By David Fleet
dfleet@mihomepaper.com
Detroit — It’s dubbed “America’s Greatest Hot Rod Show” the 72nd annual Detroit Autorama Feb.1-March 2 featured more than 800 custom cars, trucks, and motorcycles.
This year a local drove off with one of the top awards
Jeff Golec, a 1994 Clarkston High School graduate and Atlas Township resident took top honors with his glistening Lansing made black 2017 Camaro ZL1. Golec’s Camaro finished first in the Conservative HardTop Class for 2000-22 cars and was one of four cars from the Motor City Camaro Club that placed in the event at Huntington Place in downtown Detroit.
“For me the ZL1 is the ‘Gold Wing’ of the Carmaros,” he said. “I’m a ‘Gear Head’ and always have been one. I had a 2011 Camaro SS and sold it to build the Black 2017.”
The 6.2 Liter Supercharged V8 with a 10L90 10-speed automatic transmission, delivers 1,100 horse power/900 pound foot, features Katech STG 4, Magnuson 2650R, TooHighPsi valve covers and supercharger LID, TooHigh Psi Port injection, 30%+XDI Fuel injectors, upgraded low side fueling, 20” HRE S101 three piece forged wheels and exposed weave carbon fiber hood insert.
The Camaro build started in April 2023 and was completed by Kateck in 2024.
“This is what I wanted,” he said. “Every modification I ever wanted is on there. And we added extras.”
“I’ve really enjoyed the car and yes, I do take it out on the Woodward Dream Cruise,” he said. “It’s not a trailer or garage queen either, it gets out. My Camaro has seen rain but never snow.”
The win at Autoram is the second for Golec and his Camaro. In 2024 he snagged fourth place in the 2016-24 Modified category at the Multi-Lakes Conservation Association show.