Rowan County Fairgrounds, Salisbury, NC — September 10–13, 2026
The legendary SmokeOut Rally is proud to announce that applications are now open for the Third Annual Garage Build-Off, an evolution of the old-school Amateur Chop-Off that keeps the same grassroots spirit alive — but updated for today’s custom motorcycle culture.
This competition is for the everyday builder — the garage wrench-turner who builds for the love of it, not for the paycheck. Applicants cannot be considered professional builders and may not restore or customize motorcycles for profit. This isn’t just about choppers anymore — it’s about embracing custom motorcycles in all forms, from café racers to bobbers, FXRs, Sportsters, baggers, and everything in between.
How It Works
The team will narrow all entries received, down to the top 12 finalists who will move on to the in-person showdown at the SmokeOut Rally 2026, held September 10–13 at the Rowan County Fairgrounds in Salisbury, North Carolina.
The Rules
- Budget: $10,000 + the donor bike
- All makes, models, and styles welcome
- Build sheet and receipts due 1 week prior to the event
- Bartered parts and services count toward your budget
- Builders may assist other participants
- Mandatory shakedown ride: Bikes must complete this to be judged
- Bikes will remain on display for the duration of the event
- Minimum of one (1) weekly social post, tagging @SmokeOutRally and fellow builders
- Builders must attend Thursday’s peer presentation and Friday’s main stage introductions
Sponsorships: Builders may secure their own sponsors, but all sponsorship value counts toward the $10,000 budget unless the same deal is available to all contestants.
The Voting System
The Garage Build-Off follows the same proven 20/40/40 voting system used in SmokeOut’s In Motion Show:
- 20% — Peers
- 40% — Legends Invitational builders
- 40% — Members of the trades (painters, welders, machinists, fabricators)
The Perks
Finalists can expect a contingency-style support program featuring parts credits from industry-leading companies to help them bring their visions to life. It’s a true community effort, built on the idea that great motorcycles don’t need big money — just big heart, hard work, and a garage full of determination.
How to Apply
Applications are open now at www.smokeoutrally.com/garagebuildoff.
If you’ve been dreaming about putting your work on display in front of the most authentic crowd in custom motorcycle culture — this is your shot. The Garage Build-Off is where passion meets pavement, and it’s happening only at SmokeOut 26.