Street rodding—one of the earliest forms of the performance automotive hobby—has long been the purview of an affluent and mature group (which is a politically correct way of saying wealthy old guys). Regardless of the demographic makeup, however, the market has remained steady for decades, and recent technology has only enhanced the segment. “These cars are taking advantage of the later-model technology, such as electronic fuel injection, roller cams and electronic overdrive transmissions,” explained Paul “Scooter” Brothers of Competition Cams. “Properly engineered parts for the new engines—the LS engines from GM, the new Hemi from Dodge and the Ford modular engines—are very popular and are selling well.”
10. Tractor Pulling
Here’s the surprise category—at least to some of us. The sport of tractor pulling has taken on new life of late with the creation of a couple of different sanctioning bodies. “From our involvement over the last six to eight months, the sheer dollar potential on these vehicles is phenomenal,” Tanaka said. “Guys are making parts from scratch—custom-built one-off rods and pistons, billet cylinder heads and valves—and they’re going super-extreme for turbochargers and intercooling, with multiple turbochargers on a single tractor.”
In addition to the sophisticated engines and drivetrains, truck and tractor pulling also calls for the requisite safety components, such as fire extinguisher systems, shrouds, blankets, harnesses, Tanaka said, but the newest development is an open sled for people to pull using the truck they drove to the track. “It’s called street stock or super stock—there are various names depending upon the sanctioning body,” Tanaka explained, “but it provides involvement
