When most people see The Customized Ride, they usually see the finished content first.

The lifted trucks.
The classics.
The burnout clips.
The rolling shots.
The car shows.
The custom builds.

But over the last year, something has become clearer to me.

Cars may bring people in, but stories are what make people stay.

As The Customized Ride has continued growing, I’ve realized more and more that this brand was never only about vehicles. It has always been about the people connected to them. The memories tied to them. The families behind them. The builders spending late nights in garages. The event organizers trying to create something bigger than just another parking lot gathering. The father and son moments happening between rows of cars while music plays in the background.

That’s where we’re headed next.

Not away from the automotive world.
Deeper into it.

Over the coming months, The Customized Ride will begin launching several new storytelling series that go beyond simply posting cars and videos online.

The first and most personal one is called Behind the Ride.

This series will really become the heartbeat behind everything we’re building.

Behind the Ride is about the journey behind this brand. The road trips. The exhaustion after covering shows all weekend. The moments my son and I experience together while building this platform one event at a time. The conversations in between shows. The lessons. The memories. The reality of trying to build something meaningful around a shared passion.

Because truthfully, The Customized Ride has never just been about custom vehicles for us.

It has been about connection.

There are moments people never see.
The 40,000-plus step weekends.
The long drives.
The editing late at night.
The random conversations with strangers who become friends.
The small moments that end up becoming the biggest memories.

Behind the Ride will finally begin opening that door.

But that is only one part of where we are going.

We are also launching a new series called Behind the Build, which will focus on the craftsmanship and technical side of the custom automotive world. The fabrication, the ideas, the details, the work most people never notice unless they truly understand what goes into building these vehicles.

Another series, Behind the Builder, will focus on the people themselves. Their stories. Their sacrifices. Their creativity. Their journeys. Because every incredible build usually has an even more incredible story sitting behind it.

And finally, Behind the Show will spotlight the events themselves. The organizers. The communities. The passion and hard work that goes into bringing people together around automotive culture.

Because at the end of the day, car culture has never only been about horsepower.

It’s about people.

That’s the direction The Customized Ride is heading.

Yes, we’ll still showcase incredible builds.
Yes, we’ll still cover events.
Yes, we’ll still film the trucks, classics, muscle cars, hot rods, lowered rides, and everything in between.

But we also want to tell the stories behind them.

Because the older I get, the more I realize the vehicles may stop us in our tracks, but the stories are what stay with us long after the engines shut off.

And honestly, that’s what this whole ride has really been about all along.

The Customized Ride

The Customized Ride covers car shows, car meets, car events etc..

www.thecustomizedride.com

The post Behind the Ride: Where The Customized Ride Is Headed Next appeared first on The Customized Ride.

If you love high-powered engines, classic builds, and jaw-dropping stunts, then Gears & Grub 2024 was the place to be! This year’s event brought together some of the most incredible custom cars, monster trucks, motorcycles, and everything in between. But beyond the roaring engines and polished chrome, Gears & Grub stands for something even bigger—giving back to the community.

A Car Show with a Purpose

Gears & Grub isn’t just about showcasing epic rides; it’s about making a difference. This annual event supports the Effingham Health System Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing crucial healthcare resources to those in need. Car lovers from all walks of life come together not just to celebrate their passion for automobiles but also to support a meaningful cause. It’s proof that horsepower and heart go hand in hand.

The Highlights You Don’t Want to Miss!

We captured the full experience on video, taking you right into the heart of the action! Here’s what you’ll see:

Exclusive Interviews – We had three incredible guests
Epic Car Lineup – This event had it all: hotrods, muscle cars, lowriders, rat rods, and custom motorcycles. The variety of rides on display was a dream for any car enthusiast!
Behind-the-Scenes Access
Live Event Energy – From the thunderous roar of monster trucks to the crowd’s excitement, we captured every heart-pounding moment so you can experience the thrill from wherever you are!

Watch the Full Video Now!

This isn’t just another car show—it’s a full-throttle experience packed with passion, power, and purpose. Watch our full event recap to see the best moments from Gears & Grub 2024!

Let us know your favorite moment in the comments, and don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to support the custom car community!

#GearsAndGrub #MonsterTruckFails #JetCarMadness #CustomCars #HotRods #MuscleCars #CarShow #TheCustomizedRide #CommunityDriven 

The Customized Ride

The Customized Ride covers car shows, car meets, car events etc..

www.thecustomizedride.com

The post Gears & Grub 2025: INSANE Monster Truck Mishap, Epic Rides & Exclusive Interviews! appeared first on The Customized Ride.

Are You Holding Onto Something That’s Keeping You From Moving Forward?

The hardest part about growth isn’t starting something new—it’s letting go of what no longer serves you. Seasons change, and so do our paths. For years, The Chris & Sandy Show has been a platform where stories were told, dreams were shared, and conversations flowed. It has been one of the most meaningful parts of my journey. But as I reflect on where I am today and where I want to go, it’s becoming clearer that the time has come to truly close this chapter and fully embrace the journey ahead with The Customized Ride.

The Temptation to Hold On

Letting go isn’t easy, especially when you love something deeply. The Chris & Sandy Show wasn’t just a podcast—it was a passion, a place of connection, and something that defined a huge part of my life. That’s why the idea of bringing it back in a limited way kept creeping in. I thought, Maybe I could still do a few interviews here and there? Maybe I don’t have to fully walk away?

But the more I sat with that idea, the more I realized it would be a mistake.

Holding onto something just because it’s familiar or comfortable isn’t a reason to keep it alive. The truth is, trying to balance both The Chris & Sandy Show and The Customized Ride would only split my focus. And at this stage, The Customized Ride demands everything I have. If I want to take it to another level, it requires my full attention and commitment.

The Cost of Holding On

We often think keeping a door cracked open is harmless, but there’s a real cost to not closing doors that need to be shut. Here’s what I’ve learned:

• Divided Focus Weakens Your Impact: You can’t give your all to something new if part of you is still tied to the past.
• Holding On Slows Your Growth: Progress requires space—holding onto old things crowds that space and keeps you stuck in limbo.
• It Prevents New Opportunities from Fully Developing: When one door stays cracked open, the next one can’t fully swing wide.
• Emotional Drain: Holding onto something out of nostalgia or obligation weighs you down more than you realize. It makes moving forward harder than it should be.

This is why I’ve come to accept that keeping The Chris & Sandy Show on hiatus isn’t just a practical decision—it’s the right decision.

The Power of Focus

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned over the years is that true success often comes down to one thing: focus. When you try to juggle too many things at once, you risk never truly excelling at any of them.

The Customized Ride has grown tremendously, and the vision for where it can go is bigger than ever. In just 2 ½ years, we’ve built a thriving community of over 400,000 followers and amassed more than 200 million video views. The goal is to scale to over 1 million followers this year and eventually hit 5 million. That’s not going to happen by splitting energy between two projects. It requires a laser-focused effort on content, partnerships, and community-building in the custom automotive space.

A Full-Circle Moment

This shift isn’t just about numbers—it’s personal. My journey into the custom automotive world started at 16 years old. Back then, I was just a kid who loved custom cars and trucks, never imagining that decades later, I’d be running a platform dedicated to showcasing them. In many ways, stepping fully into The Customized Ride is like coming home. It’s proof that sometimes, our passion finds a way back to us in an even bigger way.

Knowing When to Let Go

There’s wisdom in knowing when to keep pushing and when to step back. The Chris & Sandy Show has had an incredible run, and I’ll always be proud of what Sandy and I built together. But keeping it on hiatus feels right for many reasons:

• Shifting Priorities: My passion and energy are now fully aligned with The Customized Ride.
• Bigger Goals: The vision for The Customized Ride is ambitious, and achieving it means going all in.
• Seasons of Life: Just because something was great in one season doesn’t mean it’s meant to continue forever.

I won’t say I’ll never do another Chris & Sandy Show interview again. I’ll always love deep conversations, storytelling, and connecting with incredible people. But right now, my calling is in a different space. And that’s okay.

A New Way to Keep the Passion Alive

While The Chris & Sandy Show may be on hiatus, my passion for conversations and storytelling isn’t going away. Instead, it’s shifting. One of the most exciting aspects of The Customized Ride is that I will still get to interview people—just in a different way. Instead of artists, actors, and entertainers, I’ll be sitting down with builders, creators, and enthusiasts from the custom car world. Their stories, their passion, and their journey will now be at the heart of what I do.

This realization has been freeing. I don’t have to give up what I love—I just have to embrace a new way of doing it. And honestly, that’s what growth is all about.

Moving Forward with Purpose

By choosing to put The Chris & Sandy Show on indefinite hiatus, I’m not closing the door on storytelling—I’m just shifting where and how I tell those stories. The world of custom cars is filled with passionate builders, unique creations, and inspiring journeys. That’s where my focus belongs now.

So now, I challenge you: What are you holding onto that’s keeping you from fully stepping into your next chapter?

If something in your life is pulling at you, telling you it’s time to let go—listen. It doesn’t mean what you had wasn’t valuable. It just means it served its purpose, and now it’s time to make room for what’s next.

A Call to Action:

1. Identify – What is something you’ve been holding onto that’s no longer serving you?
2. Acknowledge – Why has it been hard to let go?
3. Decide – What would it look like if you fully closed that door?
4. Act – Take one action today toward fully embracing your next chapter.

You can’t build your future while living in your past. It’s time to let go and move forward.

For those who supported The Chris & Sandy Show over the years, thank you. Your encouragement and belief in what we created meant the world. And for those who are on this new journey with me, buckle up—The Customized Ride is just getting started.

 Chris Benton

The Customized Ride

The Customized Ride covers car shows, car meets, car events etc..

www.thecustomizedride.com

The post Shifting Gears: How Focusing on The Customized Ride Fuels My Next Chapter appeared first on The Customized Ride.

The Mini Trucking Scene: A Culture of Customization

Mini trucking has long been a staple in the world of custom vehicles. These compact trucks, often slammed to the pavement with intricate modifications, are more than just vehicles—they’re a statement, a lifestyle, and for many, a rite of passage. From the booming sound systems to the extreme suspension drops, mini trucking embodies creativity, rebellion, and a deep passion for automotive artistry.

For me, mini trucking wasn’t just an interest; it was a defining part of my youth. Back in 1990, at just 18 years old, I bought a brand-new Mitsubishi truck. I had no idea then that this truck would teach me about persistence, community, and even survival.

The Build: Slamming It to the Ground

Like many young gearheads, my friends and I weren’t rolling in cash, but that didn’t stop us from making our mark. Within a couple of weeks of buying the truck, we got our hands on five-inch lowering blocks for the rear and cut the front springs—our way of slamming it as low as possible. Back then, mini trucking was all about finding ways to drop your ride without breaking the bank.

Of course, when you modify something to extremes, you pay the price. I remember cruising down River Street in Savannah, Georgia, where the cobblestone streets weren’t exactly friendly to my setup. More than once, my truck got stuck, and good-hearted strangers would lift the back end just enough to get me rolling again. Looking back, that sense of camaraderie was what mini trucking was all about.

Mini trucking is often about making the best out of what you have. Whether it was cutting coils, adding drop spindles, or going the extra mile with airbag suspensions, every modification reflected personality and passion. Today, technology has evolved, and adjustable air suspension has made the scene more functional—but the core principle remains the same: lower is better.

One thing that made my truck unique was its name—Below Zero. I had big plans to paint it blue with icicles dripping down the sides, creating a one-of-a-kind frozen theme. At the time, the truck was red, but I was determined to transform it into something truly special. Unfortunately, life had other plans.

Lesson #1: Passion Drives Innovation The best custom builds don’t come from unlimited budgets—they come from creativity, resourcefulness, and the drive to make something uniquely yours.

The Sound System: Shaking the Neighborhood

What’s a mini truck without an earth-shaking sound system? In my Mitsubishi, I had four 12-inch subwoofers in the bed, and when I cranked up the volume, it did more than just turn heads. It literally shook pictures off people’s walls as I drove by. The neighborhood hated me—but for me, it was a badge of honor.

Mini trucking culture thrives on personal expression, whether through paint jobs, airbrushed designs, or massive stereo systems. Every modification tells a story, and for many, it’s about being seen and heard in a world that often overlooks individuality.

Even today, massive sound systems are a core part of the custom truck scene. SPL (Sound Pressure Level) competitions push the limits of bass, and builders integrate high-end custom enclosures into their rides. While some modern builds focus more on aesthetics than pure volume, there’s still nothing quite like the deep rumble of a truck designed to be felt as much as heard.

Lesson #2: Don’t Be Afraid to Stand Out If you’re passionate about something, embrace it. Whether it’s a custom ride, a booming sound system, or a bold life choice—own it and make your mark.

A Crash That Changed My Perspective

Not every story in the mini trucking world is about fun and games. One day, my lowered truck saved my life in a way I never could have expected.

We were T-boned at 50 mph by a sports car with a low front end. The impact was brutal, but when the officer arrived on the scene, he told me something I’ll never forget:

“What I’m about to say I have never said before and probably never will again, but your lowered truck saved your life.”

Because my truck was slammed, the sports car hit us straight on, pushing us instead of flipping us over. Had my truck been at a stock height, the low front end of the other vehicle would have gone under, lifting and rolling us. That accident could have ended very differently.

That crash not only changed my perspective on life—it also crushed my dreams of finishing Below Zero. The vision I had for that ice-themed paint job was gone in an instant. But looking back, I realize that some things happen for a reason, and I’m just grateful to have walked away from that wreck.

This moment reinforced what so many in the mini trucking scene already knew—what outsiders see as “just a style” is often a carefully considered engineering choice. Ride height affects handling, stability, and sometimes even safety in unexpected ways.

Lesson #3: Sometimes, What Sets You Apart Can Save You Standing out often comes with criticism, but the very thing that makes you different might be the thing that protects you in ways you never imagined.

Learning to Drive Stick—and Life’s First Lessons

When I bought my Mitsubishi, I had never driven a stick shift. My dad took me on the test drive, and with a little coaching—using my motorcycle as a reference—I learned the rhythm of shifting gears. From that day forward, I never had an issue.

Looking back, that experience taught me something beyond just learning how to drive. It showed me that new challenges aren’t barriers—they’re opportunities to learn. Sometimes, you just need a little guidance and a willingness to try.

Lesson #4: You Can Learn Anything with the Right Mindset No one starts out as an expert. Whether it’s building custom rides, learning new skills, or overcoming obstacles, success comes from a willingness to try and keep going.

The Legacy of Mini Trucking

Today, the mini trucking scene continues to evolve. With air ride suspensions, intricate paint jobs, and next-level fabrication, the culture is alive and well. Modern mini trucks often feature custom sheet metal work, LED underglows, and even hydraulic beds that tilt and spin. The creativity that drove the scene decades ago is still strong, proving that mini trucking is more than just a trend—it’s a movement.

My mini truck days were more than just a phase—they were a foundation for the passion I have today for all things custom. And while I may have moved on to covering a wide range of custom vehicles, mini trucks will always have a special place in my heart.

If you’ve ever owned a mini truck, you know it’s more than just a vehicle—it’s an experience. And if you haven’t yet, maybe it’s time to join the slammed revolution.

Keep Riding Low, Keep Riding Custom

Mini trucking taught me about passion, perseverance, and embracing what makes you different. Whether you’re just getting into custom rides or you’ve been in the game for decades, remember: the best builds aren’t just about looks—they’re about stories.

So keep building, keep driving, and most importantly—keep making memories on the road.

The Customized Ride

The Customized Ride covers car shows, car meets, car events etc..

www.thecustomizedride.com

The post Mini Trucks: A Lowriding Legacy and Life Lessons from the Streets appeared first on The Customized Ride.

What is Patina, Really?
Patina isn’t just rust—it’s a blend of faded paint, surface oxidation, weathering, and battle scars from decades on the road. It tells a story of survival and character. Builders are now preserving and even enhancing patina to create rides that honor history while adding modern flair underneath.

Why Patina Builds Stand Out
Let’s face it—anyone can spray a fresh coat of candy apple red. But a ride with original, weathered paint and the perfect amount of rust shows confidence and a respect for authenticity. A patina build turns heads because it’s raw and unapologetic. It whispers, “I’ve been places.”

The Rise of the “Shop Truck” Look
One of the biggest trends fueling the patina craze is the classic shop truck. These builds mix vintage, beat-up bodies with slammed suspensions, LS swaps, air ride systems, and custom interiors. It’s that perfect balance of “old on the outside, wild under the hood.” The look screams cool without trying too hard—and that’s exactly why it works.

Built, Not Bought
Patina projects carry a sense of grit and DIY spirit. Builders love the idea of preserving as much original character as possible while upgrading drivetrains, brakes, and suspension. These rides often become daily drivers, cruisers, or even shop haulers. It’s not about hiding flaws—it’s about showcasing them with pride.

The Art of “Faux-tina”
While purists might prefer authentic weathering, others are experimenting with faux patina—where a fresh build is carefully distressed and aged to mimic decades of wear. Done right, it can fool even seasoned enthusiasts. Faux-tina has its own loyal following and is especially popular with rat rods and custom truck builds.

Why the Custom Community Loves It
The patina movement embodies the heart of the custom scene: creativity, rebellion, and respect for the past. Whether it’s a rusted-out Ford F100 sitting on air or a weathered Chevy C10 with a full-blown LS swap, these builds are proof that you don’t need a showroom finish to make an impact.

Final Word
In the world of custom rides, patina has become a badge of honor. It’s a statement that says, “This vehicle has a story to tell.” And in a scene where authenticity rules, that story is worth more than all the chrome in the world.

The Customized Ride

The Customized Ride covers car shows, car meets, car events etc..

www.thecustomizedride.com

The post Patina Perfection: Why Weathered Builds Are Dominating the Custom Scene appeared first on The Customized Ride.