Revving Up the Future: Education and Excitement at the 16th Chrome in the Dome

Hosted for the first time in the newly renovated ICCU Dome (formerly the Holat Arena), this premier car show served as a fundraiser for Idaho State University College of Technology students in the Automotive Technology and Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing programs. This year, attendees of the event witnessed 28 different judging categories for 150 cars and seven different categories for 25 bikes. The two-day event showcased vehicles in different categories — ranging from vintage trucks and sports cars to modern race cars, compact cars and jeeps. Whether you are into classic muscle cars, iconic hot rods or just fascinated by automobiles, Chrome in the Dome offered something for every automotive enthusiast to admire. 

Every year, students and instructors strive to bring in new cars, add categories, and invite guests from the industry so that no event is the same. This year, excitement peaked when Pocatello native Rudy Hansen and his wife and professional partner Chelle Hansen showcased their drifting skills in the parking lot of the ICCU Dome. They make up an American professional race team that competes in Formula Drift, HotPit autofest series, and other shoutout competitions all over the country in their Nissan 240sx S13’s. 

In addition to planning the event, students from the College of Technology design and create handmade trophies from used car parts, which adds a unique touch to the event for both attendees and car owners. 

“We strive to maintain a large variety of cars and introduce different categories each year to appeal to all age groups and ensure the event offers a unique experience each year,” said ISU Automotive Technology Program Coordinator Brock Gunter. “Our students did a phenomenal job organizing the entire event and came up with some creative designs for the prizes.”

The funds from the Chrome in the Dome are used to provide scholarships and to support various student clubs.

“Chrome in the Dome allows us to take our students to state and national competitions, providing them with opportunities to showcase their skills and engage in valuable networking experience within the industry,” Guntern said. “The event also grants them an insight into the competitive landscape they will face, once they are done with our program.”

For now students are enjoying their well-deserved spring break. When they return to the classroom, many thoughts will already be on creating an even more exciting event next year.