The 58th annual Grand National Roadster Show (GNRS) is proud to honor Pinkee's Rod Shop owner and founder, Mr. Eric Peratt as "Builder of the Year" for 2007. Peratt will be presented with this exclusive award at the show this year, which will be held January 26-28, 2007 at the famous Fairplex in Pomona, California.
Says a humbled Peratt, "Wow, what an honor, considering past Builders of the Year, many of whom were my mentors." He continued, "This would have been impossible to achieve without the help and support of the Pinkee's crew, my family and the many great customers that I have had the opportunity to work with throughout the years. As all builders know, there are long days and longer days, and while winning awards isn't everything, being recognized for your achievements sure does make those longer days a little more bearable."
Eric, an award-winning builder, is no stranger to the GNRS. In 2005, he won the Chip Foose Design Excellence Award with a show-stopping, jaw-dropping '29 Ford pick-up nicknamed "Loaded," which will be showcased in this year's "Builder of the Year" display. Eric was also named "Trendsetter of the Year" at the 2001 SEMA Show for his excellence, quality and vision.
"Eric's got that distinct style about his work that stops people in their tracks," says GNRS promoter John Buck. "We are thrilled to name Eric and Pinkee's Rod Shop as our '2007 Builder of the Year.'"
Eric began his career at General Motors and just five years later turned his passion into Pinkee's Rod Shop in 1998. It was clear to the industry that when Eric Peratt does something, he does it big - as he took the prestigious Ridler Award that year at the Detroit Autorama with his first street rod. He's been racking them up ever since...
In addition to naming Eric Peratt "Builder of the Year", the 2007 Grand National Roadster Show promises to entertain its patrons with sought-after awards, special exhibits and notable personalities.
Among them are:
EXHIBITS
- Ford's 75th Anniversary of the Deuce: "The 75 Most Significant '32 Fords of All Time" will be unveiled in one location. Mr. Edsel Ford to be the guest of honor.
- General Motors'"50th Anniversary of the '57 Chevy"
- "The Suede Palace" (for primered rides) - back by popular demand. Including 50's style rockabilly band and the famous Pin Stripers Reunion.
MEET
- Barry White, star of the current hit television show "Wrecks to Riches" on The Learning Channel
- George Barris and several of his creations such as "The Monkee Mobile" and "The Batmobile"
- MOPAR racing legend "Mr. Norm"
- Charlie Hutton from The Learning Channel's hit show "Overhaulin'"
AWARDS (just to name a few of the crowd favorites)
- The coveted "America's Most Beautiful Roadster" and "America's Most Beautiful Motorcycle" Awards
- The Al Slonaker Memorial Award (The founder of the GNRS)
- The George Barris Kustom d'Elegance Award
- The Chip Foose Design Excellence Award
- The Bruce Meyer Hot Rod Preservation Award
- The Brizio Family Award
- The Von Dutch Pin Striping Award
PEOPLE (a few 'regular' celebs)
- Big Schwag of "Monster Garage"
- Chip Foose of "Overhaulin'"
- Pete Chapouris of SO-CAL Speed Shop
- Boyd Coddington of "American Hot Rod"
- Comedians Tim Allen and Chris Titus
- Actors Cindy Williams, Paul Le Mat, Candy Clarke and Bo Hopkins of "American Graffiti"
- Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top
- James Hetfield of Metallica
A three-day event, the GNRS is the longest running indoor car show in the world and home to the coveted "America's Most Beautiful Roadster" award - a perpetual 9 1/2 foot tall trophy that attracts the best roadsters from all over the world to compete in this historic annual event. There will also be on display the best custom cars, trucks, classics, motorcycles, and hot rods in the industry. Previous recipients include Boyd Coddington of "American Hot Rod" on the Discovery Channel and The Learning Channel's "Overhaulin'" star Chip Foose. For more information, please visit www.rodshows.com or call John Buck Enterprises at 1-877-ROD-SHOWS (1-877-763-7469).