The NSRA was back with their premier pre-1972 hotrod, street rod, and custom car show on the 7th – 10th August 2025. Last year was billed as the busiest to date, but this year’s line-up, entertainment, and attendance took things up another gear! With multiple bands, tribute acts and DJ’s over the four days to special displays and guests, this year’s event will be hard to beat.
The event got underway on Thursday with participants arriving and enjoying a relaxing day catching up with friends and fellow rodders, and perhaps even a go at rock ‘n’ roll bingo or karaoke if you are brave enough!
Friday is a chance for participants to peruse the trade stands and purchase their event T shirts and pick up their event goody bags. Friday and Saturday are actually our busiest days of the weekend as we assist NSRA members with their hotrod, street rod, custom car, and American car insurance related questions, as well as discussing the benefits of insuring through the NSRA’s dedicated insurance scheme with ClassicLine. In between times, we did catch a great view of the afternoons entertainment on the Main Stage from our stand in NSRA Hospitality. For Northern Soul fans, the Party Tent was alit with dancing and grooves as DJ Badger played late into the night.
The NSRA celebrated one of the stalwarts of the committee this year as Richard Black, who has served the club for 29 years, prepares to stand down at the end of this year. Participants donned their shorts and sandals – Richards unmistakable look – and joined their fellow members for a toast to Richards loyal service set to a backdrop of his favourite country music singer, a Dolly Parton tribute act. With Richards family in attendance, it was a very moving occasion and we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Richard for his years of service and support. We look forward to seeing him kick back and enjoy the shows next year in his Model T and pith hat.
Saturday is always a busy day and this year’s Cruise was organised by the Cannibals Car Club. According to cruise orangiser, Jason Hollamby, 190 cars left the site for 40-mile round trip to The Cross Keys pub for a BBQ, bar and entertainment from The Brookettes. For added fun, each car leaving Old Warden for the cruise was handed a cute rubber duck along with their directions sheet with instructions to submit a creative photo with their mascot! How the good folk at the Cannibals CC whittled down the winners from over 200 submissions, we don’t know, but there were a few laughs when the images were displayed on the big screen on Sunday.
Later in the day participants gathered by the Main Stage for the big prize draw and the evenings entertainment, including the fun-filled Cops and Rodders fancy dress theme.
Sunday is the main show ‘n’ shine day and the show field was full as far as the eye could see with an exciting mix of pre-1972 hotrods, street rods, and custom cars. Facing the main arena was an iconic display of cars built by Dave Haskall, one of this years NSRA Hall of Fame inductees. The Model Ts too had a dedicated area, as did the Ford Pop’s and the NSRA younger members, the NSRA Pre-29’s. The standout display of the day was the Tri Chevy anniversary display. Organised by Michael and Karen Dandridge, in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the 1955 Chevrolet. ClassicLine Insurance was proud to help Michael and Karen promote the anniversary gathering in the lead up to the event and as a thank you, we were asking to pick three of the winning cars – what an honour! There was an incredible 66 Tri-Chevys were on display – all cars from 1955, 1956, and 1957. Special guest Dave Shuten from chose his favourite three Chevrolets: ’55 – Mick Stevens, ’56 – Tony Nash, and ’57 – Rick Skett, and ClassicLine Insurances’ picks: ’55 – Barry Davis, ’56 – Wade Nortcliffe, ’57 – Steve Dann. There was also a People’s Choice award, won by Rob Slater, and Karen & Michael’s Favourite, awarded to Sam Baxter and Peter Nash.
This year’s invited guest club was Dave Shuten of Galpin Speed Shop. A former GM toolmaker from Detroit, Dave has decided his life to crafting and restoring high-historical-value hot rods and custom cars. Viewers of Car Kings will know him for Ed “Big Daddy” Rith’s ‘Orbitron’ and the iconic Orchid Coupe. Dave is also the custodian of many of George Barris’ famous show hotrods and creations, some of which were even on display at the NSRA Hot Rod Supernationals including ‘The Sidewinder’ tri-pod frame motorcycle, ‘SandDraggin’ beach buggy, and ‘The Hustler’ pool table car! Dave was joined by John Price throughout the weekend sharing stories of his career, the legendary cars he’s been privileged to be involved with, and tales of hot rod culture.
There was also a presence from the Australian Chapter of the Reapers Hot Rod and Custom Car Club.
For the ClassicLine team, we always love catching up with clients and friends at the NSRA Hot Rod Supernationals. Sunday’s show ‘n’ shine is of course our highlight of the event, and this year we awarded our trophy pick to Sam Stockman with his incredible GMC COE Pick Up.
We hope you enjoy the photos, and if you would like to find out more about the NSRA’s dedicated insurance scheme with ClassicLine, please call us on 01455 639 000 or visit our contact us page.
NSRA Hot Rod Supernationals Award Winners 2025
NSRA Hall of Fame Induction Presentations were made to Dave Haskall, Rob Whitwell, Derek Chapman for his 1939 Devon Van and Geoff Cousins for his 1934 Ford Coupe Street Rod. There was also one very special secret NSRA Hall of Fame induction which was presented to NSRA Street Gasser Magazine editor, Nick Brooke-Langham. Sitting on the board of Hall of Fame selectors, this must have been a hard to keep quiet, but as Nick put down his pen on his 100th edition of Street Gasser, his family were there to witness him being inducted into the NSRA Hall of Fame.
Special Award Presentations were made to Paul Bacon for his custom truck, Richard Black, and Michael and Karen Dandridge.
Spirit of Hotrodding – Charnwood Cruisers
Best Commercial – Commer PB Pickup owned by Luke Marson
Best British Tin Sponsored by EC Classics – Jaguar Mk7 Phantom Coupe owned by Graham Slater
Shuttleworth Pick – Maroon & Black White Motor Company WC20 owned by Nick Marshall
Traders’ Pick – Candy Orange & Flames Ford Model T owned by Mick Tebbs
ClassicLine Insurance Pick: GMC COE owned by Sam Stockman
Popstalgia Pick – Red Ford Pop owned by Mark Fellows
Pre-29s Pick – Ford 100e owned by Kenzie Taylor of Unusual Car Sales
Best Model T – BF 4695 owned by Neill Stean
Best Traditional – ’32 Model A Pickup owned by Garry Neil
Best Tot Rod – Lewis Jackson
Tony Robinson award presented by Mid Surrey Roadsters – Candy Red with Gold Flake Ford Pop owned by Rocky Singh
Dave Shuten Guest Pick – 1934 Sedan owned by Neil Tagman
Top 10
1935 Ford Cabriolet owned by Terri Smith
Thames 300E Panel Van owned by Jon Gurney
1932 Pickup Truck owned by Barry Ashton
Thames Panel Van owned by Ian Dawes
1954 Chevrolet Bel Air owned by Terry Kent
1932 Ford 5 Window Coupe owned by Jason Hollamby
Ford F100 Pickup Truck owned by Paul Tresidder – NSRA Fun Run 2025 Participants Choice winner
Chevrolet C10 Pickup Truck owned by Ian Burton
1932 Ford Model B Roadster owned by Simon Phillips
Candy Red with Gold Flake Ford Pop owned by Rocky Singh
NSRA Hot Rod Supernationals Participants’ Choice Winner 2025 – Grey 1949 Chevy Fleetline owned by Clinton Nicholson.
