LAKEPORT, Calif. – Lakeport resident and retired Highway Patrol Commander Steve Davis culminated an award winning week by capturing “Best of Show” honors at the Atlantis Hotel & Casino last Saturday night during Hot August Nights in Reno, Nev.

Davis’ award winning car, a 1955 Chevy Bel Air hardtop also received Best of Show Finalist at the Peppermill Casino, and was judged “Best of Class”  Friday night at the Atlantis.

Hot August Nights, in its 26th year, is one of the most elite Hot Rod & Custom Car Shows in America, drawing some 6,000 entries each year.

The weeklong event which involves seven major casinos in the Reno/Sparks Area draws thousands of classic car enthusiasts from throughout the United Sates.

The reconstruction of his vehicle, which took over three years, was a tribute to his brother Tim, who purchased the car in 1963 and died in 2004.  

The renovation was performed by Nissen’s Hot Rod Garage in Williams, Calif.; paint by B & J Auto Body in Folsom, Calif; and interior by Al’s Custom Upholstery, Lower Lake, Calif.

This was Davis’ first entry into the competitive arena of rod and custom vehicles, however, he plans to enter the car in the Good Guys West Coast Nationals in Pleasanton later this month, and the Route 66 Rendezvous in San Bernardino in September.  

The Route 66 Rendezvous will be a return to the area where Davis and his brother enjoyed many fond memories while cruising as teenagers.