2011 Holley LS Fest

LS engine fans flocked to Beech Bend Raceway in Bowling Green, Kentucky, for the Second Annual Holley LS Fest

From the January, 2012 issue of Popular Hot Rodding

By Johnny Hunkins

Photography by Author

Single-brand events are nothing new in the world of hot rodding entertainment; Chevy-, Ford-, Mopar-, and even Buick-only gatherings are commonplace in today’s ever splintering Internet-driven hobby. There seems to be no end to the niches and subniches that are supported by message boards and cottage single-mark industries. Looking for a “Nationals” event dedicated solely to purple Yugos? We’re sure there’s one somewhere. The Holley LS Fest, however, moves into even rarer territory because it presupposes an alternate universe in which all cars and all brands are motivated by just one kind of powerplant: the General Motors corporate LS V-8 engine.

The LS has become so ubiquitous in such a short span of time that it has garnered a following that brooks all brands and all nations.

The LS engine has accomplished what even the vaunted small-block Chevy failed to do in its 56-year history. The LS has become so ubiquitous in such a short span of time that it has garnered a following that brooks all brands and all nations. Like many aftermarket companies, Holley identified the trend years ago. But unlike other vendors, Holley has bet the farm on the future of the LS V-8, investing lavishly on a spectrum of new LS-based products for every conceivable purpose. Intake manifolds, fuel-injection systems, throttle bodies, engine mounts, oil pans, and headers are only the tip of the iceberg. Still have the idea that an LS-only event is just another itty-bitty gathering of Internet freaks? Think again.

With that level of product commitment, it only makes sense for Holley to promote the larger LS brand, and not just to the end users of their products. In creating the LS Fest and co-opting the goals of other like-minded companies that build a variety of products from suspensions to transmissions, Holley has ensured the stable path forward for the LS. The result is that you, the hot rodder, will have the stuff you need to make your LS creation a reality, and a place to show it off when you’re done!

In describing the LS Fest, held this past Sept. 9 to 11 at Beech Bend Raceway in Bowling Green, Kentucky (Holley’s hometown), we have to say it was equal parts drag race, autocross, car cruise, car show, and LS shopping mall. Holley’s product line was displayed in full force (along with many in-house project vehicles), as were the products of many cutting-edge LS-centric companies such as RideTech, Detroit Speed and Engineering, MSD, Spectre Performance, Schwartz Performance, Optima Batteries, GM Performance Parts, and Baer Brakes.

The Holley LS Fest was also a qualifying event for the Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational. Cars competed in a variety of skill tests including the autocross, drag race, speed-stop challenge, car show, and a highway cruise. Entered cars were assigned points in each category based on their performance, and the points totaled for an overall “Grand Champion” score. The winner, Kyle Tucker of Detroit Speed & Engineering, secured a spot in the Optima Challenge, which will have taken place the weekend after the SEMA show in Las Vegas this November.

…Holley has bet the farm on the future of the LS V-8, investing lavishly on a spectrum of new LS-based products…