Page 56 - Issue 45
P. 56

The show was nestled into the scenic hills of   variety of vendors for spectators to shop and learn
                Bristol, Tennessee. A Rat Rod Magazine-sponsored   about home-built related products. Of course, there
                event, it was co-hosted by Holston River Brewing   was a killer display of rat rods and home-built rides
                Company, a popular craft brewery with a rustic bar   sprawling the grounds for spectators to view and be
                and restaurant, and XXXXX Campground, both        inspired by. For the diehard fans of power, there was
                located just up the street from the legendary Bristol   both a fl ame throwing contest and a rousing burnout
                Motor Speedway. Rat rodders and home builders     contest, which ended with a bang and cost the
                of all types were invited to bring their rides, their   winner not only new tires but also a new fender. And
                families and camp onsite to take advantage of     the fun was only just starting there. The two main
                everything this three-day show had to offer.      events that made the 1st Home-Built Summit stand
                   This event enveloped so many aspects of what   out as a not-to-be-missed-show in 2017 focused on
                rat rodding, home building and our rat rod culture   two things: education and speed.
                is all about with a strong focus on education, family,   An educational opportunity custom made for the
                and thrills. There was no shortage of activities,   home built enthusiasts, Sparks Speed Shop of St.
                contests and demonstrations to keep the whole     Louis, Missouri set up a mobile speed shop inside
                family entertained: camping, a kid’s karaoke contest,   the fairgrounds. Owner Ben Julian and six of his
                children’s play and activity area with infl atable rides,   crew members spent the fi rst two days of the show
                even a children’s wagon building contest with some   demonstrating the assembly of a 1938 Ford pickup
                                 truly outstanding participants.   that he described as a ‘patina hot rod custom’ on a
                                 Several bands played throughout   Sparks Speed Shop hand-built car chassis. Obviously,
                                 the show and there was a large   even a crew of seven men would fi nd it nearly





























             56     RAT ROD MAGAZINE ISSUE FORTY-FIVE



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