Talladega, Al- On May 30, 2026, Thomas Dickerson, a recent Athens Technical College alum, earned one of the highest honors at the nationally recognized Battle in BAMA custom vehicle show, taking home the “Best Overall Truck” award for his meticulously custom-fabricated 1967 Chevrolet C10 at Talladega Superspeedway. Battle in BAMA is considered one of the premier custom automotive events in the country, attracting hundreds of custom vehicles and enthusiasts from across the United States. The award-winning C-10 represents nearly three years of dedication, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. Dickerson personally handled extensive fabrication and customization work, transforming his grandfather’s classic truck into a nationally recognized show vehicle that stood out among some of the finest custom builds in the country.
“This award means so much because of the people who helped me get here,” said Dickerson. “When I started this journey at 19 years old, there were people in the industry who believed in me, encouraged me, and took the time to share their knowledge. I’m incredibly thankful to everyone who has supported me from the beginning and continues to help guide and direct me as a builder. This recognition belongs to all of those people as much as it does to me.”
At just 26 years old, Dickerson has already established himself as one of the rising talents in the custom automotive industry. In November 2025, his craftsmanship on the same 1967 Chevrolet C-10 earned him the prestigious “Top Young Gun” title during the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition held during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Young Guns category recognizes outstanding custom builders age 29 and younger and highlights the next generation of innovators and fabricators in the automotive aftermarket industry. The C-10 is Dickerson’s second nationally recognized restomod project. His first major build, a 1967 Shelby GT-350 tribute car, earned him a Top 10 Young Gun finish at the 2021 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition at just 22 years of age and signaling his arrival as a promising builder on the national stage. With major awards from both SEMA and Battle in BAMA now on his résumé, Dickerson continues to build a reputation for craftsmanship, innovation, and dedication to the art of custom vehicle fabrication.
“Every project teaches you something new,” Dickerson said. “I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had so far and excited to keep learning, improving, and building.”
About Thomas Performance Engineering
Thomas attended Athens Area Technical College receiving multiple certificates, including automotive
refinishing, welding, and mechanical engineering. To follow Thomas’ work, visit Thomas Performance
Engineering on Facebook or Instagram at @thomas.performance.engineering.