Rat City Ruckus, Fuel Curve

13th Annual Rat City Ruckus – Good Vibes in Las Vegas

Rat City Ruckus was a blast this year. Born from a difference in philosophy and style with another Las Vegas event, Rat City Ruckus was created by a small group known as the Junkyard Pirates. Spearheaded by club members Kelly, Scott, Jac & Patrick, the nucleus of the show occurred when the Pirates met at a bar shortly after laying a friend to rest. They were looking for something they couldn’t get anywhere else, so what better way to get it than to create it?

Rat City Ruckus, Fuel Curve

Rat City Ruckus, Fuel CurveLike most events, it started very small and for a few years was nothing larger than a bar parking lot. Ironically, they staged it the same weekend as another major classic car show in Las Vegas. It has often been assumed by participants that this show was created to go against the other. Not true. The reality is it was created to be an alternative.

Rat City Ruckus, Fuel Curve

Rat City Ruckus, Fuel Curve

Thirteen years later, Rat City Ruckus has proven to be a winner and stands alone on its own weekend in early April. The city of sin is home to major racing events, aftermarket showcases, make-specific national events, and so much more. The ‘Ruckus has found its home among them all filling the Stratosphere parking lot with radical rats of all styles.

Rat City Ruckus, Fuel Curve


Rat City Ruckus, Fuel Curve

Rat City Ruckus, Fuel Curve

From the early years in parking lots, to large and even larger venues, Rat City Ruckus on its own created an entire movement as the place to bring your oddballs, rats, and who knows what else for the world to see. This expanded the fan base as well as the participant base largely because of its unusual year cutoff of pre-1975. This is a show unlike any others. It’s a kaleidoscope of colors and mega machines, some with just pedals only. If it rolls and is cool or odd, it’s got a home here at the ‘Ruckus.

Rat City Ruckus, Fuel Curve

Rat City Ruckus, Fuel Curve

Rat City Ruckus, Fuel Curve

It doesn’t stop there. Attendees shared their stories of how they got to the event. One pair pulled a truck out of a field in Idaho, tuned it up, air-bagged it, and drove it to Vegas! There are many others with similar stories – driving their creations untold distances to attend. It’s no wonder that this show took in close to 500 vehicles this year. The Pirates have also reached out to the local car club community to have them sponsor “Club Picks”. As you can see below, the awards are hand crafted and tap into various categories making this an all-inclusive event.

Rat City Ruckus, Fuel Curve

Rat City Ruckus, Fuel Curve

Rat City proves every year that this show is an alternative to the norm. In a landscape filled with shows geared towards specific genres, this is a breath of fresh air. Every year it steps it up another notch with something exciting. The event features live bands who perform all day, food trucks, swap meet, and the ever-popular Miss Ruckus contest is always a crowd favorite. And this year’s weather couldn’t possibly have been better.

Rat City Ruckus, Fuel Curve

Rat City Ruckus, Fuel Curve

From the way out rides to the wide smiles to the sexy ladies with bright red lips, the 13th Rat City Ruckus was a blockbuster. Add it to your list next Easter!

Photo Extra!

 

Tim Johnson is a freelance automotive journalist and vintage Cadillac owner/cruiser from Las Vegas. Tim owns his own photography company and spends his Monday's through Friday's working on roads. Go figure! A true car guy!