TOBY SPARKS, FROM LOGANVILLE, GEORGIA, RUNS THE FAMILY CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS AND GREW UP WITH A LOVE OF VEHICLES, THANKS TO HIS DAD, JOHN SPARKS. He not only owns an impressive collection of vehicles but also his own automotive museum called Sparky’s Machines in Loganville.
Toby’s very first vehicle at age 15 was a ’56 Ford pickup, purchased at the F-100 Super Nationals in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. He drove it all through high school and kept it until he was 29 years old. Marriage and family redirected his priorities, but now at 44, he smiles when he says he knows who has it, and he may still get it back someday. “I love the body style, everything from ’53 through ’56,” he tells us. To prove his point, he currently owns a ’53, two ’56s and this ’54 F-100. Pictured on these pages, his high-performance ’54 with its supercharged 351 Windsor was built in good friend Terry Boswell’s metal shop in Hickory, North Carolina.
HE DROVE IT ALL THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL AND KEPT IT UNTIL HE WAS 29 YEARS OLD. MARRIAGE AND FAMILY REDIRECTED HIS PRIORITIES, BUT NOW AT 44, HE SMILES WHEN HE SAYS HE KNOWS WHO HAS IT …”
Like all serious builds, it began with a complete disassembly of the original truck. Boswell boxed the frame and added a C-notch, and then painted, wet-sanded and buffed the frame until everything on the bottom looked as good as the top. Suspension upgrades included a heavily modified Chrysler Aspen front end and a 9-inch Ford rear fitted with 3.89 gears and held in place by a custom 4-link. Air suspension drops it to the ground, using a combination of VIAIR 450s, 2,500-pound Firestone ’bags, and two 5-gallon reserve tanks. The chassis became a roller with Billet Specialties Dyno SL rims carefully chosen to ensure the tires would fill the wheel wells and provide the truck with an aggressive stance. Toby runs 18x9s up front with Mickey Thompson 26×10.00R18LT rubber, and 20x14s roll in the rear with Mickey Thompson 31×16.00R20LTs.
Although this road-trip- favorite is equipped with modern power steering, power brakes and air- conditioning, it’s the big BDS 671 blower sticking out of the hood that captures everyone’s attention. Purposely under-driven to make it more comfortable on the street, the 351 V-8 is equipped with a pair of 750 Holly carbs, MSD electronic ignition and Sanderson headers, which feed a pair of Flowmaster two-chamber mufflers. The 16-inch SPAL electric fan and the Griffin radiator keep temps in the green. An estimated 550 hp makes its way to the narrowed rear thanks to the Ford AOD four- speed automatic trans equipped with a shift kit and B&M Pro Ratchet shifter.
The vintage Ford sports lots of body mods, beginning with the tilt-forward hood from No Limit Engineering, trimmed to clear the blower. The Ford grille was painted to match and the stainless steel front bumper was tucked in closer to the body. The smooth running boards were fabricated from sheet steel and transition smoothly between the front and widened rear fenders. Lots of changes occurred in the rear: the bed floor was raised to clear the air suspension components, and custom wheel tubs were added to accommodate the fat tires. Oak planks separated by painted steel strips are a traditional touch. The unique compartment under the bed provides space for essentials like the fabric truck cover, while the side-opening tailgate offers easy access. Providing a modern look to the vintage ride, the new rear pan holds four circular taillights and an inset license plate. Boswell completed the exterior, spraying the truck in a distinctive shade of PPG Jaguar Red.
A cool custom classic on the outside, the truck is just as innovative on the inside. A custom center console that flows from the dash to the unique stereo enclosure filling the rear cab wall separates the Ford Probe power seats upholstered in a combination of bone-colored leather and suede. Door panels and kick panels were fashioned from aluminum and upholstered to match. The Budnik steering wheel turning on an ididit tilt column is a close match to the Billet Specialties wheels. Auto Meter gauges reside in a custom bezel on the smooth dash, and the console is packed full of goodies beginning with an oversized Auto Meter tach, separate Auto Meter gauges for each of the four ’bags, AC vents, a Kenwood KDC-MP228 CD stereo head unit, multiple switches, a B&M shifter and handbrake. It’s the elaborate free-form fiberglass speaker enclosure on the rear wall, however, that catches your eye. It holds multiple speakers beginning with four 5.25-inch MB Quart mids, a 10-inch Kicker CVT sub on top and an 8-inch Kicker mid-bass below. A single Alphasonik PM12005E five- channel amp powers the system.
TOBY HAS COME FULL CIRCLE. HIS FIRST EFFIE WAS PURCHASED AT THE F-100 SUPER NATIONALS, AND 29 YEARS LATER, WE PHOTOGRAPHED HIS LATEST TRUCK AT THE 2016 F-100 NATS WHERE IT WON THE PRESTIGIOUS PAT FORD AWARD …”
Toby has come full circle. His first Effie was purchased at the F-100 Super Nationals, and 29 years later, we photographed his latest truck at the 2016 F-100 Nats where it won the prestigious Pat Ford award (the founder of the show) and captured Street Trucks Editor’s Choice.
OWNER
Toby Sparks
Loganville, GA
1954 Ford F-100
ENGINE
SUSPENSION
WHEELS & TIRES
BODY & PAINT
INTERIOR
Nestled deep in the heart of Virginia just south of Lynchburg off of Highway 501 sits Driver Motorsports. While it’s known for hunting down oddball imports and building some of the baddest JDM legend cars you can think of, the dealership is just the backdrop here. The real star of the show is the quirky little turbo diesel they pulled into the lot, a 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado that checks the rare box even before you turn the key.
Driver Motorsports labeled it DM2047, but the moment you walk up to it, you know this Toyota is not your average secondhand SUV. The right-hand-drive layout gets your attention first, then the third-row seating, then the original 90s spare tire cover hanging off the back like it never left Japan. It feels less like a used car purchase and more like you discovered someone’s well-kept secret. We’re not sure if “barn finds” are still a thing in the 21st century; however, this find might be the closest thing to one you’re going to find in the digital age.
This Prado is part of the J90 generation, built from 1996 to 2002. The United States never received these from the factory, which still baffles anyone who has driven one. Thanks to the 25-year import rule, though, the gates finally opened, and incredible little SUVs like this can legally land on American soil in 2025. They deliver a driving feel that is hard to compare to anything modern, mostly because their charm comes from details newer vehicles would never bother with.
The power plant in this 1998 example is the 1KZ-TE, Toyota’s 3.0-liter turbo diesel that became a staple across late-90s Land Cruisers and Hilux Surf models. It uses an electronically controlled injection pump, not common-rail, and was rated at roughly 130 horsepower and about 287 pound-feet of torque in Japanese market trim. Those figures sound mighty modest on paper, but in the J90 chassis they make perfect sense. The Prado feels willing without being stressed, sturdy without being slow, and well-balanced on the road.
The right-hand-drive layout throws people at first. You reach for the wrong door handle, you grab the column stalk thinking it is the turn signal and activate the wipers instead, and you misjudge where the lane marker sits. Give it ten minutes on the road, though, and that weirdness turns into amusement. The more time you spend in the driver’s seat, the more you appreciate how thorough the Japanese market is. The VIN tag, the navigation, the warning labels—everything is written in Japanese. On top of the dash sit a digital compass, a pitch and roll gauge, and a temperature readout that proudly sticks to Celsius. It feels like Toyota was having fun, not trying to impress anyone.
For a curious soul, the interior seals the deal. The dark gray fabric on the bolsters paired with lighter gray inserts triggers instant nostalgia. It looks like something from an early 2000s camping trip, and it suits the Prado perfectly. Wood grain trim winds around the cabin in a way that feels quietly confident rather than fancy. It is the kind of interior that becomes more charming the longer you sit with it, not less.
Turn the key, and the 3.0-liter wakes up with a low, friendly clatter. It reminds you of a compact utility tractor heading out for morning chores. Hit the high idle switch on the dash, and the engine smooths out into a steady hum that feels more refined than you expect. On the road, the Prado moves with purpose. It is not quick in the modern sense, but it never leaves you hanging. You plan a pass, you dip into the throttle, and the diesel digs in with enough confidence to make you grin. The suspension soaks up rough patches, the steering feels honest, and the whole vehicle settles into a rhythm that makes you forget it was never meant for American pavement.
People notice it too. Some stare because it’s right-hand-drive. Some are curious about the diesel clatter. Some just like seeing something different in a sea of crossovers. Whatever the reason, the Prado pulls attention without trying. It is a quiet standout, not a loud one, and taking it to your local gas station is sure to raise at least a few eyebrows.
These curious interactions are what make the J90 Prado so dang special, though. American diesel culture often leans toward big trucks that measure worth by towing charts and payload stickers. In a sea of solid axles and leaf springs, this little Toyota offers a different lesson. A diesel can be small, agile, and efficient and still deliver a driving experience worth talking about. DM2047 reminded us of that from the first time we turned the key until the last time we sadly had to turn the keys back to the Driver Motorsports team.
If you want a daily driver that breaks up the monotony and gives you a story every time someone asks about it, a Prado like this might be your answer. It became one of our favorite vehicles to pilot, and if you get the chance to drive one, you will understand exactly why.
Emery, South Dakota | December 9, 2025 | King Series, LLC., a leader in 6-door truck design and extended cab conversions, has filed design and utility U.S. patent applications for its groundbreaking 6-Door Cab Kit — the first standardized system engineered to convert traditional four-door trucks into
spacious, fully functional six-door vehicles.
For over a decade, King Series has built some of the most recognizable 6-door pickups in the country, known for their exceptional interior space, seamless OEM styling, long-distance durability, and factory-grade drivability. Now, the company’s patent-pending kit brings this capability to a broader audience — opening the door for personal owners, commercial fleets, custom builders, qualified body shops, and advanced DIY fabricators to produce a 6-door truck with predictable structural integrity and repeatable precision.
Historically, 6-door conversions have required complex metalwork and proprietary door solutions. The King Series’ cab kit changes that. Each kit is built in the U.S.A. and designed for structural strength, ease of installation, and OEM-quality fit and finish. Kits fit 2017–2026 Ford Super Duty platforms, with
optional HVAC kits, wiring packages, and frame extensions available.
King Series’ standardized process extends the OEM cab by removing the exterior panels, installing a reinforced mid-section for structural continuity, and integrating a patent-pending one-piece composite middle door built to factory hinge geometry and body alignment. Matching composite roof and side
assemblies restore rigidity and exterior uniformity, while HVAC, wiring, seating, and trim are reconfigured to maintain full OEM functionality. This system delivers a six-door layout that looks and performs like a factory extension.
• One-piece composite middle doors
• One-piece extended composite roof
• Composite outer side panels
• Weather seals, brackets, and hardware
• Build guidelines based on King Series’ process
The King Series Cab Kit provides a new market opportunity for:
• Qualified Body Shops
• Custom Truck Builders & Upfitters
• Advanced DIY Fabricators
The 6-door truck market has long lacked consistency — with variations in structural methods, door solutions, and safety considerations. King Series’ patent-pending kit introduces a repeatable, OEM-inspired framework that elevates the entire industry.
Key advantages include:
• A standardized conversion platform
• Repeatable build processes
• U.S. made, patent-pending composite components
• A reliable method for shops to produce structurally sound 6-door trucks
• Expanded access for customers who want six doors without shipping a truck across the country
“This kit represents years of development and a vision to push beyond what anyone thought possible in the truck world,” said Chad Eddy, founder of King Series, LLC. “It’s not just about adding doors — it’s about expanding what trucks can do for families, work crews, and adventurers. We’re proud to say it’s
built right here in South Dakota and it’s patent pending.”
The cab kit will be available for:
• 2017–2026 Ford Super Duty (F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550)
• Gas or diesel platforms
• Long-box, short-box, SRW, or DRW setups
Media, distributors, and installers can request information at kingseriespickup@gmail.com or visit www.kingseriespickup.com.
About King Series Trucks
Founded in 2010 in South Dakota, King Series, LLC. has become the premier name in 6-door truck conversions. The company specializes in Ford Super Duty conversions, turnkey builds, and advanced composite solutions for modern aluminum-bodied trucks. With a dedicated R&D; team and a 26,000 sq. ft. production facility, King Series continues to redefine what full-size trucks can be.
Each year SEMA feels like the pulse check for where the custom automotive world is headed, and once again the show delivered an unmistakable message. Innovation is alive, creativity is boundless, and diesel continues to carve out its own unmistakable territory in the halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center. For us at Diesel World, walking through SEMA is more than simply covering another event. It’s a chance to see how the builders, manufacturers, and fabricators who shape our industry are pushing the envelope.
The diesel presence across the show floor was undeniably large, with lifted rigs, purpose-built tow machines, and high-horsepower builds sprinkled throughout the environment. Even with the size of that footprint, only a select few truly rose above the noise. These were the trucks that stopped crowds in their tracks—projects that blended craftsmanship, performance, and personality in a way that separated them from the countless builds surrounding them. They reminded us that while diesel representation at SEMA continues to grow, the standouts are the ones that capture the essence of what our community values most.
Inside the halls, the aftermarket world was buzzing. Engine builders showcased components that reflect the growing blend of strength and refinement across powertrain development. Turbocharger advancements were everywhere, with companies presenting units built to handle extreme boost while still improving drivability. It’s clear that the focus has shifted from simply making big power to making controlled, efficient, and repeatable power. Several exhibitors emphasized durability testing, CNC refinement, and advanced metallurgy—signs of a maturing market that continues to sharpen its tools.
Electronics and tuning technology were other major themes. The push toward smarter control systems is transforming how diesel power is managed, monitored, and optimized. Digital dash clusters, high-resolution data logging, and modular tuning platforms were among the standout displays. Builders told us that their customers want deeper insight into what their engines are doing, and manufacturers have responded with products that deliver professional-grade analysis in consumer-friendly formats.
We were lucky enough to snag a spot with our editorial truck, Stock to Not, with the help of a ton of our awesome advertisers and close friends with awesome skills. Thanks to Tyler and Randall with The Diesel Shop, Daniel, Nathan, Jon, Phat Albert’s, Liberty Forged for the sweet spot, and everyone who helped get our truck here to show the world what we at Diesel World have been up to the past two years!
Chassis and suspension advancements also made a strong showing. Whether targeted at off-road performance, street comfort, or full competition duty, companies brought out systems crafted with both precision and personality. Several suspension manufacturers highlighted billet components with striking finishes, while others emphasized weight savings, geometry improvements, and enhanced articulation. The diversity in designs mirrored the diversity of diesel owners themselves—some chasing style, others dedicated to performance, and many aiming for a balance of both.
No SEMA Show is complete without a strong lineup of feature vehicles, and this year’s collection of diesel builds did not disappoint. We encountered everything from meticulously restored classic iron to radical late-model trucks outfitted with cutting-edge parts. Many of the builders we spoke with described months, sometimes years, of planning behind their projects. Their passion was evident not only in the finished vehicles but also in their eagerness to explain every choice, every challenge, and every clever solution hidden beneath the surface.
The networking atmosphere at SEMA remains unmatched. Manufacturers, shop owners, racers, and content creators move through the aisles in a constant exchange of ideas. For us, those conversations are as valuable as any product unveiling. They reveal the direction the industry is heading, the challenges businesses face, and the opportunities emerging across the diesel landscape. This year, optimism was the prevailing theme. Despite shifting regulations and the always changing demands of the market, the people shaping the diesel world continue to adapt in creative and ambitious ways.
As the show wrapped up, it became clear that SEMA once again succeeded in spotlighting the spirit that defines our community. Diesel enthusiasts thrive on power, durability, ingenuity, and craftsmanship—and SEMA puts all of it on display. For Diesel World, covering this event is a reminder of why our industry continues to grow. The passion here is real, the talent is exceptional, and the future remains as promising as ever.
That question became a mission. A Tacoma cab stripped to its bones became the foundation for something unthinkable—a machine that fused Toyota’s proven toughness with Dodge’s supercharged chaos. What followed were years of late nights, TIG sparks, and desert dust, ending in a creation that turned heads first at Toyo Tires’ Treadpass during SEMA 2024 and again a year later under the Lock Off-Road banner at SEMA 2025.
At the center of this monster sits a 6.2L Hellcat V8, an engine built for speedways and drag strips, now breathing desert air through a custom titanium intake and K&N filter. It’s anchored by solid motor mounts and exhales through TIG-welded headers and CookCraft mufflers that let out a mechanical snarl somewhere between a jet and a thunderstorm. Keeping that kind of heat in check required an entire ecosystem: a CBR dual-pass radiator and oil cooler, FI Interchiller supercharger pump, Mishimoto heat exchanger, and a Canton coolant tank, all working together in perfect harmony. Fuel is delivered from a Fuel Safe 60-gallon tank through a Radium surge pump and Aeromotive regulator system, plumbed entirely with Vibrant AN lines and fittings. Every piece of it looks like it belongs on a trophy truck because most of it could.
The bones may be Tacoma, but the skin tells another story. The front clip and rear bedsides were modeled after a third-generation Tundra, molded in fiberglass, and sprayed in OEM Toyota Lunar Rock paint. The transformation is seamless, and the proportions are perfectly balanced between factory familiarity and custom madness. The body wraps around a hand-built tube chassis with a full cage, dual spare-tire rack, and ammo can storage system, because practicality still matters when you are sending 700 horsepower through sand.
That power is managed by a ZF 8HP90 eight-speed automatic with a PCS TCM2600 controller, sending torque through a billet Behemoth NP205 divorced transfer case. From there, power splits into a Currie nine-inch full-floating rear axle with 40-spline axles and a Dana 44 front differential geared to 4.88. It’s overbuilt, overengineered, and absolutely necessary.
What truly defines the stance are the Lock Off-Road “Canyon” prototype forged beadlock wheels—the first set ever produced. Machined from 6061-T6 aluminum and secured with titanium hardware, these wheels were tested, punished, and perfected on this very truck before making their official debut. By the time it rolled back into Las Vegas for SEMA 2025, it was no longer just a display piece but a proof of concept that helped create a new generation of forged beadlocks. Wrapped in Toyo R/T PRO 40×12.50R18 tires, the Canyons make the truck look planted even when it is airborne.
The suspension system is where engineering and art collide. A Solo Motorsports I-beam kit was cut, turned, and widened four inches, and anchors King 14-inch coilovers and 3.0 bypasses up front. The rear features Solo’s 60-inch trailing arms controlling King 16-inch coilovers and 8-inch 3.5 bypasses. Every shock has been Cerakoted in MultiCam Black with gold anodized hardware that adds a touch of motorsport luxury. Limit straps, Eversen sway bars, and King bump stops fine-tune the chaos into precision. At speed, it floats. On landings, it plants.
Lighting comes from Baja Designs, including Squadron Pros, an S8 grille bar, S1 roof pods, and S2 rears, each switch managed by a Switch-Pros 9100. Power is supplied by dual Odyssey batteries running through a REDARC dual charger, ensuring nothing flickers—even deep into the night.
Inside, it’s all about function, with just enough comfort to make the desert feel civilized. PRP Comp Elite bucket seats stitched in MultiCam fabric hold the driver and passenger in place, while a Terra Crew steering wheel and Madtrace paddle shifters bring a motorsport feel to the cockpit. The carbon fiber dash, fitted with billet bezels, houses a Hellcat gauge cluster and OEM touchscreen—a subtle reminder of the engine’s roots. The PCI intercom, Kenwood radio, and Garmin Tread XL navigation system keep everything connected, while the starlight headliner adds an unexpected sense of calm above the chaos.
This truck was never meant to sit still. It was not built to pose under show lights, even though it has done that twice now. It was built to move fast, loud, and relentlessly. From its Tacoma foundation to its Tundra panels and Hellcat heart, every weld, wire, and bolt was chosen with purpose.
When the supercharger screams and the Kings cycle through their travel, it’s not just a machine; it’s a statement. A rebellion against compromise. A collision of worlds that should never coexist but somehow do.
Born as a Tacoma. Shaped as a Tundra. Powered by a Hellcat. This project is much more than a build; it’s proof that limits only exist until someone decides to ignore them.
There are few builds we cover at Diesel World magazine that need no introduction, but this one might be the exception. Piloted by the one and only Chris Patterson, better known as Mr. 3,000, this 2007 Ram 3500 has been just about everywhere a serious diesel can go, and it usually leaves with a record in its wake. This green Cummins-powered Ram is the kind of truck that changes the way people talk about power, durability, and what a race-ready street truck can actually be.
What makes Patterson’s truck special is not just the size of the numbers, although the numbers alone would earn it a chapter in diesel history. Over the last several seasons the build has broken the 3,000 horsepower barrier more than once, including a 3,089 rear wheel horsepower pull at the 2021 All Truck Challenge and a staggering 3,401 horsepower run the following year at Weekend on the Edge. Both figures were documented on the rollers in front of spectators, proving that Patterson is not interested in bench racing. He deals in receipts.
The truck continued its streak at the King of the Street Challenge 2025, where it produced over 2,400 horsepower on a limited spray. On the drag strip, it has posted ⅛-mile passes in the low five-second range at around 131 miles an hour, which is absurd for a machine that still holds a registration tag.
The man behind the truck is every bit as interesting as the machine. Chris Patterson owns and operates Unrivaled Diesel in Weatherford, Texas, a Cummins-only performance and repair shop backed by more than seventeen years of hands-on experience. Patterson comes from a long line of automotive tradesmen and grew up in an environment where work ethic mattered more than polish. That heritage shows in everything he builds. For Chris, it’s not enough for the truck to make power; it has to repeat it. It has to survive it. And it still has to drive home afterward. Chris is known for pushing limits, testing boundaries, and driving the industry forward by asking, “Why not?” when someone says he can’t.
People who meet Patterson in passing sometimes assume he is guarded or overly intense, but anyone who has spent real time with him knows better. If you were to look up Texan in the dictionary, we’re pretty sure Chris would be pictured. He’s a red-blooded Texan through and through, as he’s proud of where he comes from and is unbothered by whether someone else understands that pride. He likes burnouts. He likes horsepower. He likes giving people straight answers when they ask straight questions. He doesn’t polish himself for the comfort of others, and that honesty can come across as being standoffish. In reality, that transparency is more than a characteristic of who he is. It’s an incredible showing of respect to the diesel industry and the people in it.
The green truck reflects that same clarity. At its core is a 6.7-liter Cummins block, the foundation for the kind of power only a handful of diesel builds have seen so far. To keep the beast breathing, Patterson hangs a set of compound turbos on it—a pairing meant to move air at a rate that would embarrass commercial machinery. The nitrous system pictured here is surprisingly modest relative to the rest of the truck. A spool jet helps bring the compounds to life, and a 375 hit through a showerhead supports the top end. For a truck chasing 3,000 horsepower and beyond, that restraint says a lot about the efficiency and health of the core engine package.
Behind the power plant is a fully built manual-valve-body 48RE from Chris and the Unrivaled team. The setup is simple on purpose. The ratchet shifter gives the driver direct control of every gear change with no electronics deciding anything. Inside, the cab follows the same logic. Two race buckets, a full cage, and only the factory dash pad and pillar trim are left in place. Everything else has been pulled to save weight and to make room for the safety gear a truck at this level actually needs. It’s built to do a job, and every part of the interior reflects that. Oh yeah, did we mention it still has a factory headliner?
What surprises most people is how well-mannered this monster of a truck can be when the nitrous is off and the mirrors are folded out. When I drove the truck for the first time, the expectation was chaos. A machine documented to make over 3,000 horsepower several times should fight the driver at every stoplight. Instead, it pulled away with the manners of a heavy-duty tow rig. The throttle rolled in smoothly. The chassis stayed planted. There was no bucking or surging—just controlled, confident movement in an almost effortless manner. The Cummins groaned a deep mechanical note that carried the weight of the build’s intentions, more like a Peterbilt stretching on a cold morning than a temperamental race engine. The ratchet shifter added a kind of mechanical joy, each click a reminder that something serious was happening at your fingertips.
The balance between brutality and composure is where Patterson’s philosophy shows. Plenty of builders chase sky-high dyno numbers or incredibly fast ⅛-mile times, but very few chase results they can drive away from. Every time this truck pushes past 3,000 horsepower, Patterson dials it back down, drives it off the rollers, and takes it home. There is a quiet kind of pride in that, the proof that the build is more than just a trailer queen or a fast pass. It’s a system that works again, and again, and again.
For the diesel community, Patterson’s build serves as both a mile marker and a benchmark. It shows what is possible when attention, discipline, and patience meet a simple desire to do things right. It reinforces the idea that a competition truck does not have to be a brittle, temperamental animal. It can be predictable, methodical, and downright enjoyable to drive if you know what you are doing.
In a culture where shortcuts are easy and big talk costs nothing, this truck stands as a reminder of what real work looks like. It’s loud, a little bit outrageous, and incredibly honest. And every time Chris Patterson leans into the throttle, it proves its point all over again.
From start to finish, the Off-Road Expo in Costa Mesa, California, is an event that I look forward to every single year, but 2025 was my favorite so far! There were many companies I have close relations with in attendance, like Maxxis Tires, Predator Tires, Fittipaldi Off-Road, PRP Seats, Terra Crew, and many more! There was no shortage of drama on the Proving Grounds course either with the excitement of rowdiness put on by the Terra Crew and Terra Drift Crew. Big names like Ruslan, Blake Wilkey, Eric Conner, Anthony West, and more got to party and jump their rigs for everyone to see as well as show off the capability these desert rigs have on pavement.
Saturday morning started off with an early wake-up call at 5:30 A.M. I woke up and got myself dressed and ready for a day out of the house and on the floor grabbing media content for friends and businesses. My early drive to Costa Mesa was about an hour and a half—not horrible, but when I’m tired, I just wish there was a way to teleport to places and back home instantly. I arrived at the gates before the show started, so I grabbed my media pass and immediately started setting up my camera and dialing in my settings for the harsh morning light of the show. I ran around and saw some familiar faces from both media and companies that I’ve worked alongside with for a long time during my off-road career. Before I knew it, there was a loud crash over at the Proving Grounds caged area where drivers were practicing. I didn’t think too much of it, so I kept walking and made my rounds, capturing some rigs before the fans and eventgoers showed up. The weather was shaping up to be perfect in every way with blue skies and a slight breeze winning over the California heat.
Circling back to the Proving Grounds hosted by Terra Crew, I found a good friend Ruslan’s truck broken down, which was an unfortunate sight as the show hadn’t even started yet. Luckily, Ruslan is a motivated driver. He instantly got to work and paired up with Anthony West and his fabrication shop to fix the truck and hopefully be able to demo it that weekend still. They tore down the bent and broken radius arm and made a game plan to get this truck back to partying within a day. For most, such an event would end the weekend, but Ruslan treated it as an opportunity to show his determination to himself and to all of those who support him! James from Terra came over and gave Ruslan some good news and talked for a minute, which seemed to motivate Ruslan a little bit more. Before we knew it, they left the Expo to get the parts needed to repair the truck.
I jumped back into the Expo just before the gates opened. As soon as fans were allowed in, they flooded the OC Fair grounds and covered all inches of the floor, grabbing their spots on the fence before the demo started. Drift cars and trucks go out to party at this show, and they usually burn enough rubber to create an absolute smoke show for all to take in! One of the demos that rings back to me is when Eric Conner put Vivian 2.0 up against the barrier and ROASTED his 40-inch Gladiator X Comp tires like it was nothing. That was one of the most awesome moments in Off-Road Expo history! When Eric is driving, you know something amazing is going to happen, and as a media hand, you better have your cameras ready because it’s something that can make you go viral!
We thank Terra Crew and all of their amazing people. From the start, you have Nick Howell with Terra Safety and his crew Inland Empire 4×4 Recovery keeping drivers and the crowd safe. The big dogs, Evan Walsh, James and Arshia, and Garrett Spicer, made sure everything inside the Proving Grounds gate was running smoothly, as well as taking care of getting safety wristbands for the media personnel. The Built To Destroy Live show was an awesome touch to take an in-depth look at these builds and see what it takes to be able to do what these guys do on and off the road. Day 1 was filled with action and fun times with friends and sponsors! Thank you to all for making the Expo’s kick-off so memorable!
Day 2 started with another early morning shooting a little more and covering some details of the event, beginning with the builds in the halls before the crowds showed up again. Heading back over to the Proving Grounds, we found Ruslan buckling up in his truck, ready to go party with a freshly fixed truck. He took his leap onto the course and demo area and laid down one of the best runs of the day, showing some of the drift guys up with a wall tap and dragging the bumper a little. I then got to meet up with our friends at Nacho’s 4xFour and talked with some of our sponsors and started planning for the 2026 race season to prepare for King of the Hammers! Day 2 was a bit slower, but the Proving Grounds were just as rowdy and exciting for all of us to watch. From blowing tires off and flying through the air to drift guys hitting tandems and getting close to one another’s doors, the excitement level was high all day long.
The true showstopper was when Eric jumped over Larry Edgar and Kylen Garcia in their drift cars while doing donuts around the ramp and timing it perfectly. Soon after this action came to a wrap, everyone started the pack-up process. I did my final rounds talking with friends and businesses to network a little for the media and line up more builds to shoot. Thank you, Off-Road Expo and the staff, for making this event what it is today and continuing to grow so much! Thank you Terra Crew and Terra Drift Crew for coming out, slaying tires, and laying down some rowdiness for the crowd and media hands out there! Thank you to all the safety and medical personnel in Terra Crew Safety. We can’t wait to see what is in store for next year because this 2025 event set the bar high for another year of organized chaos. Until then, keep the tread off the pavement!
PENSACOLA, Fla. (Nov 25, 2025) – Velocity, an industry leader in classic vehicle modernization, has just announced a new line of interior kits available for classic American trucks and SUVs. The new custom kits bring the handcrafted Velocity interior look to a wide range of vehicles and are designed for easy installation for DIYers and professional restoration shops alike.
Velocity’s passion for customization and personalization comes through in its new line of interior kits for 1960s and 1970s classics, including the Ford Bronco, F-Series trucks, Chevy K5 Blazer, C/K Series trucks and the International Scout II. The new interior kits vary based on model and include fully finished front and rear seats (high-back, low-back or bench), direct-fit door panels, a custom dash pad and shift boot, and visors and a center console where applicable. The custom interior kits are designed to fit factory-style seating configurations.
Buyers can choose between durable, marine-grade vinyl (available in up to eight upholstery colors) or rich, flat-grain leather. Stitch pattern options include Classic Stitch or Double Diamond, while interior inserts come in nine eye-catching styles, such as Plaid, Houndstooth, and the exclusive Banded Textile found in the Velocity Ranger Package Ford Bronco. Heated & ventilated seat upgrades are also available on all kits, bringing modern comfort to vintage builds.
The Velocity team handcrafts each interior kit at its state-of-the-art facility in Pensacola, Florida, and works with customers to ensure the correct fitment and seating/center console options for their vehicle. This attention to detail ensures a proper fit throughout the vehicle, including around crank windows, speaker grilles and other components that differ by year, make, and model. Each kit also includes a template and all necessary hardware to ensure a proper fit for a seamless installation experience.
“We’re thrilled to be offering our handmade interiors to enthusiasts around the country,” said Stuart Wilson, CEO of Velocity. “We’ve spent the last 13 years mastering these classic trucks and are now bringing that same level of expertise and craftsmanship to enthusiasts looking to upgrade their own vehicles.”
The new interior kits are handcrafted by the Velocity team and built with a 10-12 week lead time. For an additional cost, kits can be rush ordered with a 45-day lead time. For more information about Velocity Interior Kits or their lineup of specialty vehicles, contact Velocity at (850) 332-6064, email sales@velocityrestorations.com or visit www.velocityrestorations.com.
Metal crunches, the scenery tilts, and for a moment, the road feels unfamiliar. Even a small collision can jar your senses and scatter your thoughts. Drivers often fixate on visible damage, but the events that follow often shape the real outcome. Sirens, passing traffic, and adrenaline can make it hard to think clearly. A little structure helps steady the moment.
A crash interrupts more than a drive. It interrupts your rhythm. Once the initial shock begins to fade, questions rise fast. Who is hurt? What should be documented? How do you protect yourself from future headaches? A practical playbook brings order back into view and gives you a clearer path through the noise.
Start with yourself and anyone around you. Look for signs of pain, confusion, or limited movement. Call emergency services if anything seems off. Injuries sometimes hide behind adrenaline, and early medical attention builds an important record for later.
If the vehicles can move, pull to the side to reduce the risk of a second impact. Switch on hazard lights, place triangles if you carry them, and give other drivers a clear sense of where the crash occurred. Once everyone is out of immediate danger, the moment becomes easier to handle.
This is also when some drivers reach out to experienced attorneys for accident recovery. A short conversation can help you understand what information matters and how to avoid small mistakes that turn into larger problems later in the claim.
Use your phone while the details are still fresh. Photograph each vehicle from several angles. Take wide shots that show the scene and close shots of damage, skid marks, debris, and anything unusual on the pavement. These early images can carry more weight than memory once insurance questions begin.
Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. If anyone saw the collision, ask for their name and number before they walk away. People often assume witnesses will volunteer the details, but most leave quickly.
Make short notes about weather, light, and traffic conditions. Record anything you noticed about the other driver, such as hesitation or distraction. These small fragments help you understand the moment more clearly later, when the chaos has worn off, and details begin to blur.
Once you’ve steadied the situation, shift your attention to the car itself. Take another slow lap around it and shoot a fresh set of photos in calmer light. Include close-ups of damage and wide shots that show how everything lines up. Step inside and photograph the cabin, especially if airbags deployed, seats shifted, or trim popped loose. Those details tell the story of how hard the vehicle was hit and help settle arguments later about how serious the crash really was.
Then get an early estimate from a repair shop you trust. What looks like a simple crease in a fender can hide twisted brackets, stressed suspension parts, or frame movement that only shows up once the car is on a lift. A solid written estimate gives you a clear reference point when you compare it to the insurer’s number.
Safety organizations repeat the same message: careful documentation strengthens both your recovery and your claim. The transportation safety guidance from the CDC supports the idea that photos, written notes, and early medical follow-ups provide a more complete picture of what actually happened.
High-value, classic, and custom-built vehicles deserve even more attention. Specialty labor and parts availability can increase repair time and cost. Solid documentation helps protect the money and effort you invested in the car.
Once the claim process starts, adjusters move quickly. Keep your conversations centered on the basics: where the crash occurred, who was involved, and whether anyone was hurt. Set aside anything uncertain until you have reviewed your notes and photos.
Avoid guessing about speed, distance, or the order of events. Insurers sometimes treat casual speculation as fact. Your real strength comes from the information you recorded at the scene, not from trying to reconstruct the incident in the moment.
Keep a record of claim numbers, phone calls, and emails. Small gaps in communication can slow everything down. A simple log helps you track what has already been handled and what still needs attention.
Some crashes settle quickly. Others become a long stretch of stalled calls, shifting explanations, or unexpected repair costs. If injuries are involved or the damage affects your vehicle’s long-term value, legal support can provide clarity.
Attorneys who handle accident recovery focus on issues that often get overlooked. They watch for signs of undervalued repairs, pressure to accept early offers, and gaps between what the insurer promises and what they deliver. A short consultation can help you understand where you stand and what your claim might include.
Legal help is not about turning every crash into a courtroom fight. It is about balancing a conversation in which one side handles claims every day and the other is trying to get through the week after a stressful event.
Recovery slows down after the first wave of urgency, but the choices you make here matter. Start by checking in with a doctor or chiropractor. Pain, stiffness, and headaches often show up later, and early documentation ties those symptoms to the crash.
On the repair side, save each estimate, supplement, and invoice. If the shop uncovers hidden damage, ask them to record it clearly. These details help during future sales and protect you if the insurer questions repair costs.
Track your claim with a simple system. A note on your phone works fine. If you want a sense of how long the legal process of a car accident can realistically take, reviewing common timelines can help you understand whether your claim is on track or drifting into unnecessary delays.
Staying organized prevents frustration. It keeps you from repeating the same explanations whenever someone asks for another document or a recap of the moment.
No one expects the sudden stop, the sharp sound of metal, or the days of inconvenience that follow. A crash breaks the rhythm of your life, yet the steps you take afterward shape how long that disruption lasts. Checking on safety, documenting the scene, respecting your health, and approaching insurers with a clear plan all work together to protect what matters.
You do not need perfection. You just need a steady approach. With a practical playbook in mind, you give yourself a stronger chance at recovering fairly, repairing your vehicle properly, and returning to the road without carrying unnecessary stress from a single bad moment.
From: https://www.motortopia.com/why-you-should-hire-a-car-accident-lawyer/ to this article with anchor “a step-by-step playbook for protecting yourself after a crash”
Let’s be honest, the image of a classic truck show is a familiar one with rows of gleaming chrome under the bright sun, owners meticulously polishing every inch of their rides, and a low, relaxed hum of conversation. But this isn’t your typical truck show; it’s a fiesta on steroids, with carne asada sizzling, tire smoke rising, and banda beats thumping. As a Street Trucks photographer, I’m snapping shots of this chingón vibe, and Bandas y Trokas 2025 had me hyped to grab a wrench and work on my own troka.
The air isn’t just warm; it’s thick with the scent of sizzling barbecue, the high-octane perfume of burning rubber, and the thumping bassline of a regional Mexican hit. This is not a quiet vacation for trucks—it’s their grand, loud, and unapologetic celebration.
Even though it’s a Hispanic-driven event, people from all walks of life come out to join in on the party. Clubs bring out tents, set up shop with their grills and coolers, and just enjoy the vibes. Two different lots allow you to see the heavy hitters, show builds, and backyard projects, as well as see the works in progress and those just starting out. BYT was one of the first to really push the boundaries with the burnout pit, with all types of trucks and builds coming through, going crazier year after year. Ending the night with a concert is the perfect send-off after a long day of excitement, especially with an In-N-Out and a Whataburger right outside the venue. This combination has all the makings of a good night’s rest.
As the Texas sun begins to dip below the horizon, the energy seamlessly transitions. The growl of engines is replaced by the opening chords of a banda or norteño song. Coolers are popped open, grills are fired up under club-sponsored tents, and the sprawling parking lot transforms into a massive, open-air concert. Strangers become friends over shared food and cold drinks, bonding over the day’s best builds and most insane burnouts.
Word on the street is that this fiesta is hitting Atlanta and Chicago next, spreading the sabor further across the country. If you’re sick of boring shows, Bandas y Trokas is where it’s at. Bring your troka, your crew, and your hunger for tacos, because this is where gearheads roll. Just don’t be shocked if you’re dreaming of banda music and burnt rubber all night.
Mesquite Motor Mania Classic Car Show
Mesquite Motor Mania Classic Car Show Casablanca 950 West Mesquite Blbd Mesquite, NV 89027
Classic burgers 6th annual classic car show fundraiser
6525 Inyokern rd Inyokern, ca 93527
Whatcom County Cruisers
Whatcom County Cruisers Summer Car Show Series (Spring Car Show) Les Schwab Tires. 1731 LaBounty Dr. Ferndale WA 98248 (first event)
Park & Recreation
Broussard, LA
Classics With The Cardinals, Santa Barbara’s Premier Car Show
Bishop Diego High School - Football Field 4000 La Colina Rd
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