Fun, Fun, Fun: The Return of the NSRA’s Annual Rod Run

Article and Photos By Kevin Murphy Wilson

Ever since Tom Wolfe’s essay, “There Goes (Varoom! Varoom!) That Kandy-Kolored (Thphhhhhh!) Tangerine-Flake Streamline Baby (Rahghhh!) Around the Bend (Brummmmmmmmmm)…,” first appeared in Esquire magazine back in 1963, custom/classic cars have enjoyed a special place in pop culture mythology. This position was further cemented by American Graffiti, George Lucas’ breakout coming-of-age comedy-drama film a full decade later that centered around a hip cast of young adults maneuvering their loud, souped-up automobiles as an even louder cruise-worthy soundtrack from all the top recording artists of the early Rock n’ Roll period played on through the night. While these striking examples definitely capture the longtime, widespread allure of American automobiles, they certainly don’t convey the full extent of it. And it was sometime between these two representative milestones, in response to ever-growing demand, that the National Street Rod Association (NSRA) began hosting major events across the country providing one-of-a-kind occasions for gearheads of all ages to gather, swap parts, and continue to celebrate all things cars—especially ones with the appeal, power, performance, and intensity contained in earlier eras of production. Still committed to that vision, this month, the NSRA will host its 56th annual Street Rod Nationals at the Kentucky Expo Center in Louisville, KY between July 31 and August 3. And for a few magical days, the entire city will be enveloped in a time capsule of sorts serenaded by the rumbling exhaust systems of thousands of the coolest cars anyone will ever see anywhere. 

“The Street Rod Nationals is more than just a car show; it’s an action-packed weekend that brings together a diverse array of automotive enthusiasts,” according to Craig Meads, the NSRA’s Official Spokesperson. “With millions of dollars’ worth of vehicles on display and activities for the entire family, there is truly something for everyone,” he said. Meads further explained that classic car lovers who converge at this unconventional convention can look forward to an extraordinary showcase, featuring an impressive lineup of street rods, muscle cars, custom cars, pickup trucks, and specialty vehicles from all over the U.S. and Canada. 

Because, for many, cars have become the ultimate form of self-expression, and since this exercise is all done in good fun, the only real regulation that has been retained around the Street Rod Nationals is that each vehicle entered must be over 30 years old. But, regardless of a car’s vintage, any classic entry is allowed to contain modern add-ons like advanced suspensions, disc brakes, and comfort features such as air conditioning and high-end sound systems. In this tech-heavy day and age, it’s all too easy to forget that, not that long ago, current industry staples such as power steering, FM radios, and seatbelts (!) were all factory options that weren’t necessarily included in the purchase package at the dealership. 

Beyond a sensational view of the staggering amount of registered vehicles, the 2025 Street Rod Nationals also boasts an outdoor swap meet section loaded with cars, parts, and other oddities for sale. Plus, there is an indoor trade show in which distributors present their latest specialty automotive equipment, supplies, and commemorative merchandise. Additionally, the “Arts + Crafts” area houses lots of local artisans and a variety of food and beverage vendors. There will also be awards, prizes and multiple types of entertainment (including Nick Donovan’s Rockin’ Road Show) sprinkled throughout the weekend. And for anyone praying that gas prices will come down soon, there will be an “All Denomination” church service on the final day of the show. 

In the end, Meads insists that, “this promises to be the area’s largest and most spectacular automotive event of the year,” and as such, it is not to be missed. 

For more information about vehicle registration and spectator admission for the 2025 Street Rod Nationals, visit nsra-usa.com.