Category: Motoring Events

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904 EVENTS CALENDAR MARCH 10, 2022

Jacksonville Car Culture events calendar

Go manual at Caffeine and Octane – 8 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, highlighting manual transmissions in a special display within the Central Lot. Submit your ride for consideration at caffeineandoctane.com.

An estimated 1,000-plus cars, trucks and more are expected at the free cruise-in. And remember – Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville is an all makes, all models show, with all parking spots first come/first serve at The Avenues mall’s south side at 10300 Southside Blvd.  Cars should start arriving by 7 a.m. to the Southside Boulevard side of the shopping mall, the best way in through Malabar Boulevard.

As always, there will be a Porsche section, and an exotics area, as well as hundreds of vintage and classic cars, muscle cars and so much more.

Official Caffeine and Octane merchandise is on sale at all Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville events.

Event news

  • The Amelia roared onto the island last weekend for its 27th annual concours d’elegance appearance with racer and racing legend Chip Ganassi as the honoree. Held in and around the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island and the adjacent Golf Club of Amelia Island, one of the nation’s biggest classic car events included the concours’ official RM Sotheby’s auction, annual Spina Bifida of Jacksonville Silent Auction and Saturday’s new Cars & Community Presented by Griot’s Garage.
  • That included the annual Cars & Caffeine display of 300-plus classics, exotics and hot rods from local owners and car clubs. Some were tiny, like Lane Motor Museum head Jeff Lane puttering onto the show field in a replica of the 1936 Le Carabe, or ground beetle.

It was originally designed by French inventor Hippolyte Delimal as the world’s smallest car – top speed of 24 mph and a claimed 118 mpg.

  • Others at Cars & Caffeine:

Jacksonville’s Classic 9 Motorwerks’ C9 911 RS Turbo, a “what if Porsche did a turbocharged car before ‘74’s Turbo?,” was on the green.

  • There was a new Kids Zone featuring slot car racing, four racing simulators, and interactive drawing events with some major talent like Pixar Animation Studio Creative Director for Franchise Jay Ward, and Stellantis Chief Design Officer Ralph Gilles.
  • Then there’s also a RADwood display, celebrating the best vehicles from the ’80s and ’90s, with a curated display of 75 of the most iconic, unique, and RADical rides of the era
  • And for the fun of automobiles, the Concours d’Lemons, celebrating the oddball, mundane and unexceptional of the automotive world. Concours d’Lemons features car classes like “Rust Belt American Junk,” “Needlessly Complex Italian” and “Most Dangerous.”
  • It was a celebration of the automobile featuring 225 vehicles at the Sunday Concours d’Elegance, as witnessed in The Amelia’s first drone video. Official classes included: 60th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 70th anniversary of the 12 Hours of Sebring; 75th anniversary of Ferrari, that class containing a LaFerrari. The Sports and GT Cars 1958-1972 class featured (among many others) this stunning 1966 Cannara 1, one of the original ’60s wedge cars, displayed for the first time in more than 50 years.

Other classes: the 12 Hours of Sebring Japanese Sports Cars of the ‘60s and ‘70s, 100th anniversary of Lincoln, the 90th anniversary of the 1932 Ford, Indy Roadsters, Gurney Eagles; the 3-wheeled vehicles of the Davis Motorcar Company and more.

Here’s the 1934 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe that was named Best in Show/Concours d’Elegance, owned by Harry Yeaggy.

This 2017 Cadillac DPi-V.R race car owned by Wayne Jackson, honored as Best in Show/Concours de Sport.

And don’t forget – some of the classics wowed Fernandina Beach residents and guests by going on the Reliable Carriers Eight Flags Road Tour and parking to packed crowds on Centre Street.

Now the Car Shows:

Troop and Pack 27 Car Show and Pinewood Derby: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at Old Plank Road Baptist Church at 8964 Old Plank Road.

19th Annual Mustang & Ford Regional Show: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 19, hosted by the Jacksonville Mustang Club Show at Duval Ford at 1616 Cassat Ave. Registration can be done at jmcmustang.org/jmc-show.

Middleburg Spring Festival and Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 19, at the Middleburg Civic Association at 2102 Palmetto St. Spectators are free; show vehicle registration is $20. Proceeds donated to Civic Association’s choice charity.

Adamec Harley-Davidson Car & Bike Show: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 20 at the dealership at 8909 Baymeadows Road. Hosted by Callahan Cruisers of North Florida, spectators are free, whole show vehicle registration is $20. Live Music by the Pink Paisleys.

First Florida Chapter Winter Rally & Swap Meet: Military vehicle display and living history fromFriday to Sunday,March 25-27, at Reynolds Industrial Park at 1 Bunker Ave. off Florida 16 in Green Cove Springs. World War II battle re-enactments are at 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Seventh Annual San Jose Car & Truck Show at Dupont Station: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 2, at the shopping center at 6271 St Augustine Road, Jacksonville. Sponsored by Jacksonville Car Culture and presented by Key Buick/GMC Hyundai, Genesis, and North Florida Lincoln, show vehicle registration at the gate is $25 per, all proceeds donated to the Bishop John J. Snyder Community Center , a HUD subsidized property for low-income seniors of all faiths that receives no funding from HUD.

20th annual Jacksonville Grand Prix to Benefit Spina Bifida: 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 2, at the 103rd Street Sports Complex at 10271 103rd St. The annual endurance go-kart race sees teams of drivers compete as they and the event raise funds for Spina Bifida of Jacksonville. Registration is open for the event, open to multiple levels of experience from rookie to pro and semi-pro in equally prepared and weight-ballasted karts. Registration is $308.33 per person on a 6-driver team, or $1,850 for a team. Information and registration – go here. And watch some of the recent action at youtube.com/watch?v=gQoc-SR4UdU&feature=emb_imp_woyt.

First Coast Car Council’s Cruisin’ to the Creek Spring Car Show: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 16, at Trout Creek Memorial Park and Marina at 6550 Florida 13 in Orangedale south of Sant Johns/Fruit Cove. The show benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Jacksonville.

Easter Car and Truck Pop Out Car Show: 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday April 16 at Johnny Tire Service Unlimited at 2060 W. 21st St. Spectators are $5 each; $20 show vehicle registration.

22nd Annual Riding Into History Antique Motorcycle Concours: Motorcycle designer Paul Teutul Jr. will be the Grand Marshal for the annual Riding Into History concours on April 22 and 23 at World Golf Village, 1 World Golf Place in St. Augustine. On Friday, April 22, it is the Grand Marshal Tour Presented by Hagerty, allowing owners to ride their vintage bike through the back roads of historic Florida. Then comes the Grand Marshals Dinner at 6 p.m. Friday, April 22, at the World Golf Hall of Fame, Shell Hall, at $80 per person. Hundreds of classic and special interest motorcycles will be on display from 1 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 23, around the lake at World Golf Village.

There is no entry fee for qualified motorcycles at the concours, and registration closes at midnight, April 14. Admission is $15 per person for spectators. All donations go to K9s for Warriors. More information is at ridingintohistory.org.

Paxon Revival Center Church 60th Anniversary Car Show: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 30 at the church at 5461 Commonwealth Ave. Free.

Rumble at the Ranch – Hot Rod vs Rat Rod: May 5 through 7 at WW Motocross Park, 1439 Otis Road in Jacksonville. The event features burnout contests with a $1,500 purse, car show and other events.

12th Annual Rev It Up! Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 14, at Moosehaven, 1701 Park Ave. in Orange Park. Show vehicles are $20 pre-registered to May 1; $25 after.

Third annual Hot Rodz 4 Kids Car and Bike Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday May 28, at First United Methodist Church of Callahan, 449648 U.S. 301. Proceeds go to children’s medical, educational and nutritional needs.

The FIRM (Florida International Rally and Moto Park): Open Track Days held most weekends at the road course and rally course at 7266 Airport Road in Starke.

All the Cruise-ins

First Coast Car Council, Clay County Cruzers, Callahan Cruisers and Amelia Cruizers all hold regular weekend cruise-ins, so check their Facebook pages.

Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville: 8 to 11 a.m. every second Saturday at The Avenues Mall at 10300 Southside Blvd. Information: https://bit.ly/3gPRvVQ.

First Coast Car Council holds its new cruise-in from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every first Saturday at The Beaver Street Farmers Market, 1810 W. Beaver St. But its second Saturday cruise-in has been suspendedat the Medical & Merchants Center of Mandarin, 11701 San Jose Blvd.

Jacksonville Caffeine and Gasoline: 7 to 10 a.m. on every first Saturday at the Orange Park Mall at 1910 Wells Road in Orange Park.

The Part’s House/The Brothers Banter Podcast Cruise-in: The renamed White Brothers Auto Parts Cruise-in at the same time – 5 to 8 p.m. every second Friday at 405 Lane Ave. N.

Auto Legends Amelia Cars and Coffee: 9 a.m. to noon every second Saturday at Mocama Beer Company, 629 S. 8th St. in Fernandina Beach.

Cruise Fruit Cove: 4 to 8 p.m. every third Saturday at the PDQ at 194 Florida 13 in Saint Johns, just south of Julington Creek.

Amelia Cruizers: 4 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday at Cold Stone Creamery, 808 Sadler Road, Fernandina Beach.

Clay County Cruzers’ events: 3 to 6 p.m. every first Saturday at Big Dawg Sports Restaurant, 1330 Blanding Blvd. The Cruzers’ other events: 3 to 6 p.m. every second Saturday at Gator’s Dockside Oakleaf at 8316 Merchants Way, Jacksonville; 5 p.m. every third Friday at Freddy’s Steakburgers at 386 Blanding Blvd.; 8 a.m. every fourth Saturday at Nicole’s Café, 2216 S. Mimosa Ave. in Middleburg; and 2 to 5 p.m. every fourth Saturday back at Gator’s Dockside Oakleaf, 316 Merchants Way, Jacksonville.

Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine monthly cruise-ins: St. Augustine Cruiser’s “Cruise In” from 5 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday, and Cars and Coffee from 8 to 10 a.m. every fourth Saturday, both at 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway South in St Augustine.

Cars and Coffee Fleming Island: 7 to 10 a.m. every third Sunday of the month at the New Vision Theatre at 1820 Town Center Blvd., Fleming Island.

Johnny Angels: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. every third Friday at Johnny Angels diner at 3546 St. Johns Bluff Road S. 

New cruise-in: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every fourth Saturday at the Rockin’ 50’s Eatery at 3501 N. Ponce De Leon Blvd. in St. Augustine.

New cruise-in: Show and Tell, 6 to 9 p.m. every fourth Thursday at Advance Auto Parts at 10014 Atlantic Blvd.

Historic Springfield Main Street Cruise: 4 p.m. every fourth Saturday between 8th and 17th streets at Main Street in Jacksonville’s Springfield community.

And finally…

Courtesy Bill Bortzfield

On the EV news front, Jacksonville’s own EV Rider, Bill Bortzfield, checked out the electric vehicle news at The Amelia, including the $2 million Hispano Suiza Carmen Boulogne, an electric Spanish supercar with design homage to the stunning 1938 Hispano-Suiza Dubonnet Xenia coupe:

The new Carmen Boulogne was the company’s first customer car, delivered to them at The Amelia. A production run of 24 are planned.

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Jacksonville Car Culture Events Calendar January 26, 2022

Calling all classic Fords – the next Caffeine and Octane will feature Henry Ford’s (pre-1989) cars and trucks of all kinds in a special display area of the Central Lot from 8 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 12, at The Avenues mall’s south side at 10300 Southside Blvd.

Submit your application to be considered for a reserved spot in this special section of the show at caffeineandoctane.com, or simply click on: https://form.123formbuilder.com/6067165.

An estimated 1,000-plus cars, trucks and more are expected at the free cruise-in. And remember – Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville is an all makes, all models show, with all parking spots first come/first serve.

Cars should start arriving by 7 a.m. to the Southside Boulevard side of the shopping mall, the best way in through Malabar Boulevard.
As always, there will be a Porsche section, and an exotics area, as well as hundreds of vintage and classic cars, muscle cars and so much more.

Official Caffeine and Octane merchandise is on sale at all Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville events.

Event news

The Amelia, the soon-to-be 27-year-old Concours d’Elegance, named racer and racing legend Chip Ganassi as the honoree for The Amelia, set for Thursday, March 3 through Sunday, March 6, according to the event’s new owner, Hagerty.

The annual Spina Bifida of Jacksonville Silent Auction returns to the concours, with a collection of rare and eclectic film, television, automotive and sports-related items and more, some autographed. So Spina Bifida is accepting donations for The Amelia Concours d’Elegance 2022, all proceeds benefitting its non-profit actions helping those with the birth defect and their families. For information on how to donate, email theameliasilentauction@gmail.com.

The concours’ official RM Sotheby’s auction returns with lot previews from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 3, and Friday, March 4, with an 11 a.m. Friday auction, all at the concours hotel: The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, at 4750 Amelia Island Parkway. For auction information, go to rmsothebys.com.

Saturday, March 5th’s big event is Cars & Community, a suite of things to do for all ages that will include the long-running Cars & Caffeine cruise-in for local and regional classics, hot rods and car clubs. There’s also a 1980s and ’90s-focused RADwood display and The Amelia’s first-ever Kids Zone.

The fun and low-brow Concours d’Lemons is part of the Saturday fun, and display vehicles can be registered for $15 each here at eventbrite.com/e/amelia-island-concours-dlemons-tickets-244581799747.

Cars & Community admission tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for youth as well as military and first responders, and free for children 12 and under. A portion of every Cars & Community ticket sold will support local and national charitable partners.

The Amelia’s seminars start with the 3 p.m. Friday “36 Hours of Florida,” hosted by NASCAR Hall of Fame Crew Chief Ray Evernham, featuring a panel of the greats of sports car racing who were very successful at the “36 Hours of Florida,” which included both the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring.

The NASCAR Seminar is at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, also hosted by Ray Evernham and a panel of former NASCAR greats speaking about racing through the decades.

Admission is $50 per person per seminar, information on all The Amelia events and tickets at ameliaconcours.com/event/tickets.

And expect a celebration of the automobile featuring more than 250 vehicles at the Sunday Concours d’Elegance; special concours classes including anniversary celebrations of the 24 Hours of Daytona (60th) and the 12 Hours of Sebring (70th), as well as the 75th anniversary of Ferrari, 100th anniversary of Lincoln, and the 90th anniversary of the 1932 Ford. Additional concours features will include the 3-wheeled vehicles of the Davis Motorcar Company, Indy roadsters, aluminum Porsche race cars, Waterhouse Coachwork, and more.

Sunday Concours tickets are: Adults (ages 23+): $150, price increases to $175 on March 1, 2022; Military and First Responders: $85, with verification at check-in; Younger Enthusiasts (ages 13-22): $75; and children 12 and under are free. And a big FYI: every concours ticket purchase also includes free admission to Cars & Community.

Tickets for all concours events are also available at the website.

Sign up to be a Concours volunteer at ameliaconcours.com/event/volunteer.

Other events on Amelia Island that weekend not associated with The Amelia:

Grand Motoring Hangar Night is from 5 to 10 p.m. on Thursday March 3, at the Amelia Aerodrome at the Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport. Returning for its sixth year, attendees have hors d’oeuvres, dinner and cocktails surrounded by an assortment of classic and collector automobiles, sponsor exhibits, auto-centric short films and more. Individual tickets are $50, address and parking instructions provided to registered attendees. Tickets can be reserved here.

22nd Annual Riding Into History Antique Motorcycle Concours

Motorcycle designer Paul Teutul Jr. will be the Grand Marshal for the annual Riding Into History concours on April 22 and 23 at World Golf Village, 1 World Golf Place in St. Augustine. On Friday, April 22, it is the Grand Marshal Tour Presented by Hagerty, allowing owners to ride their vintage bike through the back roads of historic Florida. Then comes the Grand Marshals Dinner at 6 p.m. Friday, April 22, at the World Golf Hall of Fame, Shell Hall, at $80 per person. Then hundreds of classic and special interest motorcycles will be on display from 1 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 23, around the lake at World Golf Village. There is no entry fee for qualified motorcycles – Registration closes at midnight, April 14. All donations go to K9s for Warriors. More information is at ridingintohistory.org.

SCCA Autocross and Car Show, co-hosted by The Brunswick Lions Club: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, February 26, at the former St. Marys Airport at North Dandy Street in St Marys, Ga. The show is free to spectators and $20 per show vehicle. The SCCA Buccaneer Region Jax Solo is holding the autocross – more information and registration at motorsportreg.com/events/scca-buccaneer-jax-solo-st-marys-municipal-airport-autocross-607711.

Now the Car Shows:

Knights of Columbus Council 13337 Charity Car Show: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at The Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine, at 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway South in St Augustine. Free for spectators and $25 for show vehicles day of show.

Yulee Coolee Floyd Garrett Memorial and Car Show: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday at Laytn’s Land-n at 67760 Owens Farm Road. The Garrett memorial starts at 10:30 a.m. in the barn. Donations will be collected for an automotive mechanic school scholarship.

Peterson’s Automotive Showcase: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 5, at the Frank H. Peterson Academies, 7450 Wilson Blvd. in Jacksonville. The show is free for spectators and $25 for show vehicles.

11th annual Fly-In and Classic Car Show: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday Feb. 5, at Palatka Airport, 4015 Reid St. Free for spectators and $10 entry fee for show vehicles.

2022 Jacksonville RV MegaShow: Hosted by the Florida RV Trade Association from Thursday, Feb. 10 through Sunday, Feb. 13, at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center at 13611 Normandy Blvd. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Regular admission is $10 for adults and children 12 years or younger are admitted free.

10th annual Kruisin 4 Kids: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 26, at Dinsmore Baptist Church at 10500 Old Kings Road in Jacksonville. Burnout contests and barbecue chicken dinners for sale.

Troop and Pack 27 Car Show and Pinewood Derby: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 12, at Old Plank Road Baptist Church at 8964 Old Plank Road.

Adamec Harley-Davidson Car & Bike Show: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 20 at the dealership at 8909 Baymeadows Road. Hosted by Callahan Cruisers of North Florida, spectators are free, whole show vehicle registration is $20. Live Music by the Pink Paisleys.

17th annual Railroad Day Festival and Classic Car Show: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 2, at the1881 Callahan Train Depot at 45383 Dixie Ave. in Callahan. Live entertainment, arts/crafts and food vendors, model trains and a classic car show hosted by Callahan Cruisers and Cochrane’s Collision Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All proceeds will go to the West Nassau Historical Society.

Rumble at the Ranch – Hot Rod vs Rat Rod: May 5 through 7 at WW Motocross Park, 1439 Otis Road in Jacksonville. The event features burnout contests with a $1,500 purse, car show and other events.

Third annual Hot Rodz 4 Kids Car and Bike Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday May 28, at First United Methodist Church of Callahan, 449648 U.S. 301. Proceeds go to children’s medical, educational and nutritional needs.

The FIRM (Florida International Rally and Moto Park): Open Track Days held most weekends at the road course and rally course at 7266 Airport Road in Starke.

All the Cruise-ins

First Coast Car Council, Clay County Cruzers, Callahan Cruisers and Amelia Cruizers all hold regular weekend cruise-ins, so check their Facebook pages.

Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville: 8 to 11 a.m. every second Saturday at The Avenues Mall at 10300 Southside Blvd. Information: https://bit.ly/3gPRvVQ.

The First Coast Car Council holds its newest cruise-in from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every first Saturday at The Beaver Street Farmers Market, 1810 W. Beaver St. And its cruise-in from 5 to 8 p.m. every second Saturdayreturnsat the Medical & Merchants Center of Mandarin, 11701 San Jose Blvd.

Jacksonville Caffeine and Gasoline: 7 to 10 a.m. on every first Saturday at the Orange Park Mall at 1910 Wells Road in Orange Park.

Clay County Cruzers’ events: 3 to 6 p.m. every first Saturday at Big Dawg Sports Restaurant, 1330 Blanding Blvd.; 3 to 6 p.m. every second Saturday at Gator’s Dockside Oakleaf at 8316 Merchants Way, Jacksonville; 5 p.m. every third Friday at Freddy’s Steakburgers at 386 Blanding Blvd.; 8 a.m. every fourth Saturday at Nicole’s Café, 2216 S. Mimosa Ave. in Middleburg; and 2 to 5 p.m. every fourth Saturday back at Gator’s Dockside Oakleaf, 316 Merchants Way, Jacksonville.

The Part’s House/The Brothers Banter Podcast Cruise-in: The renamed White Brothers Auto Parts Cruise-in at the same time – 5 to 8 p.m. every second Friday at 405 Lane Ave. N.

NEW – Auto Legends Amelia Cars and Coffee: 9 a.m. to noon every second Saturday at Mocama Beer Company, 629 S. 8th St. in Fernandina Beach.

Cruise Fruit Cove: 4 to 8 p.m. every third Saturday at the PDQ at 194 Florida 13 in Saint Johns, just south of Julington Creek.

Amelia Cruizers: 4 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday at Cold Stone Creamery, 808 Sadler Road, Fernandina Beach.

Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine monthly cruise-ins: St. Augustine Cruiser’s “Cruise In” from 5 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday, and Cars and Coffee from 8 to 10 a.m. every fourth Saturday resuming on Nov. 27 (see above), both at 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway South in St Augustine.

Cars and Coffee Fleming Island: 7 to 10 a.m. every third Sunday of the month at the New Vision Theatre at 1820 Town Center Blvd., Fleming Island.

Johnny Angels: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. every third Friday at Johnny Angels diner at 3546 St. Johns Bluff Road S. 

New cruise-in: Show and Tell, 6 to 9 p.m. every fourth Thursday at Advance Auto Parts at 10014 Atlantic Blvd.

Historic Springfield Main Street Cruise: 4 p.m. every fourth Saturday between 8th and 17th streets at Main Street in Jacksonville’s Springfield community.

Cruise Night at Beachwalk: cancelled

And finally…

It was very coldat the January 22nd Relay for Life Rod Run at the Northeast Florida Fair at 543378 U.S. 1 in Callahan. But that did not prevent dozens of hot rods, specialty cars and classics to appear at the show, hosted by the Callahan Cruisers of North Florida.

For example, ever heard of a Corvair Fitch Sprint?

It was set of modifications for the second-generation Chevrolet Corvair, developed by racing driver John Fitch. The biggest change was the large fiberglass roof attachment which made it look like a fastback coupe, plus suspension and steering changes.

There was a petite 1949 Crosley CD Wagon with a 26.5-hp/44-cu.inch cast iron block engine, weighing all of 1,402 lbs.It was made in Cincinnati by businessman Powel Crosley Jr., who owned Crosley Broadcasting and the Cincinnati Reds.

Then here’s just a few of the rest of the rides there.

Posted on

904 Events Calendar January 5, 2022

Jacksonville Car Culture events calendar

Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville: It is time to highlight Classic Japanese Vehicles in a special display within the Central Lot at the next C&O, from 8 to 11 a.m. on Saturday at The Avenues mall’s south side at 10300 Southside Blvd.

Submit your ride for consideration here to join the estimated 1,000-plus cars, trucks and more at the free cruise-in. And remember – Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville is an all makes, all models show, with all parking spots first come/first serve.

Cars should start arriving by 7 a.m. to the Southside Boulevard side of the shopping mall, the best way in through Malabar Boulevard.
As always, there will be a Porsche section, and an exotics area, as well as hundreds of vintage and classic cars, muscle cars and so much more.

Official Caffeine and Octane merchandise is on sale at all Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville events.

Check out more at firstcoastcarculture.com.

First Coast Car Council’s newest cruise-in, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every first Saturday at The Beaver Street Farmers Market, saw some New Year’s Day action at 1810 W. Beaver St. last weekend.

Sunshine State Chevelle’s President Chris Conover was snapped as he drove Goldie, his just-restored classic, to the event:

First Coast Car Council president Lon Greenwood (left) talks to Jacksonville (First Coast) Car Culture’s Chris Brewer after he and family arrived in two Zs.

And the farmers market lot was filled with everything from a V-12 Aston Martin to rat rods, classics and hot rods.

Event news

The Amelia – it has a new name and a new logo just in time for the soon-to-be 27-year-old Concours d’Elegance: Watch this website – https://www.ameliaconcours.com – as tickets for The Amelia, set forThursday, March 3 through Sunday, March 6, go on sale in January.

Events now listed on the website include: Saturday’s Cars & Community, a celebration of the automobile featuring more than 300 vehicles on the same show field used for Sunday’s Concours d’Elegance; and a NASCAR Saturday Seminar hosted by Ray Evernham. The RM Sotheby’s auction, as well as the annual Silent Auction, will both be back in 2022.

Sign up to be a Concours volunteer at ameliaconcours.com/event/volunteer. More information on how to reserve spots for those events, as well as many others, is coming.

Nate Deremer photo

Bill and Jane Warner, founders of the award-winning 26-year-old Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, now known as “The Amelia,” have been named Hagerty Grand Marshals for Sports Car Market Magazine’s 2022 SCM 1000 Classic.

The SCM 1000 Classic is a 1000-mile tour on Oregon’s scenic two-lane roads for classic American and European sports cars, limited to 45 vehicles as they explore the Columbia River Gorge and other highlights. Warner is a former motorsports photojournalist, race-car driver and an avid classic and significant car collector who handed The Amelia’s “keys” to Hagerty, which will now host the event with the purpose of saving driving and car culture for future generations.

“We are thrilled to have Bill and Jane Warner, as the Hagerty Grand Marshals,” SCM publisher Keith Martin said. “Bill’s passion for racing and cars has impacted the car collector and racing community in such a profound way. The Amelia Island Concours has become the playbook for other concours to follow.”

“I am honored that Keith has invited Jane and me to be the Hagerty Grand Marshals for the SCM 1000 Classic,” Warner said. “Jane is the patient and ever supportive wife of 55 years. Without her, things would not have been so fortuitous for me.”

The 6-day SCM 1000 Classic takes place July 17 to 22, featuring the cars of Italy through 1974, with others accepted by application. Registration is available at scm1000.com. The tour benefits the Oregon Wildfire Relief Fund.

The Warners will present “The Spirit of Amelia” award to the tour participants and car that most represent the enthusiasm and elegance of “The Amelia”

2022 Jacksonville RV MegaShow: Hosted by the Florida RV Trade Association from Thursday, Feb. 10 through Sunday, Feb. 13, at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center at 13611 Normandy Blvd. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Regular admission is $10 for adults and children 12 years or younger are admitted free. Active and retired military and first responders receive half-off the regular admission. Hundreds of new recreational vehicles will be on display. The February event marks the 13th consecutive year the show has been held at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center.

Now the Car Shows:

Third annual Car Show: 8 a.m. Saturday at the Suwanee County Coliseum, 1302 11th St. in Live Oak. Proceeds support RIVEROAK SkillsUSA for local veterans.

Amelia Cruizers Car Show: noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday at Townies Pizza, 819 T.J. Courson Rd, Fernandina Beach

Relay for Life Rod Run: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22 at the Northeast Florida Fair at 543378 U.S. 1 in Callahan. Hosted by the Callahan Cruisers of North Florida.

North Florida Legends Car Show: 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22, at Dee’s Music Bar and Grill, 2141 Loch Rane Blvd. in Orange Park.

Knights of Columbus Council 13337 Charity Car Show: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, at The Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine, at 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway South in St Augustine. Free for spectators and $25 for show vehicles day of show.

Peterson’s Automotive Showcase: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 5, at the Frank H. Peterson Academies, 7450 Wilson Blvd. in Jacksonville. The show is free for spectators and $25 for show vehicles.

Rumble at the Ranch – Hot Rod vs Rat Rod: May 5 through 7 at WW Motocross Park, 1439 Otis Road in Jacksonville. The event features burnout contests with a $1,500 purse, car show and other events.

The FIRM (Florida International Rally and Moto Park): Open Track Days held most weekends at the road course and rally course at 7266 Airport Road in Starke.

All the Cruise-ins

First Coast Car Council, Clay County Cruzers, Callahan Cruisers and Amelia Cruizers all hold regular weekend cruise-ins, so check their Facebook pages.

Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville: 8 to 11 a.m. every second Saturday at The Avenues Mall at 10300 Southside Blvd. 

The First Coast Car Council holds its newest cruise-in from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every first Saturday at The Beaver Street Farmers Market, 1810 W. Beaver St. UPDATE: The Car Council’s second Saturday cruise-in suspended through the end of the year.

Clay County Cruzers’ events: 3 to 6 p.m. every first Saturday at Big Dawg Sports Restaurant, 1330 Blanding Blvd.; 3 to 6 p.m. every second Saturday at Gator’s Dockside Oakleaf at 8316 Merchants Way, Jacksonville; 5 p.m. every third Friday at Freddy’s Steakburgers at 386 Blanding Blvd.; 9 to 11 a.m. every fourth Saturday at Nicole’s Café, 2216 S. Mimosa Ave. in Middleburg; and 2 to 5 p.m. every fourth Saturday back at Gator’s Dockside Oakleaf, 316 Merchants Way, Jacksonville.

Cruise Night at Beachwalk: 5 to 8 p.m. every second Friday at the Beachwalk Amenity Center, 1000 County Road 210 in St. Johns.

Cruise Fruit Cove: 4 to 8 p.m. every third Saturday at the PDQ at 194 Florida 13 in Saint Johns, just south of Julington Creek.

Amelia Cruizers: 4 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday at Cold Stone Creamery, 808 Sadler Road, Fernandina Beach.

Jacksonville Caffeine and Gasoline: 7 to 10 a.m. on every first Saturday at the Orange Park Mall at 1910 Wells Road in Orange Park.

The Part’s House/The Brothers Banter Podcast Cruise-in: The renamed White Brothers Auto Parts Cruise-in at the same time – 5 to 8 p.m. every second Friday at 405 Lane Ave. N.

NEW – Auto Legends Amelia Cars and Coffee: 9 a.m. to noon every second Saturday at Mocama Beer Company, 629 S. 8th St. in Fernandina Beach.

Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine monthly cruise-ins: St. Augustine Cruiser’s “Cruise In” from 5 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday, and Cars and Coffee from 8 to 10 a.m. every fourth Saturday resuming on Nov. 27 (see above), both at 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway South in St Augustine.

Cars and Coffee Fleming Island: 7 to 10 a.m. every third Sunday of the month at the New Vision Theatre at 1820 Town Center Blvd., Fleming Island.

Johnny Angels: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. every third Friday at Johnny Angels diner at 3546 St. Johns Bluff Road S. 

Historic Springfield Main Street Cruise: 4 p.m. every fourth Saturday between 8th and 17th streets at Main Street in Jacksonville’s Springfield community.

And finally….

There’s a new blog in town for folks who groove on EVs (electric vehicles), slickly done by gearhead and retired journalist Bill Bortzfield. Called EV Rider – https://www.facebook.com/EVRiderFL –  Bill’s blog looks at folks who have gone solar with an EV as well as a long-term test of his own 2021 MINI Cooper SE EV. Bill updates charging station status, looks at some new EV ATVs and motorcycles, and more.

Courtesy of Mercedes-Benz

Speaking of EVs, here’s Mercedes-Benz’s latest: VISION EQXX.

M-B says a single charge “would take you from Berlin to Paris; from New York City to Cincinnati, Ohio; or from Beijing to Nanjing.” That’s because the concept is highly efficient.

“Based on average distances driven per year, a driver in the U.S. or China would have to fully recharge the VISION EQXX only twice per month, and in Europe, just once per month,” Mercedes-Benz said. “It is the result of a mission we set to break through technological barriers and lift energy efficiency to new heights.”

The company says the very aero concept sedan can do more than 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) on a single charge using a battery that would fit even into a compact vehicle. It has energy consumption of less than 10 kWh per 100 kilometers (or more than 6 miles per kWh). output of around 150 kW. Its drive unit consists of the electric motor, transmission and power electronics featuring a new generation of silicon carbides. Inside, a dashboard-wide screen and sustainable materials from mushrooms to bamboo, cactus and vegan silk.

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904 EVENTS CALENDAR DECEMBER 29, 2021

Happy New Year’s edition!

Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville: Attention, all those owners of Crowns and Ceras, of GT-Rs and HiJets, of Autozams and Beats – it is almost time to highlight Classic Japanese Vehicles in a special display within the Central Lot at the next C&O, from 8 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 8 at The Avenues mall’s south side at 10300 Southside Blvd.

Submit your ride for consideration here to join the estimated 1,000-plus cars, trucks and more at the free cruise-in. And remember – Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville is an all makes, all models show, with all parking spots first come/first serve.

Cars should start arriving by 7 a.m. to the Southside Boulevard side of the shopping mall, the best way in through Malabar Boulevard.
As always, there will be a Porsche section, and an exotics area, as well as hundreds of vintage and classic cars, muscle cars and so much more.

Official Caffeine and Octane merchandise is on sale at all Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville events.

Event news

Mecum Auctions

What could be the most legendary lead sled of them all, the 1951 Hirohata Mercury Coupe, is coming up for auction in Florida. And the sleek 2-tone coupe will have a sales estimate of $1 million to $1.25 million when it rolls onto the stage at the Saturday, Jan. 15 Mecum’s Kissimmee Auction.

The name “lead sled” came from the fact that customizers dropped, chopped and channeled Ford Chief Designer Bob Gregorie’s sleek 1949 Mercury design, using lead to smooth out its lines as they lowered the top for an even more dropped look. The Mercury, the centerpiece of a historic Great Mercury Customs class at the 2004 Amelia Island Concours, was named for original owner Bob Hirohata of Los Angeles, and custom built by Sam and George Barris. Seen in major car magazines of the day, like Hot Rod and Hop Up, it appeared in the 1955 film “Running Wild” starring Mamie Van Doren.

“The purpose of taking a production car was not that it wasn’t beautiful, but I wanted it to be different, look different and make it more aerodynamic. I wanted to proportion it within reason, not just because we lowered the top, or sectioned the body or got it low to the ground, but it had to have the perspective of being unique, attractive and aspirational to the people who look at it,” Barris told the Florida Times-Union in a story about the Hirohata Merc. “In my period, it was what we called pioneering. We had to pioneer customizing. Custom is spelled with a ‘C.’ When I did my cars, it stated with a ‘k.’ If I am going to change the car, I have to change the word.”

Californian Jim McNiel owned the spectacular 1951 Mercury Hirohata coupe since 1959, but his family is selling it after his death.

“It has been everywhere. I dated my wife in it. It has been part of me all these years,” he told the Times-Union in 2004. “It’s about time that people realize the amount of workmanship that went into these. This was young American kids doing what they thought was cool in the ’50s. George knew what was cool, and he captured that in what he built. All of these cars here are beautiful. They all have something unique, and it is the first time they have all been together.”

The coupe was radically re-sculpted by the King of Kalifornia Kustoms’ shop – 4 inches taken from the roof up front and 7 in the rear, a butted, V-type windshield finished the upper structure changes. Frenched Ford headlights and Lincoln taillights were added, plus 1952 Buick Riviera side spears with customized door skins and fender skirts. In recent years, the car was added to the National Historic Vehicle Register and displayed for a week in a glass enclosure on the National Mall in Washington D.C.

Car collector and historian Wayne Carini guides us through the classic coupe and its history in a Mecum video. And check out the full story on how the car came to be from Hagerty.

Speaking of The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance: Watch this website – https://www.ameliaconcours.com – as tickets for the 27th annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, set forThursday, March 3 through Sunday, March 6, go on sale in January.

Events now listed on the website include: Saturday’s Cars & Community, a celebration of the automobile featuring more than 300 vehicles on the same show field used for Sunday’s Concours d’Elegance; and a NASCAR Saturday Seminar hosted by Ray Evernham. The RM Sotheby’s auction, as well as the annual Silent Auction, will both be back in 2022.

Sign up to be a Concours volunteer at ameliaconcours.com/event/volunteer. More information on how to reserve spots for those events, as well as many others, is coming.

Now the Car Shows:

Third annual Car Show: 8 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 8 at the Suwanee County Coliseum, 1302 11th St. in Live Oak. Proceeds support RIVEROAK SkillsUSA for local veterans.

Amelia Cruizers Car Show: noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 8, at Townies Pizza, 819 T.J. Courson Rd, Fernandina Beach

Relay for Life Rod Run: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22 at the Northeast Florida Fair at 543378 U.S. 1 in Callahan. Hosted by the Callahan Cruisers of North Florida.

Knights of Columbus Council 13337 Charity Car Show: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, at The Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine, at 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway South in St Augustine. Free for spectators and $25 for show vehicles day of show.

Peterson’s Automotive Showcase: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 5, at the Frank H. Peterson Academies, 7450 Wilson Blvd. in Jacksonville. The show is free for spectators and $25 for show vehicles.

Rumble at the Ranch – Hot Rod vs Rat Rod: May 5 through 7 at WW Motocross Park, 1439 Otis Road in Jacksonville. The event features burnout contests with a $1,500 purse, car show and other events. More info to follow at facebook.com/events/1252072518622329.ref=newsfeed.

The FIRM (Florida International Rally and Moto Park): Open Track Days held most weekends at the road course and rally course at 7266 Airport Road in Starke.

All the Cruise-ins

First Coast Car Council, Clay County Cruzers, Callahan Cruisers and Amelia Cruizers all hold regular weekend cruise-ins, so check their Facebook pages.

Jacksonville Caffeine and Gasoline: 7 to 10 a.m. on every first Saturday at the Orange Park Mall at 1910 Wells Road in Orange Park.

Happy New Years – the First Coast Car Council holds its newest cruise-in from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. this and every first Saturday at The Beaver Street Farmers Market, 1810 W. Beaver St. UPDATE: The Car Council’s second Saturday cruise-in suspended through the end of the year.

Clay County Cruzers’ events: 3 to 6 p.m. every first Saturday at Big Dawg Sports Restaurant, 1330 Blanding Blvd.; 3 to 6 p.m. every second Saturday at Dick’s Wings, 1803 East-West Parkway in Fleming Island; 5 p.m. every third Friday at Freddy’s Steakburgers at 386 Blanding Blvd.; 9 to 11 a.m. every fourth Saturday at Nicole’s Café, 2216 S. Mimosa Ave. in Middleburg; and 2 to 5 p.m. every fourth Saturday at Gator’s Dockside Oakleaf, 316 Merchants Way, Jacksonville.

The Part’s House/The Brothers Banter Podcast Cruise-in: The renamed White Brothers Auto Parts Cruise-in at the same time – 5 to 8 p.m. every second Friday at 405 Lane Ave. N.

NEW – Auto Legends Amelia Cars and Coffee: 9 a.m. to noon every second Saturday at Mocama Beer Company, 629 S. 8th St. in Fernandina Beach.

Cruise Night at Beachwalk: 5 to 8 p.m. every second Friday at the Beachwalk Amenity Center, 1000 County Road 210 in St. Johns.

Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville: 8 to 11 a.m. every second Saturday at The Avenues Mall at 10300 Southside Blvd. Information: https://bit.ly/3gPRvVQ.

Cruise Fruit Cove: 4 to 8 p.m. every third Saturday at the PDQ at 194 Florida 13 in Saint Johns, just south of Julington Creek.

Amelia Cruizers: 4 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday at Cold Stone Creamery, 808 Sadler Road, Fernandina Beach.

Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine monthly cruise-ins: St. Augustine Cruiser’s “Cruise In” from 5 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday, and Cars and Coffee from 8 to 10 a.m. every fourth Saturday resuming on Nov. 27 (see above), both at 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway South in St Augustine.

Cars and Coffee Fleming Island: 7 to 10 a.m. every third Sunday of the month at the New Vision Theatre at 1820 Town Center Blvd., Fleming Island.

Johnny Angels: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. every third Friday at Johnny Angels diner at 3546 St. Johns Bluff Road S. 

Historic Springfield Main Street Cruise: 4 p.m. every fourth Saturday between 8th and 17th streets at Main Street in Jacksonville’s Springfield community.

And finally….

By now, everyone has seen the 1946 classic, “It’s A Wonderful Life,” and remembers George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) crashing his 1010 Dodge brothers touring car into the tree, just before (SPOILER ALERT) he meets Clarence the angel.

Well, Hagerty has a story about that very same black Dodge, now owned by Keith Smith and complete down to its wood-spoked wheels, leather upholstery, and a small, circular brass tag on the dash that proves it was a Twentieth Century-Fox movie prop.

FYI – The Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine has an earlier version of the same car – a 1914 Dodge Brothers Touring Car – the second oldest car in the museum on U.S. 1.

Costing $800 when new, it is one of the first 249 cars built by Horace and John Dodge, with a 25-hp four-cylinder engine under its bonnet.

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904 EVENTS CALENDAR DECEMBER 21, 2021

Jacksonville Car Culture events calendar

Happy Holidays edition!

Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville: It’s 8 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 8 at The Avenues mall’s south side at 10300 Southside Blvd. Cars should start arriving by 7 a.m., the best way in through Malabar Boulevard off Southside Boulevard.

Next month, we highlight Classic Japanese Vehicles in a special display within the Central Lot.

Submit your ride for consideration here to join the estimated 1,000-plus cars, trucks and more at the free cruise-in. Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville is an all makes, all models show, and remember – parking spots are first come/first serve.

As always, there will be a Porsche section, and an exotics area, as well as hundreds of vintage and classic cars, muscle cars and so much more.

Official Caffeine and Octane merchandise is on sale at all Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville events.

Event news

The Amelia Concours d’Elegance: Watch this website – https://www.ameliaconcours.com – as tickets for The 27th annual Amelia, set for Thursday, March 3 through Sunday, March 6, go on sale in January.

Events now listed on the website include: Saturday’s Cars & Community, a celebration of the automobile featuring more than 300 vehicles on the same show field used for Sunday’s Concours d’Elegance; and a NASCAR Saturday Seminar hosted by Ray Evernham. The RM Sotheby’s auction, as well as the annual Silent Auction, will both be back in 2022.

More information on how to reserve spots for those events, as well as many others, is coming.

Honda will inspire young people to follow their dreams with its “Believe and Achieve!” float as it leads the 133rd Rose Parade at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 1 on ABC and NBC. And a Snapchat filter will enable viewers to build a virtual jet pack to fly over the parade route as a 2022 Acura NSX Type S and 2022 Honda Passport TrailSport (sound vehicle) serve as official parade vehicles as Honda celebrates its 12th years as a presenting sponsor.

 Image provided by Honda

The float will have four Honda women associates aboard as it celebrates science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) education by depicting a young girl whose dreams have taken flight with a rocket pack she designed and built through her own efforts, ingenuity and passion. Sue Bai is a chief engineer and division director at Honda Research Institute in Ann Arbor, Mich.; Nicole Harvel is an engineering coordinator and lead material engineer of the Material Analysis Lab at Honda`s manufacturing plant in Timmonsville, S.C.; Melanie Morimoto is asenior fabricator at American Honda in Torrance, Calif.; and Yolanda Pate is the quality division lead for Honda`s Alabama Auto Plant in Lincoln, Ala.

More news:

Jacksonville’s Bill Warner donated his 93-year-old No. 88 Simplex Piston Ring Special, built and raced back then by Bert Moyers, to the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America at 1801 W. International Speedway Blvd. in Daytona Beach.

 Motorsports Hall of Fame/Thomas R. Miller Photography

Believed to be the last surviving race car of its kind, the car was built by Moyers in Jacksonville using a 1928 Chevrolet engine and brakes, a 1926 rear axle from the same maker, and a 1927 Whippet radiator, all atop a shortened, narrowed 1927 Essex frame. Moyers campaigned it on beach courses from Jacksonville to Daytona Beach as well as a track at what is Jacksonville Naval Air Station.

Warner, founder and chairman emeritus of The Amelia Concours d’Elegance, found the car partially restored in 2006 in a Jacksonville garage where Moyer’s son had begun restoration. He and others restored the car, unveiling it to the Moyers family at the 2007 Amelia Concours. Now he has donated it to the Hall of Fame at Daytona International Speedway.

“This car, well, it’s not something I can push a button and drive,” Warner said at the museum, according to a Facebook post. “I’m on the MSHFA Board of Directors. I’m 78 years old. If I died tomorrow, my family wouldn’t know what to do with this jewel. I felt like it had to go somewhere where it would be appreciated and tell a story. It was natural that it would come here. It’s here next to the Richard Petty (stock) car, the Mickey Thompson truck and Bob Tullius’ prototype sports car. It’s in a place with cars it belongs with. I’m glad this car has a really good home. It gives the public a chance to see exactly what racing was like back in those days.”

The Florida Times-Union documented the race cars’ discovery, restoration and reintroduction to the Pablo Beach sands it used to race on in a 2009 story.

Now the Car Shows:

Third annual Car Show: 8 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 8 at the Suwanee County Coliseum, 1302 11th St. in Live Oak. Proceeds support RIVEROAK SkillsUSA for local veterans.

Relay for Life Rod Run: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22 at the Northeast Florida Fair at 543378 U.S. 1 in Callahan. Hosted by the Callahan Cruisers of North Florida.

Knights of Columbus Council 13337 Charity Car Show: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, at The Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine, at 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway South in St Augustine. Free for spectators and $25 for show vehicles day of show.

Rumble at the Ranch – Hot Rod vs Rat Rod: May 5 through 7 at WW Motocross Park, 1439 Otis Road in Jacksonville. The event features burnout contests with a $1,500 purse, car show and other events. More info to follow at facebook.com/events/1252072518622329.ref=newsfeed.

The FIRM (Florida International Rally and Moto Park): Open Track Days held most weekends at the road course and rally course at 7266 Airport Road in Starke.

All the Cruise-ins

First Coast Car Council, Clay County Cruzers, Callahan Cruisers and Amelia Cruizers all hold regular weekend cruise-ins, so check their Facebook pages.

Historic Springfield Main Street Cruise: 4 p.m. every fourth Saturday between 8th and 17th streets at Main Street in Jacksonville’s Springfield community. Yes, it will be held Christmas Day.

Jacksonville Caffeine and Gasoline: 7 to 10 a.m. on every first Saturday at the Orange Park Mall at 1910 Wells Road in Orange Park. 

Clay County Cruzers’ events: 3 to 6 p.m. every first Saturday at Big Dawg Sports Restaurant, 1330 Blanding Blvd.; 3 to 6 p.m. every second Saturday at Dick’s Wings, 1803 East-West Parkway in Fleming Island; 5 p.m. every third Friday at Freddy’s Steakburgers at 386 Blanding Blvd.; 9 to 11 a.m. every fourth Saturday at Nicole’s Café, 2216 S. Mimosa Ave. in Middleburg; and 2 to 5 p.m. every fourth Saturday at Gator’s Dockside Oakleaf, 316 Merchants Way, Jacksonville.

First Coast Car Council events: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every first Saturday at The Beaver Street Farmers Market, 1810 W. Beaver St. UPDATE: The Car Council’s second Saturday cruise-in suspended through the end of the year.

NEW – Crossroad Cruise-in: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each first Saturday at Crossroad Church at 10005 Gate Parkway N.

NEW – Auto Legends Amelia Cars and Coffee: 9 a.m. to noon every second Saturday at Mocama Beer Company, 629 S. 8th St. in Fernandina Beach.

Cruise Night at Beachwalk: 5 to 8 p.m. every second Friday at the Beachwalk Amenity Center, 1000 County Road 210 in St. Johns.

Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville: 8 to 11 a.m. every second Saturday at The Avenues Mall at 10300 Southside Blvd. Information: https://bit.ly/3gPRvVQ.

Cruise Fruit Cove: 4 to 8 p.m. every third Saturday at the PDQ at 194 Florida 13 in Saint Johns, just south of Julington Creek.

Amelia Cruizers: 4 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday at Cold Stone Creamery, 808 Sadler Road, Fernandina Beach.

Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine monthly cruise-ins: St. Augustine Cruiser’s “Cruise In” from 5 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday, and Cars and Coffee from 8 to 10 a.m. every fourth Saturday resuming on Nov. 27 (see above), both at 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway South in St Augustine.

Cars and Coffee Fleming Island: 7 to 10 a.m. every third Sunday of the month at the New Vision Theatre at 1820 Town Center Blvd., Fleming Island.

The Part’s House/The Brothers Banter Podcast Cruise-in: The renamed White Brothers Auto Parts Cruise-in at the same time – 5 to 8 p.m. every second Friday at 405 Lane Ave. N.

Johnny Angels: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. every third Friday at Johnny Angels diner at 3546 St. Johns Bluff Road S. 

And finally….

Courtesy of Lotus

Lotus has released a new film of the Lotus Emira in action, showing the V-6 First Edition being put through its paces by Gavan Kershaw on the iconic Hethel test track.

Kershaw, the director of attributes and product integrity at Lotus Cars, leads the dynamic development of their products. Amid some sideways action at Hethel, he explains the Emira’s performance on both the track and the road on the video.

“With the 3.5-liter V-6 configuration and the supercharger, you start an acceleration from as low as 1,500 rpm,” he said. “The car just pulls and pulls and pulls, getting stronger and stronger as the revs increase. This is what a real sports car feels like.”

The video also allows Kershaw to expand on the car’s driving performance, and four different driving modes – Tour, for maximum stability and control; Sport, for increased body slip and throttle response; Race, with even greater motorsport-derived dynamics and a revised instrument cluster; and Fully Off, where the stability control is completely disengaged.

Posted on

904 Events Calendar November 17, 2021

Jacksonville Car Culture events calendar

Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville: The next one is set for 8 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12, at The Avenues mall’s south side at 10300 Southside Blvd. Cars should start arriving by 7 a.m., the best way in through Malabar Boulevard off Southside Boulevard.

Cadillacs, Continentals and Covairs will be highlighted yet at this pre-holiday event, all showcased in a special display within the Central Lot. As always, there will be a Porsche section, and an exotics area as well as hundreds of vintage and classic cars, muscle cars and so much more.

Official Caffeine and Octane merchandise is on sale at all Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville events.

Check out more at firstcoastcarculture.com.

Jacksonville Car Culture Jekyll Island Holiday Lights Tour: Friday and Saturday, December 3 and 4.

The event begins at 5:30 p.m. on that Friday with a cruise up to Jekyll Island, departing from the River City Marketplace at 13221 City Center Blvd. starts at 5:30pm. The ride heads to Jekyll Island, Ga. to cruise among the holiday lights, then a one-night stay one night at the Courtyard Jekyll Island or Residence Inn Jekyll Island. Jekyll Island boasts more than 500,000 holiday lights, with more 35,000 on a great tree alone. The cruise is limited to 50 vehicles and will include a stop along the way, an outdoor patio reception at the Courtyard Jekyll Island.

Cost: $100 per vehicle plus hotel room, fees and taxes. Additional passengers are $20 per person. One night at Courtyard Jekyll Island or Residence Inn Jekyll Island is $159 plus fees/taxes. It includes two beverage tickets per vehicle for the patio reception at the hotel at the conclusion of the cruise on Friday night; digital photo of your vehicle by Deremer Studios; and exclusive 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday Caffeine and Octane for cruise entrants – entrants are asked to please bring an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots.

Deremer Studios

The event wraps at about 11 a.m. on Saturday.

Show news

Ponte Vedra Auto Show: The 2021 Ponte Vedra Auto Show returned last Sunday under the direction of Justin Felker and St. Augustine’s Art ‘n Motion with almost 300 cars and trucks on show at the event field at 245 Nocatee Center Way in Ponte Vedra Beach, and it is free and open to any classic or modern sports car, motorcycle or specialty/exotic.

The Best in Show was a silver Mercedes-Benz 190SL roadster owned by   Sam Joiner.

The Classic European class winner – a blue Mercedes-Benz 280SE owned by Don Glisson.

The Best of Europe was a Mercedes-Benz SL 63 owned by David Wommer; the Jeep vs. Bronco Class was a CJ5 owned by Laura Geisel.

The Viper Class winner was Ben Bobbitt’s, parked next to a rare Brazilian-built Puma GTE sports car.

The American Classic class winner was Mark Becker’s Chrysler Town and Country Convertible.

The Most Super Supra was Loi Tran’s Toyota Supra, while the Pre-War Vintage class winner is a Cadillac Model 60 Convertible Coupe owned by Gregg Romero, and the Asian Excellence winner was a pristine white Toyota Crown owned by Alan Dickerson. The Classic Corvette class winner was owned by Ronnie Edge, while the Classic Porsche class winner was a Porsche 356SC   owned by Lew Bednarczuk.

The Most Original class winner was the  Jaguar D Type owned by Andre Desmarais, as seen behind this larger Jag.

And possibly the most amazing creation an actual street-legal 2001 Reynard IndyCar, which shot foot-long flames when revved as it entered the show field, painted in its original Visteon livery. Note the headlights, Mickey Thompson treaded tires for crucial ground clearance, and a taillight assembly in back, a stock block V-8 in place of the original’s Toyota race engine. Mariz Automobili just posted a video on the car as it left the show and hit the road at night, as filmed with a wicked BMW camera car also at the show, and edited by Fastrmedia @fastrmedia.

This was its second appearance that weekend for the IndyCar, having wowed crowds, and Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville chief honcho Chris Brewer, when it cruised in the day before at The Avenues.

And if that’s not enough, a 1966 Batmobile replica from St. Augustine – to the Bat Cave!

The show is held in association with the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce and the St. Johns County Tourism Development Council.

Motorsports events:

Nitro Rallycross at The FIRM: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 4 and 5, at the Florida International Rally & Motorsport Park at 7266 Airport Rd, Starke. Teams with drivers like Tanner Foust and Travis Pastrana will race on steep berms, banked turns and 100-ft gap jumps at the track. Two-day standing room general admission – $36 each. Two-day grandstand seating – $50 each. Two-day VIP with cash bar – $139 each. Get information here, and reserve tickets here.

Now all the Car Shows:

24th Annual VW Turkey Run: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at the Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine, 4730 Dixie Highway South/U.S. 1 in Saint Augustine. Proceeds benefiting the Spastic Paraplegic Foundation.

Pearl Harbor Commemoration: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, at The Military Museum of North Florida at 1 Bunker Ave, Green Cove Springs, off Florida 16. The event begins with a ceremony, plus car show, re-enactors and a military collector show.

Toys for Tots car show: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday Dec. 11, at Golden Isle Church of God, 20 Boswell Lane in Brunswick, Ga. Free for spectators and $20 per show vehicle, or a new unwrapped toy. Donations go to the area Toys for Tots program.

Toys 4 Tots Car and Truck Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12, at the WW Ranch Motorcross Park, 1439 Otis Road in Jacksonville. Spectators are asked to bring a canned good or donation for the needy, while show vehicle registration is $20. Live music from Beau and The Burners, sponsored by the Callahan Cruisers.

The FIRM (Florida International Rally and Moto Park): Open Track Days held most weekends at the road course and rally course at 7266 Airport Road in Starke.

All the Cruise-ins

First Coast Car Council, Clay County Cruzers, Callahan Cruisers and Amelia Cruizers all hold regular weekend cruise-ins, so check their Facebook pages.

Jacksonville Caffeine and Gasoline: 7 to 10 a.m. on every first Saturday at the Orange Park Mall at 1910 Wells Road in Orange Park. 

Clay County Cruzers’ events: 3 to 6 p.m. every first Saturday at Big Dawg Sports Restaurant, 1330 Blanding Blvd.; 3 to 6 p.m. every second Saturday at Dick’s Wings, 1803 East-West Parkway in Fleming Island; 5 p.m. every third Friday at Freddy’s Steakburgers at 386 Blanding Blvd.; 9 to 11 a.m. every fourth Saturday at Nicole’s Café, 2216 S. Mimosa Ave. in Middleburg; and 2 to 5 p.m. every fourth Saturday at Gator’s Dockside Oakleaf, 316 Merchants Way, Jacksonville.

First Coast Car Council events: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every first Saturday at The Beaver Street Farmers Market, 1810 W. Beaver St.

UPDATE: The Car Council’s second Saturday cruise-in suspended through the end of the year.

NEW – Crossroad Cruise-in: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each first Saturday at Crossroad Church at 10005 Gate Parkway N.

NEW – Auto Legends Amelia Cars and Coffee: 9 a.m. to noon every second Saturday at Mocama Beer Company, 629 S. 8th St. in Fernandina Beach.

Cruise Night at Beachwalk: 5 to 8 p.m. every second Friday at the Beachwalk Amenity Center, 1000 County Road 210 in St. Johns.

Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville: 8 to 11 a.m. every second Saturday at The Avenues Mall at 10300 Southside Blvd. Information: https://bit.ly/3gPRvVQ.

Cruise Fruit Cove: 4 to 8 p.m. every third Saturday at the PDQ at 194 Florida 13 in Saint Johns, just south of Julington Creek.

Amelia Cruizers: 4 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday at Cold Stone Creamery, 808 Sadler Road, Fernandina Beach.

Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine monthly cruise-ins: St. Augustine Cruiser’s “Cruise In” from 5 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday, and Cars and Coffee from 8 to 10 a.m. every fourth Saturday resuming on Nov. 27 (see above), both at 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway South in St Augustine.

Cars and Coffee Fleming Island: 7 to 10 a.m. every third Sunday of the month at the New Vision Theatre at 1820 Town Center Blvd., Fleming Island.

The Part’s House/The Brothers Banter Podcast Cruise-in: The renamed White Brothers Auto Parts Cruise-in at the same time – 5 to 8 p.m. every second Friday at 405 Lane Ave. N.

Johnny Angels: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. every third Friday at Johnny Angels diner at 3546 St. Johns Bluff Road S. 

Historic Springfield Main Street Cruise: 4 p.m. every fourth Saturday between 8th and 17th streets at Main Street in Jacksonville’s Springfield community.

And finally….

Maserati showed off its new Grecale on Tuesday by arranging its 80 prototypes in the shape of the company’s famed logo, a trident, in a record-breaking shot. The outline was 328 feet long. Maserati says it has more than 250 development models distributed across Japan and the United States, United Arab Emirates and China, Finland and Italy.

The Grecale is a compact SUV due to be released this spring, its name derived a Mediterranean wind, which is a Maserati tradition, It slots below the Levante, sharing its platform with the Alfa Romeo Stelvio crossover. The Grecale was originally set to be unveiled officially this week, but supply chain problems have caused some of its key components to be lacking, it said.

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904 Events Calendar November 11, 2021

Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville: If you have a special ride and want to be front and center as the folks from NBC Sports film at least one, probably two episodes of its national Caffeine and Octane TV show. Cars should start arriving by 7 a.m., the best way in through Malabar Boulevard off of Southside Boulevard.

BMW M cars and Ford Broncos will be highlighted at the event, and showcased in a special display within the Central Lot. So everyone parked there is asked to stay put until 11 a.m. for the filming (no leaving early/no exceptions), to make this the best C and O Jacksonville this year! Remember – submit your ride for consideration at: Ford Bronco – https://form.123formbuilder.com/6010449//. And if a BMW M Series is your ride, submit it to: https://form.123formbuilder.com/6010454//

The First Coast Car Council’s November Featured Car Club is the Jacksonville Mazda Owners Club, supported by Tom Bush Mazda.

As always, there will be a Porsche section, and an exotics area as well as hundreds of vintage and classic cars, muscle cars and so much more.

Official Caffeine and Octane merchandise is on sale at all Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville events.

Check out more at firstcoastcarculture.com.

Ponte Vedra Auto Show: The 2021 Ponte Vedra Auto Show returns on Sunday under the direction of Justin Felker and Art ‘n Motion. And this year, it adds a first-time A1A Cruise the night before on the same site as the auto show the next day.

The A1A Cruise runs from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the event field at 245 Nocatee Center Way in Ponte Vedra Beach, and it is free and open to any classic or modern sports car, motorcycle or specialty/exotic.

Then from 10 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Sunday, the Ponte Vedra Auto Show is presented by Art ‘n Motion in association with the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce and the St. Johns County Tourism Development Council at the same grass field. The show is free for spectators. Event parking is also free. All of the show spots are filled, so only pre- registered cars will be allowed at Sunday’s show.

Some more local automotive news:

When the World Wide Historic Motoring Awards presented by Octane Magazine in London are announced next week in London, one Jacksonville man and Northeast Florida’s world-class concours d’elegance are up for separate nominations.

Bill Warner with the late Sir Stirling Moss at an Amelia Island Concours


In the Best Concours in the World nomination, the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance is one of five events on the list. It won twice in 2015 and 2017. The other nominees are: The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, Salon Privé and Sydney Harbour Concours d’Elegance. Then Bill Warner, founder of The Amelia, is a nominee in the Personal Achievement category, along with Andrew and David Bagley, Henry Pearman, Paul Michaels and Phillip Sarofim.

The winners will be announced on Nov. 18 at the Rosewood Hotel in London,

Motorsports events:

Off-Road United Foundation seventh annual Krawl’n For The Fallen: Saturday and Sunday at the Florida International Rally & Motorsports Park (F.I.R.M) at 7266 Airport Road in Starke. The nonprofit Off-Road United Foundation supports law enforcement, fire fighters, EMS, service members, linemen and tow truck drivers. Krawl’n For The Fallen was started in 2015 to give back to Concerns Of Police Survivors National and support survivor retreats and kids camps. It has set a minimum donation goal of $80,000 to C.O.P.S each year.

This year’s event expects 2,000 attendees, 1,000 Jeeps and 12 local/state and federal law enforcement agencies.

Gates open at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, with opening ceremonies, open trails, K9 demos, a 5K Running 4 Heroes and more. There’s a Saturday night ride to honor those who have been lost from the year. For information, registration and ticket prices, go to bit.ly/3oEPDEK.

Duval Dirt Dash: Saturday and Sunday at Jacksonville International Raceway at 8781 U.S. 301 S. in Jacksonville. The raceway and Deaf Duck Racing hosting a minibike race – endurance, flat track oval, roval, and dirt drags. A $20 gate fee includes camping for the weekend. There’s a $30 race fee. Information at Deaf Duck Racing.

Nitro Rallycross at The FIRM: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 4 and 5, at the Florida International Rally & Motorsport Park at 7266 Airport Rd, Starke. Teams with drivers like Tanner Foust and Travis Pastrana will race on steep berms, banked turns and 100-ft gap jumps at the track. Two-day standing room general admission – $36 each. Two-day grandstand seating – $50 each. Two-day VIP with cash bar – $139 each. Get information here, and reserve tickets here.

Now all the Car Shows:

Prince of Peace fourth annual Car Show: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the church at 6320 Bennett Road. Free to spectators and $25 day-of-show for show vehicles.

Back to the Fifties Car Show and Moosehaven 11th Annual Chili Cook-Off: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Moosehaven at 1701 Park Ave. in Orange Park. A classic car show, Kids Zone, arts and crafts, live entertainment and a chili cook-off, plus NASCAR driver Ross Chastain and his Moose-sponsored No. 42 show car. Free for spectators and $5 to judge the chili. The event benefits K9s For Warriors.

Rodeheaver Boys Ranch Classic Car Show: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the ranch at 380 Boys Ranch Road in Palatka. Free for spectators and $25 per show car, all registrants getting 2 free tickets to the ranch’s Palatka Fall Bluegrass festival. More information at https://www.mynewsletterbuilder.com/email/newsletter/1415523484.

10th Annual Exotic & Luxury Car Show: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Porsche Jacksonville, 11211 Atlantic Blvd. Free for spectators and $50 registration for show vehicles. Proceeds will benefit Homes For Our Troops.

Cecil Pines Antique Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Cecil Pines Adult Living Community, 6008 Lake Cove Ave. Free to spectators and show vehicles.

14th Annual Back to the Fifties Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Moosehaven at 701 Park Ave, Orange Park. Hosted by the Clay County Cruzers, NASCAR Cup Series driver Ross Chastain and his No. 42 car will be there.

Pearl Harbor Commemoration: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, at The Military Museum of North Florida at 1 Bunker Ave, Green Cove Springs, off Florida 16. The event begins with a ceremony, plus car show, re-enactors and a military collector show.

Toys for Tots car show: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday Dec. 11, at Golden Isle Church of God, 20 Boswell Lane in Brunswick, Ga. Free for spectators and $20 per show vehicle, or a new unwrapped toy. Donations go to the area Toys for Tots program.

Cruisin’ and Crossin’ 4 Kids Car and Truck Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12, at the WW Ranch Motorcross Park, 1439 Otis Road in Jacksonville. Spectators are asked to bring a canned good or donation for the needy, while show vehicle registration is $20. Live music from Beau and The Burners, sponsored by the Callahan Cruisers.

The FIRM (Florida International Rally and Moto Park): Open Track Days held most weekends at the road course and rally course at 7266 Airport Road in Starke.

All the Cruise-ins

First Coast Car Council, Clay County Cruzers, Callahan Cruisers and Amelia Cruizers all hold regular weekend cruise-ins, so check their Facebook pages.

Jacksonville Caffeine and Gasoline: 7 to 10 a.m. on every first Saturday at the Orange Park Mall at 1910 Wells Road in Orange Park. 

Clay County Cruzers’ events: 3 to 6 p.m. every first Saturday at Big Dawg Sports Restaurant, 1330 Blanding Blvd.; 3 to 6 p.m. every second Saturday at Dick’s Wings, 1803 East-West Parkway in Fleming Island; 5 p.m. every third Friday at Freddy’s Steakburgers at 386 Blanding Blvd.; 9 to 11 a.m. every fourth Saturday at Nicole’s Café, 2216 S. Mimosa Ave. in Middleburg; and 2 to 5 p.m. every fourth Saturday at Gator’s Dockside Oakleaf, 316 Merchants Way, Jacksonville.

First Coast Car Council events: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every first Saturday at The Beaver Street Farmers Market, 1810 W. Beaver St.

UPDATE: The Car Council’s second Saturday cruise-in suspended through the end of the year.

NEW – Crossroad Cruise-in: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and each first Saturday at Crossroad Church at 10005 Gate Parkway N.

NEW – Auto Legends Amelia Cars and Coffee: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday and every second Saturday at Mocama Beer Company, 629 S. 8th St. in Fernandina Beach.

Cruise Night at Beachwalk: 5 to 8 p.m. every second Friday at the Beachwalk Amenity Center, 1000 County Road 210 in St. Johns.

Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville: 8 to 11 a.m. every second Saturday at The Avenues Mall at 10300 Southside Blvd. Information: https://bit.ly/3gPRvVQ.

Cruise Fruit Cove: 4 to 8 p.m. every third Saturday at the PDQ at 194 Florida 13 in Saint Johns, just south of Julington Creek. And the site was packed last Saturday with all kinds of classics, MOPARS, Pontiacs, Mustangs….and more.

Amelia Cruizers: 4 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday at Cold Stone Creamery, 808 Sadler Road, Fernandina Beach.

Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine monthly cruise-ins: St. Augustine Cruiser’s “Cruise In” from 5 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday, and Cars and Coffee from 8 to 10 a.m. every fourth Saturday resuming on Nov. 27 (see above), both at 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway South in St Augustine.

Cars and Coffee Fleming Island: 7 to 10 a.m. every third Sunday of the month at the New Vision Theatre at 1820 Town Center Blvd., Fleming Island.

White Brothers Auto Parts Cruise-in: It has a new name – The Part’s House/The Brothers Banter Podcast Cruise-n, but at the same time – 5 to 8 p.m. every second Friday at 405 Lane Ave. N.

Johnny Angels: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. every third Friday at Johnny Angels diner at 3546 St. Johns Bluff Road S. 

Historic Springfield Main Street Cruise: 4 p.m. every fourth Saturday between 8th and 17th streets at Main Street in Jacksonville’s Springfield community.

And finally….

Hagerty held its own Cars and Coffee in the infield at the recent Classic 24 Hour at Daytona Presented by IMSA at the 3.56-mile-long Daytona International Speedway road course. And along with a passel of Porsches, there was a classic diesel Mercedes-Benz, some new and classic Corvettes, and a Ferrari 308, Magnum style, passing another red mid-engine sports car. Oh yes, that MG Assist MGB-GT is the real deal – roadside assistance for Morris Garage cars, complete with strobe lights front and rear.

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904 Events Calendar October 20, 2021

Big news first:

The next Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville cruise-in is from 8 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 13, at the Avenues Mall at 10300 Southside Blvd. highlighting BMW M cars and the Ford Bronco (a new one at an earlier C&O below) in a special display within the Central Lot. Remember – submit your ride for consideration at: Ford Bronco – https://form.123formbuilder.com/6010449//. And if a BMW M Series is your ride, submit it to – https://form.123formbuilder.com/6010454//

As always, there will be a Porsche section, and an exotics area as well as hundreds of vintage and classic cars, muscle cars and so much more. And don’t forget official Caffeine and Octane merch is on sale on scene. Check out more at firstcoastcarculture.com. And see more about Caffeine & Octane all over, including Jacksonville, at https://caffeineandoctane.com/.

Ponte Vedra Auto Show: The 2021 Ponte Vedra Auto Show returns on Sunday, Nov. 14, under the direction of Justin Felker and Art ‘n Motion. And this year, it adds a first-time A1A Cruise the night before on the same site as the auto show the next day.

The A1A Cruise runs from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13, at the event field at 245 Nocatee Center Way in Ponte Vedra Beach, and it is free and open to any classic or modern sports car, motorcycle or specialty/exotic.

Here’s last year’s Best of Show Classic – Andre Desmarais’ 1966 Ford GT P/1043 — which also won the Spirit of Racing award, with head judge Jake Weisman and Art ‘n Motion president Justin Felker.

Then from 10 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. that Sunday, the Ponte Vedra Auto Show is presented by Art ‘n Motion in association with the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce and the St. Johns County Tourism Development Council at the same grass field. The show, with some of last year’s event shown here, is free for spectators, and $40 to register a show vehicle. Event parking is free. To register a classic car or truck, supercar or modern collector/custom/hot rod, log onto https://pvautoshow.com/register-for-show-1. Only pre- registered cars will be allowed onto the Sunday show field.

Event Location Change Alert: The Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine’s Cars and Coffee will be held from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday at a new spot – Bozard Ford Lincoln at 540 Outlet Mall Blvd. This location change is only for October’s Cars & Coffee. It returns to the Classic Car Museum at 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway South in St Augustine for the Nov. 27 event, and every fourth Saturday.

National Council on Corvette Clubs Florida Region Autocross: 7:30 a.m. Sunday at St. Marys Airport, 400 N. Dandy St. in St. Marys, Ga. Registration and tech inspection is at 7:30 a.m., followed by a driver meeting – First car out at 9:30 a.m. This is a closed exhaust event with 7 low-speed events, helmets required (Snell SA or M and less than 10-years old). Entry fee is $60 per car. And open class cars are welcome.

Off-Road United Foundation seventh annual Krawl’n For The Fallen: November 12th to the 14th at the Florida International Rally & Motorsports Park (F.I.R.M) at 7266 Airport Road in Starke. The nonprofit Off-Road United Foundation supports law enforcement, fire fighters, EMS, service members, line-men and tow truck drivers. Krawl’n For The Fallen was started in 2015 to give back to Concerns Of Police Survivors National and support survivor retreats and kids camps. It has set a minimum donation goal of $80,000 to C.O.P.S each year.

This year’s event expects 2,000 attendees, 1,000 Jeeps and 12 local/state and federal law enforcement agencies.

Gates open at noon on Friday Nov. 12, with a nighttime concert planned for those camping on property. Gates open at 8:30 a.m. on Sat. Nov. 13, with opening ceremonies, open trails, K9 demos, a 5K Running 4 Heroes and more. There’s a Saturday night ride to honor those who we have lost from the year. For information, registration and ticket prices, go to https://bit.ly/3oEPDEK.

Now all the Car Shows:

Annual Car Show: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Paxon Revival Center Church, 5461 Commonwealth Ave. Free.

St. Augustine Fall Fling Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 24, at the St Johns County Fairgrounds, 5840 Florida 207 in Elkton. Free to spectators and $20 day of show for display vehicles.

Southside Business Men’s Club Annual Car Show: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30, at Fields Cadillac at 7999 Blanding Blvd.

Trunk or Treat Car & Bike Show: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 31, at Adamec Harley-Davidson, 380 Outlet Mall Blvd. in St. Augustine. Free for spectators and $20 for show vehicles, with live music from “Bluesdog 66.” Hosted by Callahan Cruisers of North Florida.

Dixie Chapter Pontiac Club Fall Classic: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sat. Nov. 6, at the Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine, 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway South in St Augustine. Open to all Pontiacs, Overland or GMC truck, it’s free to spectators and $25 for show vehicles day of show.

Hobos, Hot Rods and Heroes Festival and Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6, at the West Nassau Museum of History 45383 Dixie Ave. in Callahan. Live entertainment, arts and crafts, model trains and a car show hosted by Callahan Cruisers and Cochrane’s Collision Center.

Callahan Motorsports Expo: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 7, at the track at 543455 U.S. 1 in Callahan. Dirt and asphalt racing, radio-controlled and more, admission $10 per person per day.

Jtech Cars, Stars and Stripes Car Show and Drive-in Movie: 3 p.m. Sat. Nov. 6, at Jtech at 8813 Western Way. Double feature with “Cars” and “Thunder Road, starts at dark, $15 per car. Hosted by First Coast Car Council.

Prince of Peace fourth annual Car Show: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday Nov. 13 at the church at 6320 Bennet Road. Free to spectators and $25 day-of-show for show vehicles.

Moosehaven 11th Annual Chili Cook-Off: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday Nov. 13 at Moosehaven at 1701 Park Ave. in Orange Park. A classic car show, Kids Zone, arts and crafts, live entertainment and a chili cook-off, plus NASCAR driver Ross Chastain and his Moose-sponsored No. 42 show car. Free for spectators and $5 to judge the chili. The event benefits K9s For Warriors.

10th Annual Exotic & Luxury Car Show: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13, at Porsche Jacksonville, 11211 Atlantic Blvd. Free for spectators and $50 registration for show vehicles. Proceeds will benefit Homes For Our Troops.

Cecil Pines Antique Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13, at Cecil Pines Adult Living Community, 6008 Lake Cove Ave. Free to spectators and show vehicles.

14th Annual Back to the Fifties Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13, at Moosehaven at 701 Park Ave, Orange Park. Hosted by the Clay County Cruzers, NASCAR Cup Series driver Ross Chastain and his No. 42 car will be there.

The FIRM (Florida International Rally and Moto Park): Open Track Days held most weekends at the road course and rally course at 7266 Airport Road in Starke.

And… all the Cruise-ins

First Coast Car Council, Clay County Cruzers, Callahan Cruisers and Amelia Cruizers all hold regular weekend cruise-ins, so check their Facebook pages.

Jacksonville Caffeine and Gasoline: 7 to 10 a.m. on every first Saturday at the Orange Park Mall at 1910 Wells Road in Orange Park. 

Clay County Cruzers’ events: 3 to 6 p.m. every first Saturday at Big Dawg Sports Restaurant, 1330 Blanding Blvd.; 3 to 6 p.m. every second Saturday at Dick’s Wings, 1803 East-West Parkway in Fleming Island; 5 p.m. every third Friday at Freddy’s Steakburgers at 386 Blanding Blvd.; 9 to 11 a.m. every fourth Saturday at Nicole’s Café, 2216 S. Mimosa Ave. in Middleburg; and 2 to 5 p.m. every fourth Saturday at Gator’s Dockside Oakleaf, 316 Merchants Way, Jacksonville.

First Coast Car Council events: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every first Saturday at The Beaver Street Farmers Market, 1810 W. Beaver St. UPDATE: Second Saturday cruise-in suspended through the end of the year.

NEW – Crossroad Cruise-in: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6, at Crossroad Church at 10005 Gate Parkway N.

Cruise Night at Beachwalk: 5 to 8 p.m. every second Friday at the Beachwalk Amenity Center, 1000 County Road 210 in St. Johns.

Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville: 8 to 11 a.m. every second Saturday at The Avenues Mall at 10300 Southside Blvd. Information: https://bit.ly/3gPRvVQ.

Cruise Fruit Cove: 4 to 8 p.m. every third Saturday at the PDQ at 194 Florida 13 in Saint Johns, just south of Julington Creek. And the site was packed last Saturday with all kinds of classics, MOPARS, Pontiacs, Mustangs….and more.

Amelia Cruizers: 4 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday at Cold Stone Creamery, 808 Sadler Road, Fernandina Beach.

Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine monthly cruise-ins: St. Augustine Cruiser’s “Cruise In” from 5 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday, and Cars and Coffee from 8 to 10 a.m. every fourth Saturday resuming on Nov. 27 (see above), both at 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway South in St Augustine.

Cars and Coffee Fleming Island: 7 to 10 a.m. every third Sunday of the month at the New Vision Theatre at 1820 Town Center Blvd., Fleming Island.

White Brothers Auto Parts Cruise-in: It has a new name – The Part’s House/The Brothers Banter Podcast Cruise-n, but at the same time – 5 to 8 p.m. every second Friday at 405 Lane Ave. N.

Johnny Angels: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. every third Friday at Johnny Angels diner at 3546 St. Johns Bluff Road S. 

Historic Springfield Main Street Cruise: 4 p.m. every fourth Saturday between 8th and 17th streets at Main Street in Jacksonville’s Springfield community.

Finally…

We couldn’t resist – Hot Wheels has a new Batmobile from the upcoming 2022 release of “The Batman,” produced by DC Films, 6th & Idaho Motion Picture Company and Dylan Clark Productions. The Hot Wheels R/C design team created a detailed 1:10-scale movie prop with battle damage and dirt, as well as a full interior with detailed wires and gauges. There’s an animatronic Batman figure that moves the steering wheel and shifts according to the driver’s R/C inputs. And it spits “smoke” from its rear exhaust.

Photo: Hot Wheels/Mattel

The Batman R/C car has a street-grade suspension, multi-color LED lights, turbo-engine sound and flame FX on both the front and rear. Not released yet, it will be almost 20 inches long, hit speeds of 15 mph, and retail for $500, Hot Wheels/Mattel says. It comes on a Batcave display stand with lights, simulated computers and the Bat Signal. Catch it in action at https://fb.watch/8L6-5RpItd/.

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904 Events Calendar – October 5, 20121


Jacksonville Car Culture events calendar:

Caffeine and Octane – The fourth edition of the new Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville cruise-in goes a bit “BUG”gy from 8 to 11 a.m. this Saturday at the Avenues Mall at 10300 Southside Blvd., as it celebrates vintage and/or modified Volkswagens in a special display within the Central Lot. And the owner who displays the oldest VW gets a Caffeine and Octane hat.

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Every kind of classic, hot rod, truck, Jeep, kei car and ride is welcome, the event hosting the Jacksonville Mustang Club this month as the First Coast Car Council’s featured car club for October.

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Admission is free. Submit your ride for consideration at firstcoastcarculture.com/contact-us.

Special cruise to honor Nassau County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Joshua Moyers

The Callahan Cruisers will hold a classic car cruise on Saturday in support of Deputy Moyers and his family. The deputy was shot on Sept. 24 during a traffic stop and died two days later. The cruise begins at 2 p.m. at the Target at 463737 Florida 200 in Yulee, then drives to the Hardee’s restaurant at 542309 U.S. 1 in Callahan where the group’s monthly cruise-in takes place. Donations collected at the event will go directly to his family.

Cruisin’ to the Creek 2021: The First Coast Car Council’s annual show was held last Saturday at Trout Creek Memorial Park and Marina at 6550 Florida 13 North in Northwest St. Johns County, with 340 classics, hot rods, British roadsters, Miatas and everything else possible on four wheels.

Some of the Top 20 award winners included James Wulff 1955 Cadillac Eldorado Special Sport Convertible with 24K gold trim and polished aluminum Edelbrock intake manifold

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There was James Padgett’s detailed silver 1965 Chevy C60 truck with integrated LED running lights in the massive front bumper:

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And try these classics on for size as other Top 20 winners included Kurt Jonson’s 1978 Datsun 280Z, Chris Lofstrand’s1985 Chevy Econoline, Tom Barker’s 1995 Mazda RX7, Pam Schmidt’s 2010 Jeep, Bradley Corner’s 2016 Alfa Romeo 4C and Richard Clarkson’s 1968 Mustang.

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The annual show benefits the Ronald McDonald House of Jacksonville, which will receive about $13,000 from event proceeds.

Off-Road United Foundation seventh annual Krawl’n For The Fallen: November 12th to the 14th at the Florida International Rally & Motorsports Park (F.I.R.M) at 7266 Airport Road in Starke. The nonprofit Off-Road United Foundation supports law enforcement, fire fighters, EMS, service members, line-men and tow truck drivers. Krawl’n For The Fallen was started in 2015 to give back to Concerns Of Police Survivors National and support survivor retreats and kids camps. It has set a minimum donation goal of $80,000 to C.O.P.S each year.

This year’s event expects 2,000 attendees, 1,000 Jeeps and 12 local/state and federal law enforcement agencies.

Gates open at noon on Friday Nov. 12, with a nighttime concert planned for those camping on property. Gates open at 8:30 a.m. on Sat. Nov. 13, with opening ceremonies, open trails, K9 demos, a 5K Running 4 Heroes and more. There’s a Saturday night ride to honor those who we have lost from the year. For information, registration and ticket prices, go to https://bit.ly/3oEPDEK.

Car Shows:

Clay County Shrine Club Oktober Fest Car Show and Craft Market: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at 2471 Russell Road in Green Cove Springs.

25th Annual Amelia Cruizers 8 Flags Car Show: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sat. Oct. 16 along Centre Street in historic Fernandina Beach. Free to spectators and $25 for show vehicle if pre-registered at https://bit.ly/3zXA7pw. The annual show benefits the Justin Hess Scholarship Foundation.

A Car Show For A Cause: 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, at First United Methodist Church of Jacksonville, 225 E. Duval St. Spectators are free, with $25 registration for show vehicles day-of-event. Presented by Resurrection Car Club and Next Generation Outreach Ministry.

Evangel Temple Assembly of God Middleburg Car Show: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sat. Oct. 16 at the church at 5040 County Road 218. Spectators are free; show vehicles are $20 per, the event hosted by Clay County Cruzers. 

Annual Car Show: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sat. Oct. 23, at Paxon Revival Center Church, 5461 Commonwealth Ave. Free.

St. Augustine Fall Fling Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 24, at the St Johns County Fairgrounds, 5840 Florida 207 in Elkton. Free to spectators and $20 day of show for display vehicles.

Southside Business Men’s Club Annual Car Show: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30, at Fields Cadillac at 7999 Blanding Blvd.

Trunk or Treat Car & Bike Show: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 31, at Adamec Harley-Davidson, 380 Outlet Mall Blvd. in St. Augustine. Free for spectators and $20 for show vehicles, with live music from “Bluesdog 66.” Hosted by Callahan Cruisers of North Florida.

Dixie Chapter Pontiac Club Fall Classic: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sat. Nov. 6, at the Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine, 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway South in St Augustine. Open to all Pontiacs, Overland or GMC truck, it’s free to spectators and $25 for show vehicles day of show.

Hobos, Hot Rods and Heroes Festival and Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6, at the West Nassau Museum of History 45383 Dixie Ave. in Callahan. Live entertainment, arts and crafts, model trains and a car show hosted by Callahan Cruisers and Cochrane’s Collision Center. 

Jtech Cars, Stars and Stripes Car Show and Drive-in Movie: 3 p.m. Sat. Nov. 6, at Jtech at 8813 Western Way. Double feature with “Cars” and “Thunder Road, starts at dark, $15 per car. Hosted by First Coast Car Council.

10th Annual Exotic & Luxury Car Show: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13, at Porsche Jacksonville, 11211 Atlantic Blvd. Free for spectators and $50 registration for show vehicles. Proceeds will benefit Homes For Our Troops.

Cecil Pines Antique Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13, at Cecil Pines Adult Living Community, 6008 Lake Cove Ave. Free to spectators and show vehicles.

14th Annual Back to the Fifties Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13, at Moosehaven at 701 Park Ave, Orange Park. Hosted by the Clay County Cruzers, NASCAR Cup Series driver Ross Chastain and his No. 42 car will be there.

The FIRM (Florida International Rally and Moto Park): Open Track Days held most weekends at the road course and rally course at 7266 Airport Road in Starke.

Cruise-ins

First Coast Car Council, Clay County Cruzers, Callahan Cruisers and Amelia Cruizers all hold regular weekend cruise-ins, so check their Facebook pages.

Jacksonville Caffeine and Gasoline: 7 to 10 a.m. on every first Saturday at the Orange Park Mall at 1910 Wells Road in Orange Park. 

Clay County Cruzers’ events: 3 to 6 p.m. every first Saturday at Big Dawg Sports Restaurant, 1330 Blanding Blvd.; 3 to 6 p.m. every second Saturday at Dick’s Wings, 1803 East-West Parkway in Fleming Island; 5 p.m. every third Friday at Freddy’s Steakburgers at 386 Blanding Blvd.; 9 to 11 a.m. every fourth Saturday at Nicole’s Café, 2216 S. Mimosa Ave. in Middleburg; and 2 to 5 p.m. every fourth Saturday at Gator’s Dockside Oakleaf, 316 Merchants Way, Jacksonville.

First Coast Car Council events: 5 to 8 p.m. every first Saturday at Mission Barbecue, 8440 Blanding Blvd., Jacksonville; and 5 to 8 p.m. each second Saturday at Medical & Merchants Center of Mandarin, 11701 San Jose Blvd.

Cruise Night at Beachwalk: 5 to 8 p.m. every second Friday at the Beachwalk Amenity Center, 1000 County Road 210 in St. Johns.

Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville: 8 to 11 a.m. every second Saturday at The Avenues Mall at 10300 Southside Blvd. Information: https://bit.ly/3gPRvVQ.

Cruise Fruit Cove: 4 to 8 p.m. every third Saturday at the PDQ at 194 Florida 13 in Saint Johns, just south of Julington Creek.

Amelia Cruizers: 4 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday at Cold Stone Creamery, 808 Sadler Road, Fernandina Beach.

Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine monthly cruise-ins: St. Augustine Cruiser’s “Cruise In” from 5 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday, and Cars and Coffee from 8 to 10 a.m. every fourth Saturday, both at 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway South in St Augustine.

Cars and Coffee Fleming Island: 7 to 10 a.m. every third Sunday of the month at the New Vision Theatre at 1820 Town Center Blvd., Fleming Island.

White Brothers Auto Parts Cruise-in: 5 to 8 p.m. every second Friday at 405 Lane Ave. N.

Johnny Angels: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. every third Friday at Johnny Angels diner at 3546 St. Johns Bluff Road S. 

Historic Springfield Main Street Cruise: 4 p.m. every fourth Saturday between 8th and 17th streets at Main Street in Jacksonville’s Springfield community.

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5th Annual Mopars on the Beach: A Myrtle Beach “Vacation for Mopar Enthusiasts”

Words and Photos by Erik Azar

Erik Azar is a motorsports enthusiast living in Northeast Florida. He is presently the VP of the Jacksonville Corvette Club and an active member of JAMS – Jacksonville Area Mopars where he enjoys attending motorsport events in his Jeep JK and Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye.

The 5th annual Mopars on the Beach in Myrtle Beach, SC – tailored as a Vacation for Mopar Enthusiasts took place from November 10-15, 2020. Like so many other motorsport events this year, Mopars on the Beach was postponed from its usual June timeframe. 

Mopars on the Beach was founded in 2016 by Tommy and Cathy Bridges of the Coastal Carolina Mopars, and with the help of their club members pulled off a successful event as they had to be agile and creative dealing with the current Covid-19 climate. This year saw over 300 attendees from 17 states traveling from as far away as Nevada and Arizona.

The week’s activities consisted of various Cruise-ins, Dyno Day, Charity Ride, and a Car Show. It’s a great way for Mopar enthusiasts to meet other like-minded people from all over the United States and develop new friendships.

This year even the late season Hurricane Iota wouldn’t put a damper on the activities and fun. The rain stopped Thursday evening allowing Friday’s Charity Ride and Saturday’s car show to take place with beautiful weather. 

Friday’s charity ride to the small town of Georgetown, SC ended up having more than double the number of attendees expected. The organizers did an excellent job coordinating with the local police departments to arrange police escorts and blocking major intersections for more than 100 cars to travel from site to site. The evening ended at The Landing at the Boathouse for dinner and prizes.

The main event and largest generator of donation funds for the charities was Saturday’s car show that hosted over 300 cars on display. The cars ranged from classic 60s-70s Mopar muscle, to modern muscle and custom Mopars – which provided something for everybody to enjoy.

For 2020 the event raised $13,000 that was evenly divided between two local charities:

·      Quilts of Valor local chapter – provides volunteer handmade quilts to service members and veterans that have been touched by war.

·      Lowcountry Food Bank – provides both the education and nutritious options needed by partner agencies and schools that serve our community

Next year’s Mopars on the Beach is scheduled for Nov 2-6, 2021 and will move to Broadway at the Beach, a popular tourist destination with shopping and entertainment. There will also be Drag Strip day on Thursday, Nov 4, 2021 at Darlington Drag Strip.

For additional information for Mopars on the Beach 2021 visit their website at https://moparsatthebeach.org. Or directly contact Tommy and Cathy Bridges – Coastal Carolina Mopars – (864)325-9660        coastalcarolinamopars@gmail.com