The Legends of Woodward Avenue: Roadkill Nights Big Tire Class

Woodward Avenue isn’t just a road—it’s a proving ground. For decades, it’s been the heartbeat of Detroit’s muscle car culture, and during Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge, it transforms into a no-prep battleground where legends are made in the Big Tire class. Let’s take a ride through the stories of three titans who’ve etched their names into this iconic strip: Jimmer Kline, Joe Barry, and Gary Box.


Jimmer Kline: The Nitrous King of Pontiac

When you hear the name Jimmer Kline, you think of thunderous launches and nitrous-fueled domination. Hailing from Wyoming, Michigan, Jimmer pilots a rare beast—a 1966 Pontiac Acadian, a Canadian cousin to the Chevy Nova. But this isn’t your average street car.

  • Powerplant: A monstrous 622-cubic-inch big-block Chevy paired with dual Induction Solutions nitrous kits, pushing over 1,750 horsepower.
  • Legacy: Jimmer has claimed multiple Big Tire victories, including back-to-back wins in 2023 and 2024, proving his mastery of both asphalt and concrete surfaces.
  • Built with Heart: The Acadian was built in his own shop, Go Fast Productions, alongside his son—a true family affair that adds soul to the speed.

Visit Go Fast Productions page on Facebook to see what Jimmer has to offer


Joe Barry: The Creamsicle Crusher

If Jimmer is the nitrous king, Joe Barry is the turbocharged tactician. His weapon of choice? A jaw-dropping 1956 Chevrolet 210, affectionately nicknamed “Creamsicle”.

  • Engine Setup: A twin-turbo 598-cubic-inch big-block, capable of a staggering 3,000 horsepower.
  • Drag Week Royalty: Barry is a seasoned Hot Rod Drag Week competitor, known for blending show-car aesthetics with brutal performance.
  • Roadkill Nights Glory: He took the Big Tire win in 2022, and returned in 2023 to battle Jimmer in a nail-biting final. Though he fell short, Barry’s presence elevated the competition.

Barry’s car isn’t just fast—it’s flawless. With polished chrome and pristine paint, it’s as much a showpiece as it is a street weapon.

Follow Joe Barry at his site. Joebarrymotorsports.com


Gary Box: The OG Street Racer

Before Roadkill Nights became a national spectacle, Gary Box was already a legend. In 2017, he was crowned “King of Woodward” after a rainout canceled the finals, thanks to his blistering 5.7-second pass in qualifying.

  • Ride: A sinister 1960s Corvette Stingray, nicknamed the Boxvette, with a 522-cubic-inch Chevy big-block and a towering blower.
  • Street Cred: Built in 1999 and driven over 40,000 miles, it’s a true street-legal monster with side pipes that scream at 99 decibels.
  • Legacy Moment: His pass was so powerful, it blew over the timing equipment—literally. That’s how you make an entrance.

Box’s blend of raw power and street authenticity set the tone for what Roadkill Nights would become: a celebration of grassroots horsepower.

Visit Boxperformance.com to see what Gary has to offer.


Final Thoughts

The Big Tire class at Roadkill Nights isn’t just about who crosses the line first—it’s about grit, innovation, and legacy. From Jimmer’s nitrous fury to Barry’s turbocharged elegance and Box’s street-built brute, these racers embody the spirit of Woodward Avenue.

And with each year, new challengers emerge, but the legends? They keep coming back—louder, faster, and more determined than ever.

Smoke N Smiles

See you at Roadkill Nights 2025

Charles Ruggles
Charles Ruggles

Im an Automotive photogragher from Davison Michigan. I love shooting the grassroots car scene. I shoot anything with wheels and feet. I live my the Moto Smoke N Smiles

Articles: 4