The year of 2017 in beautiful Southern California has thus far been an excellent one. With the drought-breaking rain storms, the inland empire has experienced even more of the cool breeze and sunshine combo that it’s famous for. Spring is in the air, and the Temecula Valley is sure of two things: pleasantly warmer weather, and the historic Temecula Rod Run. An event many count on to kick off their spring each year, the Rod Run is a staple show for Team Slam’d as it takes place in our own backyard.

Photos & Words: Michael Phillips

Photos & Words: Michael Phillips

The year of 2017 in beautiful Southern California has thus far been an excellent one. With the drought-breaking rain storms, the inland empire has experienced even more of the cool breeze and sunshine combo that it’s famous for. Spring is in the air, and the Temecula Valley is sure of two things: pleasantly warmer weather, and the historic Temecula Rod Run. An event many count on to kick off their spring each year, the Rod Run is a staple show for Team Slam’d as it takes place in our own backyard.

Each year the show continues to grown and adapt to larger crowds. Being held in the the historic Old Town Temecula, the primary body of the show stretches down Main Street, but extends throughout each block in various parking lots and side roads. Many Old Town proprietors see their busiest day of the year during the Rod Run and conduct special mini-events of their own in conjunction. The event is primarily for the enjoyment of whole families, and enthusiasts of all ages take great joy in participating.

The show’s competitors vary each year, being comprised of many out-towners, even those from other states, and local favorites alike. Certain vehicles have become staple participants, faithfully showing up in show condition, year after year.  Builders and owners compete in several categories ranging from different model years, custom and stock, overall genres, and of course the prestigious Best of Show award. This year’s showing was particularly heavy on customs, many of which (to our delight) maintained minimal ground clearance.

Each passing year a few more torches are handed off to the next generation of hot-rodders. This Rod Run iteration was no exception, as some of the most creative projects were built by the youngest participants. The industry remains as family friendly as the Old Town suburban car show itself. Many members of the Slam’d family got their start from a family member directly introducing them to customs and cars in general. Because of this, the Temecula Rod Run remains not just a solid show of cool classics each year, but a reminder of our responsibility and excitement in sharing the world of rods and customs with the youngest members of #TeamSlamd.

Check Out The Full Slam’d Gallery HERE:



2017 Temecula Rod Run Winners

  • Best of Show: Gregory Schubert, 1957 Chevy Belair 2 Door Hardtop
  • Best of Show Runner-Up: Dave Deboe, 1937 Ford Cabriolet
  • Stock Truck: 1900-1975: Donny Goodwin, 1962 GMC 6500
  • Custom Truck: 1900-1975: Wes Squires, 1946 Chevy ½ Ton Truck
  • Woodies & Wagons: 1900-1975: Chuck Cena, 1967 Chevy Chevelle Wagon
  • Import: 1900-1975: Jack McLaughlin, 1972 Datsun 240Z
  • Personal Luxury: 1900-1975: Jim Ayres, 1964 Lincoln Continental
  • True Factory Muscle: 1964-1970: Skip Humphrey, 1969 Mercury Cougar Eliminator
  • Utility: 1900-1975: Dylan & Cole Janikowski, 1955 Jeep Willys
  • Under Construction: Danny Schmitz, 1955 Cadillac Convertible
  • Best Paint: David Godnick, 1953 Ford F-100
  • Favorite Pony: Mike Metro, 1964 Ford Mustang
  • Favorite Sports Car: Leonard Buote, 1966 Chevy Corvette
  • Favorite Classic Hot Rod: Gary Keene, 934 Ford 3 Window Coupe
  • Stock: 1900-1929: Frank Staley, 1927 Ford 2 Door Sedan
  • Stock: 1930-1939: Steve Evarts, 1930 Chevy Sedan
  • Stock: 1940-1949: Raymond Ovellette, 1946 Mercury Convertible
  • Stock: 1950-1959: Sam & Carol Hitchcock, 1957 Ford Thunderbird
  • Stock: 1960-1964: Tim Doyle 1964 Cadillac Sedan De Ville
  • Stock: 1965-1969: Paul Garcia, 1967 Chevy Camaro RS
  • Stock: 1970-1975: Dan Mayorgas, 1970 Chevy Chevelle
  • Custom: 1900-1929: Robert Braun, 1928 Ford 2 Door Sedan
  • Custom: 1930-1939: Keith Vander Muelen, 1932 Ford Phetan
  • Custom: 1940-1949: Edward Montgomery, 1940 Chevy Sedan
  • Custom: 1950-1959: Mark Hart, 1954 Cadillac Coupe De Ville
  • Custom: 1960-1964: John Callahan, 1962 Lincoln Continental
  • Custom: 1965-1969: Jerry Macenas, 1967 Chevy Camaro
  • Custom: 1970-1975: Richard Worden, 1970 Chevy Monte Carlo
  • Excellence Award: Ted Carli, 1955 Chevy 210 Sedan
  • Excellence Award: John Stubbs, 1934 Ford 3 Window Coupe
  • Excellence Award: Victor Cacho, 1950 Mercury 2 Door Convertible
  • Excellence Award: Raymond Nash, 1958 Cadillac Coupe De Ville
  • Excellence Award: Dylan Calder, 1968 Chevy Camaro
  • Excellence Award: Dale Morey, 1955 Chevy Nomad
  • Excellence Award: Pete & Sally Ashlock, 1956 Chevy Nomad
  • Excellence Award: Eric Entrekin, 1958 Chevy Corvette
  • Excellence Award: Rory & Tina McCrudden, 1972 Mercury Cougar XR7
  • Excellence Award: Steve & Nancy Pease, 1923 Ford T-bucket
  • Excellence Award: Tom Erikson, 1933 Ford Roadster
  • Excellence Award: John Cowell, 1935 Ford 5 Window Coupe
  • Excellence Award: Gary Smith, 1932 Ford Roadster
  • Excellence Award: Joe Landin, 1941 Willys Coupe
  • Excellence Award: Brent Rothwieler, 1954 Buick Kustom
  • Excellence Award: Bob Enlow, 959 Chevy Impala
  • Excellence Award: Andy Sapien, 1950 Chevy Fleetline
  • Excellence Award: Ray Hamblen, 1955 Chevy 2 Door
  • Excellence Award: Mark Bann, 1953 Studebaker Champion
  • Excellence Award: Gil Losi, 1956 Plymouth Belvedere
  • Excellence Award: Trinidad Gonzales, 1956 Chevy Hardtop
  • Excellence Award: Steve Stillson, 1961 Buick Invicta
  • Excellence Award: Chuck & Brenda Immormino, 1967 Chevy Camaro
  • Excellence Award: George Renteria, 1964 Chevy C10 Pickup
  • Excellence Award: Russell Smith, 1951 Ford Woodie
  • Excellence Award: Richard & Rowena Cook, 1967 VW Bug
  • Excellence Award: Pete Kee, 1932 Ford Roadster
  • Excellence Award: Rick Reed, 1932 Ford Sedan
  • Excellence Award: Joe Saxton, 1950 Chevy Fleetline
  • Excellence Award: Clifford Mattis ,1959 Chevy Park Wood Wagon
  • Excellence Award: Roy Jolly, 1956 Mercury Montclair
  • Excellence Award: Randy & Ellen Scott, 1966 Chevy Chevelle SS