Page 4 - Issue 37

Editor’s Note
Editor’s Notess

lot of businesses, organizations, and various groups say they’re
powered by their respective communities – but in our case, it
couldn’t be more true. We were literally created from within the
rat rod community and have never strayed. There’s no separation
Abetween the magazine and the scene it represents… we simply
exist as a part of this beautifully imperfect machine, and we wouldn’t
have it any other way. The fact that we are so rooted in the rat rod
community itself motivates us to do more than just publish a magazine –
it drives us, every day, to go above and beyond. To push the boundaries.
To excite, inspire, and encourage people – and in turn, to be inspired by
those same people.
Follow me on Twitter There are those out there who may believe we do what we do in the
@EditorStevo pursuit of profi t. And while we do have to sell magazines to stay alive –
it’s not our motivation, and never has been. The heart of this operation
is showcasing, uniting, and strengthening the rat rod community by
whatever means possible. If it were all about money, we’d have walked
away a long time ago… or at least I know I would have.
And that sentiment leads me to a couple community-driven projects I
want to touch on as we enter our 7th summer of operation, our 37th issue,
and another busy event season.

First off: our 4th Offi cial Build-Off. In
2013 we created the Build-Off to give
unknown builders a chance to shine in
the national spotlight. Although we knew
competition would come with its negative
side, we felt the positives were worth it.
Three years of a 30 day, $3000 rule set
have pushed some amazing builders to
build equally amazing machines – and
through the rollercoaster competitions
it has ultimately been a successful and
fulfi lling ride. However, this year we
needed change. Not only had our rules been adopted by other build-
offs, but build-offs had popped up all over the place. If you know us at
all, you know we will never become the status quo. As long as I am at
the helm of this magazine, we’ll push forward with new ideas – we’ll push
ourselves, this community – we’ll do more and talk less. We’ll innovate.
Break boundaries. Build stuff. And that’s why we’re wiping away the
Build-Off rules and opening things up. While we’re still looking for budget
builds, it’s now an open entry competition. Let’s put the focus back on
comradery, the joy of the build, the joy of the drive, and FUN. Come one,
come all – build it your way – and let’s all get together as one big kick-ass
community and make this year’s Build-Off a celebration of rat rod culture.
(see page 64 for more on the 2016 Build-Off)

4 RAT ROD MAGAZINE ISSUE THIRTY-SEVEN

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