Rockstar Performance Garage owner Nic Ashby, a longtime social ambassador for Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels, has been named Builder of the Year by MotorTrend’s American SuperJeep Challenge.

The Challenge invited the nation’s top custom Jeep builders to participate in a competition creating one-of-a-kind Jeeps that met a set of preset modification requirements. Ashby answered the call with GRDLOC – 1983 Jeep CJ7 redesigned and built to be a dream rig on and off the road featuring 46-inch Mickey Thompson tires.

“GRDLOC is my personal build and a passion project that has involved nearly every member of the team at RPG,” said Ashby. “I’m proud to share this recognition with my team and honored that we had the opportunity to compare our work head-to-head with the work of colleagues and fellow shop owners who we all hold in such high regard.”

Modifications included a supercharged Cadillac Northstar forged V-8 engine and suspension, brake, axle and audio upgrades.

“Mickey Thompson appreciates being the tire of choice on GRDLOC, Nic Ashby’s award-winning Jeep build,” said Ken Warner, Vice President of Marketing for Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels. “We’ve long known about the amazing builds he and his team create at Rockstar Performance Garage, and are excited that their latest creation is getting the attention it deserves.”

The American SuperJeep Challenge started with regional winners who faced off in the finals during the 2020 King of the Hammers races in Johnson Valley, California. The builds were judged on their custom modifications, fabrication and craftsmanship, as well as design creativity, presentation and overall functionality.

“We scoured the country looking for some of the most exciting and unique rigs and builders in America. Our goal was to highlight the incredible skill that exists among today’s builders, who have mastered working with a uniquely American platform – the Jeep Wrangler,” said Tony May, Executive Producer, American SuperJeep Challenge. “We could not be happier with the competitors for our first series, and while all of the participants deserve recognition for their many contributions to the off-road community, GRDLOC’s marriage of form, function and creativity ultimately earned Nic Ashby and Rockstar Performance Garage the top spot.”

Rockstar Performance Garage is a collaboration between Rockstar Energy Drink and LDRSHIP designs to build the first Lifestyle Garage. RPG is known for unique vehicle builds and expert videography and photography services. Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels is a recognized RPG partner.

For more information about Mickey Thompson’s race-winning lineup of performance wheels and tires, please visit www.mickeythompsontires.com.