At Pottsies Fabrication, we believe some of the best projects start with a pile of scrap metal, a little creativity, and an idea worth bringing to life.
Our latest project was a perfect example of that philosophy: designing and fabricating 14 custom racing trophies for the Nostalgia Drag Racing League (NDRL).
These weren’t going to be your typical store-bought trophies. We wanted something that represented the racers receiving them—something made from real automotive components, built by hand, and worthy of being displayed in a garage, race shop, or trophy collection.
Here’s how we turned old camshafts, pistons, connecting rods, valve springs, and sheets of steel into a collection of one-of-a-kind racing awards.
The Challenge: 14 Trophies, Two Different Designs
The project called for seven second-place trophies and seven third-place trophies, one of each for the NDRL’s seven racing classes.
We wanted the second-place trophies to stand taller than the third-place awards, while keeping a consistent design theme throughout the collection.
The concept was simple: use actual engine components as the centerpiece of each trophy and fabricate everything else around them.
For the second-place awards, we chose camshafts. For third place, we went with pistons and connecting rods.
Both designs would feature a custom-cut NDRL emblem at the top.
Step 1: Turning Sheet Steel Into Custom Trophy Components
Every good fabrication project starts with a plan, and for this one, that meant putting our CNC plasma table to work.
We cut the oval NDRL emblems, lettering, mounting plates, and other structural components from steel plate.
Using the plasma table allowed us to produce matching components for all 14 trophies while keeping the handmade, industrial appearance we were after.
The NDRL emblem was one of the most important details. Rather than using a printed logo, we wanted the letters to have depth and dimension.
Each emblem was assembled from steel components, giving it a solid, raised appearance that would stand out at the top of the finished trophy.
Step 2: Getting Creative With Engine Parts
One of the fun parts of building trophies from automotive components is figuring out how to incorporate parts that were never intended to be decorative.
Camshafts, connecting rods, pistons, valve springs, and engine hardware all have unique shapes and characteristics.
The challenge is finding a way to combine those components into something that looks intentional, balanced, and visually appealing.
We spent time experimenting with different arrangements, heights, and mounting methods before settling on our final designs.
Step 3: Building the Second-Place Trophy Bases
For the taller second-place trophies, we wanted a base that looked mechanical rather than like a traditional trophy pedestal.
We came up with a layered steel design that incorporated actual engine valve springs and bolts.
Circular steel plates formed the upper and lower sections, with the springs and hardware creating an open, mechanical appearance between them.
This gave the trophies an interesting look from every angle while creating a sturdy foundation for the camshafts and upper structure.
It also added another recognizable engine component to the finished design.
Step 4: Bringing the Third-Place Design Together
The third-place trophies needed their own identity.
Instead of simply making a shorter version of the camshaft trophy, we decided to use a piston and connecting rod as the centerpiece.
The piston would sit at the bottom, with the connecting rod extending upward toward the NDRL emblem.
Two steel uprights would frame the assembly, creating a compact but substantial trophy.
It was a completely different look from the second-place design, but the two would still complement one another.
Step 5: Fabricating the Steel Frames
With the overall designs established, it was time to move into production.
We fabricated the steel frames for the awards, cutting and welding the uprights, bases, and top mounting plates.
For the second-place trophies, the taller frames would surround a vertically mounted camshaft. For third place, the shorter frames would house the piston and connecting rod assemblies.
We also incorporated the placement and year directly into the steel uprights.
Rather than relying entirely on stickers or printed labels, we wanted the trophies themselves to tell you what they represented.
Step 6: First Full Assembly
This was one of the most rewarding moments of the project.
After all the cutting, fitting, and welding, we finally had both trophy designs standing side by side.
The second-place trophy featured a tall camshaft positioned between the steel uprights, supported by the valve-spring base.
The third-place trophy featured a piston and connecting rod mounted inside its shorter frame.
Both were topped with the custom NDRL oval emblem.
Seeing the two designs together confirmed that we were headed in the right direction.
Step 7: Adding the Finishing Details
We wanted the finished trophies to retain their raw, mechanical character.
Instead of covering everything with paint, we kept much of the exposed steel and engine hardware visible.
We added red accents behind the cut lettering on the uprights, giving the words and numbers some contrast while tying the trophies into the NDRL’s racing theme.
The combination of raw steel, polished engine surfaces, dark components, and red lettering gave the awards a distinctive motorsports appearance.
Step 8: Repeating the Process 14 Times
Building one custom trophy is a fun fabrication challenge.
Building 14 of them takes planning, consistency, and a whole lot of fitting and welding.
Each trophy required multiple individual components, and even though we used the same basic designs, the recycled engine parts brought their own variations.
That’s part of what makes these awards special. No two pieces of used engine hardware are exactly alike.
As the assemblies came together, we could finally see the entire project taking shape.
The taller camshaft trophies and shorter piston-and-rod trophies looked like a matching set while still having their own personalities.
Step 9: The Finished Collection
And there they are!
Fourteen custom-fabricated racing trophies, built from real engine parts and steel.
Seven second-place awards featuring camshafts and valve springs, and seven third-place awards featuring pistons and connecting rods.
Every trophy incorporates custom plasma-cut steel components, welded construction, and the NDRL emblem.
What started as a collection of old engine parts and raw steel turned into something we hope the recipients will be proud to display for years to come.
More Than Just a Trophy
For us, this project was about more than building awards.
Racers spend countless hours working on their cars, traveling to events, and competing throughout the season. Finishing second or third in a championship points battle is no small accomplishment.
We wanted these trophies to reflect the mechanical side of drag racing and the hard work that goes into the sport.
There’s something fitting about taking parts that once lived inside an engine and turning them into an award celebrating the people who love racing.
And that’s exactly the kind of project we enjoy at Pottsies Fabrication.
Have a Custom Fabrication Project in Mind?
Whether it’s a one-of-a-kind trophy, custom bracket, CNC plasma-cut component, welded assembly, or a small production run, we enjoy bringing unique ideas to life.
At Pottsies Fabrication in Charlestown, Indiana, we offer CNC machining, CNC plasma cutting, MIG and TIG welding, prototyping, and custom metal fabrication.
Have an idea? We’d love to hear about it.
Visit pottsiesfab.com or call 812-987-9061 to discuss your next project.
Built with pride at Pottsies Fabrication.