Bowling Green, Kentucky, August 8, 2025
News Summary
The 10th Annual Tri-Five Nationals is currently taking place at Beech Bend Raceway in Bowling Green, Kentucky. This popular event showcases classic Chevrolet models from 1955 to 1957, featuring drag racing, car showcases, and a swap meet for rare parts. With a significant turnout, the event fosters a family-friendly atmosphere, offering attendees the chance to connect with automotive personalities and view stunning classic car builds, including a ’56 Chevy Gasser designed for drag racing. The Tri-Five Nationals continues to be a hub for car enthusiasts across generations.
Bowling Green, Kentucky – The 10th Annual Tri-Five Nationals is now underway at Beech Bend Raceway, bringing together enthusiasts of classic Chevrolet models from the years 1955, 1956, and 1957. Scheduled from August 7-9, the event is a celebration of nostalgia, showcasing hundreds of Chevrolet Bel Airs, 210s, Nomads, and other similar vehicles. Attendees are expected to partake in drag racing, participate in a swap meet for rare automotive parts, and explore custom and restored classic cars.
Event director Mike McFarlin highlighted the significant turnout of attendees, some of whom camped out for miles leading up to the event. The atmosphere at the Tri-Five Nationals is characterized as a “big family environment,” making it a sought-after gathering for multiple generations who have connected with these classic cars. The event marks a major hub for muscle car culture, which surged into popularity in the early 1970s, particularly among Chevrolet, Dodge, and Ford models.
A standout feature this year is the vehicle named Shell Shock, currently being built for the show Detroit Muscle by the team from PowerNation. This retro-inspired ’56 Chevy Gasser is designed specifically for drag racing, showcasing the blend of classic aesthetics with modern performance enhancements.
In addition to the numerous car showcases, Saturday will offer fans opportunities to meet well-known personalities from automotive shows, such as Pat Topolinski from Engine Power and Brian Lohnes from Detroit Muscle. Their attendance adds an extra layer of excitement to the family-friendly event.
One of the highlights of the Tri-Five Nationals is the Golden Star Give-A-Way car. This year, Philip Reedy of Florida has won a 1955 Bel Air in this common event feature that adds to the allure of the festival. Various builds will be on display, ranging from immaculate original restorations to unique custom modifications that reflect the personal touches of their owners.
The Tri-Five Nationals has grown significantly over the past decade, attracting nearly 3,000 cars each year and continuing to be a major event for classic car lovers. Prior to the main event kick-off, attendees enjoyed a fun-filled party at the Sloan Convention Center parking lot, which set the tone for the festivities yet to come.
This engaging event not only honors the history of Chevrolet classics but also fosters a community spirit among participants and spectators alike. The Tri-Five Nationals is poised to continue its legacy as a premier gathering for car enthusiasts that value the creativity and craftsmanship of classic American automobiles.
FAQ
What is the Tri-Five Nationals?
The Tri-Five Nationals is an annual event that celebrates Chevrolet vehicles manufactured in 1955, 1956, and 1957, featuring drag racing, car showcases, and a swap meet for automotive parts.
When and where is the event taking place?
The event is taking place from August 7-9 at Beech Bend Raceway in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
Who can attend the Tri-Five Nationals?
The event is open to all car enthusiasts, families, and fans of classic Chevrolet models, providing a welcoming atmosphere for participants of all ages.
What are some features of the event?
Features of the event include classic car drag racing, opportunities to meet personalities from automotive shows, a swap meet for hard-to-find parts, and the Golden Star Give-A-Way car.
Event Highlights
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Name | 10th Annual Tri-Five Nationals |
| Date | August 7-9, 2021 |
| Location | Beech Bend Raceway, Bowling Green, Kentucky |
| Types of Cars | Chevrolet models from 1955, 1956, and 1957 |
| Main Activities | Drag racing, car show, swap meet |
| Special Guests | Pat Topolinski, Brian Lohnes |
| Golden Star Give-A-Way | 1955 Bel Air winner: Philip Reedy from Florida |
| Expected Attendees | Nearly 3,000 cars |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
10th Annual Tri-Five Nationals Set for Bowling Green, KY
Additional Resources
- WBKO: Car Enthusiasts Drive in American Tri-Five Nationals Event
- Google Search: Tri-Five Nationals
- Hot Rod: Danchuk Tri-Five Nationals
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Automobile
- WBKO: Video Coverage of Tri-Five Nationals
- Google News: Classic Cars
- Chevy Hardcore: Outstanding Rides from Tri-Five Nationals
- PowerNation: Tri-Five Nationals Coverage
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
