...And The Winner Is!
A classic truck actually won at Americruise?! Well, yeah-the Classic Truck of the Year Award sponsored by CLASSIC TRUCKS and Custom Classic Trucks magazines. And it wasn't any ordinary classic truck that took home the honors, either-none other than our very own August '06 cover model, Gary Coe's trendsetting "F-157." The judging was conducted by CCT editor John Gilbert (shown, right, presenting Gary with the custom-made trophy), who had little choice with his final decision after witnessing Coe's '57 dominate the competition on the slalom course (autocross), 0-40-mph braking, and 0-40-mph acceleration contests.Congratulations, Gary!
But don't get the impression that the field was weak at Americruise in Lincoln, Nebraska, this year-there were plenty of heavy-hittin' haulers on hand, such as local John Bills' '54 F-100. The lime-green looker features a fully detailed '95 5.0L under the hood, among notable details. For a more in-depth look at Americruise '07, grab yourself a copy of the December '07 Rod & Custom!
Lifetime Achievement For "Speedy" BillThe editors and staff of Rod & Custom magazine have recognized Speedway Motors founder and owner "Speedy" Bill Smith with a Lifetime Achievement Award. The honor was presented July 1 at the 15th Annual Rod & Custom Americruise event in Lincoln, Nebraska. In presenting the award, Rod & Custom Publisher Tim Foss discussed "Speedy" Bill's many achievements and contributions to the rodding and racing communities. He also noted that, in a hobby seemingly dominated by influences on the nation's coasts, Smith had the ingenuity and tenacity to make significant impacts while remaining rooted in his hometown of Lincoln. Editor Kevin Lee remarked on Speedway Motors' rich history, pointing out that the business, which got its official start in 1952, is one of only a handful of automotive aftermarket companies that predate Rod & Custom magazine.
When the award was presented, Smith received a standing ovation from the large crowd gathered in the State Fair Park open auditorium. In accepting his award, "Speedy" Bill recognized the importance of specialty publications like Rod & Custom in keeping rodders informed and enthusiastic about the hobby. He said it was a passion for racing and performance that drove him to start Speedway Motors more than five decades ago, and a similar passion within car enthusiasts that has fueled the company's success through the years. "Despite obstacles like the 1970s gas crisis, emissions controls, and government regulations, dedicated enthusiasts have always found ways to pursue their passion," Smith said. "As long as rodders continue that pursuit, Speedway will be there to serve them."
Speedway Motors is America's Oldest Speed Shop(r) and one of the world's largest manufacturers and retailers of street rod and racing parts. The company currently employs more than 180 people at its 46-acre corporate campus. For more information on Speedway Motors, call 800-979-0122, or visit www.speedwaymotors.com.
Shop Till Ya Drop
American Autowire is pleased to announce the opening of their brand-new online store. Now with a few simple clicks of the mouse you'll have the ability to access the tens of thousands of available harnesses, kits, components, and accessories that American Autowire has to offer. Take a few minutes to use their amazingly simple search function. You can search by year, by make, by model, by GM part number, by American Autowire part number, or simply search by phrase ("dash harness"). There are complete descriptions and photos available for each product, and they've made it extremely easy to find exactly the wiring components you're looking for-and even some you may have not even known you needed. So visit www.shop.americanautowire.com and see how easy they've made shopping and ordering what amounts to the life's blood of your classic truck, musclecar, or street rod.