Stuck inside, twiddling your thumbs? On your next essential grocery run, add the August issue of Street Machine to the list. It’s packed with great stuff to tide you over until we’re all free to do what we want.

Dominating the cover this month is Billy Shelton’s ballistic VL Commodore. Billy debuted the beast at the very first Rockynats earlier this year, after a rapid ground-up build led by Paul Butler. The car was awarded a Top 10 spot, plus Top Comp, Top Engine Bay and 2nd Top Paint.

But SICKO is no show pony. Powered by a built LS1 boosted by a GTX45 turbo mounted in the snout, the VL makes 1053rwhp. And Billy hasn’t been slow to use that potential. Last month, he gave the VL a shakedown at Queensland Raceway roll racing event,

And today, Billy and his crew hit Willowbank Raceway for the first time, running 8.61-seconds at 158mph on the car’s second pass. Grab the new mag to read up on this crazy build.

Matt Kennedy’s vision for his XT Fairmont underwent a few changes over the build period, and faced more than its fair share of setbacks. But having a straight-shooting, 427-cube streeter makes it all worthwhile.

There’s a long-term love affair between Lonsdale Autoshop’s Jason Riding and his delicious EH Special. With a plenty-capable small-block Chev, die-straight panels and killer Adelaide stance, it’s now one of the toughest EHs around.

For those more keen on the blown variety, check out Ryan Pearson’s HK-fronted HT Premier. It’s a certified burnout weapon that Ryan’s not afraid to hold at 9000rpm!

On the other end of the spectrum, we’ve got Laurie Seguna’s subtle XM hardtop. A hot triple-carbed six is a far cry from Laurie’s MotorEx-winning Gemini, but it’s no less cool.

Take a trip back to pre-lockdown Sydney with our coverage of the Hot Rod & Custom Auto Expo, which featured a bumper turnout after last year’s cancellation. We’ve got everything from Hemi-powered dragsters to Camaro pro tourers.

SM snapper Chris Thorogood escaped Victoria to cover the Rattletrap beach sprints in NSW, alongside SA local Carly Dale. It’s a super-cool event that sees pre-40s racers dash across the sand.

We’ve got a slick ’57 Chev and a Street Machine Drag Challenge-veteran Dodge Challenger, plus coverage of Brisbane’s Joe’s Diner car meet and the Winternationals. Of course, there’s also the usual assortment of goodies you’ve come to know and love.

So keep an eye on your mailbox, newsagent or supermarket to snag your copy of Street Machine August 2021, on sale now!