BARBERVILLE, FL (January 27, 2026) – The DIRTcar UMP Modifieds are back at Volusia Speedway Park for the 21st year as the opening act of Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals. 

Known as the “Ironmen of DIRTcar Nationals,” Modified drivers will kick off the nine nights of action with three straight nights during Week 1 in conjunction with the American Sprint Car Series, Thursday-Saturday, Jan. 29-31. The three races won’t count toward the Big Gator title, but will award the famed golden gator trophy and count toward the Florida Speedweeks title. 

The Big Gator Championship chase begins Monday, Feb. 2, with six split Features held from Monday through Friday. On Friday, the Feature lineups will be determined by order of the event standings, as the top three finishers from the six 20-lap races earn a place in Saturday’s Gator Championship Feature. 

The final night of UMP Modified racing on Saturday, Feb. 7, will begin with Last Chance Showdowns, which advance the top three from each race to the 30-lap, $5,000-to-win Big Gator closer to complete the week’s racing. From Feb. 4-7, the Modifieds will be paired alongside the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series. 

DIRTCAR NATIONALS TICKETS

WATCH ON DIRTVISION

Here are the top storylines to watch: 

Spalding & Son – Reigning Big Gator champion Curt Spalding returns to Volusia for a quest to chase another Big Gator after winning both the Championship Feature and overall points last year. 

The Watervliet, MI native will have in-house competition as his son, Tyler, will make his debut in a UMP Modified at the Barberville, FL track. 

Both drivers enjoyed success outside of the “Sunshine State” as Curt took victory with the Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals at Shadyhill Speedway, and Tyler earned a runner-up finish in his first start at World Short Track Championship. 

Read More: Curt Spalding Keeps Focus on Florida UMP Modified Journey, Competing Alongside Son in 2026 

Sizzling Speedweeks – While much of the East Coast has been dealing with snow and frigid temperatures, Florida brought warmth for the UMP Modifieds in the FL Speedweeks opener at Hendry County Motorsports Park. 

The Speedweeks debut at the “Fastest Sand Pit in the South” saw a midwestern takeover as Kewanee, IL’s Ray Bollinger took the Friday opener and Claypool, IN’s Zeke McKenzie drove to Victory Lane in the Saturday finale. 

After the nine nights of racing at Volusia are completed, the Speedweeks champion will earn a $3,000 payday, in addition to a points fund for the top-10 in the standings. 

Sunshine Stronghold – As the best Modified drivers across the United States prepare for Volusia Speedway Park, they will be met with local Floridians seeking to defend home turf. 

Starke, FL’s Jason Garver comes fresh off his best career season with three Volusia track titles (UMP Modifieds, 602 Late Models, Factory Stocks) and the 2025 DIRTcar Florida championship. After suffering two DNFs at Hendry County, “Racin’ Jason” looks to the 1/2-mile in Barberville as his chance to regain early momentum. 

Before September 2025, Zane Oedewaldt had a career-high finish of fourth at Volusia, and itched for his turn in Victory Lane after six years since he left Illinois for Florida. Entering 2026, Oedewaldt owns a regular-season Feature win from the Battle in Barberville and a prelim victory in the Emil and Dale Reutimann Memorial. He and teammate Paul Shead will chase their first Golden Gator trophies before the “Fab 5” campaign commences in March. 

At 64 years old, Todd Neiheiser is still finding ways to park his No. 72 Elite Chassis in Volusia’s Victory Lane. In 2025, the Panama City, FL native went to Victory Lane in the inaugural Prelude to the Reutimann, along with celebrating a World Short Track Championship Feature win as a car owner for Ray Kable. Neiheiser owns a Golden Gator from 2023, but is hunting a first Big Gator.  

Gator Grip – The top DIRTcar UMP Modified racers got a feel for what to expect with Volusia’s new track surface when the 2025 campaign ended with the Emil and Dale Reutimann Memorial. 

After 50 laps of racing, World of Outlaws Late Models presented by DIRTVision racer Drake Troutman earned his first win in the event, and fellow Outlaw Ethan Dotson finished in second place. The time proved to be helpful for the Series opener at DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals, with Troutman earning a top five in the Saturday finale. 

Several veterans went for the $10,000 payday, including Kyle Strickler, Tyler Nicely, Justin Haley, Treb Jacoby, Kyle Hammer, among others. Armed with notes from the November trip, nine nights of DIRTcar Nationals will test their expectations of the gumbo surface alongside over 100 Modifieds that fill the property annually.  

BIG GATOR CHAMPIONS 

2025 – Curt Spalding 

2024 – Tyler Nicely 

2023 – Kyle Strickler 

2022 – Nick Hoffman 

2021 — Nick Hoffman 

2020 — Nick Hoffman 

2019 — Nick Hoffman 

2018 — Nick Hoffman 

2017 — Nick Hoffman 

2016 — Nick Hoffman 

2015 — Austin Dillon 

2014 — Ty Dillon 

2013 — Ken Schrader 

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: UMP Modifieds Chase 9 Nights of Gators in 55th DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia 

BARBERVILLE, FL (January 27, 2026) – The DIRTcar UMP Modifieds are back at Volusia Speedway Park for the 21st year as the opening act of Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals. 

Known as the “Ironmen of DIRTcar Nationals,” Modified drivers will kick off the nine nights of action with three straight nights during Week 1 in conjunction with the American Sprint Car Series, Thursday-Saturday, Jan. 29-31. The three races won’t count toward the Big Gator title, but will award the famed golden gator trophy and count toward the Florida Speedweeks title. 

The Big Gator Championship chase begins Monday, Feb. 2, with six split Features held from Monday through Friday. On Friday, the Feature lineups will be determined by order of the event standings, as the top three finishers from the six 20-lap races earn a place in Saturday’s Gator Championship Feature. 

The final night of UMP Modified racing on Saturday, Feb. 7, will begin with Last Chance Showdowns, which advance the top three from each race to the 30-lap, $5,000-to-win Big Gator closer to complete the week’s racing. From Feb. 4-7, the Modifieds will be paired alongside the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series. 

DIRTCAR NATIONALS TICKETS

WATCH ON DIRTVISION

Here are the top storylines to watch: 

Spalding & Son – Reigning Big Gator champion Curt Spalding returns to Volusia for a quest to chase another Big Gator after winning both the Championship Feature and overall points last year. 

The Watervliet, MI native will have in-house competition as his son, Tyler, will make his debut in a UMP Modified at the Barberville, FL track. 

Both drivers enjoyed success outside of the “Sunshine State” as Curt took victory with the Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals at Shadyhill Speedway, and Tyler earned a runner-up finish in his first start at World Short Track Championship. 

Read More: Curt Spalding Keeps Focus on Florida UMP Modified Journey, Competing Alongside Son in 2026 

Sizzling Speedweeks – While much of the East Coast has been dealing with snow and frigid temperatures, Florida brought warmth for the UMP Modifieds in the FL Speedweeks opener at Hendry County Motorsports Park. 

The Speedweeks debut at the “Fastest Sand Pit in the South” saw a midwestern takeover as Kewanee, IL’s Ray Bollinger took the Friday opener and Claypool, IN’s Zeke McKenzie drove to Victory Lane in the Saturday finale. 

After the nine nights of racing at Volusia are completed, the Speedweeks champion will earn a $3,000 payday, in addition to a points fund for the top-10 in the standings. 

Sunshine Stronghold – As the best Modified drivers across the United States prepare for Volusia Speedway Park, they will be met with local Floridians seeking to defend home turf. 

Starke, FL’s Jason Garver comes fresh off his best career season with three Volusia track titles (UMP Modifieds, 602 Late Models, Factory Stocks) and the 2025 DIRTcar Florida championship. After suffering two DNFs at Hendry County, “Racin’ Jason” looks to the 1/2-mile in Barberville as his chance to regain early momentum. 

Before September 2025, Zane Oedewaldt had a career-high finish of fourth at Volusia, and itched for his turn in Victory Lane after six years since he left Illinois for Florida. Entering 2026, Oedewaldt owns a regular-season Feature win from the Battle in Barberville and a prelim victory in the Emil and Dale Reutimann Memorial. He and teammate Paul Shead will chase their first Golden Gator trophies before the “Fab 5” campaign commences in March. 

At 64 years old, Todd Neiheiser is still finding ways to park his No. 72 Elite Chassis in Volusia’s Victory Lane. In 2025, the Panama City, FL native went to Victory Lane in the inaugural Prelude to the Reutimann, along with celebrating a World Short Track Championship Feature win as a car owner for Ray Kable. Neiheiser owns a Golden Gator from 2023, but is hunting a first Big Gator.  

Gator Grip – The top DIRTcar UMP Modified racers got a feel for what to expect with Volusia’s new track surface when the 2025 campaign ended with the Emil and Dale Reutimann Memorial. 

After 50 laps of racing, World of Outlaws Late Models presented by DIRTVision racer Drake Troutman earned his first win in the event, and fellow Outlaw Ethan Dotson finished in second place. The time proved to be helpful for the Series opener at DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals, with Troutman earning a top five in the Saturday finale. 

Several veterans went for the $10,000 payday, including Kyle Strickler, Tyler Nicely, Justin Haley, Treb Jacoby, Kyle Hammer, among others. Armed with notes from the November trip, nine nights of DIRTcar Nationals will test their expectations of the gumbo surface alongside over 100 Modifieds that fill the property annually.  

BIG GATOR CHAMPIONS 

2025 – Curt Spalding 

2024 – Tyler Nicely 

2023 – Kyle Strickler 

2022 – Nick Hoffman 

2021 — Nick Hoffman 

2020 — Nick Hoffman 

2019 — Nick Hoffman 

2018 — Nick Hoffman 

2017 — Nick Hoffman 

2016 — Nick Hoffman 

2015 — Austin Dillon 

2014 — Ty Dillon 

2013 — Ken Schrader 

2012 — Ty Dillon 

BARBERVILLE, FL (January 27, 2026) – Tyler Erb knew that his first full season on tour with the World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision would be a roller coaster ride. What he didn’t expect was a month’s worth of highs and lows packed into one weekend.

The first race night of DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park on Thursday got off to a fairly uneventful start. Erb’s Qualifying lap placed him fourth on the grid in his Heat Race, and he was running third when things went sideways – literally.

Out of nowhere, the Best Performance Motorsports No. 1 shot left exiting Turn 4 and made a beeline for the inside wall. With his primary car destroyed, there was a moment when “Terbo” considered calling it a night and turning his focus to getting the backup car ready for Friday’s action. But several of his fellow competitors in the pit area had other ideas.

“I still don’t even know what happened for it to wreck,” Erb said. “Just turned left and obviously it junked that car. My guys did a great job, got [the backup car] out. Ethan Dotson came and helped, Drake Troutman, Clay Harris, they were unloading it before I was even really ready to do it. I was almost like, ‘I’ll call it off for the day.’ But they got it out, which kind of helped push us, like, ‘OK, we’ll see what happens here.”

The choice to push forward proved to be the right one come Feature time. After taking a provisional to start 26th, Erb wasted no time charging through the field. He needed 12 laps to crack the top 15, and a late restart gave him the chance to pass a few more cars and salvage an eighth-place finish to start what he hopes is a championship bid.

“Ran really good in the Feature from starting dead last,” Erb said. “It was a big day. You know, you don’t want to start the year out with something like that, but we persevered and made the most of it.”

Not only did that performance prevent Erb from starting the season behind the eight ball, it also showed that the car he’d be running the rest of Sunshine Nationals with was equally as capable as the primary. That remained true early in Friday’s program, as Erb qualified on the pole of his Heat Race and won it wire-to-wire.

He drew the fourth spot in the Feature and soon made his way up to second behind the K&L Rumley Enterprises No. 6 of Hudson O’Neal. There were points when it looked like Erb would complete the recovery with his first win on the second night of the year, particularly on the final lap when he briefly made it side-by-side for the lead off Turn 2. O’Neal was ultimately out of reach on that night, but Erb’s runner-up effort let the world know he isn’t one to stay down for long.

“I fired off, and I was like, ‘Oh no, I’m in trouble.’ But as the race went on, I just got better and better,” Erb recalled from Friday’s Feature. “In hindsight, I feel like I should have moved down in [Turns] 1 and 2 sooner because I slid [Brandon] Sheppard. On the restarts, I could slide them and make so much speed into the center. I just never thought to actually slow down and try to run the middle or bottom, because Hudson was setting such a good pace. The last three or four laps, I was actually like, ‘OK, I’m going to run the middle, bottom. I’m never going to catch him on the top of [Turns] 1 and 2.’ I just started doing it, and we were actually making gains in [Turns] 3 and 4, I feel like I was a little bit better.”

In Saturday’s finale, early-night struggles relegated Erb to a Last Chance Showdown, and he was only able to climb to 16th in the main event. However, the points damage could be minimized by the format that only counts a driver’s five best finishes in the eight winter races at Volusia Speedway Park and Hendry County Motorsports Park toward the season-long standings. Erb is confident that the speed necessary to win World of Outlaws races is there, and he already has his eyes on Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals as his next chance to finish the job.

“Would’ve, could’ve, should’ve,” Erb said. “All in all, it was a great run. Definitely excited to race again.”

Erb will continue his 2026 season with the World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision at Volusia Speedway Park during Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals (Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 12-14), followed by the Swamp Cabbage 100 at Hendry County Motorsports Park (Friday-Saturday, Feb. 20-21). Get tickets and more information for both events by clicking here.

From Tow Hook to Podium: Tyler Erb Details First Weekend Back as an Outlaw

BARBERVILLE, FL (January 27, 2026) – Tyler Erb knew that his first full season on tour with the World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision would be a roller coaster ride. What he didn’t expect was a month’s worth of highs and lows packed into one weekend.

The first race night of DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park on Thursday got off to a fairly uneventful start. Erb’s Qualifying lap placed him fourth on the grid in his Heat Race, and he was running third when things went sideways – literally.

Out of nowhere, the Best Performance Motorsports No. 1 shot left exiting Turn 4 and made a beeline for the inside wall. With his primary car destroyed, there was a moment when “Terbo” considered calling it a night and turning his focus to getting the backup car ready for Friday’s action. But several of his fellow competitors in the pit area had other ideas.

“I still don’t even know what happened for it to wreck,” Erb said. “Just turned left and obviously it junked that car. My guys did a great job, got [the backup car] out. Ethan Dotson came and helped, Drake Troutman, Clay Harris, they were unloading it before I was even really ready to do it. I was almost like, ‘I’ll call it off for the day.’ But they got it out, which kind of helped push us, like, ‘OK, we’ll see what happens here.”

The choice to push forward proved to be the right one come Feature time. After taking a provisional to start 26th, Erb wasted no time charging through the field. He needed 12 laps to crack the top 15, and a late restart gave him the chance to pass a few more cars and salvage an eighth-place finish to start what he hopes is a championship bid.

“Ran really good in the Feature from starting dead last,” Erb said. “It was a big day. You know, you don’t want to start the year out with something like that, but we persevered and made the most of it.”

Not only did that performance prevent Erb from starting the season behind the eight ball, it also showed that the car he’d be running the rest of Sunshine Nationals with was equally as capable as the primary. That remained true early in Friday’s program, as Erb qualified on the pole of his Heat Race and won it wire-to-wire.

He drew the fourth spot in the Feature and soon made his way up to second behind the K&L Rumley Enterprises No. 6 of Hudson O’Neal. There were points when it looked like Erb would complete the recovery with his first win on the second night of the year, particularly on the final lap when he briefly made it side-by-side for the lead off Turn 2. O’Neal was ultimately out of reach on that night, but Erb’s runner-up effort let the world know he isn’t one to stay down for long.

“I fired off, and I was like, ‘Oh no, I’m in trouble.’ But as the race went on, I just got better and better,” Erb recalled from Friday’s Feature. “In hindsight, I feel like I should have moved down in [Turns] 1 and 2 sooner because I slid [Brandon] Sheppard. On the restarts, I could slide them and make so much speed into the center. I just never thought to actually slow down and try to run the middle or bottom, because Hudson was setting such a good pace. The last three or four laps, I was actually like, ‘OK, I’m going to run the middle, bottom. I’m never going to catch him on the top of [Turns] 1 and 2.’ I just started doing it, and we were actually making gains in [Turns] 3 and 4, I feel like I was a little bit better.”

In Saturday’s finale, early-night struggles relegated Erb to a Last Chance Showdown, and he was only able to climb to 16th in the main event. However, the points damage could be minimized by the format that only counts a driver’s five best finishes in the eight winter races at Volusia Speedway Park and Hendry County Motorsports Park toward the season-long standings. Erb is confident that the speed necessary to win World of Outlaws races is there, and he already has his eyes on Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals as his next chance to finish the job.

“Would’ve, could’ve, should’ve,” Erb said. “All in all, it was a great run. Definitely excited to race again.”

Erb will continue his 2026 season with the World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision at Volusia Speedway Park during Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals (Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 12-14), followed by the Swamp Cabbage 100 at Hendry County Motorsports Park (Friday-Saturday, Feb. 20-21). Get tickets and more information for both events by clicking here.

Want to watch the World of Outlaws? Stream every race live on DIRTVision.

Nicole Baird’s 1932 Ford Roadster was crowned America’s Most Beautiful Roadster at the 76th Grand National Roadster Show…

THE SHOP Staff Send an email February 2, 2026 3 minute read

The O’Reilly Auto Parts Grand National Roadster Show, presented by Meguiar’s, recognized the country’s top roadsters, hot rods and custom vehicles during its awards ceremony on Sunday, Feb. 1, at the Fairplex in Pomona, California. The ceremony marked the culmination of the 76th annual show and included the presentation of two of the custom car world’s most coveted awards—America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) and the Al Slonaker Memorial Award, event organizers stated in a press release.

America’s Most Beautiful Roadster was awarded to a 1932 Ford Roadster owned by Nicole Baird and built by Squeeg’s Kustoms. The car beat out eight other AMBR contenders and took home the title’s $12,500 prize sponsored by ARP Fasteners. Baird’s name will be engraved on the award’s 9.5-foot-tall perpetual trophy alongside 75 former AMBR award recipients, including legends like George Barris, Andy Brizio and Chip Foose.

A descendant of the Ford Motor Co. family, Baird presented a meticulously executed roadster finished in metallic blue pearl with white scallops detailed finishes, noted the release. The paintwork was completed by Tracy and Terry Weaver, complemented by extensive chrome by Jon Wright & Ogden and polish from Russell’s Custom Polish. Power is supplied by a Buick Nailhead V-8 built by Roger Beckman, while the interior was crafted by Recovery Room.

The 2026 Al Slonaker Memorial Award

Dennis Troggio’s 1955 VW Karmann Ghia, built by Type One Restoration, was awarded the 2026 Al Slonaker Memorial Award. Troggio went head-to-head against a diverse field of 12 contenders, which included a 1958 Chevrolet Corvette, 1956 Plymouth Roadrunner and a 1951 Studebaker Champion.

Dedicated to the memory of Al and Mary Slonaker, who founded the Grand National Roadster Show in 1950, the award has been presented to the show’s best non-roadster vehicle since 1974. In addition, Traggio also received a $12,500 prize courtesy of ARP Fasteners and a billet trophy.

Troggio’s Karmann Ghia by Type One Restorations was built over the course of approximately four years. The car was extensively reengineered with reshaped body panels, including restyled fenders, doors, hood and decklid, along with modified wheel openings and stretched quarter-panels to accommodate wider tires.

Finished in a custom dark green over olive green paint scheme, the Ghia features an extraordinary level of detail, from bespoke fasteners with custom-machined bolt heads to brake rotors machined from solid 90-pound blocks of cast iron. At its core is a 2.4-liter air-cooled flat-four, paired with a reinforced transmission and limited-slip differential to handle the increased output.

Industry Legends, Historic Cars & Ground-Breaking Builds

“The 76th annual Grand National Roadster Show demonstrated that the world of hot rodding and custom cars is as innovative and popular as ever,” said John Buck, owner of Rod Shows and producer of the Grand National Roadster Show. “We were honored to have so many industry legends, historic cars and ground-breaking builds fill the Fairplex this year. It was the perfect way to celebrate more than seven decades of this incredible show.”

This event also featured a special “Fat Attack” display showcasing the largest collection of fat fender cars and trucks from 1935-48, including the “Project 40” 1940 Ford Sedan, “Big John” Mazmanian’s 1940 Willys Gasser, John D’Agostino’s 1940 Merc Kustom “Stardust” and cars built by iconic industry legends including Chip Foose, Boyd Coddington and Gene Winfield. The event also recognized Russell Zulim and Double Z Hot Rods as the 2026 GNRS Builder of the Year with a special display.

The 20th annual Grand Daddy Drive-In hosted more than 1,500 vehicles ranging from classic hot rods to modern customs in the outdoor portion of the show, while the popular pinstriper auctions raised more than $70,000 for the Every ONE Free Foundation.

Winners of America’s Most Beautiful Roadster & Al Slonaker Memorial Award

Nicole Baird’s 1932 Ford Roadster was crowned America’s Most Beautiful Roadster at the 76th Grand National Roadster Show…

THE SHOP Staff Send an email February 2, 2026 3 minute read

The O’Reilly Auto Parts Grand National Roadster Show, presented by Meguiar’s, recognized the country’s top roadsters, hot rods and custom vehicles during its awards ceremony on Sunday, Feb. 1, at the Fairplex in Pomona, California. The ceremony marked the culmination of the 76th annual show and included the presentation of two of the custom car world’s most coveted awards—America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) and the Al Slonaker Memorial Award, event organizers stated in a press release.

America’s Most Beautiful Roadster was awarded to a 1932 Ford Roadster owned by Nicole Baird and built by Squeeg’s Kustoms. The car beat out eight other AMBR contenders and took home the title’s $12,500 prize sponsored by ARP Fasteners. Baird’s name will be engraved on the award’s 9.5-foot-tall perpetual trophy alongside 75 former AMBR award recipients, including legends like George Barris, Andy Brizio and Chip Foose.

A descendant of the Ford Motor Co. family, Baird presented a meticulously executed roadster finished in metallic blue pearl with white scallops detailed finishes, noted the release. The paintwork was completed by Tracy and Terry Weaver, complemented by extensive chrome by Jon Wright & Ogden and polish from Russell’s Custom Polish. Power is supplied by a Buick Nailhead V-8 built by Roger Beckman, while the interior was crafted by Recovery Room.

The 2026 Al Slonaker Memorial Award

Dennis Troggio’s 1955 VW Karmann Ghia, built by Type One Restoration, was awarded the 2026 Al Slonaker Memorial Award. Troggio went head-to-head against a diverse field of 12 contenders, which included a 1958 Chevrolet Corvette, 1956 Plymouth Roadrunner and a 1951 Studebaker Champion.

Dedicated to the memory of Al and Mary Slonaker, who founded the Grand National Roadster Show in 1950, the award has been presented to the show’s best non-roadster vehicle since 1974. In addition, Traggio also received a $12,500 prize courtesy of ARP Fasteners and a billet trophy.

Troggio’s Karmann Ghia by Type One Restorations was built over the course of approximately four years. The car was extensively reengineered with reshaped body panels, including restyled fenders, doors, hood and decklid, along with modified wheel openings and stretched quarter-panels to accommodate wider tires.

Finished in a custom dark green over olive green paint scheme, the Ghia features an extraordinary level of detail, from bespoke fasteners with custom-machined bolt heads to brake rotors machined from solid 90-pound blocks of cast iron. At its core is a 2.4-liter air-cooled flat-four, paired with a reinforced transmission and limited-slip differential to handle the increased output.

Industry Legends, Historic Cars & Ground-Breaking Builds

“The 76th annual Grand National Roadster Show demonstrated that the world of hot rodding and custom cars is as innovative and popular as ever,” said John Buck, owner of Rod Shows and producer of the Grand National Roadster Show. “We were honored to have so many industry legends, historic cars and ground-breaking builds fill the Fairplex this year. It was the perfect way to celebrate more than seven decades of this incredible show.”

This event also featured a special “Fat Attack” display showcasing the largest collection of fat fender cars and trucks from 1935-48, including the “Project 40” 1940 Ford Sedan, “Big John” Mazmanian’s 1940 Willys Gasser, John D’Agostino’s 1940 Merc Kustom “Stardust” and cars built by iconic industry legends including Chip Foose, Boyd Coddington and Gene Winfield. The event also recognized Russell Zulim and Double Z Hot Rods as the 2026 GNRS Builder of the Year with a special display.

The 20th annual Grand Daddy Drive-In hosted more than 1,500 vehicles ranging from classic hot rods to modern customs in the outdoor portion of the show, while the popular pinstriper auctions raised more than $70,000 for the Every ONE Free Foundation.

The 77th Grand National Roadster Show returns to the Pomona Fairplex on Feb. 5-7, 2027. For more information about the Grand National Roadster Show and the complete list of 2026 award winners, visit rodshows.com/gnrs.