The wrenches are spinning and sparks are flying—because the 2nd Annual SmokeOut Rally Garage Build Off is officially underway. After an overwhelming response and a tidal wave of grit and ambition from backyard builders across the country, the 12 finalists have been chosen, and they’re already elbow-deep in their machines.
This ain’t no corporate showroom contest. This is garage-born, blue-collar built, and proudly rough around the edges. Just like the legendary Amateur Chop Off of old, this build-off is for the folks who make magic happen with limited time, tight wallets, and big damn dreams. And while we’re not sticking strictly to choppers, this year’s builds are a wild mix—trackers, baggers, brats, bobs, you name it. It’s all about custom in all its forms.
The Rules are simple—but the challenge sure as hell ain’t:
- $10,000 budget, and that’s including any bartered parts or labor—every nut, bolt, and paint job counts unless it’s a deal offered to every builder.
- Receipts and a full build sheet due a week before the show. No hiding behind fancy Instagram filters.
- The bike has to survive the shakedown ride or it doesn’t get judged. It’ll sit on display, sure, but that trophy’s riding past you.
- No garage hermits allowed. One social post a week minimum, tagging SmokeOut Rally and your fellow builders.
- You’ll be up on stage, Thursday and Friday night, telling folks what you built and why it matters.
- Judging wraps by noon Saturday.
And don’t think you’re getting a free ride with sponsors either—if you land a big hookup, it comes off your budget unless the other builders get the same deal.
This year’s judging breaks down into a 20/40/40 system:
- 20% of the vote from SmokeOut Rally attendees
- 40% from the Legends Invitational builders
- 40% from tradesmen who know what it takes to make things right—painters, welders, machinists, and fabricators
Meet the 2025 Garage Build Off Finalists:
- Brandon Nowak – @Georgeiomc
- Brian Badger – @daSaltybadger
- Carmine DeRosa – @Spikethedoberman
- Charles Slechta – (no IG provided)
- Christopher Blaylock – @tattooingbychristopher
- Dan VonBurg – @Dangerous_Dan
- Dennis Stauber – @dennisstauber
- Johnny Childers – @2wheelsscreamin18wheelin
- Kristopher Keith – @hellbeltnberzerker
- Michael Sekiewicz – @Mikesekiewicz
- Philips Johns – @jdmphil06
- Robert Hutchinson – @hutchextreme
Each of these builders is already grinding away in their shops, navigating tight deadlines, busted knuckles, and the headache of staying on budget without sacrificing soul. These aren’t pro shops with deep pockets. These are real folks building with their own two hands, late nights, early mornings, and weekend warrior hustle.
The SmokeOut Rally Garage Build Off ain’t about perfection. It’s about heart, hustle, and bringing the custom culture back to the garage, where it belongs.
Catch it all go down at the 2025 SmokeOut Rally September 4-7, 2025 in Salisbury, NC.
Ride in, walk the line, cast your vote, and witness what happens when hard work and raw passion hit the pavement.
For media inquiries, interviews, or builder contact info:
Email:thesmokeoutrally@gmail.com
Instagram: @thesmokeoutrally
Website: www.smokeoutrally.com