Stunning 1957 Chevy Bel Air Wins Walt Hollifield Best of Show At AutoFair Presented by Camping World

Arnold Walker’s custom-made 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air won the prestigious Walt Hollifield Best of Show Sunday at the AutoFair presented by Camping World. (CMS photo)
Gastonia native Arnold Walker won the prestigious Walt Hollifield Best of Show Award for his 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air at AutoFair presented by Camping World on Sunday at Charlotte Motor Speedway

CONCORD, NC (April 7, 2024) - A sea of stunning vehicles flooded AutoFair presented by Camping World at Charlotte Motor Speedway as car enthusiasts from across the country transcended Victory Lane and the Walt Hollifield Best of Show winner was announced.

Gastonia, North Carolina native Arnold Walker was on the fence about entering his car into the show, but it’s a good thing he did. His 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air took home the coveted Walt Hollifield Best of Show award and the one-of-a-kind custom-made Cold Hard Art trophy as the AutoFair concluded Sunday afternoon.

“I’ve had it for 24 years. I’ve always liked the ‘57 Chevy, and I wanted a two-door hard top,” Walker said. “When I first got it it had no power, nothing, so I had it restored in 2000. I only had it about 6 months before I did a frame-off (restoration).”

As part of the restoration, he replaced white wall tires and fender skirts with more modern upgrades including racing tires, a 350-turbo engine, and custom leather interior and trunk.

Although not a daily driver, Walker travels to car shows across the Southeast to show off his freshly polished award-winning machine.

The Best of Show award was named for Charlotte-area car expert Walt Hollifield, who has been an invaluable part of AutoFair for more than 40 years. Hollifield presented his eponymous award to Walker on Sunday, alongside judges custom car builders David Ankin, Lou Santiago and Joshua Joyce, as well as Charlotte Motor Speedway Executive Vice President and General Manager Greg Walter.

Four days of family-friendly fun and glistening cars throughout Charlotte’s 1.5 mile superspeedway also featured Hall of Fame appearances by industry experts, an all-new display by Camping World and a collection of wild and wacky machines including the iconic 1969 Chuck Miller “Red Baron.”

In addition to the Walt Hollifield Best of Show award, judges presented awards to:

Best of Show Runner-up: Larry Sheriff, 1962 Chevy C10
Best of Show 2000 & Up Winner: Tony Sofo, 2000 Chevy 510
Best of Show 2000 & Up Runner-up: Mason Wright, 2015 Chevy SS
Best of Foreign Car: Todd Kirby, 1974 Opel Manta
Hagerty Kids Choice: Bradley Gray, 1956 Chevy Pickup and Lake Norman Chrysler/Carolina Custom 2024 Jeep Gladiator
Best Restoration: Alan Middlebrook, 1966 Ford Mustang
Sam Bass Award (Best Paint): John Wicker, 1969 Chevy Camaro
Best Truck: Bobby, David and Angela Naff, 1932 Chevy Truck
Most Creative: Rick Salyer, 1940 Dodge Business Coupe
TICKETS: Fans can purchase tickets to upcoming speedway events including the April 26-28 NHRA Four-Wide Nationals and the Coca-Cola 600 action May 24-26 online at charlottemotorspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-455-FANS (3267).
Tickets for the upcoming NHRA Four-Wide Nationals April 26-28 can be purchased online at charlottemotorspeedway.com

KEEP TRACK: Stay on pace with what’s happening at Charlotte Motor Speedway by following on X and Instagram or becoming a Facebook fan. Keep up with all the latest news and information with the Charlotte Motor Speedway mobile app.

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John Davison

Long-time RIS staffer, beginning in the mid-80s. Charlotte, NC area local contact.

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Volume 2024, Issue 4, Posted 12:34 AM, 04.08.2024