Keith Sasich’s 1967 Firebird wins Goodguys Muscle Machine of the Year

Goodguys named Keith Sasich’s 1967 Pontiac Firebird the 2026 Griot’s Garage Muscle Machine of the Year during its Lone Star Nationals in Fort Worth, Texas. The Dutchboys Hotrods-built car stood out for blending classic muscle-car style with 750 horsepower, modern chassis hardware and full event proving runs.

Why it matters: - The award puts Keith Sasich’s 1967 Pontiac Firebird at the top of Goodguys’ 2026 “Top 12 of the Year” program. - The win spotlights a build that pairs vintage styling with modern performance, which is the standard Goodguys uses for its biggest muscle-car honors. - The recognition can boost visibility for Dutchboys Hotrods, Sew Cal Rods and the suppliers behind the build.

What happened: - Goodguys Rod & Custom Association named Keith Sasich and his 1967 Pontiac Firebird the 2026 Griot’s Garage Muscle Machine of the Year. - The announcement came Oct. 3 during the Goodguys 33rd Summit Racing Lone Star Nationals at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas. - The Muscle Machine of the Year award is part of Goodguys’ “Top 12 of the Year” awards presented by Surventis. - The Firebird was built by Dutchboys Hotrods.

The details: - The Firebird uses a supercharged 376-cubic-inch GM LT4 V8 rated at 750 horsepower. - A Bowler-built T56 Magnum six-speed transmission backs the engine. - The car rides on an all-new Roadster Shop Fast Track chassis with a performance-bred independent front suspension and a four-link rear suspension. - Baer disc brakes sit behind custom Evod 18x9.5-inch front and 19x12-inch rear wheels inspired by Pontiac Rally II design. - Dutchboys refined the body lines, tucked the bumpers, and formed a custom front valance and rear spoiler. - The car wears a custom Surventis color. - Sew Cal Rods reworked the interior and handled the leather stitching across the dash, seats and panels. - The build also includes a rollbar, stereo, air conditioning and other modern amenities. - Goodguys requires the contenders to complete a 100-mile reliability run, run autocross laps and make passes on the drag strip. - Sasich has owned the Firebird since 1974, covering his high school and college years with the car. - Sasich said his fondest memories are racing on local tracks across Montana and Wyoming.

Between the lines: - The judging shows Goodguys is looking for more than show quality. The winning car had to prove it could survive distance, cornering and drag-strip use. - The Firebird’s mix of factory-era identity and modern hardware fits the current restomod formula that dominates high-end muscle-car competition. - Sasich’s long ownership history gives the win an added personal angle that goes beyond a typical trophy build.

What's next: - Goodguys will announce the final six winners in its 2026 “Top 12 of the Year” program on Friday, Oct. 9. - Those awards will include the 2026 Snap-On Muscle Car of the Year, Vintage Air Custom Rod of the Year, LMC Truck of the Year (Early), Dakota Digital Truck of the Year (Late), Scott’s Hotrods N’ Customs Custom of the Year and Roadster Shop 4x4 of the Year. - Goodguys also promoted its 2027 event schedule.

The bottom line: - Keith Sasich’s 1967 Pontiac Firebird won because it delivered classic muscle-car presence, modern performance and proven durability in one package.