Holley LS Fest
I tried to get there early enough so I could get a spot to shoot the Engine Swap Challenge. Unfortunately, with it being one of the more popular events, the tent was packed. There was hardly any standing room! I decided I would get a few photos and come back later to see how things are going.
Some of the best celebrations were had on the drag strip. Competition was heating up as LS powered cars of all kinds were making passes. More popular this year was the Pontiac Fiero, with many more hitting the strip than last year. I saw two at the strip and one in the Show N Shine. Fans really enjoyed all the drag racing throughout the day.
A highlight was the race between the only non-LS powered cars there: two jet cars. Being without earplugs, I chose to keep my hearing and not get a photo while they were going down the strip. 276 mph is pretty fast, though!
The Show N’ Shine offers participants a chance to showcase their LS-powered car among others for awards. Easily one of the most noticed and talked about cars were Thomas West’s LSX 454 swapped Honda Civic hatchback. Thomas is running nitrous and has plans to procharge the car. I talked with him and he said we’d definitely be able to see more! Many other cars participated in the Show N Shine, including these two unique trucks on Trailblazer SS platforms. Also there was Holley’s Project S14, with a LS2 dropped in it. This one was built to dominate the Autocross competition.
Another more populated event this year was the AutoCross. Trucks, muscle cars, American icons, Miatas, all LS powered, took to the course in order to improve their previously set times. The Miatas looked right at home on the course while some of the bigger and heavier cars seemed to have a disadvantage. Among the Corvettes on the track, this particular Grand Sport kept catching my eye. It looks so mean!
Since last year’s drifting competition was a success, LS Fest had to invite more drifters this year! Drivers included Geoff Stoneback, Rapper Dan Savage, and Mike Skudlarek, all competing in US Drift; several other drivers attended, a few which also participate with Rapper and Skudlarek in the Midwest Drift Union series. Nick Thomas was also back to shake down the car and get ready for FDTX. And plus you’ve got to love the “Don’t Suck” sticker from the guys over at Traction Optional!
Something you don’t always see is the Nissan S12! The one here is the only LS-swapped S12 in the world. How’s that for originality?
All in all, LS Fest was a blast and a nice laid back atmosphere for enthusiasts of all ages to come out and celebrate the heritage behind the LS motor.
