Big-Time Fun at the 3rd Annual Triple Crown of Rodding presented
by PPG By Tommy Lee Byrd W hen the Shades of the Past car club held its final Hot Rod Roundup in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, it was truly the end of an era, but it was also the beginning of a new one. Long-time East Tennessee hot rod builder, Bobby Alloway, took what he had learned with the famous hot rod show and spun it into something truly special. He joined forces with Gary Case to create the “Triple Crown of Rodding” presented by PPG. The event, now in its third year, has quickly become the must-see event in the hot rod and custom car world. The Triple Crown of Rodding is held on the weekend after Labor Day, and it takes place inside the Nashville Superspeedway. It’s a two-day event, held on Friday and Saturday, and even if you stay moving all weekend long, you may not see it all. The car show area is packed with variety and the judging area on Friday is enough to consume an entire day. Hundreds upon hundreds of high-end builds, ranging from fresh debuts to previous “Ridler” and “AMBR” winners line pit road, providing what is arguably the largest
gathering of cars of this caliber anywhere in the world. The judging doesn’t involve a team of clipboard-wielding nitpickers. Instead, it’s a committee of tried-and-true hot rodders, who aren’t counting modifications or playing political games—it’s all about the right combination of style, build quality and overall attitude. By the end of the day Friday, the Top 30 cars and trucks are chosen and then brought back to pit road on Saturday for a special display. Out of the Top 30, the “Elite 10” are chosen, and then, of course, the “Triple Crown” awards are the cream of the crop. Six Triple Crown awards are presented, three for cars and three for trucks. This year, Saturday’s weather offered some challenges, but the top cars were on display, despite the wet stuff. In addition to the judging area and outstanding awards, the show had more than 2,000 cars and trucks on hand. The variety was all over the map, from traditional hot rods and customs to Pro Street monsters and pickup trucks. Additional attractions included the BFGoodrich “Share the Ride” program, which allowed spectators and participants a thrilling ride around the infield road course inside a Pro Touring car or truck. Then there was the “Cacklefest,” which featured a trio of ground- pounding nostalgia drag cars with blown and injected horsepower. Throughout the event, there were “Meet-and-Greet” sessions
The Triple Crown of Rodding “Street Rod of the Year” honors went to Ross Myers and his elegant ’36 Ford roadster, built by Rad Rides by Troy. The AMBR-winner also racked up an “Elite 10” award, as well as the “Best Stance” award presented by the Coker Museum and Honest Charley Speed Shop.
60 DECEMBER 2025
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