From the Streets of Reno's Hot August Nights 2017

Hot August Nights never lets us down, and this year brought some of the most inventive and glorious cars from all around. During the day, as we roamed the sizzling streets of Reno, the engines roared around us and the spectators “oohed and awed”. There was groovy music pumping out from the live band right near the famous Reno sign. People wondering around with plastic drink cups shaped like oil cans, and Chuck Taylor’s were scurrying all around the event. When you’d slow down to examine a car, if you were lucky, you could catch the owner giving you a little history on how their car came to be.

Each night the temperature would start dropping and the growling engines would begin to fire up. The nightly cruises were a sight to behold, and each driver displayed their own sense of style. Owners were dressed to match the theme of their car, some had silly little-stuffed animals accompanying them, and others just revved their rides to excite those they passed by. Many hot rods were equipped with cool lights or hydraulics that would make them stand out in the crowd. Looking down the line, viewers were scrambling to catch candy that drivers would throw out as they passed by, talk about a parade for grown-ups!

We had the opportunity to do The Drive with Alan Taylor live from inside the Silver Legacy Hotel. We chatted with Dave Kindig and Kevin “Kevdogg” Schiele from Bitchin’ Rides, Hot August Nights Executive Director Mike Whan, John Hotchkis, Jr. of Hotchkis Sport Suspension, and Steve Mank of Conestogo Motors. Then, Director of Casino Operations, Tony Marini, and Publicist Sara Robins for the Eldorado, Silver Legacy, and Circus Circus Resort Casinos discussed all of the great things going on at the event. We definitely we’re star struck over our excellent guests!

One afternoon, we followed Alan around while he took on the difficult task of awarding one car the Grand Marshal Award. It’s the little details that matter, such as smooth lines with no drip rail, quality leather seats, interesting adornments, and so much more. There were cars that sparked nostalgia, cars that sounded like music to your ears, and even cars that had taken a one-of-a-kind approach to their design. After many close calls, Alan chose a very unique, 1932 Ford Roadster, and the owner Larry Christensen gave us a little history on his magnificent ride.

Our crew was so busy, between doing a live show, filming the cars, and following Alan around, we didn’t get much time to check out all of the various things going on around Hot August Nights. We did, however, get to witness the awarding of the Hot August Nights Cup, which was $100,000 in prizes split between the top ten most elite cars of the weekend. The Best of Show winner took home a $30,000 cash prize for his 1936 Packard, Speedster, and we got to watch as they excitedly drove away. This event was like no other, and it is one that you definitely want to attend next year!

Check out our gallery below:

Photo Credit: ERN Producers

Catch the Episode that was LIVE from Reno’s Hot August Nights 2017:

Explore More with Helpful Links:

Website: Hot August Nights
Website: Hot August Nights Cup

About THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor puts you in the driver’s seat for a unique, fast paced look at today’s automotive industry. This is your pedal-to-the-metal, two-hour thrill ride devoted to the latest car news and test-drive results, how-to tips, car maintenance tips, auto show coverage, expert insights and behind-the-scenes race day action. Don’t miss exclusive interviews with top auto executives, athletes, celebrities and prominent newsmakers from around the world.