A sea of stunning vehicles flooded AutoFair presented by Camping World at Charlotte Motor Speedway as car enthusiasts from across the country transcended Victory Lane and the Walt Hollifield Best of Show winner was announced.

Gastonia, North Carolina native Arnold Walker was on the fence about entering his car into the show, but it’s a good thing he did. His 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air took home the coveted Walt Hollifield Best of Show award and the one-of-a-kind custom-made Cold Hard Art trophy as the AutoFair concluded Sunday afternoon. 

“I’ve had it for 24 years. I’ve always liked the ‘57 Chevy, and I wanted a two-door hard top,” Walker said. “When I first got it it had no power, nothing, so I had it restored in 2000. I only had it about 6 months before I did a frame-off (restoration).”

As part of the restoration, he replaced white wall tires and fender skirts with more modern upgrades including racing tires, a 350-turbo engine, and custom leather interior and trunk. 

Although not a daily driver, Walker travels to car shows across the Southeast to show off his freshly polished award-winning machine.

The Best of Show award was named for Charlotte-area car expert Walt Hollifield, who has been an invaluable part of AutoFair for more than 40 years. Hollifield presented his eponymous award to Walker on Sunday, alongside judges custom car builders David Ankin, Lou Santiago and Joshua Joyce, as well as Charlotte Motor Speedway Executive Vice President and General Manager Greg Walter.

Four days of family-friendly fun and glistening cars throughout Charlotte’s 1.5 mile superspeedway also featured Hall of Fame appearances by industry experts, an all-new display by Camping World and a collection of wild and wacky machines including the iconic 1969 Chuck Miller “Red Baron.”

In addition to the Walt Hollifield Best of Show award, judges presented awards to:

  • Best of Show Runner-up: Larry Sheriff, 1962 Chevy C10
  • Best of Show 2000 & Up Winner: Tony Sofo, 2000 Chevy 510
  • Best of Show 2000 & Up Runner-up: Mason Wright, 2015 Chevy SS
  • Best of Foreign Car: Todd Kirby, 1974 Opel Manta
  • Hagerty Kids Choice: Bradley Gray, 1956 Chevy Pickup and Lake Norman Chrysler/Carolina Custom 2024 Jeep Gladiator 
  • Best Restoration: Alan Middlebrook, 1966 Ford Mustang
  • Sam Bass Award (Best Paint): John Wicker, 1969 Chevy Camaro 
  • Best Truck: Bobby, David and Angela Naff, 1932 Chevy Truck
  • Most Creative: Rick Salyer, 1940 Dodge Business Coupe 

TICKETS:

Fans can purchase tickets to upcoming speedway events including the April 26-28 NHRA Four-Wide Nationals and the Coca-Cola 600 action May 24-26 online at charlottemotorspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-455-FANS (3267).

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