Few can match Raiden Higa's commitment to LS Fest. He drove over 1,200 miles from Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, in his second-generation (1964-65) Ford Falcon to LS Fest West 2025. Then raced autocross, drag, and road course and drove it home another 1,200 miles. That's dedication.

Originally equipped with a modest 260-cubic-inch V8 and a two-speed automatic, the Falcon underwent a series of iterations. From a 347ci Windsor to a 434ci stroker, and eventually crossing the line with a Chevy LS.

Currently, it's an LSA 6.2-liter crate engine from Chevrolet Performance. Not one to leave well enough alone, Raiden topped the V8 with a Kong Performance 2650 upgraded supercharger and an upgraded throttle body. It's backed by a Tremec T56 Magnum six-speed with a Tick Performance short throw shifter and McLeod clutch. A Holley EFI Terminator X is hidden under the glove box to easily access the LED Status lights. This combination delivers impressive performance—clocking 11.65-second quarter-mile times at nearly 116 mph—and a remarkable 28 mpg on the highway.

"I've had the car for a long time; when my dad was around, he wanted one, and so we started on it..." said Raiden. "It's evolved a lot. From a sort of a drag car to something I want to rip on the autocross and road course."

The Falcon is a unique combination of traditional and modern features. Featuring leaf-spring rear suspension, for instance. A trick digital display is hidden inside the original dash, and the Ford still runs OEM seats. The car runs on 18x9s up front and 18x11s out back, with bead locks for drag racing. Here at Grand Champion, it's against the rules to swap wheels or tires in competition.

"It does everything I want it to," said Raiden. "Top of my class for drag racing, middle of the pack for autocross, and it's got a radio and air conditioning."

Amidst a sea of high-powered builds at LS Fest West 2025, Higa's Falcon stood out—not just for its performance but for the story it tells. With Raiden’s willingness to road trip, who knows where we’ll see him next.

Check out our full coverage of the 2025 LS Fest West here.