Hot August Nights 2025
Six thousand classic vehicles of all descriptions took over the streets of Reno and Sparks, NV during the annual Hot August Nights. Some were original but most were customized to the owner’s imagination. However, they all had one thing in common – a passion to cruise with fellow-minded petrol junkies.
Here are some of the highlights.
Cruising Down Virginia Street
The “Biggest Little City” greets Classic Car lovers with open arms during Hot August Nights. During the 10-day event, two parallel streets in downtown Reno are regularly blocked off (Sierra St. and Virginia St.) creating a giant loop for enthusiasts to parade around the city. As the classics take over the streets, it’s a scene right out of the movie, America Graffiti.
Top Awards
Hot August Nights attract some of the best classic cars in the country, built by pros and highly-talented owners. Of course, with all these great rides in one location, the question becomes which is best. For this event, there are several ways to get into the competition, including winning one of the many car shows held at casinos, and other locations in Reno. This year, there were a total of 60 vehicles that were selected to compete for the five top prizes – Classic Custom, Classic Rod, Classic Truck, Classic Stock, and Grand Champion.
Grand Champion: 1955 Corvette “TwelveAir”
Owner: Dave Maxwell of Saltsburg, PA
Classic Custom: 1969 Camaro
Owner: Rodd Kneeland of Sonoma, CA
Classic Rod: 1948 Cadillac
Owner: Anthony Kronenberger Tracy, CA
Classic Truck: 1959 Chevy Apache Fleetside
Owner: Derek Ekins of West Jordan, UT
Classic Stock: 1956 Bel Air
Owner: Scott Dowell of Irwindale, CA
Show and Shine
Show and Shine gatherings are held at multiple locations during the 10-day running of Hot August Nights. Here are sights from a show held at the University of Nevada.
Night Cruise at the Peppermill Casino
The casinos in Reno hold nightly cruise ins where drivers show off their classic rides and nightly winners are chosen. At the Peppermill Casino, a live band also performs. Some of the best cruising happens under the lights.
Drag Racing at the Nugget Casino
For drivers who want more than to just cruise the town, the Golden Nugget Casino offers old-fashioned drag racing in their parking lot. It’s “run what you brung,” with winners awarded bragging rights only.
Big Toy Store
A favorite stop at Hot August Nights is the “Big Toy Store.” This is where many aftermarket part suppliers have booths to showcase their equipment. It’s also where many pro builders display their top-end customs.
Mag Auction
The Motorsport Auction Group (MAG) held it’s 10th year anniversary sale in conjunction with Hot August Nights. Here is a sample of classic cars that crossed the auction block during this event.
Sale prices were at the hammer.
