2024 People’s Champ - Hard Work Pays Off

Words by Harold McGruther | Photos by Geoff Kowalchuk

Since taking the reins for the People’s Champ build-off six years ago, Biltwell’s grass-roots contribution to custom motorcycle culture has grown from strength to strength. By any metric—builder talent, voter participation, audience size, sponsor support, or cash and prizes—People’s Champ is a must-see kickstart to Born-Free, America’s premier custom motorcycle expo.

It’s difficult to appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship on display at last year’s People’s Champ premiere without attending the event personally, but Geoff’s photos provide a small taste. For a video exposé on every man who made the finals, click the QR code on each builder’s profile. Because voting for People’s Champ is conducted online, last year’s build-off was a truly global affair, and winner Andy Martin proved it. The Kiwi came all the way from New Zealand to ride his ’48 Panhead to Cook’s Corner on the eve of Born-Free. For his trouble, Andy earned a spot on the lawn with Born-Free’s invited builders, plus a giant cardboard check for ten grand.

Built, Not Bought

Taking stock of all the metallurgical talent on display at Cook’s Corner last year was challenging. All six finalists chose a Harley for their donor bike, and no one skimped on the flash and filigree. People’s Champ caretakers Josh Gilbow, Bill Bryant, and Mike Deutsch see their event as the best way for lesser-known builders and home-based fabricators to break into the big leagues at Born-Free, now entering its sixteenth year on the chopper social calendar.

Before giving Andy Martin and his fellow finalists 15 extra minutes of fame, props to the brands and businesses that make this Biltwell event possible are in order. Thanks Baker Transmissions, Born-Free, “Choppers” magazine, Claybourne Co., Harley-Davidson, J&P Cycles, Liquid Death, Lowbrow Customs, Metzler, Paughco, Russ Brown, S&S, Thorogood, Whiteknuckler, Super73, American Metal whiskey, Junior’s Hand Made, CT Newman Engineering, FnA, Morris Magneto, and 805 beer. If you’re a fan of custom motorcycles, please support the companies that support us.

Andy Martin | 2024 People's Champ

2024 People’s Champ
@andrewcjm
Dunedin, New Zealand
1948 H-D Panhead

Favorite details: All the molding on the bike—the frame leg fins, the tank scoop, and the fender scoop that houses the taillights. I’m also stoked on the spiked chain clutch release, exhaust brackets, and top motor mount that all share the same detailing.

Biggest hurdles: Getting parts in New Zealand is a struggle, and long lead times always slow you down. I had a ton of issues with chrome plating, and re-plated over 50 percent of the parts due to bad polishing.

How it rides: It’s really fun to ride, and sounds awesome when you’re ripping along. It handles great and rides straight as an arrow at 75. The brakes even work well, which was a nice surprise.

Thanks: Jack, Steve-o, and Dean for all their help; Dave at ABFX for laying down the paint for me; and of course, my family and the Dunedin crew for their support.

Tony Medellin 

@tony_medellintattoo
Reno, Nevada
1940 HD Knucklehead

Tattoo artist and metal engraver Tony Medellin can add People’s Champ finalist to his eclectic CV. The Reno native was excited to be part of last year’s build-off because he knew the five other finalists would push his creativity and build skills to the limit. A blown head gasket the night before Friday’s mandatory shakedown ride eliminated Tony from final voting, but not even that gut punch could diminish his stoke.

Derek Savage

@_dereksavage
haverhill, massachusetts
1939 H-D Knucklehead

An electrician by trade, Derek Savage made his first trek to Born-Free in 2018 and picked up a case of chopper fever not even more cowbell could cure. After building a few bikes, Derek submitted an entry in 2023 and landed on the list of 12 semi-finalists. Derek’s combination of confidence, attention to detail, and excellent tools pushed him and his ’39 Knuckle into the final six, where the man and his machine garnered much acclaim.

Craig Westfall

@barnfiend
Buffalo, New York
1990 h-D Evolution

Like his day job as a high-school teacher in Buffalo, New York, building a head-turning motorcycle presented Craig with both perks and challenges. Mr. Westfall has always wanted to do two things: Travel across the country, and build a chopper. To hear Craig tell it, entering People’s Champ last year was the most efficient way to do both. Ten months later, Craig and his Evo chopper made the 50-mile shakedown ride from Lake Elsinore to Santiago Canyon without a hiccup. Class dismissed.

Joe Gazendam

@el_lobo_cycles
1992 harley-davidson
FLH

Running a custom fab and full-service motorcycle shop in the United Kingdom for many years has given Joe Gazendam the confidence to build just about anything on two wheels. Joe’s Shovelhead has the powerful stance of a British bulldog, and was a more-than-worthy entry on last year’s dais. The hand-crafted stainless-steel swingarm frame at the center of Joe’s build “was a pain in the ass but a labor of love,” but on final inspection we’d say it was worth it.

Nick Turner 

@superiorvintageiron
San jose, California
1955 H-D Panhead

Whether it’s on two wheels or four, petrol flows through Nick Turner’s veins. The automotive fleet mechanic out of San Jose, CA, says his ’55 Panhead was sitting around unloved and unfinished for so long, he needed a “kick in the ass” to get it done. The boot that got Nick off the couch and into the shop was the entry he submitted to People’s Champ in late 2023. “I was stoked—I couldn’t believe it. And all it took was one Instagram post!” Nick makes it sound easy, but building a proper chopper is anything but. Nice work, Mr. Turner.

2025 Contenders

This year’s contenders are working hard! Voting goes live on June 16, on www.biltwellinc.com

NAME: MIKEY BARRON
INSTAGRAM: @bandits_mikey
HOME: California, USA
BIKE: Motor: 1969 Harley-Davidson

NAME: MIKE BELLOMO
INSTAGRAM: @Mikebellomo
HOME: Michigan, USA
BIKE: 1947 Dual Carb Flathead

NAME: BRENT FAVREAU
INSTAGRAM: @BrentFavreau
HOME: Massachusetts, USA
BIKE: 1940 Harley-Davidson EL

NAME: HUNTER KELLY
INSTAGRAM: @unity.mfg
HOME: Ohio, USA
BIKE: 1953 Panhead

NAME: ZACH GOSTELI
INSTAGRAM: @HellOnWheels
HOME: Alabama, USA
BIKE: 1946 Knucklehead

NAME: MAX BAYKO
INSTAGRAM: @Baykoshit
HOME: British Columbia, Canada
BIKE: 1957 Panshovel