Jacksonville Car Culture events calendar:

The next Caffeine & Octane is set for 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 8, at The Avenues mall at 10300 Southside Blvd.

Gentle reminders – All vehicles parked in the Central Lot must remain in place until the show concludes. If you cannot stay until then, please park in the exhibit lot. Those parking in the Exotics Lot and the Porsche Corner are free to arrive and leave at any time.

Upcoming events:

Take Away Buffet Car Show: 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday at Take Away Buffet at 1805 East West Parkway in Fleming Island.

Eurofest St. Augustine: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on 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 any European vehicle on display.

Auto Legends Amelia “Cars and Conversations:” 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday at Canopy Way Adult Day Care, 5024 First Coast Highway.

Down at the Bay Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Jan. 25, at Cedar Bay Baptist Church, 11553 N. Main St. Free for spectators and $20 per show vehicle.

Tom Bush 55^th Anniversary Car Show: 8a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 1 at the dealership at 9850 Atlantic Blvd. Free for spectators and $20 per show vehicle.

Hot Rods and Hogs Car Show at the Creek: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 1, at Trout Creek Memorial Park, 6550 Florida 13. Free for spectators, and $30 registration for show vehicles – proceeds benefit K9s for Warriors.

Fourth annual Quake/X Winterfest: 9 a.m. Saturday, February 15 to 5 p.m. Sunday, February 16, at Northeast Florida Fairgrounds at 543378 U.S. 1 in Callahan. Car show and audio competition – .

Kruisin’ 4 Kidz: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22, at Dinsmore Baptist Church, 10500 Old Kings Road. Spectators are free, and pre-registration is $20 per show vehicle.

Old Skool vs. New Skool Car, Truck and Bike Show: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 15, at Adamec Harley Davidson at 8909 Baymeadows Road.  Free for spectators and $20 fee for show vehicles. Hosted by Callahan Cruisers of North Florida.

Armed Forces Motorcycle Club Car, Truck and Bike Show: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, at the club at 5444 U.S. 17 , Ga. Free for spectators and $20 for show vehicles. Held by the Callahan Cruisers.

Nease NJROTC Classic and Exotic Car Show: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, at the high school at 10550 Ray Road, off U.S. 1 in St. Johns County – more details to come.

20^th Railroad Day Festival and Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, at the historic 1881 Callahan Train Depot at 45383 Dixie Ave. in Callahan. Held by the Callahan Cruisers.

Fourth annual Easter Showdown: 3 to 8 p.m. on Saturday April 19 at Dames Point Park at 9101 Dames Point Road – under the Dames Point Bridge. More details to follow

15^th annual Rev It Up! Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 10 at Moosehaven, 1701 Park Ave. in Orange Park. Spectators free, and $25 pre-registration for show vehicles.

King of the South/Import Warz Car Show: 2 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, at the Northeast Florida Fairgrounds at 543378 U.S. 1 in Callahan. Spectator admission is $20 per person in advance, and varying entrant fees depending on competition entry – tickets at facebook.com/events/2254148474985115

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…

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

Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville: 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. every second Saturday at The Avenues Mall at 10300 Southside Blvd. Information: https://bit.ly/3gPRvVQ.

Mod Talk Tuesdays: 5 p.m. every first Tuesday at Tequila’s Mexican Restaurant at 10915 Baymeadows Road. For car, truck and bike enthusiasts.

Jeremiah’s Italian Ice Cruise-In: noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25, at 1811 Golden Eagle Way, Fleming Island.

Sunshine State Chevelles: 4 to 7 p.m. every third Monday of each month at 1937 Spirits and Eatery, 1842 Kings Ave in the San Marco area.

Players Grille Mandarin at 10140 San Jose Blvd., 4 to 7 p.m. every third Wednesday.

New – Fernandina Beach Car Meet: 6 p.m. on the first Saturday of the month at Famous Quick Lube, 1707 8^th St. Fernandina Beach.

Amelia Cruizers: 3 to 5 p.m. on the third Saturday of each month, now at Townies Pizza, 819 T.J. Courson Road.

Jax Beach Classic Car Cruise: 4 to 7 p.m. each fourth Tuesday at the Seawalk Pavilion at 75 1st Street N. in Jacksonville Beach.

Classic Car Cruise-in at Orange Blossoms Beach Boulevard: 8 a.m. to noon each third Saturday of the month at Orange Blossoms, 14329 Beach Blvd.

Caffeine and Gasoline: 8 to 11 a.m. each first Saturday of the month at J-Tech Institute at 8813 Western Way in Jacksonville. House rules – “respect the property.” And J-Tech will be holding events to coincide with C & G with staff on site to give tours of the campus.

New location – North Florida Domestic Car Club’s cruise-in 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on each first Saturday of the month at Culhane’s Irish Pub, 9720 Deer Lake Court off Southside Boulevard.

New cruise-in – Cruisin’ Classics Cruise-in: 1 to 4 p.m. the first Sunday of each month on the back lawn of the Elk Lodge at 1855 West Road, off Beach Boulevard – Hamburgers and more on sale.

Wings & Wheels Cruise-in: 2 to 6 pm. each first Saturday at Dicks Wings & Grill at 6055 Youngerman Circle.

Rides and Coffee: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every fourth Sunday at Detail Garage, 9390 Arlington Expressway.

First Coast Car Council: All cruise-ins postponed.

Callahan Cruisers: 4 to 7 p.m. every second Saturday at Hardee’s at 542309 U.S. 1 in Callahan. The next cruise-in – Sat. Aug. 10 – is the event’s 10^th anniversary.

Downtown Kingsland Cars & Coffee: New summer hours – 8 to 11 a.m. each second Saturday at the Historic Downtown Kingsland Homegrown Market at U.S. 17 and Georgia 40.

Cruise Fruit Cove: The Sunshine State Chevelles’ cruise-in hours are 1 to 5 p.m. every third Saturday at the PDQ at 194 Florida 13 in Saint Johns, just south of Julington Creek.

New cruise-in: 1 p.m. every third Saturday at Hardee’s at 6852 Wilson Blvd.

Yulee Cars and Coffee: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every third Sunday at the Sonic Drive-In at 463939 Florida 200 in Yulee. 

Brunch with Cars: noon to 3 p.m. this and every third Sunday at Pink Salt Restaurant and Wine Bar, 1567 University Blvd. W.

Cars and Gars: noon to 5 p.m. every 1^st and third Saturday at Allusion’s restaurant and bar at 5045 Soutel Drive.

Clay County Cruzers’ events: 2 to 5 p.m. every first Saturday at Big Dawg Sports Restaurant, 1330 Blanding Blvd.; 2 to 5 p.m. every second Saturday at Tom & Betty’s in Orange Park.  2 to 5 p.m. every third Saturday at various sites; and 2 to 5 p.m. every fourth Saturday at Gator’s Dockside, 8316 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 cruise-ins are at 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway South in St Augustine. And upcoming events include:

• Pedro Menendez High School Car Show – Feb. 1st (9 a.m.- 2 p.m.)
• And the museum is open Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Cars and Coffee Fleming Island: 8 a.m. every fourth Sunday of the month at 2310 Village Square Parkway, Fleming Island.

New cruise-in: 6 p.m. every fourth Saturday at Mission BBQ, 8440 Blanding Blvd. in Jacksonville, hosted by Modern Mustangs of Jacksonville.

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.

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

Azalea City Cruisers: Monthly cruise-in from 5 to 8 p.m. every fourth Saturday at Velchoffs Corner, 105 N. 2^nd St. in Palatka.

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

Wait, there’s more…

The 2025 North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year winners were announced this week at the Detroit Auto Show. They are:

Courtesy: NACTOY

North American Car of the Year – Honda Civic Hybrid, with a total of 205 votes, called “a much needed affordable high-mileage family car” by juror and Tightwad Garage Editor-in-Chief Matt DeLorenzo.

Courtesy: Ford

North American Truck of the Year – Ford Ranger, with 183 votes, juror and America on the Road Radio/Sports Byline Radio Network’s Jack Nerad saying it “offers plenty of utility plus an added dose of comfort and convenience.”

Courtesy: VW

And North American Utility Vehicle of the Year is the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, with 187 votes. If you have to drive a minivan, “why not drive the one everybody waves to and just wants to hug?,” said juror and auto journalist Ken Gross.

NACTOY jurors have dedicated hundreds of hours to test driving, researching and evaluating vehicles on criteria including automotive innovation, design, safety, performance, technology, driver satisfaction, user experience and value. 

Courtesy of The Amelia/Hagerty

The Amelia by Hagerty celebrates 30 years of global motoring excellence as it returns to Golf Club of Amelia Island and The Ritz-Carlton Resort from March 6 – March 9, tickets at AmeliaConcours.com.

And The Amelia announced that Hélio Castroneves will be the honoree for 2025, continuing the event’s longstanding tradition as “the racer’s concours.” 

Castroneves’ wide-ranging racing and competition experience includes:

• 2001, 2002, 2009, and 2021 Indianapolis 500 wins
• 2020 IMSA championship with 4 victories and 4 pole positions with Acura Team Penske
• Minority partner and co-owner of Meyer Shank Racing
• Season 5 winner of ABC television series Dancing with the Stars in 2007

He was chosen as honoree for The Amelia in 2025 based on his dedication to excellence in racing as well as his unwavering competitive spirit that has made him one of the most successful drivers in IndyCar history.

The concours’ featured classes include:

• Corvette at Sebring.
• Alfa Romeos of the 1930s. 
• Formula 1 Cars 1950-Present.

Another event is the Werks Reunion Amelia Island 2025: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fri, Mar 7, at The Amelia River Club.

Porsche Club of America (PCA) welcomes all Porsche clubs, owners, and enthusiasts to the ninth annual Werks Reunion Amelia Island at 4477 Buccaneer Trail. Corral Parking (Porsche Only) early registration is $99 per car and includes a Werks event bag, reserved parking space, and automatic entry into raffle contests. Please note that after 1/31/25, Corral Parking increases to $114 per car. Onsite spectator parking fee – $40 per car – cash at the gate, day of the event.

And don’t forget – register your bucket of bolts for the  Florida Concours d’Lemons on Friday, March 7, as part of the Classic Motorsports Magazine Amelia Kick Off Party at Main Beach Park in Fernandina Beach. Awful cars, great view of the ocean and our signature janky trophies.

And returning to The Amelia – the Broad Arrow Group’s annual auction. 

Since its inception in 1996, The Amelia has donated more than $4 million to deserving non-profit and charitable organizations. In keeping with past tradition, The Amelia will continue to support Spina Bifida of Jacksonville, local Shop with Cops programs, and Community Hospice and Palliative Care.

Courtesy: David Green/Grassroots Motorsports

A lot can happen when building a race car for less than $2000–so Grassroots Motorsports is making it easier than ever to plan your entry into our annual low-buck motorsports festival, the Grassroots Motorsports $2000 Challenge Presented by Tire Rack, set for March 29-30 at Gainesville Raceway. Now when you register for the $2000 Challenge, your payment information will be saved, but you won’t be charged until a few days before the event – you can cancel up until three days before the start of the $2000 Challenge to get a full refund. 

For more information about the $2000 Challenge, visit 2000challenge.com.

Jacksonville Car Culture events calendar:

The next Caffeine & Octane is set for 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, at The Avenues mall at 10300 Southside Blvd.

Gentle reminders – All vehicles parked in the Central Lot must remain in place until the show concludes. If you cannot stay until then, please park in the exhibit lot. Those parking in the Exotics Lot and the Porsche Corner are free to arrive and leave at any time.

And FYI – there’s two Caffeine and Octane Rides: 

• One is 8 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11, at BMW Motorcycles of Jacksonville, 1515 Well Road in Orange Park. Meetup at BMW MC Jax, ride to The Avenues for Caffeine & Octane, and then ride to Fernandina Beach for lunch – hosted by the North Florida Ducati Owner’s Club.
• NineTwelve Auto Spa/Culture Drive cruise starts at 6:45 a.m. Saturday at the Florida Welcome center on I-95 South just past U.S. 17, riding to The Avenues for Caffeine & Octane.

Recent events:

Cruisin’ Classics Cruise-in: new monthly event – held last Sunday at the Elk Lodge at 1855 West Road.

North Florida Domestic Car Club’s cruise-in: New location at Culhane’s Irish Pub, 9720 Deer Lake Court off Southside Boulevard.

Caffeine and Gasoline: Last Saturday at J-Tech Institute at 8813 Western Way in Jacksonville. 

Upcoming events:

Friday Night Cookout Show: 7 p.m. Friday at Thomas the Truck Towing/The Slab at 2050 Georgia 40 in Kingsland between Waffle House and QuickLane.

9th Annual Jimmy Jam BBQ Slam and Car Show: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, at the St. Johns County Fairgrounds at 5840 Florida 207 in Elkton. Spectators are $10 per person, with free parking – www.jimmyjambbqslam.com.

Eurofest St. Augustine: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18, at the Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine at 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway South in St Augustine. Free for spectators and any European vehicle on display.

Down at the Bay Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Jan. 25, at Cedar Bay Baptist Church, 11553 N. Main St. Free for spectators and $20 per show vehicle.

Tom Bush 55^th Anniversary Car Show: 8a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 1 at the dealership at 9850 Atlantic Blvd. Free for spectators and $20 per show vehicle.

Kruisin’ 4 Kidz: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22, at Dinsmore Baptist Church, 10500 Old Kings Road. Spectators are free, and pre-registration is $20 per show vehicle.

Armed Forces Motorcycle Club Car, Truck and Bike Show: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, at the club at 5444 U.S. 17 , Ga. Free for spectators and $20 for show vehicles. Held by the Callahan Cruisers.

Nease NJROTC Classic and Exotic Car Show: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, at the high school at 10550 Ray Road, off U.S. 1 in St. Johns County – more details to come.

20^th Railroad Day Festival and Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, at the historic 1881 Callahan Train Depot at 45383 Dixie Ave. in Callahan. Held by the Callahan Cruisers.

15^th annual Rev It Up! Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 10 at Moosehaven, 1701 Park Ave. in Orange Park. Spectators free, and $25 pre-registration for show vehicles.

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…

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

Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville: 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. every second Saturday at The Avenues Mall at 10300 Southside Blvd. Information: https://bit.ly/3gPRvVQ.

Mod Talk Tuesdays: 5 p.m. every first Tuesday at Tequila’s Mexican Restaurant at 10915 Baymeadows Road. For car, truck and bike enthusiasts.

Jeremiah’s Italian Ice Cruise-In: noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25, at 1811 Golden Eagle Way, Fleming Island.

Sunshine State Chevelles: 4 to 7 p.m. every third Monday of each month at 1937 Spirits and Eatery, 1842 Kings Ave in the San Marco area.

Players Grille Mandarin at 10140 San Jose Blvd., 4 to 7 p.m. every third Wednesday.

New – Fernandina Beach Car Meet: 6 p.m. on the first Saturday of the month at Famous Quick Lube, 1707 8^th St. Fernandina Beach.

Amelia Cruizers: 3 to 5 p.m. on the third Saturday of each month, now at Townies Pizza, 819 T.J. Courson Road.

Jax Beach Classic Car Cruise: 4 to 7 p.m. each fourth Tuesday at the Seawalk Pavilion at 75 1st Street N. in Jacksonville Beach.

Classic Car Cruise-in at Orange Blossoms Beach Boulevard: 8 a.m. to noon each third Saturday of the month at Orange Blossoms, 14329 Beach Blvd.

Caffeine and Gasoline: 8 to 11 a.m. each first Saturday of the month at J-Tech Institute at 8813 Western Way in Jacksonville. House rules – “respect the property.” And J-Tech will be holding events to coincide with C & G with staff on site to give tours of the campus.

New location – North Florida Domestic Car Club’s cruise-in 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on each first Saturday of the month at Culhane’s Irish Pub, 9720 Deer Lake Court off Southside Boulevard.

New cruise-in – Cruisin’ Classics Cruise-in: 1 to 4 p.m. the first Sunday of each month on the back lawn of the Elk Lodge at 1855 West Road, off Beach Boulevard – Hamburgers and more on sale.

Wings & Wheels Cruise-in: 2 to 6 pm. each first Saturday at Dicks Wings & Grill at 6055 Youngerman Circle.

Rides and Coffee: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every fourth Sunday at Detail Garage, 9390 Arlington Expressway.

First Coast Car Council: All cruise-ins postponed.

Callahan Cruisers: 4 to 7 p.m. every second Saturday at Hardee’s at 542309 U.S. 1 in Callahan. The next cruise-in – Sat. Aug. 10 – is the event’s 10^th anniversary.

Downtown Kingsland Cars & Coffee: New summer hours – 8 to 11 a.m. each second Saturday at the Historic Downtown Kingsland Homegrown Market at U.S. 17 and Georgia 40.

Cruise Fruit Cove: The Sunshine State Chevelles’ cruise-in hours are 1 to 5 p.m. every third Saturday at the PDQ at 194 Florida 13 in Saint Johns, just south of Julington Creek.

New cruise-in: 1 p.m. every third Saturday at Hardee’s at 6852 Wilson Blvd.

Yulee Cars and Coffee: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every third Sunday at the Sonic Drive-In at 463939 Florida 200 in Yulee. 

Brunch with Cars: noon to 3 p.m. this and every third Sunday at Pink Salt Restaurant and Wine Bar, 1567 University Blvd. W.

Cars and Gars: noon to 5 p.m. every 1^st and third Saturday at Allusion’s restaurant and bar at 5045 Soutel Drive.

Clay County Cruzers’ events: 2 to 5 p.m. every first Saturday at Big Dawg Sports Restaurant, 1330 Blanding Blvd.; 2 to 5 p.m. every second Saturday at Tom & Betty’s in Orange Park.  2 to 5 p.m. every third Saturday at various sites; and 2 to 5 p.m. every fourth Saturday at Gator’s Dockside, 8316 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 cruise-ins are at 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway South in St Augustine. And there are multiple upcoming events:

• Southeast Eurofest – Jan. 18th (10 a.m. -3 p.m.)
• Pedro Menendez High School Car Show – Feb. 1st (9 a.m.- 2 p.m.)
• And the museum is open Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Cars and Coffee Fleming Island: 8 a.m. every fourth Sunday of the month at 2310 Village Square Parkway, Fleming Island.

New cruise-in: 6 p.m. every fourth Saturday at Mission BBQ, 8440 Blanding Blvd. in Jacksonville, hosted by Modern Mustangs of Jacksonville.

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.

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

Azalea City Cruisers: Monthly cruise-in from 5 to 8 p.m. every fourth Saturday at Velchoffs Corner, 105 N. 2^nd St. in Palatka.

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

Wait, there’s more…

Courtesy of The Amelia/Hagerty

The Amelia by Hagerty celebrates 30 years of global motoring excellence as it returns to Golf Club of Amelia Island and The Ritz-Carlton Resort from March 6 – March 9, tickets at AmeliaConcours.com.

And The Amelia announced that Hélio Castroneves will be the honoree for 2025, continuing the event’s longstanding tradition as “the racer’s concours.” 

Castroneves’ wide-ranging racing and competition experience includes:

• 2001, 2002, 2009, and 2021 Indianapolis 500 wins
• 2020 IMSA championship with 4 victories and 4 pole positions with Acura Team Penske
• Minority partner and co-owner of Meyer Shank Racing
• Season 5 winner of ABC television series Dancing with the Stars in 2007

He was chosen as honoree for The Amelia in 2025 based on his dedication to excellence in racing as well as his unwavering competitive spirit that has made him one of the most successful drivers in IndyCar history.

The concours’ featured classes include:

• Corvette at Sebring.
• Alfa Romeos of the 1930s. 
• Formula 1 Cars 1950-Present.

Another event is the Werks Reunion Amelia Island 2025: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fri, Mar 7, at The Amelia River Club.

Porsche Club of America (PCA) welcomes all Porsche clubs, owners, and enthusiasts to the ninth annual Werks Reunion Amelia Island at 4477 Buccaneer Trail. Corral Parking (Porsche Only) early registration is $99 per car and includes a Werks event bag, reserved parking space, and automatic entry into raffle contests. Please note that after 1/31/25, Corral Parking increases to $114 per car. Onsite spectator parking fee – $40 per car – cash at the gate, day of the event.

And don’t forget – register your bucket of bolts for the  Florida Concours d’Lemons on Friday, March 7, as part of the Classic Motorsports Magazine Amelia Kick Off Party at Main Beach Park in Fernandina Beach. Awful cars, great view of the ocean and our signature janky trophies.

And returning to The Amelia – the Broad Arrow Group’s annual auction. 

Since its inception in 1996, The Amelia has donated more than $4 million to deserving non-profit and charitable organizations. In keeping with past tradition, The Amelia will continue to support Spina Bifida of Jacksonville, local Shop with Cops programs, and Community Hospice and Palliative Care.

Courtesy: David Green/Grassroots Motorsports

A lot can happen when building a race car for less than $2000–so Grassroots Motorsports is making it easier than ever to plan your entry into our annual low-buck motorsports festival, the Grassroots Motorsports $2000 Challenge Presented by Tire Rack, set for March 29-30 at Gainesville Raceway. Now when you register for the $2000 Challenge, your payment information will be saved, but you won’t be charged until a few days before the event – you can cancel up until three days before the start of the $2000 Challenge to get a full refund. 

For more information about the $2000 Challenge, visit 2000challenge.com.

Jacksonville Car Culture events calendar

Caffeine and Octane

The next Caffeine and Octane is set from 8 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 8, at The Avenues mall’s Southside Boulevard parking lots. And this time, it’s all things VW in the feature display area, from Beetle and Bus to Scirocco or Thing.

Cars should start arriving by 7 a.m. each Saturday to the Southside Boulevard side of the shopping mall, the best way in through Malabar Boulevard. As always, there will be a Porsche Jacksonville corner, exotics area, Classics Rows and more at the August C&O. And look for literally 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.

Gentle reminders – All vehicles parked in the Central Lot must remain in place until the show concludes at 11 a.m. Please Park in the Exhibit Lot if you need to leave prior to 11 a.m. Those parking in the Exotics Lot and the Porsche Corner are free to arrive and leave at any time!

Upcoming car events:

Nitro Extreme 2022 Tour: Saturday and Sunday at the Orange Park Mall at 910 Wells Road. To quote organizers, the show brings “Big-Budget Movie Stunts” such as high-speed spins, two-wheeled driving, jumps over obstacles and pyrotechnic explosions as well as motorcycle tricks and acrobatics.

Tickets can be bought here — they are $40 for adults and $15 for children, with VIP admission at $55 for adults and $40 for children. Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Saturday; plus 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. Sunday and a 4:30 p.m. Saturday show.

And the upcoming cars shows….

Fort Clinch State Park Cars and Cannons: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Fort Clinch State Park at 2601 Atlantic Ave. at Fernandina Beach. All show vehicles must pre-register online at $50 per at fortclinch.org/Cars-and-Cannons, proceeds to benefit the Friends of Fort Clinch. Spectator fort admission is $6 per vehicle (up to 8 persons); $4 single-occupant vehicle or $2.50 per person.

North Jax Baptist Church Car Show: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at the church at 8531 N. Main St. Free for spectators.

Rev Out Cancer Car, Truck and Bike Show: noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday at Adamec Harley-Davidson at 8909 Baymeadows Road. Free to spectators and $20 for show vehicles. Presented by Jacksonville Headturners.

MAD DADS Jacksonville Ride to Raise Violent Crime Awareness: The motorcycle ride starts at 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, at Adamec Harley-Davidson at 8909 Baymeadows Road. It ends at Edgewood and Highway avenues. This ride is all about our families and bringing attention back to the unsolved murders and violent crimes in our city. Registration for the police-escorted ride can be made by emailing MADDADSJAX@gmail.com.

ALR Chapter 283’s 14^th annual Poker Run: 8 a.m. this Saturday starting at American Legion Post 283 at 9459 Ft. Caroline Road. The ride is $25 per person and $10 for a passenger.

UPS Fall Classic Car Show: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 1. at UPS Customer Center at 5255 James E. Casey Drive in Jacksonville. Free.

Car Truck and Motorcycle Show: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 1, at American Legion Post 401 at 37405 Henry Smith Road in Hilliard. Free for spectators and $20 registration for show vehicles. Callahan Cruisers proceeds benefit the building find for American Legion Post 401.

POSTPONED UNTIL DECEMBER 3, 2022: Fall Cruisin’ to the Creek 2022: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday Oct. 1, at Trout Creek Memorial Park and Marina at 6550 Florida 13 North in Saint Johns. Spectators are free; $25 show vehicle registration pre-show, and $30 day of show – register at carcouncil.org/show-registration. The annual show benefits the Ronald McDonald House of Jacksonville.

43^rd annual Azalea City Cruisers Car and Truck Show: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 1, at the Putnam County Fairgrounds at 118 Fairgrounds Road in East Palatka. Free for spectators and $25 day-of-show for display vehicles.

Callahan Cruisers Car and Truck Show: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 1, at the American Legion Post 401 at 37405 Henry Smith Road in Hilliard. Motorcycles are also accepted, proceeds to benefit the American Legion post’s building fund.

Rescheduled — J-Tech/First Coast Car Council Drive-In Movie: East bound and down, the Car Council just announced another drive-in movie night cruise-in on Saturday October 8, at J-Tech at 8813 Western Way. The movie starts at dark – $10 per carload, or $5 per staff and student carload, showing the original “Smokey and the Bandit.”

Second annual Next Generation Outreach of F.U.M.C. Car Show: 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, October 8, atFirst United Methodist Church of Jacksonville, 225 E. Duval St. in downtown Jacksonville. Spectators are free, with $20 registration for show vehicles.
Michael Riley Car Show Fundraiser & First Responders Day: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 8, at the Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine at 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway South. The show benefits retired, disabled firefighter Michael Riley, critically injured responding to a 2011 gas station explosion. The show also honors all first responders in the community.

2022 All Pontiac Car Show: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, October 15, at the Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine at 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway South. More details to come.

26^th annual 8 Flags Car Show: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, October 15, on Centre Street in Fernandina Beach. Free for spectators, it is $25 pre-registration for show vehicles by October 9, and $30 day of show. Show benefits local charities.

The British Car Classic (All British Car & Bike Show): 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 22, at the King’s Head Pub, 6460 US-1, St. Augustine. More details to come.

Suwanee High School NJROTC Boosters Car Show: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 22, at the Suwanee Coliseum at 1302 11 Street in Live Oak. Free for spectators, $20 for show entries.

Trunk Or Treat Car & Bike Show: 10 a.m. To 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 30, at Adamec Harley-Davidson, 380 Outlet Mall Blvd. Free for spectators and $20 car and bike registration. Live music from Fratello; presented by Callahan Cruisers.

38^th annual Ancient City Auto Club Show: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, at the Classic Car Museum of St. Augustineat 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway South in St Augustine. Free to spectators and $25 day of show for display vehicles.

11^th annual Cars for our Troops Exotic and Luxury Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday November 5, at Porsche Jacksonville, 11211 Atlantic Blvd. Funds raised this year will help provide a mortgage-free, specially adapted home for Master Sgt. Christopher Blauvelt, seriously injured in 2010 while on patrol in Afghanistan. Free for spectators and $50 registration for show vehicles. To register, go to: Cars For Our Troops – Welcome to Cars For Our Troops.

Hobos, Hotrods, and Heroes Festival, Car Show and Veterans Appreciation: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, November 5, at the West Nassau Historical Society at45383 Dixie Ave. in Callahan.

20th Annual Ponte Vedra Auto Show: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 13, at the Nocatee Station Event Field at 400 Nocatee Center Way in Ponte Vedra Beach. If you have a classic vehicle, a modern collectible or a supercar, you are encouraged to register your car for the show PVautoshow.com.

Riding into History Concours D’Elegance: Set for April 15, 2023, at the World Golf Village in St. Augustine, with Competition Motorcycles as the featured class and Grand Marshal Mary McGee, AMA Hall of Fame and Off Road Motorsports Hall of Fame inductee. McGee will join the Grand Marshal Tour that weekend, as well as the Grand Marshal Banquet. Riding into History is a non-profit organization with its primary charity, K9s for Warriors, which provides service dogs for disabled veterans. Riding into History has donated more than $600,000 to local charities since its founding in 1999.

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

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.

Staker Productions X event at Autobahn Speedway: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Sunday at 6601 Executive Park Court N. Autobahn is off Philips Highway just north of Butler Boulevard, with the cruise-in outside, and electric go cart racing, axe throwing and more inside.

NEW SITE – North Florida Domestic Car Club’s cruise-in: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. each first Saturday of the month at the Crossroad Church UMC, 10005 Gate Parkway.

NEW – Caffeine and Gasoline: Free first Saturday of the month cruise-in returns at 7 to 10 a.m. this Saturday at J-Tech Institute at 8813 Western Way in Jacksonville. FYI – a detour has blocked Western Way between Baymeadows Road and J-Tech, so access the site from Southside Boulevard at Western Lake Drive. House rules – “respect the property.”

Gripping Gears Car Meet: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month at Adamec Harley-Davidson at 380 Outlet Mall Blvd. in St. Augustine, presented by Jacksonville Headturners.

First Coast Car Council: All cruise-ins postponed

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.

Callahan Cruisers: 4 to 7 p.m. every second Saturday at Hardee’s at 542309 U.S. 1 in Callahan.

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.

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

Cruise Fruit Cove: 3 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday at the PDQ at 194 Florida 13 in Saint Johns, just south of Julington Creek.

New cruise-in: 1 p.m. every third Saturday at Hardee’s at 6852 Wilson Blvd.

Amelia Cruizers: 3 to 6 p.m. every third Saturday at Cold Stone Creamery, 808 Sadler Road, Fernandina Beach. The Amelia Cruizers Car Club will stage a cruise to the ice cream store, staging at 2 p.m. in the parking lot next to the closed Krystal’s (2020 Sadler Road), then make an informal parade along the ocean and on Centre Street through downtown to end at Cold Stone.

Yulee Cars and Coffee: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every third Sunday at the Sonic Drive-In at 463939 Florida 200 in Yulee.

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 Fleming Island at 1803 E. West Parkway; 5 p.m. every third Friday at Freddy’s Steakburgers at 386 Blanding Blvd.; 8 to 10 a.m. every fourth at Nicole’s Café at 1101Blanding Blvd. in Orange Park; and 2 to 5 p.m. every fourth Saturday 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: 8 a.m. every fourth Sunday of the month at 2310 Village Square Parkway, Fleming Island.

New cruise-in: 6 p.m. every fourth Saturday at Mission BBQ, 8440 Blanding Blvd. in Jacksonville, hosted by Modern Mustangs of Jacksonville.

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: Custard Cruise-in from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 5, at Culver’s, 3433 U.S. 1 in St. Augustine.

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…

A new pony is coming to Ford for 2024, and here’s a good look at that seventh-generation coupe, with turbocharged and naturally-aspirated engines.

“Investing in another generation of Mustang is a big statement at a time when many of our competitors are exiting the business of internal combustion vehicles,” Ford CEO Jim Farley said. “Ford, however, is turbocharging its ICE growth plan, adding connected technology, opinionated derivatives, and hybrid options to our most profitable and popular cars – all in the Ford Blue family – on top of investing $50 billion in electric vehicles through 2026.”

The new Mustang once again comes in convertible or coupe, V-8 or turbocharged 4-cylinder, manual or automatic models. And the next-gen gets what Ford calls a “fighter jet-inspired digital cockpit” with two flowing, curved and configurable displays.

The car’s 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster can be customized with different animated designs and drive-mode dependent visuals, and is based on the same Unreal Engine 3D creation tool used in modern video games. The car’s current setup is displayed on the 13.2-inch center stack as real-time graphical renderings, settings adjusted by swiping the graphic to rotate the car virtually in a true gamified style.

“We are taking advantage of every pixel,” Ford Mustang interaction design manager Craig Sandvig said. “We can be creative in showing necessary driving information and give the driver control of selecting colors, classic Mustang gauges or even a ‘calm’ screen where only minimal details are displayed.”

Mustang has a standard cloth interior featuring all-cloth seats with optional Micro Suede vinyl inserts and black seat belts, while Premium models benefit from upgraded wrapped and accent stitched across the instrument panel and door trim. EcoBoost models feature Ford’s ‘ActiveX’ synthetic leather upholstery with multiple color options, while GT models gain leather seat inserts. Higher series models offer an upgraded, full-leather steering wheel, as well as a choice of color accent stitching and a unique upholstery perforation across the seat inserts, complemented by color-coordinated, asymmetric accent striping on the seat belts.

The center console can also incorporate an available wireless mobile phone charging pad while new overhead USB ports are installed above the cockpit, conveniently placed for track cameras and other devices, helping prevent wires from draping across the cabin.

The car’s low, horizontal brow across the front emphasizes overall frontal width, while the upper grille design shape is influenced by the original 1960s design. The Tri-Bar LED headlamps continue the Mustang’s classic lighting signature. Each model in the Mustang lineup carries its own unique front end. GT is differentiated from EcoBoost models by larger, more aggressive grille openings, engineered to allow increased airflow, reflecting the increase in power and performance.

Mustang GT gets an advanced, 5-liter Coyote V-8 with 10-speed automatic transmission available. The EcoBoost is a new turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine. Both are both available with an optional Performance Pack, which adds a front Tower Brace, Torsen Limited Slip differential and optional MagneRide active suspension, wider rear wheels and tires, and larger Brembo brakes.

Then there’s the Dark Horse with a specially modified 5-liter V-8 with 500 hp.

A team of Ford engineers, designers and experts worked for more than three years to create Dark Horse, a street and track-capable performance Mustang with available carbon fiber wheels from Carbon Revolution; the first new performance name for the brand since Mustang Bullitt was introduced in 2001.

Spina Bifida of Jacksonville received a $78,000 donation when artist Kelly Telfer’s painting, “Butzi Porsche – Designer Extraordinaire,” was sold at the RM Sotheby’s auction in Monterey during Monterey Car week.

Spina Bifida thanked Telfer, plus Peter Sachs, RM Sotheby’s and William Warner after the auction, “grateful for the opportunity to recognize amazing people in the automotive world and giveback to a great charity!”

Autocross, drag racing and a car show as the Grassroots Motorsports $2000 Challenge presented by Tire Rack returns to Gainesville Raceway on October 22 and 23. The formula for this event is simple – build a car for less than $2000, enter it in the 9 a.m. Saturday autocross, then in the 6 p.m. drag race to see if money equals speed and agility. Here’s just some of what’s been brung and run in recent years:

Watch this video to see what some of the action was like at that 2017 Challenge.

Spectators are welcome at the $2000 Challenge at the track, paddock, pits and more.

The racers also show their creations during Sunday’s 9 a.m. $2000 Challenge concours, joined now by the Cars & Caffeine Powered by Hagerty on Sunday at the famed dragstrip at 11211 N County Road 225 in Gainesville. Registration is free, and all cars are welcome – includes free spectator entry (Sunday only) for everybody in your car. Attendees must pre-register here due to our limit of 500 cars.

For all event and ticket information, go here.