Cruising - Fall #4 2023

BACKROADS BEAUTY REWARDING REUNION

Plenty

SHOW CARS, ANTIQUES, MUSCLE CARS, RACE CARS, MILITARY VEHICLES, ANYTHING ANTIQUE, ARE WELCOME!

SWAP MEET

Cars, Antiques, Tools, Auto Related Dealers WELCOME!

VENDORS ADMITTED AT 7AM (must be in by 9am)

VENDOR SPACES ARE 12’ x 12’.

VENDORS MUST CALL FIRST!

Vehicle Pre-Registration Fee is $15 by Oct. 1 $20 at the Show

ALL VEHICLES MUST HAVE A UL APPROVED FIRE EXTINGUISHER!

NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES!

Cruisin’ In Winter

During the off season of car activities, cruisers usually look for something automotive to keep the “juices” flowing. A few cruisers got together and made an appointment to go for a tour of a professional restoration facility. They agreed that watching a show-quality ride being constructed and being able to ask the proprietor questions can be a very motivating thing.

UNDER THE HOOD...

Enter Tom Rightler who is the owner/operator of Mid-Atlantic Muscle Cars located in Bridgeton, NJ. Rightler is no stranger to restoring muscle cars and has animpressive list of clients and accomplishments. It’s also safe to say his passion for the Chevelle served as special inspiration.

Issue #4 Fall-Winter 2023

Sneak Peek at Hot Shows...................................................................................................5

Riding High in One Lap of America............................................................................6-7

While at his shop, one guest (Jim Solomon) presented Rightler with his watercolor artwork depicting Rightler’s reconstructed General Lee. A walk-through had guests checking out an area that had an original contemporary Shelby Cobra frame ready for the body (as well as related parts) and assembly to be completed.

Cruising the Backroads in Style.....................................................................................8-9

Event Spotlight..............................................................................................................10-13

Visiting a shop that specializes in classic and specialty rides is a great way keep the spirit alive and get to see another side of our hobby. Check out Mid-Atlantic Muscle Cars at midatlanticmusclecar.com

Cruise Calendar....................................................................................................................15

Show Calendar.....................................................................................................................18

Shiftin’ Gears.........................................................................................................................22

WE SELL NEW AND REBUILT 8” & 9” Ford Third Members, all parts in stock for same day pick-up or shipping.

•From stock Trac Loc posi to 2,000 H-P, all out race third members.

WE SELL NEW AND REBUILT 8” & 9” Ford Third Members, all parts in stock for same day pick-up or shipping.

•Standard, Nodular or Alu. case

•From stock Trac Loc posi to 2,000 H-P, all out race third members.

•Standard, Nodular or Alu. case

•47 Different 9” ratios in stock. Rebuilt or new Trac Loc Posi, new Tru Trac Clutchless Posies, Spools & Detroit Lockers. Give me a call or e-mail to discuss your needs, requirements and pricing.

•All units carry a six month 100% warranty from time of install.

•47 Different 9” ratios in stock. Rebuilt or new Trac Loc Posi, new Tru Trac Clutchless Posies, Spools & Detroit Lockers. Give me a call or e-mail to discuss your needs, requirements and pricing.

•All units carry a six month 100% warranty from time of install.

MENTION THIS AD TO RECEIVE $25 OFF

Alan Von Ahnen • 609-420-7113

RECEIVE $25 OFF

alan@8and9inchFordRears.com

www.8and9inchFordRears.com

— Text and Photos by Ben Notaro

SNEAK PEEK HOT SHOWS

September 16: 7th Coatesville Invitational Vintage Grand Prix & Moto Show

Downtown Coatesville, PA 19320

9am-4:30pm

Info: info@coatesville.org; CoatesvilleGrandPrix.com

September 16: Hagley Car Show

Hagley Museum, 200 Hagley Creek Road, Greenville, DE 19807

10am-4pm Info: Hagley.org

September 16: Downtown Millville Car Show

High Street next to Broad Street, Millville, NJ 08332

11am-3pm Info: 856-825-2600; Millville-NJ.com

September 24: Talleyville Fire Company’s 17h Antique & Classic Car Show

Concord Mall, 4737 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803

8:30am-3pm

Info: Steve Catalano 302-478-1110; TalleyvilleFireCo.org

September 24: Soul Riders Auto Club Car Show

VFW Hall #3792, 5695 Summit Bridge Rd., Townsend, DE 19734

11am-3pm Info: 302-998-5951; comp1deej@yahoo.com

September 27-October 1: Fall Carlisle

Carlisle Fairgrounds, 100 Bryn Mawr Road, Carlisle, PA 17013

Wed-Sat: 7am-6pm; Sun: 7am-12pm Info: 717-243-7855; CarlisleEvents.com

September 28-29 Carlisle Auctions

Carlisle Expo Center, 100 K Street, Carlisle, PA 17013

Starts noon daily Info: 717-243-7855; CarlisleEvents.com

October 7: 15th Wings & Wheels Festival

Delaware Coastal Airport, 31553 Rudder Lane, Georgetown, DE 19947

10am-4pm Info: 302-856-1544; Georgetowncoc.com

October 7: St. Michel The Archangel School Fall Car Show

Lady of Lourdes Church, 500 Greentree Rd., Glassboro, NJ 08028

9am-2pm Info: 856-881-0067 (ext 207)

US TODAY AT (302) 655-6483

October 7: Victory Church Car Show

Victory Christian Fellowship, 100 Wilton Blvd., New Castle, DE 19720

Noon-3pm Info: carshows4nonprofits@gmail.com

October 14: 12th Annual Woodbine Car Show

Downtown Woodbine, center of town on Route 550, Woodbine, NJ 08270

9am-3pm

Info: Lisa Fisher: 609-780-3088; WCCNJ.org

October 15: Little Big One

Bellanca Airfield, Rt. 273 Centerpoint Blvd., New Castle, DE 19720

9am-3pm Info: 302-420-7236

November 4: 26th Flemings Pumpkin Run

353 Zion Road, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234

8am-4pm Info: Harry at (609) 927-9541; FlemingsPumpkinRun.com

November 4: Delco Cruisers’ 16th Annual Salute the Troops Show

Delaware County Veterans Memorial, 4599 West Chester Pike, Newtown Sq., PA19073

10am-2pm Info: DelcoCruisers.org

December 2-3: East Coast Indoor Nationals

Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road, Timonium, MD 21093

Saturday 9am-7pm; Sunday 9am-4pm motoramaproductions.com

December 3: 17th Annual Holiday Cruise for Kids

Rose Tree County Park, 1671 N. Providence Rd., Media, PA 19063 9am-11am Info: DelcoCruisers.org

January 6-7, 2024: DRAGFEST — Drag Racing Showcase & Custom Car Show

Lebanon Valley Expo Center, 80 Rocherty Road, Lebanon, PA 17042

Saturday 9am-6pm; Sunday 9am-4pm Info: Motoramaproductions.com

February 17-18, 2024: Motorama — Races & Shows

PA Farm Show Complex, 2300 N. Cameron St, Harrisburg, PA 17110

Saturday 9am-10pm; Sunday 9am-5pm Info: Motoramaproductions.com

Sometimes They Come Back Sometimes They Come Back

By Frank Adkins

The Tire Rack One Lap of America rose from the ashes of the Cannonball Baker Sea to Shining Sea Memorial Trophy Dash, better known by its movie name, Cannonball Run . In the original event, competitors departed the Red Ball Garage in New York City and raced to Redondo Beach, California. The team that arrived in the shortest time won. There were no other rules. The clandestine and illegal Cannonball races occurred four times during the 1970s, but founder Brock Yates feared he would be brought up on charges should the shenanigans continue.

In One Lap of America, all high-speed driving is reserved for various racetracks around the U.S.. Competing vehicles must be driven the entire distance between these tracks with the members of each team traveling in their respective vehicle. Barring unforeseen delays, there is adequate time to drive from one venue to the next while observing posted speed limits. One Lap has taken place annually since 1984, originally under the stewardship of Yates. Since his passing in 2006, Brock Yates Jr. has been the primary organizer.

For years, my buddy Steve Gray and I had read about the exploits of Mopar Action Magazine’s tech editor, Richard Ehrenberg, and his crew as they whipped up on teams driving Porsches, BMWs, and Corvettes in One Lap of America. The kicker was that they did so in a nitrous-fed 1969 Plymouth Valiant dubbed the Green Brick!

In the spring of 1997, Steve and I decided we had to join the fun. Over the next year we built a junkyard-sourced 1970 Dodge Dart to compete in One Lap. We replaced its Slant Six, automatic transmission, spindly rear axle, cushy suspension, and marginal drum brakes with a scratch-built supercharged and intercooled 360, four-speed manual transmission, highwaygeared 8.75 inch rear axle, stiff torsion bars and leaf springs, a fat front sway bar, and large disc brakes from a late -‘70s Chrysler Cordoba. We installed front seats from a wrecked Shelby Charger, added a bevy of gauges, and made cosmetic improvements including bright green paint, a Bumble-Bee stripe, and decals promoting Steve’s Sew and Vac as well as my forthcoming first book, Chrysler Performance Upgrades .

We would be required to display large door shields and the decals of several sponsors of One Lap as well. Steve also had a

Our one-of-a-kind Dodge Dart parked outside the famed Nick’s Garage in Montreal. Photos by Frank Adkins

small plaque with our names made for the dashboard. At the time I opined that it was frivolous, but later I would eat those words.

We competed in 1998 and again in 1999, taking third place in the Vintage American class our first year out. The car proved quite capable on the numerous tracks where we raced, and it was stone-axe reliable over thousands of miles of interstates and secondary roads while we dashed around the country. It would be an understatement to say that the Dart made us look good.

To get an idea how grueling One Lap week can be, consider that 1998 began on a Saturday afternoon in late May at Watkins Glen International Speedway. Overnight we drove west to a checkpoint in Davenport, Iowa before heading back to the east side of the Mississippi River, then going south to Gateway International Raceway in East St. Louis, Illinois. We competed there on Sunday morning and again that afternoon. Then we drove to Pike’s Peak International Raceway in Colorado Springs, where we raced on Monday morning and again in the afternoon.

On Tuesday we arrived at Phoenix International Raceway, competing again in both morning and afternoon sessions. Wednesday was a travel day, for we had to drive 1,500 miles from Phoenix to Memphis in time for two drag-race sessions and a road-course competition at Memphis Motorsports Park on Thursday. Friday saw competition at the Michelin Tire proving grounds in Laurens, S.C., followed by an overnight run back to western New York and the final competition at Watkins Glen. All week long, Steve and I took turns driving and sleeping.

After One Lap 1999, life got in the way for both of us. We were unable to compete for the next two years, and in 2001 we lost our storage, forcing Steve to sell the car. From time to time we heard that it was being raced on tracks in the south, still beating up on Porsches and the like, but eventually we heard nothing more about the Dart. In recent years we surmised that it had been wrecked and/or retired — likely stripped of its usable parts and scrapped. After all, 25 years is an unusually long life for an old racecar, especially one that began as a junkyard refugee.

Imagine our surprise when earlier this year, Steve received a message from a gentleman named Germano Riccio asking if he had once owned a 1970 Dodge Dart. Germano lives in Montreal, and he is the current owner of our old Dart. We exchanged photos of the car from the 1990s and 2023. Soon we learned that it was still largely in the same configuration as it had been when we raced it. It now has period-correct bucket seats and it has been repainted, but the engine, suspension, brakes, and driveline have all survived the years of hard use intact. Perhaps more surprising, the plaque that Steve had affixed to the dashboard a quarter of a century earlier is what led Germano to us. That plaque has remained in place over the years and through an untold number of owners!

On Friday, August 18, Steve and I drove to Montreal to meet Germano and his family, and to be reunited with our old steed. While Germano and his father, Mario, discussed various aspects of the car with Steve and me, Germano's mother, Barbara, prepared a generous spread of exquisite dishes for us. After supper, we drove to a local cruise spot where we gazed at many of Montreal's classic cars and hot rods.

On Saturday morning Steve and I returned to the Riccio home. Mario and Germano took us to the shop of Nick Panarides, known to his YouTube fans as Nick's Garage. Nick was away on vacation, but the mechanic on duty invited us in to look around. It was on the street in front of Nick's shop where Steve and I both got the opportunity to drive our former car. I cannot describe the flood of memories that came gushing back! From the sound of the engine, the heaviness of the manual steering, and my view over the hood, the Dart whisked me back to 1998!

After leaving Nick's garage, we stopped by a highly regarded local restaurant for poutine, which consists of French fries smothered in beef gravy with molten cheese curds. It was scrumptious. Later, we returned to the Riccio residence and parked the Dart in the garage due to the threat of rain. Then we all piled into our rented SUV and drove to the Montreal waterfront where we viewed the boats, browsed the street vendors' wares, and photographed the old buildings and cobblestone streets. Although it had begun raining, we enjoyed taking in the sights with our new friends.

Steve and I are most grateful to Germano for reaching out to us and for allowing us to see and drive the Dart. In addition, we are grateful to Mario and Barbara for their hospitality.

Steve would love to reacquire the One Lap Dart. Currently, Germano doesn’t want to sell it, but he did say that should that day come, he would like to see it back in our hands. Regardless, we are thrilled to know that it still exists, and we are happy to see it being enjoyed and cared for.

Left: Mario, Barbara, and Germano Riccio Top right: One Lap Dart on the starting grid in Phoenix in May, 1998. Bottom right: The plaque that Steve affixed to the dashboard in 1998

Mopar Mini RTT

Cruising the backroads of Pennsylvania in style

By Lou Sitaras

For classic car enthusiasts like us, there is no greater joy than getting up early on a crisp Sunday morning to spend a half hour detailing our car, checking the fluids, listening to the exhaust rumble as we start it up, then head on over to a local car show.

We’ll pull in and get parked next to our friends, bring out the lawn chair, and enjoy a few hours of listening to stories, telling tall tales, looking at engines, and maybe with a little luck, get recognized at the awards ceremony. It’s a pattern we repeat week after week because it’s who we are and what we love — but sometimes it’s fun to do a bit more with our cars.

The Mopar Mini RTT is a shorter version of the original Rapid Transit Tour that was hosted by Mopar Collector’s Guide magazine. The mini version was created in 2019 by Ms. Pat Murphy Tucker and me as a way to not just show our cars, but take a long weekend and drive them as well.

That first year we got together with our closest friends, each driving our classic Mopars, and started our own rolling car show by heading out to Breezewood Pa. to see for ourselves a sight we only heard rumors about — an old, abandoned Pa. Turnpike tunnel! In 1968, a 13-mile stretch of the Pa. turnpike was bypassed to ease congestion.

The Mopar Mini RTT lined up on the runway of a small local airport in upstate Pa. On the propeller sits our mascot, a large stuffed road runner named “BIRD." Photos by Lou Sitaras

Today you can still visit, walk on, and bicycle on this stretch of roadway that the earth is slowly reclaiming. There are actually two abandoned tunnels on this stretch of roadway and the location was used to film the 2008 movie The Road starring Viggo Mortensen. After visiting this unusual location, we then rented an Airbnb mansion in northern Maryland, lined our classic cars up in the impressive driveway, and partied like it was 1999. It was the beginning of a yearly adventure to get out of the southeast corner of Pennsylvania and explore one of the most beautiful states this country has to offer.

Did you know Pennsylvania has its own Grand Canyon? We visited it. Have you ever heard of the Kinzua bridge disaster? It’s a fascinating story about the power of Mother Nature and we saw the ruins up close. Have you ever wondered what’s faster: a Cessna airplane or a Dodge Scat Pack Challenger? Pat Murphy Tucker decided to find out and lined up with one on a rarely used runway like she does at a number of different dragways. The pilot enjoyed the race so much he flew back around and tipped his wings to us. It was a moment all of us will never forget! And for the record, the 500-hp Dodge Challenger ruled the runway.

We have brought our rolling car show to the quiet town of Jim Thorpe in the Pocono Mountains, the historic civil war town of Harpers Ferry, W.V., and the far western New York town of Frewsburg, where we rented a boat and traveled along the Allegheny Reservoir. There are no boundaries to our car adventures. If it’s out there and needs to be explored, we’re always up for the challenge.

The amusing thing is that even though we know these places have been seen by thousands of people, when we get there and see them for ourselves, we feel like true explorers who have just discovered them for the very first time. After heading out with your car friends or car club and finding these out-of-the-way places, you’ll feel like Magellan, Columbus, or Lewis & Clark. It’s an adventure I highly recommend for all classic car enthusiasts at least once in your lifetime.

Is there anything left to see? Absolutely! This year will bring us a bit farther south where we’ll visit the historic Shenandoah Valley and one of the most scenic roads in the U.S., the Skyline Drive of Virginia. We’ll also be visiting the abandoned Yellow Dog Village ghost town in Armstrong County, Pa., the abandoned trolley car graveyard near Johnstown Pa., and we’ll be “enjoying” an overnight stay inside the former Cresson State Prison & Sanitarium.

Do we love our car shows and cruise nights? Absolutely, and we’ll all meet up at them during the car show season. But come November, it’s time to hit the road and show our cars off a bit to the rest of Pennsylvania’s residents.

In my lifetime I’ve accomplished much in the classic car hobby, but keeping this remarkable group of classic car devotees together is by far my proudest achievement. Maybe your car club can start your own Mini Ford RTT or Mini Buick RTT. It will be the beginning of an adventure I’m certain you’ll cherish and talk about for years to come.

Left to right: 1973 Road Runner, Kristan Adkins. 1977 Dodge Charger, Lou Sitaras. Dodge Challenger GT, Carolyn Duhaime. 1969 GTX convertible., Brian Kapral. 1957 Dodge Suburban, Pat Kapral. Dodge Scat Pack Challenger, Pat Murphy Tucker. Front and center is the 1971 Dodge Charger SE of Ken Rossiter. In background is Fern Hall, the 100-year-old former estate of the Johnson & Johnson family.

Cruising the backroads of PA in our own rolling car show. The 1965 Dodge Wagon in the foreground belongs to J.D. & Renee Fleece.

Salute to Our Veterans Cruise 2023

Cruisers always take time to remember the veterans who through their time, energy and sacrifice have allowed us to enjoy the many freedoms we have. The Veterans’ Memorial Home in Vineland, N.J. was the location of the 14th annual Salute to Our Veterans Car Cruise. A fine summer day saw around 500 rides and 200+ motorcycles come to honor those men and women who reside at the home.

The highlight of the cruise is the wheelchair races held with the veterans of the Memorial Home as participants. Every participant received a trophy and an event t-shirt compliments of Ricky’s T’s. All proceeds for the day went to benefit the veterans who reside at the home.

The South Jersey Cruisers Association Car Club, Nostalgia Knights Classic Car Club, DJ Steve Tatz, and and the Fox family teamed up to make this a special day to honor real American heroes — our veterans.

Gloucester County Fair & Car Show

The summer of 2023 had some serioulsly hot days. So what is a great way to beat the summer heat? Well, the Gas Guzzlers Car Club knew that a cool car show was a sure-fire way to beat a hot summer day. The Gloucester County 4H Fairgrounds was the location for this gathering of fine rides in scenic Mullica Hill, N.J. There were approximately 100 cars and trucks in attendance, vying for impressive trophies and enjoying a tranquil country setting.

— Text by Ben Notaro, Photos by Robert Sliwecki

— Text & Photos: Ben Notaro

Keisy’s Car Cruise

Family restaurants and car gatherings are an ideal match. Keisy’s Family Restaurant and Pizzeria and the Dirty Jerzey Mopar Club held a cruise that brought out some great cars and fine for food for the cruisers to enjoy. This weekly late-afternoon cruise is held on Thursdays in Southhampton, N.J.

— Text by Ben Notaro, Photos by Robert Sliwecki

EVENT SPOTLIGHTS

The Heart of the Soul Riders

As has become a summer tradition, the Soul Riders Auto Club held their annual Christmas in July event again this year. The club, which was founded in 2002, regularly collects toys at its shows during the season — a tradition it started in 2008. This year, 20 club members along with 1520 cars from other area clubs, used a motorcycle escort from New Castle County police to deliver more than $20,000 in toys and other items to the patients at A. I. duPont Hospital. To see how you can get involved, visit Soulridersautoclubofdelaware.com

— Photos courtesy of Soul Riders Auto Club

EVENT SPOTLIGHTS

Mood’s Farm Market Car Show

If you are the type of person who likes produce fresh from the farm market, then attending a car show at farm market is an ideal destination. Mood’s Market in Mullica Hill, N.J. held their Mood’s Farm Market’s Annual Car Show and the event was attended by nearly 200 enthusiasts. The Pharaoh’s Car Club was the host for this free event and from the looks of the turnout, the club held a very successful gathering.

Music was provided by two popular DJ’s from Cruisin’ WVLT 92.1 FM —— John “The Friar” Kinka and Chris “Bad Boy” Randazzo, who kept the crowd entertained.

National Night Out

For many years on the first Tuesday in August, numerous law enforcement agencies take time for a significant interaction with members of the community. Often this includes food, displays, exhibitions and activities for the youngsters. In Vineland, N.J., members of the Vineland Police Department held their National Night Out on Aug. 1, which included a car show free to the participants. This year saw a large gathering of rides of all makes and models from foreign to domestic. The VPD even had a DJ to play great tunes for the car owners’ entertainment.

— Text & photos by Ben Notaro

— Text by Ben Notaro, Photos by Robert Sliwecki

South Jersey British Sports Club

When it comes time to think about the introduction of two-seat sport cars, we can thank our friends across the ocean in Great Britain. Many of the American soldiers at the close of World War II got to experience the personalized feeling of a compact, two-passenger sporty type of car. Needless to say, the idea eventually took root in the good old USA and it helped spawn cars such as the Corvette, Thunderbird and a few other makes.

The love of British rides is still very strong today in our country and a fine example of British sport car camaraderie is the annual South Jersey British Sports Car Club’s ice cream social gathering. This event took place at the Five Points Custard stand in Buena, N.J. and despite gray skies (somewhat British weather), a group of enthusiasts came out to enjoy ice cream and cool rides a summer afternoon.

Custard Corral Cruise

There is something about a cool ice cream treat that goes hand in hand with a car cruise. Perhaps it’s the word “cool” that gets attached to a hobby. The Custard Corral ice cream stand in Millville, N.J. held its monthly cruise and there was no shortage of cool cars and ice cream treats. More than 50 cars came to enjoy a cruise with music provided by DJ “Crazy Bob” and the hospitality of the South Jersey Leakers car group. The SJ Leakers are a group of friends and enthusiasts who gather and promote our hobby without the structure of an organized club. It’s always about cars, friends and fun.

— Text & photos by Ben Notaro

— Text & photos: Ben Notaro

Area CRUISES

Cruising Magazine makes every effort to ensure all listings are correct. However, event listings are subject to change. Please call ahead to avoid a wasted trip.

Every Monday year-round

Mighty Joe’s Cruise Nights

Mighty Joe’s Gas Grill & Deli, 1231 Route 206, Shamong, NJ 08088 Lineup between 4-4:30pm

Every Monday night yearly. Good food, good friends, cool cars. Info: 609-268-0303

Every Tuesday through October

Millsboro Dairy Queen Cruz-N Dairy Queen Grill & Chill, 129 Main St, Millsboro, DE 19966

4-9pm

Info: Rusty 302-934-7377

Every 1st Saturday through Nov. Car Cruise

BJ’s parking lot Millsboro, DE 19966

4-9pm

Info: Rusty 302-934-7377

Every Tuesday through October

Rita’s Ice Kent Island Cruise

Rita’s Italian Ice, 210 Kent Landing, Kent Island, MD 21666 5pm-until…

Weather permitting. Come on out to Rita’s Ice on Kent Island and see what old rides show up! BOGO at Rita’s with your old ride on the lot!

Every Tuesday through October

Bellmawr Cruise Night

Behind Auto Zone at 700 Crescent Blvd, Bellmawr NJ 08031

6pm until?

Hosted by the Bellmawr Cruisers. Any make or model. We are the Seinfelds of cars, we do nothing except talk and enjoy cars! Info Doug: 609-820-2290, dlewis44@comcast. net and Jeff Bischoff 856-906-6926

Every Friday night

All-American Muscle Cars Cruise-In Londonderry Restaurant, 47 Auction Circle, Reedsville, PA 17084

5-8pm

Presented by Keystone State Muscle Cars. All makes and models welcome. Lots of awesome cars to see hosted by Tim Drake. Bring the kids to the cruise-in!

Second Fridays through October Grotto Pizza Presents 2nd Friday Cruise Nights

Grotto Pizza, 309 Auto Park Drive, Middletown, DE !9709

5-9pm

Come out and show off your ride and enjoy food and drinks at Grotto Pizza. Rain date is always the 3rd Friday!

Info: carshows4nonprofits@gmail.com; 302-983-6966

Every Friday through October Street Survivors Friday Cruise Nights

To the left of Burger King by Tractor Supply, Park 97 East Park Shopping Center, 7988 Crain Highway, Glen Burnie MD 21061 5:30-9pm

No Entry Fee. All vehicles allowed. Plenty of parking. Music and 50/50 every week. Info Tom Pattan 443-838-0948 streetsurvivorsofmaryland.com

Every 2nd & 4th Saturday through November

Mr. Bill’s Weekly Cruise Night

Mr. Bill’s of Winslow Township, 453 Route 73 South, Hammonton, NJ 08037 5-9:30pm

Great food, custard and friends. First 15 cruise cars receive a free small custard! Cruise in for a fun time.

Info: 609-878-3829

First Saturdays through October Corvette Club Monthly Car Show & Cruise Fox Run Shopping Center, Bear, DE 19701

4-8pm

Street Rods, classic, antique, race, trucks and motorcycles. Bring whatever you have! No entry fees. Food, Kids, Music.

Info: Bruce Norman: (908) 342-4293 vetteclub.org

First Saturdays through October

Chesapeake Classic Car Club Cruise-In Westside Village Shopping Center next to Chick-Fil-A, Easton, MD 21601

5pm

Handicap Accessible, Food, Kids, Music, All Vehicles Welcome.

Info: info@ccccofeaston.org ccccofeaston.org

EVENT LISTINGS

2nd & 4th Wednesdays through September

Backroad Cruisers Classic Car Get Togethers

Second Wednesday at Woodstown Diner, 16 East Ave., Woodstown, NJ 08098

Fourth Wednesdays at Mullica Hill Plaza, Rt. 77, Mullica Hill, NJ 08062

5-8pm both nights

All vehicles welcome.

Info: Lavern 856-308-5921; John 856-468-5107 backroadcruisers.net

2nd & 4th Fridays through September

Historic Smithville Car Cruises

Smithville Village Greene, Smithville, NJ 08205

5-8pm

Cruise on down to Smithville and hang out! Drive to the side parking lot of the Village Greene and near the red covered bridge, you will see orange cones set up.

2nd & last Saturdays through October

Del Rods Cruise Nights

Green Tree Shopping Center, Route 8, Dover, DE 19904

5-8pm

Fee, Handicap Accessible, Food, Kids, Music, All Vehicles Welcome, Trophies. Info: Rich Selg 302-674-5365; rsludge47@aol.com

Third Wednesdays through September

South Jersey Region AACA Cruise Nights

Bobbit Auto, 595 Salem Quinton Road, Salem, NJ 08079

5-8pm

Info: Ron Scott 856-629-6085 or Martin Erdner 856-935-0537; sjraaca.com

Every Third Friday through October Perryville’s Cruise & Concert in the Park Lower Ferry Park, 515 Broad Street, Perryville, MD 21903

4-7pm

Along the banks of the Susquehanna River! 50/50 raffle, live band and trophies awarded. Free

Fourth Wednesdays through September

Back Road Cruisers 4th Wednesday Cruise Mullica Hill Shopping Center, Bridgeton Pike (Route 77), Mullica Hill, NJ 08062

5-8pm

The back Road Cruisers is a VMCAA Chapter classic car club. This cruise is our second location in Mullica Hill, NJ. Come out for a fun time catching up with old friends and making new ones, Don’t forget about our door prizes!

Info: LaVern 856-308-5921; Backroadcruisers.net

Fourth Fridays through October

Bertucci’s presents 4th Friday Cruise Nights

201 W. Main Street, Christiana, DE 19702

5-10:30pm

Discounts to participants of the cruise night inside and outdoors. Absolutely no burn outs. Info: carshows4nonprofits@gmail.com (302) 983-6966

Blacktop Villains Saturday Cruises

Oct. 7, Nov. 11, Dec. 9

Moonshiners Bar and Grill, 2301 NJ-50, Mays Landing, NJ 08330

Start time 5pm through October, then 3 pm in November & December

Collecting non-perishable food items on all cruise dates. Toys for Toys cruise in December.

Info: Sue 609-502-3736

YCC Cruise Nights

Third Saturdays through Oct. 21

Fox Run Shopping Center, Ihop side

Rt. 40 & 72, Bear, DE 19711

4-7pm

Hosted by Yesterday’s Chevrolet Car Club.

Info: 302-540-5604; wshanks@dtcc.edu

Twisted Restorations LLC

EVENT LISTINGS

Area SHOWS

Cruising Magazine makes every effort to ensure all listings are correct. However, event listings are subject to change. Please call ahead to avoid a wasted trip. Check www.CruisingMagazine.net for rainout updates.

September 16 (Saturday)

32nd Downtown Millville Car Show

Rain date: Sept. 16

High Street next to Broad Street, Millville, NJ 08332

11am-3pm

Presented by Millville Savings Bank in partnership with the Greater Millville Chamber of Commerce. Registration begins at 9am. No admittance fee for car participants. Food, refreshments and kids zone.

Info: 856-825-2600 Millville-nj.com

September 16 (Saturday)

7th Annual Coatesville Invitational Vintage Grand Prix & 1st Annual Auto/Moto Show

9am-4:30pm

Witness the grace, power, and beauty of vintage cars and motorcycles dating from 1900 to 1983 as they tackle a challenging 2-mile road course. Music and entertainment, vendor village, food trucks, beer garden, kids activities, including soap box derby.

Info: James Logan: 610-384-0300 info@coatesville.org

September 16 (Saturday)

Chariots of Fire Fall Fest Car Show

Rain date: Sept. 23

Classic Auto Mall, 6180 Morgantown Road, Morgantown, PA 19543

10am-3pm

400 Barn finds on display inside. 2,500 vehicle capacity outside. Great variety of all vehicles. Car photos, door prizes and great food!

Info: Pastor Lawrence Weed: 610-322-1622, pastorweed@hotmail.com; chariots-of-fire.org

September 16 (Saturday)

Draggin Wagons Car, Truck & Bike Show

Honeybrook Gardens, 3940 Horseshoe Pike, Honey Brook, PA 19344

10am-2pm

Check Facebook for any changes, $15 vehicle registration at gate. Category plaques awarded and Club President’s Choice, music, 50/50, gift basket raffle, food & drink. All proceeds support local charities in the tricounty area.

September 16 (Saturday)

Blacktop Villains Annual Car-B-Q

Rain date: Sept. 17

324 S. White Horse Pike, Hammonton, NJ 08037

1pm

Free car show. Every show car gets a welcome pack which includes registration form, door prize ticket and some surprises. Huge buffet lunch- $15 in advance; $20 day of show.50/50 and massive Chinese auction. Soda, water and kids under 10 are free.

Info: Sue: 609-502-3736

September 16 (Saturday)

Chili Cook-Off Night

Shopper’s World Shopping Center, Route 50 & Tilghman Road, Salisbury, MD 21804 5pm

Hosted by Wheels That Heal Car Club- the shore’s oldest and largest cruise-in. Rain dates are typically the next week. Dash plaques for the first 100 cars. Best Chili Contest with awards. Donations benefit Halo Ministries. Music, 50/50, food vendors, silent auctions, swap meet and more.

Info: Steve Mixter: 443-735-7772

September 17 (Sunday)

Hagley Car Show

Hagley Museum and Library, 200 Hagley Creek Road, Wilmington, Delaware 19807

10am-4pm

Theme: Celebrating Bygone Brands

Experience the wonders of automotive innovation. Browse through more than 500 antique and restored cars from the late 1990s all the way back to the early twentieth century. The show features vehicle parades, motoring music, and a food court. The event will be held rain or shine. Use Hagley’s main entrance off Route 141 in Wilmington, Delaware. Registration opens in early April, tickets on sale in early August.

Info: 302-658-2400; carshow@hagley.org

Approve By : 03/15/22

EVENT LISTINGS

September 21 (Thursday)

Bourbon & Brews Classic Cruise Show

2001 S. Delaware St., Paulsboro, NJ 08066 (exit 18 off Rt. 295)

5pm start

Vintage, custom, classics and hot rod. Live music, food, drinks.

Info: 856-599-0752; BourbonBrews.com

September 22-24 (Friday-Sunday)

CLIPPER MAGAZINE

Proof Release

Contact your Account Service Coordinator: Christine Wimbush

Team: 1D phone: 717-663-3383 email: 1D@cmag.com

September 24 (Sunday)

Approve By : 03/15/22

Contact your Account Service Coordinator:

Soul Riders Auto Club’s Car Shows

VFW Hall #3792, 5695 Summit Bridge Road, Townsend, DE 19734

This ad is the property of CLIPPER MAGAZINE and may not be reproduced. Please review your proof carefully. CLIPPER MAGAZINE is not responsible for any error not marked.

11am-3pm

Collecting socks, underwear, and other item for men, women & children in shelters. Handicap Accessible, Food, Kids, Music, Trophies.

Wildwood Fall Boardwalk Classic Car Show

Wildwood Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ 08260

10am-3pm

Vehicles are displayed along Wildwood’s Boardwalk during the show weekends. Participants win cash prizes, door prizes and trophies.

Info: 609-778-7887 Wildwoodcarshows.net

September 23 (Saturday)

10th Annual Joisey Boys Fairlane Show

Rain date: Sept. 30

Victory Bar & Grill, 795 S. Route 73, West Berlin, NJ 08091

10am-2pm

Free show to all Fairlanes, Torinos, Rancheros and Mercury equivalents from 62 to 79. Members and non-members are welcome. There will be food, trophies, 50/50, door prizes and more.

Info: Bill Nese: 609-381-3249; bn67fairlane@gmail.com

September 23 (Saturday)

Mobtown Greaseball

Key Brewery, 2500 Grays Road, Dundalk, MD 21222

11am start.

A “Car Kulture” celebration live music and prize giveaways. Awards for Furthest Travel, Baddest Bomb, and a Pinup Contest. Cars must be 1969 or older. Rain or shine event. Info: MobtownGreaseball.com

September 24 (Sunday)

17th Antique & Classic Car Show

Rain date: Oct. 1

Concord Mall, 4737 Concord Pike, Wilm., DE 19803

8:30am-3pm

Presented by Talleyville Fire Co. A benefit for Ronald McDonald House of DE. All cars welcome. Fire Safety Fair and Open House. Free popcorn & drinks. Food Trucks. Antique fire trucks.

Info: Steve Catalano 302-478-1110 TalleyvilleFireCo.org

Info: 302-998-5951 or Tony Lewis: 302-8583672; comp1deej@yahoo.com

September 27- October 1

(Wednesday-Sunday)

Fall Carlisle

Carlisle Fairgrounds, 100 Bryn Mawr Road, Carlisle, PA 17013

Wed- Sat: 7am-6pm; Sun: 7am-12pm

Presented by eBay Motors. Kids under 12 free! Event held rain or shine.

Info: 717-243-7855

CarlisleEvents.com

September 28-29 (Thursday-Friday)

Carlisle Auctions

Carlisle Expo Center, 100 K Street, Carlisle, PA 17013

Starts noon daily.

Fall Carlisle Collector Car Auction. Kids under 12 free! Event held rain or shine.

Info: 717-243-7855

CarlisleEvents.com

September 30 (Saturday)

2023 Riverside Car Show

Rain date: Oct. 1

Downtown Riverside, Scott St & Pavilion Avenue, Riverside, NJ 08075

12-5pm

Presented by the Riverside Police Association. $20 pre-registration fee; $25 day of show. Spectators free. Open to cars, trucks, Jeeps & motorcycles of all years. Live DJ, food, trophies.

September 30 (Saturday)

Milford Elks Annual Car Show

18951 Elks Lodge Road, Milford, DE 19963

9am-1pm

Benefiting Milford Elks Lodge Scholarship

Fund. $15 pre-registration fee; $20 day of show. Music, food, raffles, door prizes, craft show, trophies, dash plaques to first 50.

Info: 302-424-2401

September 30 (Saturday)

Milford Lions Club Annual Car Show

Milford High, NE 10th St., Milford, DE 19963

9am-1pm

All welcome: Trucks, hot rods, stock. Trophies for each class and best of show. Door prizes, raffle, food.

Info: Secretarymic8897@gmail.com

EVENT LISTINGS

September 30 (Saturday)

Classic Cruisin’ Car Show

Rain date: Oct. 1

LoBiondo Park, 678 Morton Ave., Deerfield Township, NJ. 08352

9am-2pm

Best of Imports, American, Classic, Antique and more. Trophies awarded.

Info: Dawn Bascelli at 856-455-3200; dbascelli@deerfieldtownship.org

October 7 (Saturday)

St. Michael The Archangel School Fall Car Show

Lady of Lourdes Church, 500 Greentree Rd., Glassboro, NJ 08028

9am-1pm

A celebration of beautiful cars and a fundraiser for St. Michael the Archangel School. $20 registation. Food trucks, 50/50, music, photo booth, prizes for cars.

Info: 856-881-0067 (ext. 207); jessicawolk@gmail.com

October 7 (Saturday)

14th Wings & Wheels Fall Festival

Delaware Coastal Airport, 31553 Rudder Lane, Georgetown, DE 19947 10am-4pm

All makes and models welcome. Over 30 trophies in 7 classes. Registration $20 per car. Vintage plane fly-in and car show. Military displays, pilot competitions, craft & food vendors.

Presented by Georgetown Chamber of Commerce, DE Aviation Museum & HVCCDE Preregister at hvccde.com

Info: 302-856-1544 Georgetowncoc.com

October 7 (Saturday)

3rd Annual Victory Christian Fellowship Church Car Show

Rain date: Oct. 14

Victory Christian Fellowship, 100 Wilton Blvd., New Castle, DE 19720

Noon-3 pm

Free Event. Open to all makes and models. Professionally Judged. Food Trucks.

Info: carshows4nonprofits@gmail.com

October 7 (Saturday)

Annual Kenton Ruritan Car & Truck Show

Rain date: Oct. 8

Kenton School, 265 Main St., Kenton, DE 19955 9am-2pm

Dash plaques for first 100. Door prizes, DJ, raffle, trophies, food available

Info: Dave Knotts 302-724-7311

October 8 (Sunday)

19th Annual All Oldsmobile Fall Show

Kerr Park, 122 Wallace Ave., Downingtown, PA 19355 9am-3pm

Hosted by the Delaware Valey Oldsmobile Club. Trophies, dash plaques, long-distance award, 50/50, and food by local scouts. $15 pre-registration; $20 day of show.

Info: Jeff at 484-889-2884; dvocinfo@yahoo.com

October 14 (Saturday)

Chariots of Fire Car Show

Rain date: Oct. 21

Classic Auto Mall, 6180 Morgantown Road, Morgantown, PA 19543 10am-3pm

Great variety of all vehicles. Car photos, door prizes and great food!

Info: Pastor Lawrence Weed: 610-322-1622, pastorweed@hotmail.com; chariots-of-fire.org

October 14 (Saturday)

Greater Woodbine Chamber of Commerce

12th Annual Car Show & Swap Meet

Rain date: Oct. 15

501 Washington Ave, Woodbine, NJ 08270 9am-3pm

Dash plaques to first 250 entries. Preregistration $15 by 10/1 Day of Show $20. All Vendors must call first. Show Cars & Antiques, Muscle Cars, Race Cars, Rods, Jeeps , Trucks, Military Vehicles, Swap Meet.

Info: Lisa: 609-780-3088

October 15 (Sunday)

House of Brews Cruise

Rain date: Oct. 22

House of Brews, Walmart Plaza on the Old Black Horse Pike, Turnersville, NJ 08012

12-5pm

Free cruise, all vehicles welcome. Trophies, door prizes, 50/50 music, food.

Info: Bill Nese: 609-381-3249; bn67fairlane@gmail.com

October 15 (Sunday)

Little Big One

Bellanca Airfield, Rt. 273 Centerpoint Blvd., New Castle, DE 19720

9am-2pm

Presented by Delaware Street Rods. $20 at gate. Top 50 awards, surprise grand prize, door prizes, music, event T-shirts by Rocky’s T’s. Info: Brandie Laird, 302-420-7236

October 21 (Saturday)

DVRR Halloween Car Show

Rain date: Oct.22

Falls Township Community Park, 9061 Mill Creek Road, Levittown, PA 19054

2-6pm

Plaques, Food, Music, Registration: $15 .Auction, best costume, best decorated cars, kids get a goodie bag. Proceeds to Liberty USO.

Info: Len Pribish: 215-510-6629; lenpribish@hotmail.com

October 21 (Saturday)

Fall Festival and Car Show

Fox Run Shopping Center, Ihop side Route 40 and 72, Bear, DE 19711

10am-2pm

Food and Drinks. Children welcome for fun and games. 50/50, trophies $10 registration.

Info: Warren Shanks: 302-540-5604

October 21 (Saturday)

Bourbon & Brews Breast Cancer Awareness

Car Show

2001 S. Delaware St., Paulsboro, NJ 08066

(exit 18 off Rt. 295)

1pm start

Live music, food, drinks.

Info: 856-599-0752; BourbonBrews.com

October 28 (Saturday)

Del Rods Fall Wrap-Up Car Show

Greentree Plaza, Rt 8, Dover, DE 19904 10am-2pm

Registration Fee: $15. Food Available, DJ, Trophies.

Info: 302-674-5365 & rsludge47@aol.com delrodscarclub.org

November 4 (Saturday)

26th Annual Pumpkin Run

Fleming’s Auto Parts, 353 Zion Road, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234

8am-4pm

Show cars & trucks, engines & tractors, flea market, food vendors.

Info: Harry at (609) 927-9541 FlemingsPumpkinRun.com

November 4 (Saturday)

16th Annual Salute the Troops

Delaware County Veterans Memorial

4599 West Chester Pike, Newtown Sq., PA 19073

10am-2pm

Presented by Delco Cruisers to benefit miltary and charitable organizations. Trophies, 50/50, food, vendors, music.

Info: DelcoCruisers.org

November 11 (Saturday)

Bourbon & Brews Toys for Tots Car Show

2001 S. Delaware St., Paulsboro, NJ 08066 (exit 18 off Rt. 295)

1pm start

Live music, food, drinks.

Info: 856-599-0752; BourbonBrews.com

December 2-3 (Saturday & Sunday)

East Coast Indoor Nationals

Maryland State Fairgrounds (Cow Palace)

2200 York Road, Timonium, MD 21093

Saturday 9am-7pm; Sunday 9am-4pm motoramaproductions.com

December 3 (Sunday)

17th Annual Holiday Cruise for Kids

Rose Tree County Park, 1671 N. Providence Rd., Media, PA 19063 9am-11am

Delco Cruisers present a Toy Run & Cruise held in conjunction with U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program.

Info: DelcoCruisers.org

January 6-7 (Saturday & Sunday 2024)

DRAGFEST — Drag Racing Showcase and Custom Car Show

Lebanon Valley Expo Center

80 Rocherty Road, Lebanon, PA 17042

Saturday 9am-6PM; Sunday 9am-4pm motoramaproductions.com

December 4 (Sunday)

February 17-18 (Sat. & Sunday 2024)

Motorama — Races and Shows

PA Farm Show Complex

2300 N. Cameron St, Harrisburg, PA 17110

Saturday 9am-10pm; Sunday 9am-5pm motoramaproductions.com

March 23-24 (Sat. & Sunday 2024)

Mid Atlantic Indoor Nationals

Greater Philadelphia Expo Center 100 Station Avenue, Oaks, PA 19456 Saturday 9am-7pm; Sunday 9am-4pm motoramaproductions.com

FALL CAR SHOW FALL CAR SHOW 2023 2023

SHIFTIN’ GEARS

By Ben Notaro • red63vetnj@comcast.net

here are events that we look forward to because they are at a special place — truly a destination. When I was thinking about destination places in the area, the first place I thought of was Fleming’s Auto Parts and the Pumpkin Run held there. What makes this place special is not just the one-of-akind event held there each year, but what the physical property represents. It’s a mega-car happening in a junkyard. How cool that is! That’s a destination.

Another place is the Woodstown Annual Auto Swap Meet and Car Corral. This event, held in a huge facility called the Salem County Fairgrounds, is another destination defined not just by the event but the location. Again, it’s a place we can call a destination.

In Pennsylvania, there is the hilly location of the Carlisle Fairgrounds. Nearly everyone who has attended the various automotive events there will tell you it’s a hike walking up and down the landscape. That is also a part of the personality of events held there and that makes it a destination.

So, what happens when a destination is no longer used to house an event? Well, take the recent closing of Atco Dragway located in Atco, N.J. This racing facility has served the needs of the car community for 63 years. Atco Dragway has also been the home to many drag racing events and hosted many of the big names in the sport. It also gave the everyday guy and gal a place to bring their ride and test out their rides — a quarter mile at a time.

Then on a warm summer day in late July, the unexpected message came that the track was closing — immediately! No real notice, no warning of/to events held there and greatly anticipated by car fans … just a termination of operation.

A facility that was part of the car scene for over six decades suddenly switched off like a light bulb. Atco’s closing is not just a blow to car enthusiasts in the area, but to the many racers who came from near and far. The state of New Jersey has one dragstrip track left in the northern part of the state and thousands of enthusiasts in the southern part of the state are now deprived of their track. The sad thing about this story is also the loss to those who worked there, the local economy, participants and spectators.

With the closing of Atco Dragway, we sadly see the end of an era.

There is a large void that is created in the car hobby when we lose a place like Atco. The track was a longtime destination.

Department of Information: Get your show and cruise info to Cruising Magazine ASAP. Cruisers plan and you want them to be aware early on!

Department of Health: It’s summertime. You know the drill — dress for the weather, stay hydrated and check your car’s cooling system.

Department of Interior: Hot vinyl + wearing shorts = toasted thighs and buns.

Enjoy