Category: Motoring Events

Posted on

904 Automotive Events Calendar for Jacksonville and First Coast Florida 1-19-2023

Jacksonville Car Culture events calendar

Caffeine and Octane

The next Caffeine and Octane is set from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11 at The Avenues mall’s Southside Boulevard parking lots.

But despite last Saturday’s chill, this month’s event was filled with rides of all kinds.

The event also celebrated Japanese enthusiast/collectible/classic/luxury vehicles in a special display within the Central Lot.

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.

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 events….

Classic Car Show: Noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday at Brewz – Bartram Park, 14866 Old St. Augustine Road.

Hastings Boulevard Car Show: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11, on Main Street in downtown Hastings. Free for spectators and $25 per show vehicle day of show.

Sixth annual Pedro Menendez High School Athletic Booster Club benefit car show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11, at the Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine at 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway S. Free for spectators and $20 day-of-show for display vehicles.

Moose Lodge Car, Van and Truck Show: 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11, at the Chapter 184 Moose Lodge at 3875 Reid St. in Palatka. Free for spectators and $25 day-of-show for display vehicles.

Benefit Car and Truck Show: 3 to 6 pm. on Saturday, Feb. 18, at The Crews Barn at 6852 Cattle Gap Lane Glen in St. Mary. Free to spectators and $25 per show vehicle.

Jacksonville International Auto Show: Feb. 16 to 19 at the Prime Osborn Convention Center at 100 Water St. More than 30 car company products on display, plus live music and special events – for hours, ticket prices and event news, go here.

11th Annual Kruisin4Kids car show: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 25, at Dinsmore Baptist Church, 10500 Old Kings Road in Jacksonville, with a burnout competition.

Classic Car Show: 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 4, at Journey Church West at 550974 U.S. 1 in Hilliard.

Boy Scouts Troop 77 car show: 8 a.m. to 2:30 pm. on Saturday, March 11, at Old Plank Road Baptist Church, 8964 Old Plank Road.

8th Annual San Jose Car & Truck Show at Dupont Station: 8:30 10 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 1, 6271 St. Augustine Road. More info to come. Proceeds will be donated to the Bishop John J. Snyder Community Center.

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.

Hemmings Great Race presented by Coker Tire: June 24th to July 2nd, launching from Francis Field in St. Augustine to Colorado Springs, with Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri and Kansas stops in between.

Cruise-in heads-up:

Cruise Fruit Cove: Due to Saturday’s Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Kansas City Chiefs game, this monthly cruise moves up to a noon to 4 p.m. slot on Saturday at PDQ, and 194 Florida 13 in Saint Johns.

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.

Caffeine and Gasoline: Free first Saturday of the month cruise-in at 7 to 10 a.m. Saturday at J-Tech Institute at 8813 Western Way in Jacksonville. House rules – “respect the property.”

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

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.

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…

Image courtesy: Goodwood Revival

On what would have been Carroll Shelby’s 100th birthday, Goodwood will celebrate the legendary American driver, car manufacturer and entrepreneur at this year’s Goodwood Revival from Sept. 8 to 10. That will include one of Goodwood’s signature tributes, comprising cars that were not only raced, but also designed and developed by the 1959 Le Mans winner. Look for the MG-TC in which Shelby competed for the very first time, in 1952; and an assortment of Cobras set to take to the track in the all-star Royal Automobile Club TT Celebration. Meanwhile, the Whitsun Trophy will host a number of examples of the Ford GT40, whose design Shelby played such an integral part in refining.

Goodwood also celebrates 75 years of the Motor Circuit, and 25 years of the Revival.

“Goodwood held a very special place in my grandfather’s heart,” said Aaron Shelby, board member of Carroll Shelby International. “He competed there as a driver in an Aston Martin and returned to race at the Circuit with the Shelby American team cars during the 1960s. Carroll attended the Goodwood Revival with his Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe, and as a Word War II aviator he especially admired the vintage warbird exhibit.”

Image courtesy BMW

BMW Group shared its vision of the future digital experience, both inside and outside the vehicle at the recent Consumer Electronics Show  in Las Vegas with the i Vision Dee, the futuristic mid-size sedan with a new, pared-down design language.

The name “Dee” stands for Digital Emotional Experience – and its aim is to create an even stronger bond between people and their cars going forward, BMW said. Its BMW Head-Up-Display extends across the full width of the windshield, providing a glimpse of the next vehicle generation. The BMW Group has also refined its use of color-change technology, the i Vision Dee now changing its exterior in up to 32 colors.

“With the BMW i Vision Dee, we are showcasing what is possible when hardware and software merge. In this way, we are able to exploit the full potential of digitalization to transform the car into an intelligent companion,” said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “That is the future for automotive manufacturers – and, also, for BMW: the fusion of the virtual experience with genuine driving pleasure.”

The annual Werks Reunion Amelia Island returns on March 3 to The Amelia River Club at 4477 Buccaneer Trail, hosted by the local arm of the Porsche Club of America. Registration has opened for the event, which starts at 7 a.m. as registered cars begin filing the grass. Spectator parking is $40 cash per person. At 10:30 a.m., Youth Judging sponsored by Hagerty begins, with awards from 2 to 3 p.m.  The Porsche event is held in conjunction with……

… The 28th iteration of The Amelia has tickets are available, with stock car legend Jeff Gordon as honoree on March 2-5. The weekend’s events include a Saturday seminar featuring Gordon and NASCAR Hall of Fame crew chief Ray Evernham; chances to meet the legendary driver at Sunday’s concours; and a class of vehicles he drove and won in during his career. Details and tickets are at AmeliaConcours.com.

Posted on

904 Automotive Events Calendar January 12, 2023

Caffeine and Octane

The next Caffeine and Octane is set from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday at The Avenues mall’s Southside Boulevard parking lots. This is the sixth anniversary of the event moving to the shopping center from its former home at the old Florida Times-Union site on Riverside Avenue.

Photos courtesy of Deremer Studios and Caffeine and Octane

And here’s a reminder that the Saturday’s event celebrates Japanese enthusiast/collectible/classic/luxury vehicles in a special display within the Central Lot. And Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts are invited to join the cruise-in at the gated “Central Lot” as well.

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

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 events….

Southeast Eurofest: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday at the Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine at 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway S.  Open to all European Cars. VW, Audi, BMW, Porsche and more. Online registration is $20 per show vehicle.

Sixth annual Pedro Menendez High School Athletic Booster Club benefit car show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11, at the Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine at 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway S. Free for spectators and $20 day-of-show for display vehicles.

Moose Lodge Car, Van and Truck Show: 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11, at the Chapter 184 Moose Lodge at 3875 Reid St. in Palatka. Free for spectators and $25 day-of-show for display vehicles.

Jacksonville International Auto Show: Feb. 16 to 19 at the Prime Osborn Convention Center at 100 Water St. More than 30 car company products on display, plus live music and special events – for hours, ticket prices and event news, go here.

11th Annual Kruisin4Kids car show: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 25, at Dinsmore Baptist Church, 10500 Old Kings Road in Jacksonville, with a burnout competition.

Classic Car Show: 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 4, at Journey Church West at 550974 U.S. 1 in Hilliard.

Boy Scouts Troop 77 car show: 8 a.m. to 2:30 pm. on Saturday, March 11, at Old Plank Road Baptist Church, 8964 Old Plank Road.

8th Annual San Jose Car & Truck Show at Dupont Station: 8:30 10 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 1, 6271 St. Augustine Road. More info to come. Proceeds will be donated to the Bishop John J. Snyder Community Center.

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.

Hemmings Great Race presented by Coker Tire: June 24th to July 2nd, launching from Francis Field in St. Augustine to Colorado Springs, with Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri and Kansas stops in between.

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.

Caffeine and Gasoline: Free first Saturday of the month cruise-in at 7 to 10 a.m. Saturday at J-Tech Institute at 8813 Western Way in Jacksonville. House rules – “respect the property.”

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

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.

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…

Hennessey has unveiled a new, lighter-weight, track-focused version of its Venom F5 hypercar, called – the Revolution. And the Texas-based hypercar’s maker calls it “an apex predator on a racing circuit,” and the most powerful and visceral pure-combustion hypercar in the world.

Based on the Hennessey Venom F5 Coupe, it gets comprehensively reworked aerodynamics, suspension, engine cooling and digital telemetry. And a focus on weight reduction means it tips the scales at under 3,000 pounds – the lightest Venom F5 model as honed by Chief Engineer John Heinricy.

“I led engineering on some of the most extreme cars to come out of GM, including the Corvette Z06 and Cadillac CTS-V, but nothing compares to designing, developing, and refining a race car for the road like the Venom F5 Revolution,” he said. “From the outset, we designed the Venom F5 hypercar to be ultra-light and monstrously powerful, with dynamics to match. So, taking these ingredients and adding track-focused aerodynamics, suspension, and gearing, enabled us to create a machine that is the ultimate visceral and emotional driving experience.”

Mid-mounted in the carbon-fiber monocoque chassis is a twin-turbocharged, 6.6-liter ‘Fury’ V-8 rated at 1,817 hp, with an automated single-clutch gearbox calibrated for competitive use.

The new Venom F5 Revolution Coupe makes its global public debut on Jan. 15 at the Miami Motorcar Cavalcade Concours d’Elegance, priced at $2.7 million and limited to just 24 units.

The annual Werks Reunion Amelia Island returns on March 3 to The Amelia River Club at 4477 Buccaneer Trail, hosted by the local arm of the Porsche Club of America. Registration has opened for the event, which starts at 7 a.m. as registered cars begin filing the grass. Spectator parking is $40 cash per person. At 10:30 a.m., Youth Judging sponsored by Hagerty begins, with awards from 2 to 3 p.m.  The Porsche event is held in conjunction with……

… The 28th iteration of The Amelia has tickets are available, with stock car legend Jeff Gordon as honoree on March 2-5. The weekend’s events include a Saturday seminar featuring Gordon and NASCAR Hall of Fame crew chief Ray Evernham; chances to meet the legendary driver at Sunday’s concours; and a class of vehicles he drove and won in during his career. Details and tickets are at AmeliaConcours.com.

Posted on

904 Automotive Events Calendar 12-28-2022 New Years Eve Edition

Jacksonville Car Culture events calendar

Caffeine and Octane

The next Caffeine and Octane is set from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, January 14, at The Avenues mall’s Southside Boulevard parking lots.

The January event celebrates Japanese enthusiast/collectible/classic/luxury vehicles in a special display within the Central Lot. Submit your ride for consideration at caffeineandoctane.com

And Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts are invited to join the cruise-in at the gated “Central Lot” as well.

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

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 events….

Seventh annual Jimmy Jam BBQ Slam & Car Show: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, January 7, at the St. Johns County Fairgrounds at 5840 Florida 207 in Elkton. Spectator admission is $5 per person, and $25 per show vehicle day-of-show. The title sponsor is MasterCraft Builder Group. There is a Florida BBQ Association Competition, and an SCA Steak Competition, with food for sale and live music.

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.

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

Caffeine and Gasoline: Free first Saturday of the month cruise-in at 7 to 10 a.m. Saturday November 5, at J-Tech Institute at 8813 Western Way in Jacksonville. 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

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….

Geoffrey Hacker, head of Undiscovered Classics and Forgotten Fiberglass in Tampa, posts on his Facebook page that there will be 9 American Specials on The Amelia concours d’elegance show field in early March. Here’s one – the 1955 Siebler.

Courtesy Undiscovered Classics

Over seven years, Dick Siebler built two sports cars for his personal use, its Italian-inspired body design derived from both the C1 Cunningham and the Siata. His wife contributed, learning to sew and form upholstery. All remaining work was completed by Siebler himself including frame design and build, body design, buck and molds and the finish paint, fit and finish.

The first car was finished in 1955 and won recognition and trophies throughout Southern California. He sold this car in 1961 and began building his second car improving the power and suspension throughout.  

This car was finished in 1963. Plans were to offer a small number of similar sports cars for sale, and in fact one body was sold to a race car enthusiast. Both of Siebler’s sports cars and the third body – now a historic race car – exist today.  

Courtesy Undiscovered Classics

The 1955 Siebler that will debut at Amelia in 2023, the only restored of the three existing examples.

There’s a new super lizard on the prowl – the Hennessey VelociRaptoR 1000 with almost 1,000 hp and more than 850 lb-ft of torque, from the Texas-based hypercar manufacturer. It debuts in the first quarter of 2023, with two more cylinders than the standard F-150 Raptor and a 2.65-liter supercharger for a 40 percent increase in output.

The Predator V-8 under the hood of the Raptor R shares architecture with that of the Ford Mustang GT500. The truck will be backed by a 2-year/ 24,000-mile Hennessey warranty. It also features new front and rear VelociRaptor bumpers, front LED light bar, 20-inch Hennessey wheels and 37-inch off-road tires.

Hyundai is showing some new EVs at the Montreal International Auto Show on January 20 to 29, starting with the SEVEN Concept, which provides a glimpse into the brand’s futuristic design and technology direction towards sport utility electric vehicle (SUEV). Revealed at the November 2021 AutoMobility LA, the SEVEN Concept boasts a long wheelbase, flat platform floor and a targeted driving range of over 480 Inside, lounge chairs, a curved bench seat, built-in mini fridge and a roof with a panoramic screen.

Speaking of The Amelia….

The annual Werks Reunion Amelia Island returns on March 3 to The Amelia River Club at 4477 Buccaneer Trail, hosted by the local arm of the Porsche Club of America. Registration has opened for the event, which starts at 7 a.m. as registered cars begin filing the grass. Spectator parking is $40 cash per person. At 10:30 a.m., Youth Judging sponsored by Hagerty begins, with awards from 2 to 3 p.m.  The Porsche event is held in conjunction with……

… The 28th iteration of The Amelia has tickets are available, with stock car legend Jeff Gordon as honoree on March 2-5. The weekend’s events include a Saturday seminar featuring Gordon and NASCAR Hall of Fame crew chief Ray Evernham; chances to meet the legendary driver at Sunday’s concours; and a class of vehicles he drove and won in during his career. Details and tickets are at AmeliaConcours.com.

Posted on

904 Automotive Events Calendar Holiday Edition 12-22-2022

Jacksonville Car Culture events calendar

Caffeine and Octane

The next Caffeine and Octane is set from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, January 14, at The Avenues mall’s Southside Boulevard parking lots.

The January event celebrates Japanese enthusiast/collectible/classic/luxury vehicles in a special display within the Central Lot. Submit your ride for consideration at caffeineandoctane.com

And Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts are invited to join the cruise-in at the gated “Central Lot” as well.

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

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 events….

Seventh annual Jimmy Jam BBQ Slam & Car Show: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, January 7, at the St. Johns County Fairgrounds at 5840 Florida 207 in Elkton. Spectator admission is $5 per person, and $25 per show vehicle day-of-show. The title sponsor is MasterCraft Builder Group. There is a Florida BBQ Association Competition, and an SCA Steak Competition, with food for sale and live music.

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.

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

Caffeine and Gasoline: Free first Saturday of the month cruise-in at 7 to 10 a.m. Saturday November 5, at J-Tech Institute at 8813 Western Way in Jacksonville. 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

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….

Courtesy droptopdaytona.com

Jacksonville’s EV Rider, a blog on electric vehicles done by Bill Bortzfield, says it’s looking like that all-electric 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona concept unveiled recently could have a ragtop brother-in-arms. Although it won’t be a factory concept, but a digital rendering so far by DropTop Daytona in High Springs, Fl. Here’s the rest of Bill’s EV Rider blog on the sexy Charger EV droptop.

 Courtesy Bentley

How about these stocking stuffers – new 1:43 scale models of Bentley’s Continental GT Speed and its limited-edition Bacalar by Mulliner, now available through the Bentley Motors shop. The gentlemanly curves of the Continental GT Speed are mirrored in miniature, with striking Candy Red paintwork. Inside, the sporty Hotspur interior trim is complete with custom Speed embroidery and diamond quilting design that has been added to the leather. And the Bacalar is not only more affordable in miniature form but a rare chance to get somewhat close to the real thing, with the 12 full-size original cars already sold. The Yellow Flame exterior of this bespoke barchetta pays homage to the revolutionary sustainable ‘colourstream’ paint that was specially developed to emphasize the form and contours of the full-scale Bacalar. Satin Bronze brightware further intensifies this dramatic character. They can be found at Shop.bentleymotors.com.

Staff image

The annual Werks Reunion Amelia Island returns on March 3 to The Amelia River Club at 4477 Buccaneer Trail, hosted by the local arm of the Porsche Club of America. Registration has opened for the event, which starts at 7 a.m. as registered cars begin filing the grass. Spectator parking is $40 cash per person. At 10:30 a.m., Youth Judging sponsored by Hagerty begins, with awards from 2 to 3 p.m.  The Porsche event is held in conjunction with……

… The 28th iteration of The Amelia, where tickets are available for premiere concours d’elegance, with stock car legend Jeff Gordon as honoree on March 2-5. The weekend’s events include a Saturday seminar featuring Gordon and NASCAR Hall of Fame crew chief Ray Evernham; chances to meet the legendary driver at Sunday’s concours; and a class of vehicles he drove and won in during his career. Details and tickets are at AmeliaConcours.com.

Posted on

NASCAR Legend Jeff Gordon Named The Amelia 2023 Honoree

  • Tickets now available to March event celebrating one of NASCAR’s greatest
  • Inaugural Event for Broad Arrow Auctions as The Amelia’s Official Auction House

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., November 15, 2022 – Hagerty announced today that NASCAR Hall of Famer and Vice Chairman of Hendrick Motorsports, Jeff Gordon, will serve as Honoree of The Amelia on March 2-5, 2023. The weekend’s events will include a lively seminar on Saturday featuring Gordon and NASCAR Hall of Fame crew chief Ray Evernham as well as opportunities to meet the legendary driver at Sunday’s concours that will showcase a class of vehicles he drove and won in during his career. Tickets for the 28th annual event are available at AmeliaConcours.com.

“Jeff embodies the spirit of The Amelia, often referred to as ‘the racer’s concours,’” said McKeel Hagerty, CEO of Hagerty. “His incredible success on the track has made him a household name, but Jeff is more than a legendary driver. His charitable heart is on display at Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation, where he has led the battle to find a cure for childhood cancer for more than two decades.”

Gordon joins a long line of racing royalty honorees including Sir Stirling Moss (1996 & 2015), Richard Petty (2010), Roger Penske (2020) and Chip Ganassi (2022). Gordon’s former crew chief, Ray Evernham, is an Amelia regular. This year he will lead a discussion on Gordon’s incredible career at Saturday’s seminar “Jeff Gordon: The Hendrick Motorsports Years.” It’s an invitation to relive a few of the duo’s greatest moments.

“Ray and I have talked about me attending The Amelia for years,” Gordon said. “It’s an honor to be recognized at such an incredible event that blends car culture, car enthusiasts, beautiful cars and high-performance vehicles. And for us to be able to showcase cars that have been such a huge part of my career will make the weekend that much more memorable for me.”

Gordon was one of the most versatile drivers of his era and is credited with helping take NASCAR mainstream in the 1990s. He changed the face of the sport by breaking stereotypes and drawing legions of new fans with his talent, poise and approachability. From November 1992 through November 2015, Gordon drove for Hendrick Motorsports, winning four NASCAR Cup Series championships (‘95, ’97, ’98 and ’01), 93 races and 81 pole positions while scoring 325 top-five finishes and 475 top-10s. With his first title in 1995, he became the youngest champion in NASCAR’s modern era.

Gordon is NASCAR’s winningest driver on road courses (nine wins) and restrictor-plate tracks (12). In January 2017, he became the first NASCAR Cup Series champion to win overall at the 24 Hours of DAYTONA joining A.J. Foyt, Mario Andretti and Jamie McMurray as the only drivers to win the prestigious sports car race and the DAYTONA 500. In February 2019, Gordon was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

From 2016 to 2021, Gordon served as a race analyst for FOX Sports and contributed to the network’s prerace coverage. In addition, he was able to make the cross-over to wider public appeal, being the only auto racing driver to host “Saturday Night Live,” and co-host “Live! With Regis and Kelly.” He also appeared on the big screen in “Taxi,” “Herbie: Fully Loaded” and “Looney Tunes: Back in Action” and voiced the character “Jeff Gorvette” in the animated films “Cars 2” and “Cars 3.”

Gordon established the Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation in 1999, which supports pediatric cancer research and treatment and has granted more than $22 million to support children battling cancer.

Broad Arrow Auctions Named Official Auction House of The Amelia

Adding to a week of thrilling cars, Hagerty has named Broad Arrow Auctions as the host of the official auction of The Amelia. Set for March 4, 2023 at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, Broad Arrow’s inaugural Amelia auction will feature exceptional collector cars ranging from pre-War American classics to modern supercars. Collectors interested in consigning their car(s) to this world-class event are invited to contact a Broad Arrow specialist via broadarrowauctions.com.

Four Days of Car Culture on Florida’s Beautiful Amelia Island

The Amelia’s multiday car culture celebration kicks off Thursday, March 2, 2023, with the Annual Porsche Winemaker’s Dinner, followed by Friday’s seminar: Corvette at Le Mans and a movie night featuring the film, “The Quest.” Saturday’s Cars & Community includes RADwood, Concours d’Lemons, Youth Zone, Ride & Drives, a Bavarian beer garden and a curated Cars & Caffeine. That evening’s Honoree Dinner at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island celebrates Jeff Gordon with a menu of gourmet food and beverages. On Sunday, The Amelia Concours d’Elegance will showcase 250 historically significant vehicles in 32 classes. Featured classes include Cars of Jeff Gordon, 120th Anniversary of Buick, Supercars Limited Production and Le Mans Winners. Additional featured classes and many more details can be found at AmeliaConcours.com

Posted on

904 Events Calendar November 17, 2022

Jacksonville Car Culture events calendar

Caffeine and Octane

The next Caffeine and Octane is set from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, December 10, at The Avenues mall’s Southside Boulevard parking lots.

This month, we celebrate MOPARS in a special display within the Central Lot. Submit your ride for consideration at www.caffeineandoctane.com. And it’s a holiday toy drive, so bring a new unwrapped toy for donation.

But last week’s post-Tropical Storm C&O rocked the parking lot.

Hint – the first car is a 1929 Stearns and Knight, with 145-inch wheelbase and a sleeve-valve engine.

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

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.

And check out the official photos of last weekend’s C&O as lensed by Deremer Studios.

20th Annual Ponte Vedra Auto Show: Here’s a sneak peek at some of what was arrayed across the Nocatee Station Event Field at 400 Nocatee Center Way in Ponte Vedra Beach last Sunday:

A 1965 AC Cobra owned by a new Ponte Vedra Beach resident ….and a swarm of very nice, and rare Zs.

A full report and winners next week…..

Upcoming car events:

  Images courtesy Deremer Studios

Jacksonville Car Culture holds its annual December 2 and 3 Holiday Lights Tour and motoring event on Jekyll Island, with an optional cruise up to the site from the River City Marketplace at 5:30 p.m. the first night.

Jekyll Island is about 70 miles from downtown Jacksonville, a small fee required to enter the former winter vacation spot for the millionaires of old. The run includes the Jekyll Island holiday event, while participants can also reserve an overnight stay at the Courtyard Jekyll Island or Residence Inn Jekyll Island on December 2 and an exclusive Caffeine and Octane event on that Saturday.

The cruise is limited to 50 vehicles, cost:$100 for driver and passenger, plus the cost of the hotel room, base rate $169 plus fees/taxes. Participants are asked to bring an unwrapped toy for Wolfson Children’s Hospital. For full information and to register, go here.

And the upcoming cars shows….

Fall Cruisin’ to the Creek 2022: Due to Hurricane Ian, Cruisin’ to the Creek is postponed until 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 3, 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.

Cars and Movies: 7 to 10 p.m. this Friday at Autobahn Indoor Speedway & Events, 6601 Executive Court Park North, off Philips Highway just north of Butler Boulevard. Staker Productions presents a car show and drive-in movie with movie theater favorites like popcorn, candy and drinks available for sale, plus some favorite car-based film classics. In honor of Thanksgiving, a canned (non-perishable) food drive will be held, food donations to local homeless shelters.

Motortopia Car Truck and Bike Show: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Friday; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday at Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing, 13700 SW 16th Ave, Ocala. Open to all makes and models (even cars and motorcycles). Admission is $23 per person; kids 12 and under are free; and $53 for early show vehicle registration. The Drag Racing Museum will be open free. Awards are Saturday night at 7:30 under the lights!

Holiday Matsuri Car Show at The FIRM (Florida International Rally and Moto Park): 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 3, at the road course and rally course at 7266 Airport Road in Starke. Called the largest single day drift event in Florida, it includes a Toys for Tots toy drive. No charge to be in the car show, with free parking. Drift event tickets are $20 per person at the gate ($15 if purchased online, see link).

Cruisin’ and Crossin’ 4 Kids Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday Dec. 4, at the WW Ranch Motocross Park at 1439 Otis Road in Jacksonville. Spectators are $5 per adult. Kids under 10 free, while show vehicle are $30 each. Burnout contest at 1 p.m.

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.

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

Caffeine and Gasoline: Free first Saturday of the month cruise-in at 7 to 10 a.m. Saturday November 5, at J-Tech Institute at 8813 Western Way in Jacksonville. 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

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…

Genesis unveiled its X Convertible concept in California, a four-passenger open-roof concept.

“Genesis started life by producing sedans mainly targeting business users,” ,” said Chief Creative Officer, Luc Donckerwolke. “While creating a new, differentiated design DNA, we gradually increased the emotional appeal by applying this DNA to the SUV typology. Now, electric powertrains have given us the perfect scenario in which to enjoy nature, and propelled the brand to create vehicles with even greater emotional resonance.”

The X Convertible concept lineage can be traced back to the X Concept, a two-door grand tourer that showcased Genesis’ Athletic Elegance design language. The X Speedium Coupe concept, the second car in the trilogy, displayed the brand’s signature Athletic Elegance in an even more progressive way. It also showcased an evolution of the Genesis Crest Grille, which evolved into a lighting signature to signify its electric powertrain. The X Convertible concept takes the X Speedium Coupe concept further up the emotional scale.

Beyond the Common Denominator of Athletic Elegance

Combined with its folding hardtop roof that integrate transparent moon roofs above the front occupants to provide an open feel even when closed, the concept has a long bonnet, generous dash-to-axle, short front overhang and long wheelbase are drawn rearwards towards the long deck.

Meanwhile, Toyota calls this the Prius evolving under the “Hybrid Reborn” concept.

The new Prius inherits the unique monoform silhouette of the original and employs a wide and low stance with large-diameter tires to create stylish designs that appeal to the senses, Toyota said. With the fifth-generation hybrid system and second-generation TNGA platform, the Series Parallel Hybrid (HEV) models launch in winter this year, and Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) models launch in spring 2023.

Posted on

SEMA Battle of the Builders 2022 Winners

The SEMA show, held earlier this month, annually sees some of the finest restomods and rods, customs and could-bes from major manufacturers and custom builders. But in this year’s Battle of the Builders competition, Mike and Jim Ring’s 1948 Chevy Loadmaster, nicknamed “Enyo,” was the best BoB.

The brothers also had another nickname for the squat green beast – the goddess of war. It sports radical custom body work atop a bespoke chassis with a 510-cu.in. Goodwin V-8 racing engine.

And if first place isn’t enough, the BoB second place went to Ringbrothers with this:

It’s a 1972 Chevy K5 Blazer, nicknamed “Bully.” The Blazer has a 6.2-liter LS3 V-8 with Whipple supercharger on its own chassis, with a wild interior.

Posted on

904 Events Calendar November 3, 2022

Jacksonville Car Culture events calendar

Caffeine and Octane

The next Caffeine and Octane is set from 8 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12, at The Avenues mall’s Southside Boulevard parking lots.

This month, we celebrate BMW, Broncos and Custom Built/Modified vehicles in a special display within the Central Lot. Submit your ride for consideration at www.caffeineandoctane.com.

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.

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.

And check out the official photos of last weekend’s C&O as lensed by Derermer Studios.

Upcoming car events:

  Images courtesy Deremer Studios

Jacksonville Car Culture holds its annual December 2 and 3 Holiday Lights Tour and motoring event on Jekyll Island, with an optional cruise up to the site from the River City Marketplace at 5:30 p.m. the first night.

Jekyll Island is about 70 miles from downtown Jacksonville, a small fee required to enter the former winter vacation spot for the millionaires of old. The run includes the Jekyll Island holiday event, with more than 1 million lights, 45,000-plus on a holiday tree alone! Participants can also reserve an overnight stay at the Courtyard Jekyll Island or Residence Inn Jekyll Island on December 2 and an exclusive Caffeine and Octane event on that Saturday.

The cruise is limited to 50 vehicles and will include a stop along the way and an outdoor patio reception at the Courtyard Jekyll Island.

Cost:$100 for driver and passenger, plus the cost of the hotel room, base rate $169 plus fees/taxes. Participants are asked to bring an unwrapped toy for Wolfson Children’s Hospital. Drivers also get a digital photo of their vehicle by Deremer Studios, LCC.

For full information and to register, go here.

And the upcoming cars shows….

Fall Cruisin’ to the Creek 2022: Due to Hurricane Ian, Cruisin’ to the Creek, scheduled for last Saturday, is postponed until 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 3, 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.

Creepy Car Show: 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday at the Camden County Recreation Center at 1050 Wildcat Drive in Kingsland, Ga. Presented by Heart of Benevolence and partnered with Camden County PSA, this is an annual Trunk or Treat car show. Free for spectators; show vehicle registration fee is $20

Lights Out at Autobahn Speedway: 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday at Autobahn Speedway at 6601 Executive Park Court N., off Philips Highway. A Halloween-themed event with fog machines, laser light shows and awards for best dressed and best decorated car.

Cars for Cancer Cure Trunk or Treat: 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday at Mission BBQ at 4852 Town Center Parkway. Presented by Duval Car Club.

Lake Hill Baptist Church Fall Festival and Car Show: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the church at 5165 County Road 214 in Keystone Heights.

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

11th 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.

Prince of Peace Catholic Church’s 5th annual Car Show: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 5, at the church at 6320 Bennett Road. Free for spectators and $20 show vehicle now, and $25 day of show.

Brumos Collection Saturday Social: 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 12, at the collection at 5159 San Pablo Road S.  Admission is $19.99 per person, tickets at showclix.com. Admission includes visits to the Brumos Collection, with extra cars displayed outside. Some unique engines will be fired up as vehicles from vintage VW buses to race cars will be on display, plus a variety of specialty cars from community members. Charity and automotive vendors will be on site, plus the University of North Florida’s Osprey Racing Team with its Formula SAE race car. Food trucks are also scheduled.

20th Annual Ponte Vedra Auto Show: 7 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.

Holiday Matsuri Car Show at The FIRM (Florida International Rally and Moto Park): 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 3, at the road course and rally course at 7266 Airport Road in Starke. Called the largest single day drift event in Florida, it includes a Toys for Tots toy drive. No charge to be in the car show, with free parking. Drift event tickets are $20 per person at the gate ($15 if purchased online, see link).

Cruisin’ and Crossin’ 4 Kids Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday Dec. 4, at the WW Ranch Motocross Park at 1439 Otis Road in Jacksonville. Spectators are $5 per adult. Kids under 10 free, while show vehicle are $30 each. Burnout contest at 1 p.m.

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.

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

Caffeine and Gasoline: Free first Saturday of the month cruise-in at 7 to 10 a.m. Saturday November 5, at J-Tech Institute at 8813 Western Way in Jacksonville. 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

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.

Posted on

904 Events Calendar October 19, 2022

Jacksonville Car Culture events calendar

Caffeine and Octane

The next Caffeine and Octane is set from 8 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12, at The Avenues mall’s Southside Boulevard parking lots.

This month, we celebrate BMW, Broncos and Custom Built/Modified vehicles in a special display within the Central Lot. Submit your ride for consideration at www.caffeineandoctane.com.

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.

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.

And check out the official photos of last weekend’s C&O as lensed by Derermer Studios.

Upcoming car events:

  Images courtesy Deremer Studios

Jacksonville Car Culture holds its annual December 2 and 3 Holiday Lights Tour and motoring event on Jekyll Island, with an optional cruise up to the site from the River City Marketplace at 5:30 p.m. the first night.

Jekyll Island is about 70 miles from downtown Jacksonville, a small fee required to enter the former winter vacation spot for the millionaires of old. The run includes the Jekyll Island holiday event, with more than 1 million lights, 45,000-plus on a holiday tree alone! Participants can also reserve an overnight stay at the Courtyard Jekyll Island or Residence Inn Jekyll Island on December 2 and an exclusive Caffeine and Octane event on that Saturday.

The cruise is limited to 50 vehicles and will include a stop along the way and an outdoor patio reception at the Courtyard Jekyll Island.

904 Octane Automotive Photography by Deremer Studios, LLC

Cost: $100 for driver and passenger, plus the cost of the hotel room, base rate $169 plus fees/taxes. Participants are asked to bring an unwrapped toy for Wolfson Children’s Hospital. Drivers also get a digital photo of their vehicle by Deremer Studios, LCC.

For full information and to register, go here.

Recent car show action…

Hilary and Mark Becker’s · 

Best in Class at the 2022 Chattanooga Motorcar Festival. 1936 Chrysler C-9 Airflow Coupe.

And dozens of classics, sports cars, hot rods and more lined Centre Street for the 26thannual 8 Flags Car Show.

Ralph Thomas’ 1962 Triumph-based Formosa, built in England

Put on by the Amelia Cruizers in Fernandina Beach. Free for spectators, it benefits local charities.

And the upcoming cars shows….

Fall Cruisin’ to the Creek 2022: Due to Hurricane Ian, Cruisin’ to the Creek, scheduled for last Saturday, is postponed until 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 3, 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.

Eighth annual Southside Business Men’s Club Car Show: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at Fields Cadillac, 7999 Blanding Blvd. in Jacksonville. Show benefits the SBMC’s Youth Achiever and JROTC scholarship programs.

The British Car Classic (All British Car & Bike Show): 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday at the King’s Head Pub, 6460 US-1, St. Augustine. Celebrating 30 years of classic British cars, hosted this year by MG Classics of Jacksonville.

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

Creepy Car Show: 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, October 28, at the Camden County Recreation Center at 1050 Wildcat Drive in Kingsland, Ga. Presented by Heart of Benevolence and partnered with Camden County PSA, this is an annual Trunk or Treat car show. Free for spectators; show vehicle registration fee is $20

Lights Out at Autobahn Speedway: 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday, October 28 at Autobahn Speedway at 6601 Executive Park Court N., off Philips Highway. A Halloween-themed event with fog machines, laser light shows and awards for best dressed and best decorated car.

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.

CrossRoad Church Trunk or Treat: 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, October 30, at the church at 10005 Gate Parkway N., with the North Florida Domestic Car Club. Classic, late model or daily drivers can come out, decorated if desired to pass out candy to children.

38th 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.

11th 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.

Prince of Peace Catholic Church’s 5th annual Car Show: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 5, at the church at 6320 Bennett Road. Free for spectators and $20 show vehicle now, and $25 day of show.

Brumos Collection Saturday Social: 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 12, at the collection at 5159 San Pablo Road S.  Admission is $19.99 per person, tickets at showclix.com. Admission includes visits to the Brumos Collection, with extra cars displayed outside. Some unique engines will be fired up as vehicles from vintage VW buses to race cars will be on display, plus a variety of specialty cars from community members. Charity and automotive vendors will be on site, plus the University of North Florida’s Osprey Racing Team with its Formula SAE race car. Food trucks are also scheduled.

20th Annual Ponte Vedra Auto Show: 7 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.

Holiday Matsuri Car Show at The FIRM (Florida International Rally and Moto Park): 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 3, at the road course and rally course at 7266 Airport Road in Starke. Called the largest single day drift event in Florida, it includes a Toys for Tots toy drive. No charge to be in the car show, with free parking. Drift event tickets are $20 per person at the gate ($15 if purchased online, see link).

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.

North Florida Domestic Car Club’s cruise-in: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. each first Saturday of the month at a new site – 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.

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…

NASCAR.com

NASCAR legend gave Leonard Wood had a special gift recently for Edsel Ford, Henry Ford’s great-grandson.

And it’s a working half-scale model of the then state-of-the-art Ford Sweepstakes that Henry himself wheeled to victory against Alexander Winton on Oct. 10, 1901. That win launched Ford Motor Company from hope to reality.

Wood, a member of the legendary Wood Brothers, handcrafted the model with the same materials as the original, presenting it to Edsel Ford at the Ford Performance Technical Center. Wood and his late brother Glen, founders of Wood Brothers Racing’s NASCAR Cup Series team in 1950, each received full-size replicas of the vehicle for the car’s 100th anniversary back in 2001. Shortly after the 120th anniversary — and some three months after his 87th birthday — Wood got to work on a replica of his own.

“I looked at this thing and said, ‘What more rewarding would it be to make a half size one of these?’” Wood told NASCAR.com.

Wood took 120 photos of the original, requesting the help of machinist Benny Belcher to make the brass handles and latches, as well as its automatic oiler. Mike “Andretti” Smith paint-matched the original.

   Zach Sturniolo|NASCAR Studios

“Well, I was told it was 50 percent the size of the original car. Of course, it’s hard to comprehend what that means until Leonard drove it in,” Ford said. “And then you see it for the first time and I was overwhelmed. Then you get a closer look at it, and you see the detail that went into making it. It’s just, it’s remarkable.”

Autocross, drag racing and a car show as the Grassroots Motorsports $2000 Challenge presented by Tire Rack returns to Gainesville Raceway this Friday and Saturday. 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.

Posted on

904 Event Calendar September 7, 2022

Jacksonville Car Culture events calendar

Caffeine and Octane

The next Caffeine and Octane is set from 8 to 11 a.m. on Saturday at The Avenues mall’s Southside Boulevard parking lots, and slammed or lifted vehicles are the featured fun in the central display area.

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.

FYI – Caffeine and Octane could use some volunteer attendants for its Porsche Corner, Gate 4 and Exotics rows from either 6:30 to 9 a.m., or 8:45 to 11 a.m. Seek out Chris Brewer or other senior volunteers at the checkered flag tent.

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!

Recent car event happenings:

A steamy day at last weekend’s revived Caffeine and Gasoline, first Saturday of the month cruise-in from 7 to 10 a.m. at J-Tech Institute at 8813 Western Way in Jacksonville. Here’s a few of the rides:

Upcoming car events:

Nitro Extreme 2022 Tour: Thursday, September 22 through Sunday, September 25, 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.

Images courtesy Nitro Extreme

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 Thursday, Friday and Saturday; plus 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. Sunday and a 4:30 p.m. Saturday show.

And the upcoming cars shows….

7th Annual Freedom Fest Car Show: 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday outside the JCPenney at the Orange Park Mall at 1910 Wells Road. This year presents the Truck and Off-Road Edition, although show vehicles of all kinds are invited. The show highlights the service that firefighters, police officers, active duty, reserves armed forces, and first responders provide. Free to spectators, registration is $25 in advance and $35 day of show here.

International Ford Model A Day: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, at Black Knight Financial Services at 601 Riverside Ave. Open to all 1928 to 1931 Ford Model A cars and trucks in original style – no hot rods please.

MOVIE NIGHT POSTPONED UNTIL OCTOBER 8, 2022

POSTPONED UNTIL OCTOBER 8, 2022: 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 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.”

Best Of the Nest Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 17, at Yulee High School, 85375 Miner Road. The Yulee High School Cheerleaders and Amelia Island Cruisers present the show to benefit the YHS Cheer program.

Fort Clinch State Park Cars and Cannons: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, September 24, 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, September 24, at the church at 8531 N. Main St. Free.

Rev Out Cancer Car, Truck and Bike Show: noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 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, September 24, 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.

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.

Fall Cruisin’ to the Creek 2022: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sat. 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.

43rd 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.

Second annual Next Generation Outreach of F.U.M.C. Car Show: 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, October8, 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.

26th 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): Saturday, October 22, at the King’s Head Pub. 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.

38th 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.

11th 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: 7 to 10 p.m. every fourth Friday at Autobahn 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…

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.