ITGMw
SUBSCRIPTIONtext
ProgressArrows
digital issues
ProgressArrows
online store
ProgressArrows
SUBSCRIPTIONtext
ITGMw
ACPnew header logo
CTP LOGOs
all cars

Three Days of Classic Chevy Action at the 2023 Danchuk Tri-Five Nationals

By Tommy Lee Byrd   –   Photography By the Author

If you’ve been around the hobby for a while, you know what it was like when rod runs had energy. The type of energy that would motivate you to load up in a hot rod and head across country just so you could say you were there. That’s the kind of energy that radiates at the Danchuk Tri-Five Nationals. In its eighth rendition, the event drew more than 2,500 Tri-Five Chevys into Bowling Green, Kentucky, from every corner of the United States and some from abroad. The event takes place at the historic Beech Bend Raceway Park, a venue that offers lots of shade, a quarter-mile dragstrip, and plenty of room to continue growing.

- Advertisement -
02 1956 chevy bel air two door post all star winner
Jason Knobeloch brought his homebuilt ’56 Bel Air two-door post and was chosen as a 2023 All Star winner. His ’56 features an LS6 for power, slick body modifications, and a beautiful Lazer Blue and Pewter paintjob.

The event is open to all ’55, ’56, and ’57 Chevrolet vehicles. Obviously, that includes all variations of the famous Bel Air, 210, and 150, but it also includes pickup trucks and Corvettes. While some folks might assume that the Tri-Five Nationals is repetitive in nature because of the narrow three-year focus, the variety of the cars in attendance is incredible. Gassers, restomods, pro touring cars, restored stockers, and so much more are on the grounds each day.

03 1955 chevy bel air 383 stroker
With every available piece of stainless steel or chrome-plated trim, this ’55 Bel Air is the epitome of ’50s styling, but it has been updated with a 383 stroker, Wilwood brakes, and Schott wheels.

Thursday includes a full day of activities, including a celebration of American Tri-Five Association All Stars and Hall of Fame members. Then, a special bracket race is held on Thursday night under the lights. Friday kicks off with another full day of action, with a special judging area where cars are eligible for specialty awards and the coveted Top 25 award. Saturday’s action is intense with final drag racing eliminations, the Top 5 awards presentation, and the crowning of the Tri-Five of the Year. This year, it was Mike Taylor of Monroe, Georgia, taking top honors with his beautiful ’55 Chevy Cameo truck. The truck features an all-aluminum ZL1 427ci big-block Chevy engine and a showstopping Candy Apple paintjob.

04 bracket race tri five
Thursday night’s bracket race featured 44 awesome Tri-Fives. No matter the configuration of the car, the Thursday night drags added a fun element to the Tri-Five Nationals.

The final order of business at the Danchuk Tri-Five Nationals is the drawing for the giveaway car. This year it was a ’56 Bel Air convertible, utilizing a brand-new Woody’s Hot Rodz body and chassis, and a host of sponsored components to create a great-looking custom Tri-Five that’s ready to hit the road. William Rodgers took the beautiful convertible home to Yonges Island, South Carolina. Diehard Tri-Five enthusiasts already have plans to attend the 2024 event, and you should, too! For now, enjoy some of our highlights from the 2023 Danchuk Tri-Five Nationals. MR

- Advertisement -

Click on this issue’s cover to see the enhanced digital version of Three Days of Classic Chevy Action at the 2023 Danchuk Tri-Five Nationals.

mr january 2024

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

Search Our Site

More Modern Rodding

The Latest in Fuel Senders – Holley LiDAR Technology

By Ryan Manson   -   Photography By Brian Brennan Classic Instruments...

Installing a Vintage Air Front Runner on Your Big-Block Chevy

By Ron Ceridono - Photography By Brian Brennan Dean Livermore...

Bringing Back a 1987 Buick Grand National with LSA Power

By Brian Brennan   -   Photography By NotStock Photography The 1987...

Tommy Foster’s 1932 Ford roadster to be auctioned at Mecum Kissimmee event

By Brian Brennan   -   Photography Courtesy of Mecum Auctions If...

2024 L.A. Roadsters Father’s Day Swap Meet & Roadster Show

By Brian Brennan   -   Photography By the Author The L.A....

1966 Corvette is the Best of What a C2 Can be Made Into

By Brian Brennan   -   Photography By NotStock Photography The 1966...
More Modern Rodding

Detroit Speed & Engineering QuadraLink Settles in Under Our 1969 Camaro

By Barry Kluczyk   -   Photography By Brian Brennan Our 1969...

1939 Buick Special Complete with 6.0L LS Hits The Road … At Last

By Brian Brennan   -  Photography By Josh Mishler This 1939...

All the Right Connections

The Del Rio Gets a Much-Needed Wiring & Instrument...

Revving up for a Cause

The 2024 Triple Crown of Rodding Surges Ahead By Brian...

The Ultimate 1936 Ford Roadster … It’s Almost There

By Brian Brennan   -   Photography By NotStock Photography Handmade hot...

Part 3: Building a One-of-a-Kind Model A Sedan

By Ron Covell   -   Photography By Chris Gray The one-of-a-kind...