Bowtie Madness: Tri-Five Nationals 2017
If you have a passion for Tri-Fives, then the Tri-Five Nationals in Bowling Green, KY was the place to be this weekend. This event is a two-day celebration of 1955, 1956, and 1957 Bowties of all types – gassers, Bel Airs, Cameos, first generation Vettes, Nomads, and much more. With more than 2,700 of these classic Chevys scattered throughout the grounds, it was picture perfect everywhere you looked.
Only in its third year, this event has already been slated to run through 2027 – quite a testament to the success and popularity of the show. If you didn’t make the trip to Bowling Green this year, you might want to mark your 2018 calendar. In the meantime, if you were at this year’s Tri-Five, tell us about it here. Here are some of the eye-catching Chevys that we saw over the weekend.
Tri-Five Nationals Finalists
On Friday, the top 25 Tri-Fives at the Tri-Five Nationals were selected. Then on Saturday, the 25 finalists were narrowed down to 5, and finally the top Bowtie, a 1955 Chevy Hardtop, was announced.
1957 Chevy Gasser Giveaway Car
Each year, a car built by Woody’s Hot Rods is given away to one of the lucky participants in the Tri-Five Nationals. Fiano Guzzo, of Waterboro, ME, was this year’s winner of the Golden Star Giveaway car, a 1957 Chevy Gasser. Here are photos of the giveaway car, as well as the announcement of the winner.
Drag Strip Action
In addition to the amazing number of Bowties on the show field, there was plenty of drag racing action during the two-day event. It was quite a sight, as these Chevys performed burnouts and ran the quarter mile. The good old days are back!
Tri-Five Burnout and Race
High Flying Wheelies
Andy Johnson – Gone in 6 Seconds
Higher Flying Wheelies
Jeff Lutz Unveils New Street Outlaw Racer
It’s packed with 3,500 HP and ready to take on all competitors in the popular TV series, “Street Outlaws.” Jeff Lutz pulled off the covers of a new 1957 Chevy drag car at the Tri-Five Nationals. He then did the first public burnout and ¼ mile run with the car. It’s definitely the real deal!
