73rd Sacramento Autorama returns to Cal Expo May 3-5

Sacramento, Calif. – The 73rd Sacramento Autorama returns to Cal Expo in Sacramento on May 3-5. The three-day event presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts will feature more than 500 hot rods, customs, muscle cars, trucks and motorcycles, plus celebrity appearances, vendors, fair food and more.

The Sacramento Autorama has been a staple in Northern California for nearly three-quarters of a century. Here is an overview of what attendees can expect to enjoy at this year’s event:

World’s Most Beautiful Lowrider Award
New for 2024, the Sacramento Autorama will present the inaugural World’s Most Beautiful Lowrider award, recognizing the show’s most outstanding lowrider entry. Boasting incredible custom paint, adjustable suspension, custom wheels and intricate engravings, this will surely be a field of showstopping lowriders. The inaugural winner will receive a $5,000 prize.

West Coast Challenge Car Show Series
For the second consecutive year, the West Coast Challenge Car Show Series presented by ARP Fasteners, will crown its Grand Champion during the Sacramento Autorama. Twelve vehicles that have competed in at least three of four select car shows in California, Oregon and Washington will be judged for the “Best of the West” award. The winner will receive a $12,500 prize, the first runner-up $6,500 and the second runner-up $3,500 plus other gifts and prizes.

16th Annual Sacramento Autorama Drive-In
Locals and car enthusiasts are encouraged to show off their rides in the 16th Annual Autorama Drive-In for one day or the entire weekend. This event is open to all makes and models of cars and trucks (no motorcycles permitted), and all vehicles must be driven into the event. Participants will receive event admission for two people, a goodie bag and the best parking on the premises. More than 400 cars are expected to participate in the Autorama Drive-In.

Custom d’Elegance Awards and More
The most prestigious Sacramento Autorama award, the Custom d’Elegance presented by ARP Fasteners, will be given to the best chopped, channeled or sectioned vehicle from 1936-64 that embodies the true spirit of a classic custom. Ten incredible custom builds will compete for a $5,000 prize and custom trophy.

In addition, show entrants will vie for the “Big B Awards,” which include the Dick Bertolucci Automotive Excellence Award, Candy Apple Joe Bailon Memorial Award, Sam Barris Memorial Award and World’s Most Beautiful Custom, H.A. Bagdasarian Memorial Award.

The King of Kustoms Award sponsored by Celebrity Kustoms also returns in 2024, honoring the best custom-styled car or truck manufactured from 1936 to today. The winner of this award must have a minimum of four body modifications and will be selected based on overall design, flow, quality and workmanship of bodywork, paint and interior. The winner will receive a custom Jostens ring engraved with their name and car.

Pro Street Display
Don’t miss more than 20 high-horsepower blown, injected and nitrous-powered tubbed and fat-tired machines in the Pro Street display. Hosted by West Coast Pro Street Outlaws and featuring muscle cars ranging from Camaros and Novas to Chevelles and Challengers, this is sure to be a crowd favorite.

Chip Foose Appearances
Legendary car designer, artist and TV personality Chip Foose will be on hand at the Autorama on Saturday and Sunday. Foose, a builder and designer of past America’s Most Beautiful Roadster winners and Grand National Roadster Show Hall of Fame inductee, will sign autographs and meet with fans throughout the weekend.

2024 Builder of the Year
Chris Roark of Vacaville’s C&C Customs will be honored as the 2024 Builder of the Year. Known for building lowriders that win awards and change the game, Roark’s name has become synonymous with excellence and innovation. Many of Roark’s incredible customs will be on display.

Pinstriper Charity Fundraiser
Talented artists will donate their time to the popular Pinstriper Charity Auction, featuring some of the best pinstripers in the country creating art to be auctioned off for charity each day. For a minimal donation, attendees can bring a cell phone, laptop or any other item to get pinstriped for a great cause. All proceeds benefit the UC Davis Children’s Hospital.

Something for Everyone
The family-friendly event will feature live music, vendors, food and entertainment. The Sacramento Autorama opens to the public Friday, May 3, from noon-8 p.m., Saturday, May 4, from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday, May 5, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Adult admission is $20 each day, $10 for children ages 6 to 12 and children under 5 are admitted free. Discounted tickets are available for $18 for adults and $8 for children at participating O’Reilly Auto Parts stores.

For more information about the Sacramento Autorama and to purchase tickets online, please visit https://rodshows.com/sacramento-autorama/.

About Rod Shows
Based in the automotive cultural hub of Southern California, Rod Shows produces the West Coast’s premier indoor hot rod and custom shows, including the Grand National Roadster Show, Sacramento Autorama and Grand National Truck Show. Its professional show management team sets the highest standards for top-quality competition and displays with every show and personally visits the country’s top automotive coachbuilders and events throughout the year, ensuring the best of the best participate in its events. For more information, visit www.rodshows.com.

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