shared stages with Webb Wilder, Jimmy Hall, “FreeFall,” Fire Dept., and “The Mighty Water Kings.” Alex Reed, a Louisville native and beloved former member of
the second lead singer of rock leg- ends “Foreigner,” who also sang for “Montrose,” “King Kobra” and more. Backed by keyboardist Pete Peterson, who has the Doors’ catalog locked in his fingers like few players alive, DoorWay doesn’t just cover The Doors, they channel them. Light My Fire, indeed! “Emerald City Acoustic,” now calls North Carolina home, but she makes one trip back a year and this is it. Don’t miss it!
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INNOVATION IN DESIGN QUALITY IN MANUFACTURING
Saturday 12-3pm — The Get Down: The Get Down channels the twangy, atmospheric instrumentals of surf and garage rock legends like “The Ventures” and Dick Dale, fusing early ‘60s rock and roll with a splash of exotica that’s equal parts cool and infectious. Louisville’s favorite time machine, these guys bring a sound that feels right at home alongside a sea of chrome and steel. Catch them Saturday afternoon and let the good times roll!
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4-8pm — LAMPUS: LAMPUS is a four-piece classic and hard rock machine from Louisville cranking out your favorite hits from the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s with an energy that’ll shake the tent poles. These guys play it loud, play it right, and play it all night, the perfect way to close out the weekend at the Rodders Fest stage.
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JULY 2026 29
Education Days 2026 Presented by the Hot Rod Industry Alliance
E ach year the Street Rod Nationals offers several events and activities happening during the four days to pique the interest of rodding enthusi- asts’ tastes. One event rodders and spectators have embraced each year is the series of education semi- nars presented by the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA). HRIA is part of nine council committees, each focused on their market sector, making up the Specialty Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA).
The HRIA select committee is made up of volunteers from all sectors of the hot rod industry dedicated to addressing the challenges facing the market and serving to promote and preserve the hot rod indus- try. During the year, HRIA focuses on education, leg- islation, and communications to identify industry-spe- cific issues, and developing effective strategies and programs that will assist members in improving their business practices and procedures. One cornerstone
Thursday, August 6 9:15-10:15am — Flaming River: “Steering Systems for Custom Builds: Parts, Setup & Performance” presented by Brett Domin. Brent has been with Flaming River for 24 years and has been married for 28 years with two children.
He collects classic cars and has done many full restorations. His first classic car was a ‘70 Camaro he bought when he was just 14 and still owns it today at 56 years old. Brett is also involved in his Township as the Zoning Inspector.
10:30-11:30am — Vintage Air: “Performance A/C Systems: Components, Installation & Avoiding
he built several additional hot rods and launched a small business specializing in wiring and air condi- tioning installations for street rods. This venture led to a dealership with Vintage Air products, where his work in product development and presence at indus- try shows eventually turned into a full-time role with the company in 1998. Rick’s dedication to the craft and deep industry involvement have helped shape Vintage Air’s growth and innovation. Despite his pro- fessional success, he remains a passionate hobbyist. He still owns the ‘39 Ford Deluxe coupe he built in 1984 and, after more than 30 years and 180,000 miles, recently completed a full rebuild of the car.
Common Mistakes” present- ed by Rick Love. Rick Love is the President of Vintage Air, and a lifelong hot rod enthusiast whose passion for the industry began in the late ‘70s when he built his first hot rod—a ‘40 Chevy coupe—during his senior year of high school. Throughout the early ‘80s,
11:45am-12:45pm — Classic Instruments: “Choosing & Installing Automotive Gauges for Reliable Performance” presented by John McLeod. John is an expert in all things hot rod- ding, drag racing, and instrumentation. John is the prior owner of Classic Instruments, now Director and Sr.
Manager of Sales for Holley Products and Motorsports. He was inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 2025, an honor that recognizes individuals whose achievements have advanced the aftermarket industry. He’s the prior chair and a select committee member of HRIA.
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