Coker Tire--The Official Tire of the Tri-Five Nationals

Last year, we heard about the Tri-Five Nationals, and instantly wanted to be a part of the inaugural event. It helps matters that it is organized and promoted by our buddy Chris Sondles from Woody's Hot Rodz, which is a shop that specializes in Tri-Five Chevy builds and sells many of our products. As the plans for the event developed, Coker Tire stepped up as one of the leading sponsors, and presented the "Celebration of 60 Years of the 1955 Chevy", a special section with original 1955 Chevrolets of many models and configurations. As we rolled into historic Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky, it didn't take long to see that the Tri-Five Nationals was destined to be HUGE. And that's exactly what it was--the official car count was 1,858 registered entrants, all ranging from 1955 to 1957 Chevys, including a few pickup trucks and Corvettes from the famous Tri-Five years. Tens of thousands of spectators took part in the event, which had drag racing, autocross racing, a massive show-n-shine area, a swap meet and a packed vendor area. [products] Another big attraction at the Tri-Five Nationals was the beautiful give-away car, built by Woody's Hot Rodz, using a brand new '55 Chevy steel body and of course, a set of Firestone tires from Coker Tire! We were absolutely blown away with the turnout, and the number of stunning Tri-Fives that were riding on Coker Tire products. From wide whitewall tires on beautifully restored classics to front runners and cheater slicks on wild gassers and hot rods, our product line was in full force at the Tri-Five Nationals. Stay tuned for more posts with our favorite gassers and customs from the show! We were tasked with picking the "Best Tri-Five on Coker Tires" and boy, that was tough with so many awesome cars on the property. Our choice was Jeff Spear's 1955 Chevy 210, which is a freshly restored sedan that was purchased in the infamous Lambrecht Chevrolet dealership auction in Nebraska in 2013. Jeff's '55 was one of many cars that we spotted rolling on our new American Classic bias look radial tires. The inaugural Tri-Five Nationals was a huge success, and we're already looking forward to next year. For now, take a look at our favorites, and make plans for August 2016! [caption id="attachment_6407" align="alignleft" width="720"] This '56 Chevy Sedan Delivery drag car is beautifully restored and rolls on M&H 900-15 reproduction slicks (we got 'em!) and Firestone 6.70-15 front tires.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6401" align="alignleft" width="720"] This bone stock survivor is a 1955 Chevrolet 150 business coupe, meaning that it has no back seat and fixed quarter windows. It's a low mileage car with original paint, and a fresh set of BFGoodrich Silvertown 6.70-15 whitewall tires.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6397" align="alignleft" width="720"] Chattanooga area Tri-Five expert, Don King made the trip to Bowling Green for what he described as the best car show he's ever seen. We'd have to agree with that statement, as it was a Tri-Five guy's playground. Here's a shot of his slick '56 Bel Air two-door hardtop.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6393" align="alignleft" width="720"] It's hard to beat the classic lines of a '57 Chevy Bel Air, especially when it's wearing a traditional '50s paint scheme like this one. Wide whitewall tires and stock hupcaps finish off this nicely restored two-door hardtop.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6395" align="alignleft" width="720"] We packed our show trailer with Tri-Five tires and wheels and enjoyed our time at the inaugural Tri-Five Nationals.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6419" align="alignleft" width="720"] The Tri-Five Nationals didn't discriminate against other 1955, 1956 and 1957 models from Chevrolet, including pickup trucks and Corvettes. This beautiful Corvette makes its way through the scenic surroundings of Beech Bend Park.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6411" align="alignleft" width="720"] With 1,858 Tri-Fives registered for the event, and tens of thousands of spectators, the first year of the Tri-Five Nationals was a huge success. We loved the diversity of cars, considering the three-year run. There were no two cars alike![/caption] [caption id="attachment_6418" align="alignleft" width="720"] Part of the Celebration of 60 Years of the 1955 Chevy presented by Coker Tire was a fantastic GM Futurliner display. Yeah...those massive whitewalls are from Coker Tire![/caption] [caption id="attachment_6400" align="alignleft" width="720"] Here's another restored Tri-Five that we spotted with our American Classic bias look radial tires. The '55 Nomad styling is an outstanding representation of '50s era styling with sleek lines and a timeless two-tone paint job.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6402" align="alignleft" width="720"] We love the looks of this '57 Chevy Bel Air. It has a '60s mild custom look, with a slightly lowered suspension, wide whitewall tires and Corvette hubcaps. '57 Chevys originally came with 14-inch wheels, so the 15-inch wheels required to fit the Corvette caps gives the car a subtle and clean upgrade in appearance.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6410" align="alignleft" width="720"] How's this for a comparison? Check out this restored original '57 Chevy Bel Air, which rolls on American Classic bias look radial tires, sized at 7.50R14.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6422" align="alignleft" width="720"] The Tri-Five Nationals give-away car was this nostalgia drag racing themed '55 Chevy built by Woody's Hot Rodz. The lucky winner was chosen from the 1,858 car show entrants, and drove away on Firestone tires from Coker Tire![/caption] [caption id="attachment_6423" align="alignleft" width="720"] The winner of the Best Tri-Five on Coker Tires was Jeff and Tracy Spear with this pristine 1955 Chevy 210 two-door post that was purchased at the Lambrecht Chevrolet Auction in 2013. The car has low mileage, a very rare color combination and of course, a set of our new 6.70R15 American Classic bias look whitewall radial tires![/caption]