Bowling Green, Kentucky, August 8, 2025
News Summary
The Tri-Five Nationals, a celebration of Chevrolet models from 1955 to 1957, will take place at Beech Bend Raceway, attracting thousands of car enthusiasts. This year’s highlights include drag racing, a classic car show, and the unveiling of Project Shell Shock, a retro-inspired 1956 Chevy Gasser. Notable figures from PowerNation will be present, along with family-friendly activities and opportunities for community engagement, making it a must-attend event for classic car lovers.
Bowling Green, Kentucky
The 10th Annual Tri-Five Nationals is set to bring thousands of Chevrolet enthusiasts together at Beech Bend Raceway from August 7 to 9. This event celebrates the iconic Chevrolet models produced in 1955, 1956, and 1957, showcasing a lineup that includes Bel Airs, 210s, Nomads, and more. At the forefront of this gathering is PowerNation, which will have a prominent booth and showcase their exciting new project, Project Shell Shock.
Event Highlights
The Tri-Five Nationals will feature various activities including thrilling drag racing, classic car shows, and a friendly atmosphere characterized by nostalgia and camaraderie among car aficionados. Attendees will have the chance to meet PowerNation’s notable figures such as Pat Topolinski from “Engine Power” and Brian Lohnes from “Detroit Muscle,” who will be available from 11 AM to 1 PM on Saturday to connect with fans.
One of the standout attractions at PowerNation’s booth will be Project Shell Shock, a retro-inspired 1956 Chevy Gasser designed to capture the essence of vintage drag racing. This vehicle showcases a pronounced nose-high stance reminiscent of classic racing designs, built with modern craftsmanship to resonate with car culture enthusiasts.
Community and Culture
The event is expected to attract participants from multiple generations of the Tri-Five community, affirming its status as a must-attend event for anyone passionate about classic American muscle cars. Family-friendly camping options are available on-site, allowing attendees to immerse themselves in the culture for the entire weekend.
Additionally, the classic car show gives participants a platform to display their vehicles, share experiences, and engage with fellow enthusiasts. The event will also include a swap meet where rare and hard-to-find car parts from the 1970s can be sourced, adding another layer of excitement for collectors and restorers.
Conclusion
The Tri-Five Nationals stands as a celebration of mid-century American automotive culture, attracting car lovers from all walks of life. As described by event director Mike McFarlin, the experience is one enriched with excitement, nostalgia, and a shared passion for horsepower and heritage. Attendees are encouraged to engage with the PowerNation crew, share stories about their builds, and revel in the experience together.
FAQ Section
- What is the Tri-Five Nationals?
- The Tri-Five Nationals is an annual event celebrating Chevrolet vehicles produced in 1955, 1956, and 1957, featuring drag racing, classic car shows, and related activities.
- When and where is the event taking place?
- The event will be held from August 7 to 9 at Beech Bend Raceway in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
- What is Project Shell Shock?
- Project Shell Shock is a retro-inspired 1956 Chevy Gasser designed for drag racing, highlighting classic styling and built with modern performance features.
- Who will be attending from PowerNation?
- Pat Topolinski from “Engine Power” and Brian Lohnes from “Detroit Muscle” will be present at the event to meet fans on Saturday from 11 AM to 1 PM.
- What activities will be available at the event?
- The Tri-Five Nationals will feature drag racing, a classic car show, a swap meet, and opportunities for networking among car enthusiasts.
FAQ Schema
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Dates | August 7-9 |
| Location | Beech Bend Raceway, Bowling Green, Kentucky |
| Main Attraction | Project Shell Shock |
| Notable Guests | Pat Topolinski, Brian Lohnes |
| Activities | Drag Racing, Classic Car Show, Swap Meet |
| Community Engagement | Meet fellow car enthusiasts, share stories, and enjoy camping |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WBKO: Car Enthusiasts Drive in American Tri-Five Nationals Event
- PowerNation: Tri-Five Nationals
- MotorTrend: 2016 Danchuk Tri-Five Nationals Gallery
- Wikipedia: Chevrolet
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Automobile



