Contact: January 25-27, 2008 Christine Eastman 949-481-5561 office 949-677-0309 cell FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE… [email protected] Announcing the 59th Annual Grand National Roadster Show… …and 2008 ‘Builder of the Year’ Troy Trepanier Pomona, Calif. – The 59th annual Grand National Roadster Show (GNRS) – which will be held January 25-27, 2008 – is proud to honor Troy Trepanier of ‘Rad Rides’ in Manteno, Illinois as “Builder of the Year.” Trepanier will be presented with this esteemed award at the show this year at the Fairplex in Pomona, California. Says Trepanier, “A big thank you to all the legends who came before me, mentored me and made this industry a viable business model.” He continued, “In my opinion, recognizing me and my team means the industry is recognizing the newer, younger generation of hot rodding, and while I’ve by no means accomplished what the legends who came before me have, I certainly aspire to their greatness and I am honored to accept this award on behalf of the new generation of hot rodders.” Trepanier - just 38 years old - is getting there quickly, having just taken the award in Detroit with “First Love,” a retro-nostalgic ’36 Ford 3-window coupe built for Ross and Beth Myers that certainly evokes feelings of its namesake. The owner had the car since he was nine years old and always wanted to “turn it into something special.” Needless to say, mission accomplished, thanks to Troy and the team at Rad Rides. Additionally, Trepanier was invited to build a pedal car for last year’s Grand National Roadster Show’s ‘75th Anniversary of the Deuce’ exhibit. But don’t be fooled. Trepanier doesn’t just build trophy cars and show cars…he races them too. Last summer, Troy led the Blowfish Racing Team to a record run at Bonneville. The team’s driver broke the standing record of 230 mph with a staggering 255.658 mph in a stunning champagne gold, race- prepped ‘Cuda. This year he’s back at the salt, hoping to bring home another record. Rest assured, the hot rod industry has only seen the beginning of Troy Trepanier… In addition to naming Troy Trepanier “Builder of the Year”, the 2008 Grand National Roadster Show promises to entertain with sought-after awards, special exhibits and notable personalities. Among them are: EXHIBITS - 50th Anniversary Tribute to George Barris’ “Ala Kart” – a two-time AMBR (America’s Most Beautiful Roadster) winner, built for Richard Peters of Fresno, CA. Legendary builder Roy Brizio unveiling this recently restored classic. - Unveiling of Sam Barris’ original ‘49 Merc, with legendary builder Roy Brizio having completed an amazing restoration of this historical beauty that was completed for the second Grand National Roadster Show. Currently owned by John Mumford. - Debut of the interactive “Build-a-Rod” feature, where show goers can watch a ground-up build of a ’33 Ford Roadster – (Yes it is the 75th Anniversary of the ’33) – throughout the course of the event. The build is being led by a team of hot rod builders with reputed hot rod sketch artist Steve Stanford behind the original drawing. More details to come! - Special ‘Cacklefest’ and dragster display – details to follow! - The Suede Palace – back by popular demand. Including 50’s style rockabilly bands. - The 3rd annual GNRS Pin Stripers Reunion in Building 4. Come get your items striped by the best! - ‘The Drive-In,’ on Sat and Sun, where show goers and 500 of their closest friends can show off their rides and enjoy outdoor entertainment. AWARDS (just to name a few of the crowd favorites) - The coveted “America’s Most Beautiful Roadster” and “America’s Most Beautiful Motorcycle” Awards - The Al Slonaker Memorial Award (The founder of the GNRS) - The George Barris Kustom d’Elegance Award - The Chip Foose Design Excellence Award - The Bruce Meyer Hot Rod Preservation Award - The Brizio Family Award - The Von Dutch Pin Striping Award. A three-day event, the GNRS is the longest running indoor car show in the world and home to the coveted “America’s Most Beautiful Roadster” Award – a perpetual 9 1/2 foot tall trophy that attracts the best roadsters from all over the world to compete in this historic annual event. There will also be on display the best custom cars, trucks, classics, motorcycles, and hot rods in the industry. Previous recipients include Boyd Coddington of “American Hot Rod” on the Discovery Channel and The Learning Channel’s “Overhaulin’” star Chip Foose. For more information, please visit www.rodshows.com or call John Buck Enterprises at 1-877-ROD-SHOWS (1-877-763-7469). ### .