SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2026-11AM TO 4PM
your one stopRestoration Shop
At Cliff Avenue, there are no shortcuts, only craftsmanship. With decades of experience, we’re known for precision restorations, from original bolts and correct plating to flawless upholstery and show stopping paint. Whether you want a concours-level original or a one-of-a-kind custom build,
Doing Business for Over 20 Years With over 130 years combined experience
PUBLISHER
Michels Communications Corporation
ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTORS
Bob Schmeichel, Scott Sehr, Tanya Manus, Michaela Feldmann, and Samantha Brockhouse
chris@michelscom.com
T he Motor Market is the area’s source for motor enthusiasts. The Motor Market is published monthly. We encourage all readers to submit articles. All articles are subject to publisher’s editing and approval.
MOTOR MARKET
PO Box 91606, Sioux Falls, SD 57109
605-332-0421
Write or call if you would like to subscribe to The Motor Market. A one year subscription is $40.00.
©Copyright 2026 Michels Communications Corporation. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the expressed written permission of Michels Communications Corporation.
Motor Market does not necessarily endorse or agree with content of articles or advertising presented. For sales inquiries car show updates or content ideas email ads@michelscom.com.
kevin@michelscom.com
melissa@michelscom.com
From Fighter Plane to Hot Rod
Rare WWII-Era Belly Tank to Make Midwest Debut at AutoMania
By Tanya Manus | Photography by Rob Christensen
Innovative hot rodders once saw hidden potential in empty, discarded drop tanks which fighter planes used to extend their flight range in World War II. Lightweight and aerodynamic, those surplus fuel tanks were repurposed and transformed into race cars capable of setting land speed records, earning the nickname “Lakesters,” or belly tank racers, or simply Tanks for the dry California and Bonneville lake beds where they ran.
After decades of fascination with these machines, Rob Christensen of Tea, S.D., built one of his own. Car and truck enthusiasts will have a rare opportunity to see Rob’s Lakester during AutoMania, a free annual car show in Valley Springs, S.D.
AutoMania takes place from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 27, on Broadway Avenue in Valley Springs, presented by Valley Corner Bar. Admission is free, and the event is open to all ages. Organizers say they hope the show inspires interest in the automotive industry among younger generations.
Car enthusiasts from 20 states are expected to display hundreds of vehicles, including muscle cars, hot rods, imports, sports cars, classic cars and motorcycles. The show typically draws thousands of visitors.
Participants may pre-register to enter a vehicle in the show, or arrive on the day of the event by 11 a.m. to enter a vehicle. Entry is free; the first 50 people who pre-register will receive a complimentary t-shirt. Advance registration is available at automaniaatvalley.com/register-ride.
In addition to the vehicle displays, vendors will be on-site selling automotive and specialty products. Concessions will be provided by several food trucks, including the famous SDSU ice cream. Live music will be featured throughout the afternoon.
Outside beverages will be available to purchase, and half the proceeds from those sales will benefit the Valley Springs Fire Department. For more information about AutoMania, visit automaniaatvalley.com.
A WWII relic reborn Rob Christensen’s Lakester was completed in the summer of 2025. He stated that it is the only one he has encountered in the Midwest, and very few exist anywhere in the country.
“I’ve been interested in these for a long time. I had a Matchbox of one as a kid,” Rob explains. “The love of cars
Rob spent roughly seven years tracking down historically accurate components from across the United States, aiming for a build that would honor the original builders.
always made me interested in these rare race cars. I served in the Army National Guard and Army Reserve for 23 years, so between the military and speed racing, it crossed over and held my interest.”
Drop tanks on World War II fighter planes were designed to be jettisoned when empty, earning the name drop tank, during combat, or in case of emergency, to reduce weight and improve maneuverability. After the war, surplus tanks were sold from stockpiles for $35 to $40 a piece. Hot rodders converted them into race cars using aircraft, and Model T and Model A components.
“They'd run them on dry lake beds in California and at Bonneville for speed and called them Lakesters,” Rob shares.
Those tanks are now extremely hard to find. Rob’s car is built from a P-38 Lightning World War II fuel tank. The tank is aluminum and the car weighs about 1,582 pounds.
Rob spent roughly seven years tracking down historically accurate components from across the United States, aiming for a build that would honor the original builders.
The engine is a 1938 Ford Flathead V8. The cylinder heads came from the former Ascot Speedway in California, where one spectator in the 1950s won them as a raffle. The car’s high clearance rims sourced from Divco milk trucks are described as extremely rare; their 18" height helps keep the low-slung car elevated off the ground.
The car even bears a historically significant number, 147, the number on the P-38 aircraft "Miss Virginia" credited with shooting down Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, who orchestrated the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor.
Rob credits Bobby Green of of Burbank, Calf., owner and operator of Old Crow Speed Shop, a vintage car expert, and belly tank builder and Bonneville record holder as a key mentor throughout the project.
“He was very helpful and he recognized that I was sincere about doing a historical build, and was willing to sell me many of the parts," adds Rob, who spent about seven years searching for parts. “He talked me through everything. He’s super knowledgeable, and he’s up on the history of them. He’s been a wealth of knowledge through the build.”
Rob Christensen pictured with Mike and Jim Barillaro of Barillaro Speed Emporium
Green connected Christensen with Barillaro Speed Emporium in Knoxville, TN, where the car was constructed over a little more than a year. The shop had previously built two belly tank racers of its own, though this was its first using a P-38 tank.
“They have superior fabrication and build knowledge, but had never done one with the larger P-38 tank,” Rob adds. “And they would text me progress pictures or ask questions to ensure I was pleased with the progress," Rob also states," without Bobby Green and Mike and Jim Barillaro, this car wouldn't exist."
Rob also credits Bernie Tyrrell, organizer of AutoMania, for his knowledge and
skill with the Lakester's Flathead engine.
“Thank goodness for Bernie. He’s a rare breed. He knows so much about Ford Flatheads. He heard about my Lakester and came out to look at it, and he has since done some engine tuning, and he has done some work on it. He’s very valuable to have around,” Rob acknowledges.
The Lakester runs well, but it isn’t street legal. Rob's future plans are to run at the Texas Mile and TROG in New Jersey, where you can run and race for time.
Beyond AutoMania, the car is also scheduled to appear at the Sioux Falls Airshow on July 18-19 at the Sioux Falls Regional Airport.
SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2026 • 11AM TO 4PM
Broadway Avenue in Valley Springs, SD Admission is free, and the event is open to all ages.
Our Sponsors:
Rob pictured with Bobby Green of the Old Crow Speed Shop
MARKET
THE EXT R A MILE
Paying Attention to the Important Parts
If you are involved in the hot rod arena, you have or know someone who has run into the dreaded engine overheating problem. It can happen out of the blue or can arise after a component change. Sometimes it appears immediately after installing your new engine.
Keeping your engine cool is a critical aspect of a hot rod, and as a capable driver, it is important to always monitor engine temperature while driving. If the engine temperature rises too much, it can hurt critical engine parts, reduce performance, and trigger a chain of events leading to engine failure, none of which will be easy or inexpensive to repair. What can be done during the engine building process to keep this problem from happening? Here is a
closer look at the steps that allow your engine to keep its cool.
First, it helps to understand what a cooling system needs to operate correctly. The system must be sealed with no leakage, as it cools under pressure, which raises the boiling point of the coolant. The system also requires adequate flow throughout the engine. If the coolant isn’t moving through the system correctly, hot spots will develop and the engine will overheat. A sufficiently sized radiator is also essential. If the coolant does not have adequate surface area to dispel heat, the coolant temperature will rise.
Second, it is important to understand why an upgraded cooling system is necessary. In a hot
rod engine, power and torque output are typically increased through an upgraded engine build or the addition of a power adder. The factory cooling system is designed to work with the factory engine horsepower rating, so when a power upgrade is introduced, cooling demands will exceed what the original system was built to handle. Sometimes the issue is simply environmental. When ambient air temperature rises, the cooling system must be in top shape to keep the engine cool to prevent damage.
At Sehr Performance, we start with the factory setup of the car and engine cooling design to create an upgraded design plan. The engine block and head surfaces must be straight and smooth enough to hold a tight seal around the coolant ports. The next step is to inspect and remove any casting flashing that may hinder flow, and then open up certain coolant ports, if needed. Next, we change aspects and upgrade the cooling
system as the technology of the engine increases. We then provide a quality water pump to ensure proper coolant volume is flowing, and test the engine cooling aspects on our engine dynamometer. The correct radiator size, radiator material, and proper fan CFM are all evaluated to keep the system cool. The rest is up to the installing mechanic and driver to use the correct coolant and ratio to meet the demands of the build.
Keeping the engine cool is an essential part of hot rodding. There are many ways to prevent overheating, but it is critical that all the components are working well and as intended. Drivers should also keep a close eye on the cooling system as a failure will result in disappointment. Here at Sehr Performance, we always keep our customers first and will recommend or provide the best possible product, so everyone can enjoy “THE EXTRA MILE.”
TIGER STRIPES GARAGE CAR SHOWCASE
May 2, 2026 - 4pm-7pm
Harrisburg High School
1300 W. Willow St., Harrisburg, SD
BLACK HILLS TRUCK INVASION
May 2-3, 2026
The Thunderdome - Sturgis, SD
42 ND ANNUAL SPRING AUTO PARTS SWAP MEET Cars for Sale Corral
May 3, 2026 - 7:30am-1pm
Fairgrounds Parking Lot
700 N. Maple St., Monticello, IA
SIOUX CITY CAREER ACADEMY CAR SHOW
May 5, 2026 - 5pm-7pm
Harry Hopkins Campus: 3000 US-75 Bus, Sioux City, IA 51105
JON CHACOPULOS COLLECTION AUCTION
Classic Car Auction Group
May 9, 2026 - 10am ONLINE ONLY - classiccarauction.us
SD DRIFT
Season Starts May 16-17, 2026; June 13-14, 2026; July 11-12, 2026; September 19-20, 2026
1 Drift Drive, Rapid City, SD southdakotadrift.com
4TH ANNUAL BLACK HILLS MOTORCYCLE SHOW
May 23, 2026
Deadwood Mountain Grand Deadwood, SD
CARS & COFFEE OF SIOUXLAND
May 23, 2026 - 8am-11am
Lincoln County Airport - Tea, SD
LOCO DREAMERZ CAR SHOW
May 24, 2026 - 10am-4pm
3647 1st Ave SE - Ceder Rapids, IA
25TH ANNUAL THUNDER ON THE PRAIRIE
Route 385 Cruisers Car Club
Rod Run May 29-31, 2026 Car Show May 30 - 11am-4pm Alliance Central Park - Alliance, NE
HUB CITY AUTO PARTS
SWAP MEET & CAR SHOW
May 30, 2026 - 8am-2pm
Brown County Fair Grounds - Aberdeen, SD
CHROME & STEEL SHOW & SHINE Frankman Motor Co.
May 30, 2026 - 10 am-3pm 26874 SD Hwy 11, Sioux Falls, SD
WHEEL JAM
June 4-7, 2026
Huron, SD
LOWDOWN ROUNDUP CUSTOM CAR & TRUCK SHOW
June 5-7, 2026 Water Works Park, Des Moines, IA
ENERGY CAPITAL OF THE NATION CAR SHOW
June 5-7, 2026
Cam-Plex Multi Event Facility - Gillette, WY
PLYMOUTH CLASSIC CAR & MOTOR SHOW
June 6, 2026 - 10am-1pm 1915 Xenium Ln N - Plymouth, MN
ALL FORD 40TH ANNUAL CAR SHOW
Sioux Empire Ford Club
June 7, 2026 - 11am-3pm Sioux Falls Ford - Sioux Falls, SD
6TH ANNUAL REMEMBERING ED CAR & BIKE SHOW
June 7, 2026 - 11am Riverside Park - Sioux City, IA
8TH ANNUAL CUSTER OFF ROAD RALLY
June 12-14, 2026 Custer, SD
20TH ANNUAL PLAINVIEW CAR, TRUCK, MOTORCYCLE & TRACTOR SHOW
June 13, 2026 - 11:30am 402-992-1291
highway20hotrod@gmail.com
14TH ANNUAL SPRING ALL CAR “CRUISE-IN”
June 13, 2026 - 10am-3pm Fleet Farm - Rapid City, SD
BROOKINGS CAR SHOW
June 13-14, 2026 Brookings, SD
GLASS DOCTOR ANNUAL CAR SHOW
June 17, 2026 - 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm 2420 N. Bakker Landing Ave., Spearfish, SD
BLACK HILLS CAMARO RALLY
June 17-20, 2026 Spearfish, SD
22 ND ANNUAL TEAFEST SHOW AND SHINE Powered by Octane Ink
June 19, 2026 - Tea, SD
JESSE JAMES CAR SHOW
June 19, 2026 - 6pm Garretson, SD
KING SERIES SUMMER SHOW
June 19-21, 2026
King Series Facility - Emery, SD
WILD BILL DAYS COLLECTOR CAR & MEMORABILIA AUCTION
McPherson Auction
June 21, 2026
Deadwood Mountain Grand Deadwood, SD
AUTOMANIA
Presented by Valley Corner Bar
June 27, 2026 - 12pm-4pm
Broadway Ave., Valley Springs, SD
QUARRY DAYS
June 28-27, 2026
Dell Rapids, SD
HEDAHL’S AUTO VALUE CAR SHOW
July 11, 2026 - 11am-4pm Redfield, SD
55TH ANNUAL BLACK HILLS
CORVETTE CLASSIC
Tour the Black Hills
July 15-18, 2026
Spearfish, SD
SCENE OF THE CRASH CAR AND BIKE SHOW
July 17-18, 2026
Dakota Thurston County Fairgrounds
Dakota City, NE
VETTES IN THE PARK
University of Okoboji Corvette Club
Sampson Corvettes - Sanborn, IA
July 24, 2026 - 11am-3pm Arnolds Park, IA
July 25, 2026 - 8am-2pm uofocorvetteclub.com
CARS & COFFEE OF SIOUXLAND
July 25, 2026 - 8am-11am Lincoln County Airport - Tea, SD
NYBERG’S ACE
HOT CLASSICS NIGHT
July 25, 2026
Sioux Falls, SD
CANTON CAR SHOW FOR GENERATIONS
July 26, 2026 - 11am Canton, SD
COUNTS CAR CLUB
VINTAGE DIRT DRAGS IN DAKOTA
July 31, 2026
Bandit Speedway - Box Elder, SD
D.A.D.’S AUTO REPAIR SHOW & SHINE
August 1, 2026
Beresford, SD
CHASERS 16TH ANNUAL CAR SHOW
August 1, 2026 - 3pm
Chasers - Sioux Falls, SD
SIOUX FALLS CLASSIC CAR AUCTION
August 1, 2026 - 10AM
Denny Sanford Premier Center Sioux Falls, SD
86TH ANNUAL STURGIS RALLY
August 7-16, 2026
Sturgis, SD sturgis.com
SERTOMA SHINE AND SHOW
August 9, 2026 - 1pm-4pm
Cars For Sale Parking Lot Sioux Falls, SD
KOOL DEADWOOD NITES CAR SHOW
August 18-19, 2026
Deadwood, SD
3-DAY CLASSIC CAR AUCTION
McPherson Auction
August 20-22, 2026
Deadwood Mountain Grand Deadwood, SD
WES RICK MEMORIAL AND BANDIT SHOOTOUT
Presented by Yoder’s Speed Shop
August 21-22, 2026
Bandit Speedway - Box Elder, SD
TERRY KOCH’S RACE SHOW CRUISE NIGHT FUNDRAISER
August 22, 2026
Sioux Falls, SD
STURGIS MUSTANG RALLY SHOW & SHINE
September 1-6, 2026
Sturgis, SD
MONTANA CLASSIC CAR AUCTION
Classic Car Auction Group
September 5, 2026
ONLINE ONLY - classiccarauction.com
STUDEBAKER CAR SHOW
September 6, 2026
Custer, SD
RIBS, RODS & ROCK N’ ROLL
September 11-12, 2026
Vermillion, SD
VINTIQUES ROD RUN & CAMPOUT
September 11-13, 2026
Watertown, SD
8TH ANNUAL MIDWEST HOT ROD RALLY
September 11- 12, 2026
Woodbury County Fairgrounds Moville, IA
HY-VEE CAR SHOW
September 12, 2026 - 11am-3pm 3000 Minnesota Ave, Sioux Falls, SD Bernie Tyrell - 605-350-8585
CARS & COFFEE OF SIOUXLAND
September 12, 2026 - 8am-11am Lincoln County Airport - Tea, SD
SHOW & SHINE
September 12, 2026 - 1pm-6pm Pressler Park - Humboldt, SD
43RD ANNUAL BLACK HILLS SWAP MEET
September 13, 2026
Central States Fairgrounds - Rapid City, SD
Speed, Style and Corvettes
By Tanya Manus | Photography by the University of Okoboji Corvette Club
Three supercars capable of reaching speeds of 200 mph will serve as the star attraction at this year's Vettes in the Park, an annual gathering of exceptional automobiles.
The 2026 event, hosted by the University of Okoboji Corvette Club, is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, July 24-25, in Arnolds Park, Iowa.
Activities begin Friday, July 24, with opportunities to view private collections and browse Corvettes for sale. The day opens at Sampson's Corvettes in Sanborn, Iowa, where, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., owners may register their vehicles for the show while enjoying food and beverages and browsing Craig Sampson's inventory. Registration fees for "all Corvettes" are covered by Sampson Corvettes.
At 3 p.m., a caravan will depart for Marble Lake Ranch, 12025 240th Ave., Spirit Lake, Iowa. Owners Robert and Marcia Zylstra have spent more than 60 years collecting Corvettes, motorcycles,
and tractors. From 4 to 6 p.m., registered guests may view a selection of rare C2 and C3 Corvettes from the Zylstra collection, vehicles few people have had the opportunity to see.
The main show opens at 8 a.m., Saturday, July 25. This year's featured display highlights three supercars: a 2017 Dodge Viper ACR, a 2025 Ford Mustang GTD, and a 2026 Corvette ZR1.
It marks the first time non-Corvette vehicles have served as headline attractions at the event. Club President Larry Dixon says the addition was intended to bring something fresh to the show, and the three supercars deliver. Each set a record lap time at the Nürburgring circuit in Germany.
The Dodge Viper ACR was the first North American-produced supercar to claim the fastest lap at the track, setting records in 2017 and 2023. The Ford Mustang GTD became the first American-built supercar to break the seven-minute barrier in 2024, then reset the mark in early summer of 2025. But in late summer of 2025, the 2025 Corvette ZR1 set a new fastest time. The latest news is that in April 2026, the Ford GTD set a blistering new time lap.
A second featured display will present four generations of Corvettes, C1, C2, C3, and C4, alongside the Iowa Rock 'n' Roll Museum. Additional Saturday activities include a raffle, merchandise sales, live music, an outdoor bar, and a special announcement.
"In addition, we expect over 200 Corvettes on display," Larry shares. "This is going to draw a lot of people in." Awards will be presented at 1:15 p.m., with vehicles released at 2 p.m. For more information, visit uofocorvetteclub.com/vettes-in-the-park.
TIRES
SUMMER TRAVEL SAFETY IS YOUR VEHICLE ROAD TRIP READY?
By ArticleBiz.com
Summer travel offers the opportunity to explore new destinations and create lasting memories. Before hitting the road, however, a thorough vehicle inspection can mean the difference between a smooth journey and an unexpected breakdown. A modest investment of time in pre-trip maintenance pays dividends in safety and peace of mind, not to mention the avoidance of expensive repairs. Schedule an appointment with the experts at Graham Tire to ensure that your vehicle is road-ready!
Essential vehicle maintenance for summer travel
Exterior and tire inspection
Begin with the tires, the most critical contact point between vehicle and road. Check inflation levels against the manufacturer's recommended PSI and inspect the tread for signs of excessive wear. Improperly inflated tires and worn tread are leading contributors to summer travel accidents and blowouts.
A pre-trip vehicle inspection covering tires, lights, fluids, air conditioning, and safety restraints significantly reduces the risk of a summer breakdown.
Next, test all exterior lighting, including headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals, to confirm proper operation. A malfunctioning light is not only a safety hazard but also a ticketable offense in most states.
Inspect the windshield wipers as well. Summer thunderstorms can develop rapidly, and worn blades compromise visibility at a critical moment.
Interior and safety systems
Inside the vehicle, verify that the air conditioning system is functioning effectively before departure. High temperatures make a failed A/C more than an inconvenience; it can become a health risk on long stretches of highway.
Check all seat belts and child safety restraints for proper operation and secure latching. Review the dashboard for any active warning lights, which may signal issues that require attention before travel. Addressing a potential problem before departure is far less disruptive than doing so on the road.
Emergency preparedness
Even well-maintained vehicles can encounter unexpected problems. Drivers should carry a roadside emergency kit that includes:
• A spare tire, jack, and lug wrench
• Jumper cables
• A flashlight with spare batteries
• Basic first-aid supplies
• Bottled water and non-perishable snacks
• A phone charger or portable power bank
Drivers should also keep roadside assistance contact information, such as a membership service like AAA, readily accessible before departure.
A pre-trip vehicle inspection covering tires, lights, fluids, air conditioning, and safety restraints significantly reduces the risk of a summer breakdown. The professionals at Graham Tire are ready to help ensure your vehicle is ready for adventure this summer.
When you enroll in one of Mitchell Tech’s more than 35 high-demand, high-tech programs, you’re not just choosing a college — you’re choosing to get ready for what’s next.
Skilled careers don’t happen by accident. At Mitchell Tech, you’ll learn by doing, not just listening. From hands on labs to real-world experience, every step prepares you for a high-demand career.
Visit campus or explore online to see how you can Get Ready at Mitchell Tech.
Recognizing the Value
By Bob Schmeichel
Anyone who is into cars or isn’t, but would like an old car or truck to ride around in or tinker with, has to be somewhat smarter these days. As we get older, we realize that EVERYTHING is more expensive than it was not that long ago, or at least it feels that way. Over the years, I have talked to many people who wished they had a high school vehicle or a favorite car they liked back then. The reality of actually doing that can be a rude awakening if you aren’t in tune with the way things cost today, more specifically, when you are talking about getting an old car or truck. Here is an example.
I ordered a new 1968 Chevrolet Nova two-door sedan from the factory when I was in college. It wasn’t anything fancy, but I liked the car’s new body style, which ran from 1968 to 1972. It had a 325HP 327” engine, with a 4-speed transmission, a posi rear end, an AM radio, tinted glass, and a custom black cloth interior. I waited three months for it to be built and arrive at Rapp Chevrolet, with a window sticker price just under $2,500. Today, you might be really lucky to find a similar car equipped the same way for $25,000. That’s right, 10 times the cost is what 58 years can do. That makes me sound really old, but I guess being 77 is going in that direction! And if you aren’t mechanically inclined, and still want an old ride, be prepared for the cost to take you to a whole new level if you are stuck on having something specific to drive and enjoy while paying a business to build it for you.
My story today is about Randy Landwehr’s love and pursuit of 1970 to 1972 Novas. First off, Randy had a 1970 Rally Nova in high school in 1980 as a junior. He sold that car after graduating and regretted it enough to find and buy another 1970 Nova while in his early 20’s. What he bought wasn’t all that great mechanically, including needing some major bodywork that he did himself, along with repainting the car white. Stretching the rebuild out over a period of time, and because of other priorities going on in his young life, he put the car in storage as a future project.
As it turned out, the car was everything and better than the photos and information said it was. And now, they could have the car Randy has always wanted.
As time went on, Randy realized this Nova in storage needed quite a bit more work to get it where he wanted to see it, even with an ever-burning desire to have a Nova to drive. So, in 1995, Randy bought another 1970 Nova, which was in better shape mechanically, and drove it for quite a few years the way it was. Over the years of driving the Nova, Randy found a large picture of a Nova that was painted silver with black stripes. That picture inspired him enough to tear into what he had been driving for years, and he started stripping the entire car down to nothing and brought it back, making it look like the photo. As the progress of dismantling this Nova down to nothing continued over a few years while getting some better parts, in September of 2018, Randy just happened to be looking on eBay one day and saw a finished silver with black stripes Nova that looked exactly like his garage wall picture.
The ad about the car stated it was a 1972 Nova 2-door with 5,000 miles on it since it was totally restored. It had shaved door handles but opened with a fob. The engine was bored to 358” with a moderate, solid lifter camshaft. It had Dart Iron Eagle heads, Headman headers, with a new 750 Holley Carb, an electric fan, a serpentine belt system with power steering, a 350 transmission, and a 9” Ford rear end with 3.55 gears. It also had Billet wheels with new tires and radial slicks on the back. It did not overheat nor did it have any leaks. The entire car had been lowered 2” and had manual 4-wheel disc brakes along with Lakewood traction bars. The car had been driven on a few 400mile trips with no problems and could be driven home if you flew in.
It had been appraised at Classic Auto Sales in Omaha for $25,000, and the bidding with the online auction started at $14,000. Everything written about the finished car was positive, as Randy and his wife read it, so Randy decided to get in on the auction when it happened to see how it would go. As it would turn out, Randy was third in line with bidding. After the first two didn’t commit themselves to their bids in front of Randy, Randy decided to opt out also, thinking it would come up again in another auction.
A couple of weeks later, it showed up in another auction, but this time there were only two final bidders, one from Oklahoma City and Randy. As it turned out, no one committed themselves again, including Randy. So, Randy gave the owner who lived in
Yankton a call a couple of days later and gave him another bid over the phone, which he refused, saying one of the 405 guys from the Street Outlaws series was going to fly in and get it. With that, Randy ended the call after giving the owner of the Nova his phone number in case things didn’t work out. Apparently, things didn’t work out with the 405th guy backing out, and the owner called Randy back on a Saturday and told him he could have the car for what he offered, which was way less than he bid online. After that call, Randy was excited! The following day, he and Laurie, his wife, decided to check the car out and drive it. On the way there, they discussed the value of each thing listed in the ad and realized that they could not rebuild their Nova at home for what the agreed-upon price was for the finished Nova they were going to see.
As it turned out, the car was everything and better than the photos and information said it was. And now, they could have the car Randy has always wanted. After visiting with the older gentleman owner, the owner expressed the fact that he was happy seeing that his car was going to someone who appreciated it and would take care of it. He would accept Randy’s last offer, but he really wanted to be paid in cash. Now this was on a Sunday, and we know how many banks are open on a Sunday—none! So, they drove back to Sioux Falls for the night, got the cash on Monday, went back to Yankton to get Randy’s dream, and have been driving the car ever since, and are really enjoying what they finally have! What will happen to the other two Novas that they have in their possession? One can only wonder…
A farm boy from Salem, Bob’s family moved to Sioux Falls when he was 12 years old. After graduating from Washington High School, he attended USD, where he majored in Commercial Art. A lifelong auto and art enthusiast, Bob wanted to combine his passions into a career. A self-taught mechanic, bodywork, welder and painter, he worked in the industry for seven years. He later went to work for Horner Waldorf Box Company, where he worked for the next 33 years, retiring as Package Design Manager for Smurfit Stone Container. Bob has built dozens of street rods over the years, doing everything except the upholstery work. Bob started the Great Plains Street Rodders Car Club in 1985, and today the club has over 340 members. You can see more of Bob’s paintings and car features on the club’s website: www. greatplainsstreetrodders.com
Jesse JamesDay
Transforming Rides With
By Michaela Feldmann
For nearly 25 years, Audio Playground has specialized in enhancing the driving and boating experience for customers in the Sioux Falls area.
“We want to be a one-stop shop for anything aftermarket for your vehicle,” states Nate Mittendorf, general manager of Audio Playground.
From remote starters and premium car and marine audio systems to rearview cameras, the shop offers expert installation and a broad range of products.
“Audio is a huge part of our business, but not the only thing that we do,” Nate explains.
During the summer months, customers bring in a wide variety of vehicles.
“That includes old and new cars, side-by-sides, ATVs, boats and motorcycles,” Nate adds. “They’re adding all the bells and whistles, whether that’s accessories, covers or lighting.” Every vehicle receives the same level of care.
“We stand behind all of our work and have a lifetime installation guarantee,” Nate affirms. “Our service manager, Stu, who's been doing this for 13 years, has worked on everything from a Lamborghini to your standard beater. We treat every vehicle the same: with care and respect.”
In the winter months, the focus shifts to remote starters, the shop’s primary seasonal offering.
“That’s kind of our bread and butter at that time of year,” Nate explains. “Adding remote start gives you added range as well.”
Remote start systems offer security system add-ons that offer features including alerts for shock, tilt, glass breaks, and door jambs. Nate notes that compatible remote start units can be transferred from an old vehicle to a new one.
“There’s just a lot more flexibility," Nate explains.
Window tinting is another popular service, with ceramic and carbon film options available.
“Ceramic is going to be a lot better for heat rejection in the summer, and it protects the interior of your vehicle,” Nate shares. “Carbon is a great product as well that won't fade, and won't peel, but it’s more there for aesthetics and glare reduction.”
For customers seeking exterior protection, Audio Playground also offers paint protection film. Unlike many dealerships that work only from pre-cut templates, the shop hand-cuts every application.
“Our paint protection technician will go around very carefully and cut around the corners. We don’t want to scratch anyone’s paint. We can go bumper to bumper and everything in between.”
They can also apply color change paint protection film.
“If you have a red vehicle and you want to make it black, we can do that,” Nate adds. “We can also do two-tone work. Customization is a huge thing in our business. If you have a look or a dream, we can generally make it happen.”
Alongside Audio Playground’s experience, they also bring a lot of options.
“While we may carry three speaker brands on hand, we have access to so many others. When the customer wants the best, we can do it for them. If they want something more affordable, we have that, too. We truly are that one-stop shop, and we care about delivering a great experience,” Nate shares.
That commitment extends beyond installation. Audio Playground retunes audio systems at no additional charge after installation and again if the sound changes over time.
“With car audio, it might sound different two or three months later. So, we invite them in for a retune of the system. Once you are a customer, you are a customer for life," Nate adds.
Audio Playground is located at 3512 S. Western Ave., in Sioux Falls. For more information, call 605-600-2479.
Largest Old Truck Collection in the Midwest! Over 200 Showcases with 1,000’s of Pieces of Yesterday’s Memories!
Monday-Friday: 8:00am-4:00pm Saturday: By Appointment Only Sunday: Closed (Staff-guided tours available by appointment)
SPEED SHOP
40 Years of Ford Devotion
By Tanya Manus
The Sioux Empire Ford Club is celebrating four decades of Ford Motor Co. enthusiasm with its 40th annual All Ford Car Show, set for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, June 7, at Sioux Falls Ford, 4901 W. 26th St., Sioux Falls.
Between 120 and 150 vehicles are expected on display, representing the breadth of Ford's lineup, from Model T and Model A classics to Mustangs, Thunderbirds, Fairlanes, Falcons, Torinos, Galaxies, Mavericks, LTDs, and F-Series trucks ranging from the F-150 to the F-350. Any vehicle with a Ford or Mercury engine is eligible to enter.
Admission is free. The vehicle entry fee is $25, or $20 for those who pre-register. For pre-registration information, visit the Sioux Empire Ford Club's Facebook page or email Siouxempirefordclub@gmail.com. Sioux Falls Ford is among the show's primary sponsors.
Unlike a show-and-shine event, the All Ford Car Show is a judged competition. First, second, and third-place trophies will be awarded across vehicle categories. Attendees can also purchase lunch from local food trucks.
Sandie Braun, president of the Sioux Empire Ford Club, said the club has planned surprises to mark the 40th anniversary of the show and the organization.
"We are a car club for Sioux Falls and surrounding towns," Sandie shares. "We do have a policy that your car has to have a Ford or
a Ford body with a Chevy engine in your car."
The club traces its roots to 1985, when it was founded as the Sioux Empire Mustang Club with 10 members. Its inaugural car show, held in 1986, drew 50 Mustangs. The club later broadened its scope and adopted its current name. Membership has since grown to approximately 100.
The club welcomes enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds. Members range from their early 20s to their 90s, and Braun emphasized the club's inclusive atmosphere.
"It's not just a guys' scene. We have both women and men involved," Sandie explains. "Some of our most enthusiastic participants are women in their 80s, proudly cruising along and showcasing their cars right alongside everyone else."
Beyond car shows, members participate in monthly gatherings, autocross and drag-racing events, scavenger hunts, drive-in movies, visits to car museums, ice cream runs, bowling, and holiday parties.
Later this year, a contingent of 30 to 35 members of the Sioux Empire Ford Club plan to attend the 20th annual Sturgis Mustang Rally, scheduled for Sept. 1-6 over Labor Day weekend.
New members are welcome. For more information about the Sioux Empire Ford Club, visit the club's Facebook page or email Siouxempirefordclub@gmail.com.
Once Lost, Never Forgotten
1972 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 did exactly that, becoming a lifelong obsession that would span three decades, cross state lines, and end in a remarkable reunion in the world of classic cars.
The story begins in the sweeping prairie country of central South Dakota. The car originally rolled off the lot at Garrigan Chevrolet in Highmore, SD, a stunning example of Detroit muscle at its peak. In December 1972, a young Kelvin walked into Thomas Chevrolet in Huron, SD and drove out in what would become his most prized possession: his very first car. The Chevelle was no ordinary machine. Powered by the legendary LS5 454 cubic-inch V8 engine with a four-barrel carburetor, it was one of only 5,333 LS5's manufactured that model year,
HAVE A RIDE YOU WANT TO SHOW OFF?
#732 Covert interior, the car was heavily optioned and built to turn heads.
Kelvin drove the Chevelle through high school graduation and took it with him to Vo-Tech in Laramie, WY, where he made some modifications while carefully preserving all of the original stock parts. But life on the farm had different demands. In the fall of 1975, he returned to the family operation north of Miller, SD, and faced a hard choice: keep the muscle car or buy a pickup truck to work the land. Practicality won out, and the Chevelle changed hands. Kelvin kept the stock parts, and in the late 1970s, the car’s new owner tracked him down and purchased them, planning a full restoration. The gold Chevelle had driven out of Kelvin’s life, but never out of his mind.
Through the 1990s, Kelvin quietly searched for his old Chevelle, hitting multiple dead ends. Finally, in 2002, he tracked down the man who had purchased the stock parts years before, only to learn that the car had already changed hands again. The former owner had relocated from Pierre, SD to Spearfish, SD and sold several vehicles, and the Chevelle had slipped into the unknown once more. He reluctantly shifted his search: if he couldn’t find his original car, he’d find one just like it. Kelvin scoured car magazines and turned to the early days of the Internet, spending evenings browsing the Deals on Wheels website.
Then came the night that changed everything. Scrolling through Deals on Wheels, Kelvin spotted a Chevelle that looked unmistakably familiar, the same Placer Gold paint, the same lines, the same soul. He picked up the phone. Within minutes of speaking with the seller, it became clear: this was
NAME: Kelvin Grey
CAR YEAR-MAKE-MODEL: 1972 Chevy Chevelle SS
ENGINE: LS5 454
TRANSMISSION: Turbo 400 3-speed automatic
SUSPENSION: Heavy-duty F41
EXHAUST: Magnaflow dual exhaust
BODY: 2-door sports coupe
INTERIOR: Light covert color
not just a similar car. This was his car! The Chevelle had traveled to North Dakota, changed hands again, and spent years in storage before being pulled out in the early 1990s and treated to a complete, frame-off restoration at just 66,000 actual miles. Amazingly, the original build sheet, still tucked inside the car, was used to restore every detail to factory specifications, with GM inspection markings replicated where appropriate. The odometer was reset to zero on a rebuilt speedometer in 1998, and the numbers-matching car was born again.
In 2003, Kelvin purchased his Chevelle back, 30 years after first buying it as a high schooler. Today, the car is a regular sight at car shows and parades across the region, its Placer Gold finish gleaming just as it did back in 1972. For Kelvin, it is far more than a show car. It is a testament to patience, persistence, and the unbreakable bond between a man and the first car he ever called his own.
2025 and down take off bumpers. For a quick response, text or call!
New Takeoff Boxes Dodge, Ram, Chevy, & GMC Rear Bumpers
Ford Super Duty Rear Bumpers 1999-2025
New take off boxes
New take off boxes Take off boxes, Ford, Chevy, GMC, Dodge Ram 2025 and
Ford, Chevy, GMC, Dodge Ram. Boxes, bumpers tailgate
No Speed Limit Shifting Gears with TRAILERPARK COUNTRY
By Samantha Brockhouse
On June 19, the sound of engines won’t be the only thing filling the air at Thunder Valley Dragway. TrailerPark Country, a Sioux Falls band, is bringing their No Speed Limit tour to the track’s 60th Anniversary kickoff, where country music, racing, and crowd energy all come together. When asked how the No Speed Limit tour came together, their answer was straightforward.
Tailgate Crazy was highly accepted by NFL fans throughout the country,” Dennis Cockerham, one of the band members, shares. “Because of that, we got to perform at the Super Fan Summit during the NFL Draft in Detroit in 2024, and we were doing tailgates for teams like the Vikings, Texans, and Titans. Last summer, we even headlined the Tailgating Hall of Fame during Hall of Fame Week in Ohio.”
That kind of momentum naturally pulled them deeper into the sports world, but racing came from something closer to home.
“My brother, my brother-in-law, and a lot of my friends are involved with racing,” Dennis explains. “They kept asking, ‘When are you going to write a racing song?’ So, we did. We Pedal to the Metal, and that’s really where the ‘No Speed Limit’ tour came from.”
For the band, that crossover isn’t new; it’s the foundation of everything they do. The band describes their identity as “Trailer Park Country,” a concept that goes beyond music. “It’s not a place, it’s an attitude,” Dennis adds.
That attitude is rooted in simplicity and relatability. Instead of chasing a polished image, the band leans into what feels familiar, such as sports, tailgates, and the kind of moments that bring people together. It’s less about standing out and more about fitting in with the crowd they’re playing for. That mindset shapes how they approach their live shows. Rather than positioning themselves as the focal point, TrailerPark Country builds their performances around the energy that already exists. At a racetrack
or tailgate, the focus isn’t on the stage; it’s on the fans, the drivers, and the atmosphere of the event itself.
The band simply steps in and adds to it, creating something that feels more like a shared experience than a traditional concert.
“I want people to remember how much fun they had,” Dennis states. It’s a simple goal, but one that defines the entire experience. Whether it’s a song that sticks on the drive home or the feeling of being part of something bigger than just a setlist, that’s what they’re aiming for every time they take the stage.
That energy is exactly what they’re bringing into this summer’s run of shows, with stops across South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa. Each one is built around the same idea of meeting fans where they already are and giving them something to remember.
“Expect something that doesn’t feel like a typical concert,” Dennis advises.
For TrailerPark Country, the No Speed Limit tour isn’t about changing who they are; it’s about taking what’s already working and embracing it further. And on June 19, that starts at Thunder Valley Dragway.
“Expectsomethingthatdoesn’tfeel like a typical concert,” Dennis advises.
FRIDAY,
JULY 31
Warner Records artist WARREN ZEIDERS is one of Country music’s newest and most promising stars. At just 26, the Pennsylvania native has already made an undeniable mark on the genre, with more than 3.6 billion global career streams, 2 billion TikTok views and 7.9 million monthly listeners on Spotify. In 2024, he won a CMT Award for “Breakthrough Male Music Video of the Year,” earned two, fan-voted PEOPLE’s Choice Country nominations, was featured on the star-studded Twisters Soundtrack, and earned his first No. 1 Single with his RIAA Double Platinum Certified “Pretty Little Poison” (which was the No. 2 most-played song on all of Country radio in 2024).
This year, he released his 21-track album Relapse, Lies & Betrayal, encompassing heartbreak, personal evolution, and emotional healing. The album was featured on NPR All Songs Considered’s New Music Friday playlist, GQ, Cowboys & Indians, Forbes + more. Zeiders was also recently featured on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, The Kelly Clarkson Show, GQ’s Real-Life Diet and People Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive. Zeiders kicked off 2025 with his first European headline tour, followed by standout moments including headlining Houston Rodeo and his Relapse tour, which spanned more than 30 US cities. He is currently headlining his 2025 Relapse, Lies, & Betrayal headline tour, which will conclude with a sold-out, hometown arena show at Hershey’s Giant Center. Looking ahead, Zeiders will perform at Stagecoach in April 2026 before launching the Warren Zeiders World Tour 2026, featuring stops across the U.S., Australia, and Europe.
ASK THE MOTOR MEDICS®
TUNE-IN AND TUNE-UP!®
Dear Motor Medics,
My vehicle is starting to rust under the hood on my strut towers and under the back on the rear axle mounts, and my shop tells me that, in their opinion, it is no longer safe to drive. It's a 2001 Dodge Caravan, and other than the rust, it looks great. It only has 105k miles on it, so I'm reluctant to part with it. How dangerous can it be, and can it be repaired for a reasonable price? If I don't fix it, what are my options?
Thank
you
James in Bartlesville, Oklahoma
Dear James,
Up here in our home market, we see a lot of these vehicles rusting as you describe, but don't hear much about them in your condition down by you because there is less road salt and milder temps. When they get so bad that a shop feels that it's dangerous to drive, it's time to take a serious look at the van. The strut towers do rust through and if they give way, and they can, you can lose control of the van. The same goes for an axle that breaks its mounts due to rust. Repairs can run thousands of dollars, and we don't see many performed. Get the advice of someone local, but if it turns out that it is time to remove it from the road for safety, a local auto recycler will be able to help you through the process of recycling your van.
Take care, The Motor Medics
Dear Motor Medics,
I've got an issue with my fuel gauge in my 2004 Chevy Tahoe. All the other gauges work great, and the fuel gauge does for the most part, but ever since I had the instrument cluster replaced due to a failed speedometer and oil gauge. The gauge reads one-eighth tank, but it runs out of gas at almost the exact time that the low fuel light comes on. I mean, I have run out of fuel, and ten seconds after the light appears. Once I was driving and saw the light pop on, and just a few seconds later, it died. I thought that when I got the new instrument cluster, I would be done with the gauge issues. It used to turn the light on when I still had one-quarter tank left.
Thank you
Dear Mark,
The first thing we would do is not let the tank go below half full. It seems obvious, but it definitely would solve the running out of fuel issue. As for the gauge issue, we can solve that, too. These vehicles have had a history of failed instrument clusters needing to be replaced. They get mass remanufactured, and the quality, while very good, is not perfect. It sounds like they got the needle of the fuel gauge installed too high so that it reads fuller than it is. Your mechanic may be able to adjust it down a bit.
Take care, The Motor Medics
with The Motor Medics ® Shannon Nordstrom, Russ “The Super Tech” Evans, and Chris Carter
From the Hosts of the Under The Hood radio show.
Mark in Fort Morgan, Colorado
