Last year we kicked off our second annual RCN Drivers’ Choice Awards program to recognize the top products and services in the world of replicas, unique classics and homebuilt cars. We posted 20 categories ranging from tools, tires and brakes, all the way up to complete turnkey vehicles and builder packages, and you voted for your favorites. Unfortunately we were not able to hand out our Drivers’ Choice Awards in person at the SEMA Show with its 2020 cancellation, but we look forward to recognizing our winners over the coming weeks here at rcnmag.com.

To say that suspension technology has advanced further than any other aspect of automotive design isn’t too far of a stretch. Consider the old transverse leaf spring setups on original small-block Cobras for instance, which leave quite a bit to be desired compared to modern adjustable coilovers. That spirit of improving things behind the scenes is exactly why suspension and handling is such a major consideration in the kit car community, and our modern suspension options have helped to redefine how a kit car should handle.

Six companies were nominated in the Suspension category of the 2020 Drivers’ Choice Awards, representing everything from new proprietary components, NOS parts and complete suspension systems. Please join us in congratulating QA1 for taking the gold medal in this category.

QA1 was founded in 1993 by James Jordan, who became an expert in rod ends and spherical bearings. Jordan led the company until 2005, and worked to expand QA1’s offerings and advance the market in new areas. QA1 broke into the shock absorber market in 1998 with the purchase of Hal Shocks, and soon became an industry leader in shock absorber technology for drag racing, circle track and street performance applications. What started as a rented warehouse space in Burnsville, Minnesota, with three employees, has now grown into a 100,000 square-foot in Lakeville, Minnesota. Current offerings include vehicle-specific performance suspension systems and tubular components, along with shocks, struts and coilovers for vehicle-specific and universal applications. The company has also pioneered carbon-fiber driveshafts, and continues to offer an array of rod ends, spherical bearings, linkages, adaptors and more for whatever you’re working on.

Congratulations to QA1, along with Cobra Valley and EATON Detroit Spring, who finished second and third in the Suspension category respectively.

Thanks to all who voted, along with all the companies nominated in this category!