Description
NO REFUNDS OR CANCELLATIONS
Hot August Nights is proud to announce the 2026 Event Series presented by Champion Chevrolet and Caesars Entertainment! We’ve refined, reimagined, and are ready to celebrate the best of the best.
The Event Series is open to car clubs and promoters hosting local, regional, and national shows leading up to August 7, 2026. A growing calendar of qualifying events is available at HANEventSeries.net[LINK], connecting standout shows from across the country to one unforgettable finale.
Each qualifying event winner earns an exclusive invitation to the Hot August Nights Event Series Grand Finale on Saturday, August 8, 2026, where the winners meet.
Set against the iconic backdrop of Lake Street in Downtown Reno, beneath the original Reno Arch, this premier event brings together top vehicles from across the car show season for an elite judging experience, culminating in a high-energy awards ceremony and the kickoff to the final Saturday Night Cruise.
JUDGING
Vehicles are evaluated by a panel of experienced and respected judges, ensuring a consistent and high-quality standard across all entries.
AWARDS
For 2026, Hot August Nights introduces two distinct Grand Champion categories to better recognize different styles of builds:
- Craftsman Grand Champion presented by Champion Chevrolet
Celebrating hands-on builds driven by personal vision, craftsmanship, and passion take the lead, brought to life through the dedication of the builder, with occasional professional support.
Award: Name engraved on the official Grand Champion perpetual trophy, custom-designed winners trophy, $5,000 cash prize, Exclusive Grand Champion jacket, HAN Registration for 2027, VIP parking at HAN 2027, and a professional photoshoot immediately following the awards ceremony.
- Coachbuilt Grand Champion presented by Caesars Entertainment Reno
Recognizing builds that are mostly professionally built vehicles or have had several body altering modifications. This could include advanced fabrication, aftermarket chassis, frenched headlights, custom grills, scoops on the hood, and other refined designs.
Award: Name engraved on the official Grand Champion perpetual trophy, custom-designed winners trophy, $5,000 cash prize, Exclusive Grand Champion jacket, HAN Registration for 2027, VIP parking at HAN 2027, and a professional photoshoot immediately following the awards ceremony.
To ensure fairness and accuracy, official Hot August Nights judges will assist in designating each vehicle into the appropriate category prior to final judging.
In addition to the Grand Champion titles, all qualifying vehicles (1979 and older) will compete for:
- Classic Stock Award, sponsored by Summit Racing Equipment
- Classic Custom Award, sponsored by Big Daddy’s Motor Cars
- Classic Rod Award, sponsored by J Resort
- Classic Truck Award, sponsored by Quick Space
- Member’s Choice Award, sponsored by Eldorado, Circus Circus Reno, and Silver Legacy Resort
HOW TO PARTICIPATE OR HOST
- Vehicles must display an official HAN Event Series decal at all participating events and Show-n-Shines
- Decals are available for purchase at HotAugustNights.net or on-site during Hot August Nights
- Car clubs and promoters may register annually for $40, which includes 10 decals (additional decals available for purchase)
- Vehicles only need to qualify once to earn an invitation to the Grand Finale
- All vehicles must be registered participants of Hot August Nights and must be 1979 or older to compete in the Finale. Event Series qualifiers can register by emailing eventseries@hotaugustnights.net.
- All participants can earn additional points toward the Member’s Choice Award by submitting photo proof of their participation in sanctioned Hot August Nights Poker Runs, Cruises, and Drag Races during the Event Series.
