Events at the 76th O’Reilly Auto Parts Grand National Roadster Show
Hundreds of the country's finest hot rods, customs, muscle cars, trucks & motorcycles will participate in the 76th annual event…
The 76th annual O’Reilly Auto Parts Grand National Roadster Show (GNRS) presented by Meguiar’s will feature more than 500 hot rods in the Fairplex buildings in Pomona, California, along with an additional 500-800 vehicles joining the 20th annual Grand Daddy Drive-In, event organizers stated in a press release.
Over the three-day event taking place Jan. 30-Feb.1, dozens of custom cars will make their public debut, showcasing the very best from across the country. The show will also be highlighted by builds competing for two of the industry’s top honors, America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) and the Al Slonaker Memorial Award, alongside several other featured attractions, noted the release.
Events at the Grand National Roadster Show
Here’s a breakdown of what’s taking place at this year’s GNRS.
America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR)
Nine brand-new roadsters will battle to be named America’s Most Beautiful Roadster, plus a $12,500 prize presented by ARP Fasteners.
Al Slonaker Memorial Award
Twelve hot rods, customs and street machines will compete to be named the best non-roadster at the show, including a 1932 Ford coupe, a 1955 VW Karmann Ghia, a 1956 Chevy, a 1969 Roadrunner, a 1957 Chevy Convertible, a 1951 Studebaker, a 1958 Corvette and a 1970 F100. The winner’s name will be engraved on a custom billet trophy, and they will receive a $12,500 prize along with a take-home trophy presented by ARP Fasteners.
Fat Attack Feature Building
The largest collection of fat fender cars and trucks from 1935-48 will be displayed in the Feature Building, including the “Project 40” 1940 Ford Sedan, “Big John” Mazmanian’s 1940 Willys Gasser, John D’Agostino’s 1940 Merc Kustom “Stardust” and cars built by iconic industry legends including Chip Foose, Boyd Coddington and Gene Winfield.
2026 Builder of the Year
Russell Zulim and the team at Double Z Hot Rods will be honored as the 2026 GNRS Builder of the Year. Double Z began as a passion project between Russell and his father, Greg, who started building cars in a garage while still farming and packing tree fruit. What started in a garage grew into a business, with the packing sheds transforming into workshops. Today, the team creates some of the most iconic builds on the West Coast that will be displayed in building 4, event officials said.
The 20th Annual Grand Daddy Drive-In
This outdoor portion of the show is open to hot rods, muscle cars, customs, classics and trucks. Three-day Drive-In pre-registration is $200, which includes show admission for two, the best parking on the grounds, a dash plaque and a goody bag.
John Ewald Memorial Nitro Fire Ups
Top Fuelers fire up in honor of longtime drag racer and Top Fuel owner John Ewald. Fire ups are slated for Friday at 4 p.m., Saturday at noon and 5 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. outside of building 3.
2026 Grand National Roadster Show Hall of Fame
Four auto industry legends will be inducted into the GNRS Hall of Fame on Friday, Jan. 30, to recognize their contributions to hot rodding and the custom car community. The 2026 inductees are Shige Suganuma, owner of Mooneyes; Joe Compani of Compani Color; Brandon Flaner of East Bay Speed & Custom; and the late Neil Emory of Valley Custom Shop, whose legendary creations have appeared on the GNRS floor since 1953.
In addition, past and present GNRS Hall of Fame inductees will take part in an autograph session on Friday from 2-4 p.m. in building 9.
Industry-Leading Builds
The weekend will also showcase historic cars, such as Clarence “Chili” Catallo’s 1932 Ford “Silver Sapphire,” better known as the “Little Deuce Coupe,” restored by Cory Taulbert and Darryl Hollenbeck, and featured on The Beach Boys’ famous album.
In addition, Chip Foose will showcase his 1956 Lincoln Continental in building 4. This vehicle was recently unveiled at the 2025 SEMA Show.
Suede Palace
Attendees can celebrate hot rodding the way it used to be in the Suede Palace. Hot rods, customs and drag cars will reflect the styles associated with the ‘40s-’60s, plus era-appropriate music, costumes and vendors.
Pinstriper Charity Auction
Talented pinstripers from around the world will showcase their skills as they create automotive art, which will be auctioned off daily, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the Every ONE Free Foundation. Event organizers are encouraging attendees to bring items they would like pinstriped for a small donation to the charity.
