Hot August Nights 2015

I know this is beginning to sound like a broken record, but compared to the 2014 Hot August Nights, this year was even more amazing. If you’ve never been to the show, put it on your bucket list! The population of the Reno, Sparks, and South Lake Tahoe doubles with several hundred thousand car enthusiasts over the five-day event. Thousands of customized cars of every depiction cruise the streets as far as the eye can see. It’s no wonder that in a 2013 Autoweek magazine feature it named HAN “one of the top three automotive destinations in the world.” That’s why you find some of our old friends from “Shift and Steer” (our favorite blog) there, along with Brad Fanshaw and Aaron Hagar, who were on hand to cause all kinds of havoc at the Barrett Jackson Auction, as usual. There are literally dozens of events offered on a daily basis at every venue for everyone. Time to be bored— I think not!

As if that weren’t enough, add to HAN the already coveted Barrett-Jackson Cup with its combined purse of $105,000-plus in cash and prizes and its unprecedented TV coverage. The Barrett Jackson Cup is more than just an award, it’s a test for the world’s finest custom car craftsmen. Show up with the right hot rod and you “may” get lucky enough to walk away with the goods.

This year judging was a little easier for Bob Millard, Bobby Alloway and I, as the 93 eligible “Cup” cars were parked on 4th street and Virginia between Circus Circus and The Silver Legacy. But the chore of selecting the final 25 was overwhelming, as was the final selection of the top five on Saturday. Without the help of our Reno “minder” Ken DuBois and Judge Emeritus, Bob Johnson, the selection would have been even more tedious. The “Bobs” and I had our work cut out for us this year for sure, and here is how they stacked up, all worthy to say the least:

Ultimate Best in Show Winner—

1962 Chevy Impala, Prize $57,600                                                                                                                                                                       
Owner: Randy and Lisa Wilcox
Builder: Cal Automotive Creations, Andy Leach

1st Runner Up—

1957 Chevy Pickup, Prize $20,400
Owner: Gary Brown
Builder: Mike Goldman Customs

2nd Runner Up—

1965 Chevy Impala, Prize $11,600
Owner: Don and Elma Voth
Builder: Chip Foose

3rd Runner up—

1956 Plymouth Belvedere
Convertible, Prize $8,600
Owner: Gil and Janet Losi
Builder: Steve Cook Creations

4th Runner Up—

1965 Dodge Dart, Prize $6,600
Owner: Willie Maise
Builder: Big Oak Garage, Will Posey

The event was “killer” and really the choices made regarding the “Cup” were really difficult…as it should be. Can’t wait till next year.

---