Pontiac Firebird Named Muscle Machine of the Year
Keith Sasich won the top honor at the 33rd Summit Racing Lone Star Nationals in Fort Worth.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Car Culture
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The Goodguys Rod & Custom Association awarded Keith Sasich and his modified 1967 Pontiac Firebird the title of 2026 Muscle Machine of the Year. The honor was presented during the 33rd Summit Racing Lone Star Nationals held at Texas Motor Speedway.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the high standards of performance and craftsmanship required to succeed in competitive pro-touring builds. To earn the title, the Firebird successfully completed a 100-mile reliability run, autocross laps, and drag strip racing.
The 1967 Pontiac Firebird is powered by a supercharged 376ci GM LT4 V-8 engine producing 750 horsepower. The build utilizes a Roadster Shop Fast Track chassis, a Bowler-built T56 Magnum 6-speed transmission, and 18x9.5-inch front and 19x12-inch rear wheels.
The players
Keith Sasich
He is the owner of the award-winning 1967 Pontiac Firebird who has maintained the vehicle for over five decades.
Goodguys Rod & Custom Association
This organization hosts nationwide car events and maintains one of the largest hot rod and custom car membership programs in the world.
Dutchboys Hotrods
They are a professional custom automotive shop known for high-level metal fabrication and bodywork services.
Texas Motor Speedway
This is a major multi-purpose motorsports venue located in Fort Worth that hosts high-speed racing and automotive events.
The details
Keith Sasich has owned the vehicle since 1974, eventually transforming it with Dutchboys Hotrods bodywork and a custom leather interior by Sew Cal Rods. The extensive project included modifying the body lines, tucking the bumpers, and installing custom valance and spoiler components.
Timeline
Keith Sasich has owned the vehicle since 1974.
The award was presented at Texas Motor Speedway on October 3, 2026.
Goodguys will announce the final six winners of the 2026 Top 12 on October 9, 2026.
Roadmap
The pro-touring movement continues to push the boundaries of classic car restoration by merging vintage aesthetics with modern, high-horsepower track performance. This trend forces traditional restoration shops to adopt race-grade engineering techniques to remain competitive in national events.
Owners of classic vehicles looking to modernize their builds can look to the specific components used here, such as the Roadster Shop chassis, for guidance on improving reliability and handling. These upgrades significantly increase the cost and complexity of restoration compared to stock builds.
The takeaway
Achieving national recognition in the custom car scene now requires a balance of aesthetic refinement and verifiable mechanical performance. Enthusiasts should prioritize testing their vehicles under track conditions if they intend to compete for top-tier awards.
What happens next
Goodguys will announce the final six winners of the 2026 Top 12 of the Year program on October 9, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the latest trends in vehicle modification and show standards, visit the Car Culture section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by THE SHOP.
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