EV Rider reviewer Dan Scanlan takes a test drive in a 2026 Subaru Outback Premium, its seventh generation gaining a more SUV-like demeanor.

There’s boxy bumpers, a squared-off profile and serious body cladding, plus functionally blocky roof bars. It rides 8-plus inches off the ground atop chunky Dunlop Grand Trek rubber, looking capable of off-roading.

Inside, a pair of foot-wide digital screens – and a few needed buttons. Rubber floor mats to catch mud are underfoot, while you and three other adults nestle in softly supportive Star Tex pseudo-leather seats. There’s wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto, a decent audio system, and voice command for lots of functions. Along with a big cargo area, there’s a naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter BOXER (flat) four with 180 hp, a Lineartronic CVT with 8-speed manual mode function, all-wheel-drive and an X-MODE mud and snow option – it can tackle off-road.

So read lots more about this – Subaru Outback Premium Updated For 2026– and see more interior and exterior images by EV Rider reviewer Dan Scanlan. And check out lots more views of EV, PHEV and ICE vehicles at EV Rider.

Jacksonville Car Culture events calendar:

The next Caffeine & Octane Jacksonville, set for 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, at The Avenues mall at 10300 Southside Blvd. They will be collecting new, unwrapped toys to benefit Wolfson Children’s Hospital’s Child Life Programs! Bring your toy and drop it off at the checkered tent. And this event is celebrating vehicles that are decorated for the holidays in its Feature Area. 

Gentle reminders – All vehicles parked in the Central Lot Features area must remain in place until the show concludes. If you cannot stay until then, please park in the exhibit lot. And please listen to C&O volunteer staff.

Past events:

Jacksonville Car Culture held its 5th Jekyll Island Christmas Light tour – and lots of friends rolled in for the holiday road:

There was even time for a car show of rides that rang in the season…

Upcoming events:

Frank Petersen Career Academy Showcase: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, at the academy at 7450 Wilson Blvd. Free for spectators and $25 to register show vehicles.

Morning Motor Social “EURO NITE 2”: 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at Carroll Autowerks at 545 International Golf Parkway in St. Augustine – free for spectators and show vehicles. Pre-register at morningmotorsocial.com.

Import Expo Jacksonville Car Show: 5 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Prime Osborn Convention Center at 1000 Water St. Open to imports, domestics, modified and sports cars, registration free (pre-registration required at this link), and $35 admission day of show. Info at importexpo.net/jacksonville.

Southeast Eurofest + Volkfest: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 17, at the Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine 

at 4730 U.S. 1 S. Dixie Highway South in St. Augustine.

**Rescheduled — Mandarin Athletic Association Car Show: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 18, at Burnett Park, 3740 Burnett Park Road. Free for spectators and $20 per show vehicle – proceeds benefit MAA.

: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24, at The Journey Church at 95707 Amelia Concourse in Fernandina Beach. Free for spectators and $30 per show vehicle.

2nd annual Down at the Bay Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24, at Cedar Bay Baptist Church, 11553 N. Main St. Free for spectators and $20 per show vehicle.

Photo by Endurance Karting

Time to sign up for the 24th Annual Jacksonville Grand Prix, set for Friday and Saturday, Feb. 27 and 28, at North Florida Kart Club at 10244 103rd Street in Jacksonville. Endurance Karting’s longest-running event is back at a track with banked turns and a lengthy 1,000-foot straightaway. All entries drive 10 hp Honda Powered Dino Racing Karts provided by Endurance Karting. Race Pricing – 50 Minutes Practice & Qualifying + 6 Hour Race + All Safety Gear included – $1950/Team Entry with $500 benefiting Spina Bifida of Jacksonville.

Registration is open for the annual Classic Motorsports Amelia Island Kickoff presented by Sunoco: Set for Friday March 6, the day before The Amelia concours on Saturday. About 150 must-see cars, from legendary collector cars to iconic race machines, are expected starting at 1 p.m. that Friday on Fernandina Beach’s Main Beach Park, just a few miles north of the Ritz-Carlton. Spectator entry is free, while vehicle entry, limited to 150 pre-registered cars, is $45 per. All cars must preregister.

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

All the Cruise-ins…

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

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

Caffeine and Gasoline: 8 to 11 a.m. each first Saturday of the month at J-Tech Institute at 8813 Western Way in Jacksonville. House rules – “respect the property.” 

Morning Motor Social: 8: to 11 a.m. every third Saturday of each month, at Park Place at Nocatee, 100 Palmetto Park Place in Ponte Vedra – free for spectators and show vehicles. Pre-register at morningmotorsocial.com.

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

UB Coffee & Cars: 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. every Sunday at the Urban Bean Coffeehouse Café at 2023 Park Ave. in Orange Park – sponsored by Classic Motorworks.

Duval Car, Truck and Bike Meet: noon to 5 p.m. every first Saturday at 10749 N. Main St.

Rides and Brews: 8 to 10 a.m. each first Saturday of each month at 10618 Deerwood Park Blvd. – held for car clubs and vehicles, organized by vehicle style, by the North Florida Type R/Type S community.

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

Cruise-in at the Creek: 9 a.m. to noon every fifth Saturday at Trout Creek Park, 6550 Florida 13 N.

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

Jeeps and Java: 9 to 11 a.m. each third Sunday of the month at Rummies and Yummies bakery and coffee bar at 1580 Wells Road – a free cruise-in for Jeep owners.

Duval Car, Truck and Bike meet: Free cruise-in from noon to 5 p.m. each 1st and 3rd Saturday at the shopping center at 3000 Dunn Ave. 

Orange Blossom Breakfast Show: 8 to 11 a.m. every third Saturday at Orange Blossom Diner at 14329 Beach Blvd., presented by Beaches Classic Cruisers and Carl Bush.

Beaches Classic Cruisers new event: Second Sunday Coffee and Carburetors, 10 a.m. Sunday Nov. 9, at the Hotel Palms at 28 Sherry Drive in Atlantic Beach.

Amelia Cruizers: 3 to 5 p.m. on the third Saturday of each month, meeting in the parking lot by the old Krystal’s (Citrona & Sadler) between 2-2:30. At 2:30 p.m., they cruise through downtown Townies Pizza, 819 T.J. Courson Road.

Jax Beach Classic Car Cruise: 4 to 7 p.m. every fourth Tuesday at Latham Plaza, 143 2nd St. N. in Jacksonville Beach. This is a City of Jacksonville Beach sponsored event, but November’s is the last cruise of the year because Deck the Chairs takes over Latham Plaza through December.

***Postponed for December – returns in January – Cruisin’ Classics Cruise-in: 1 to 4 p.m. the first Sunday of each month on the back lawn of the Elks Lodge at 1855 West Road, off Beach Boulevard – Hamburgers and more on sale.

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

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

First Coast Car Council: All cruise-ins postponed.

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

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

Cruise Fruit Cove: The Sunshine State Chevelles’ cruise-in hours are 12 to 4 p.m. every third Saturday at the PDQ at 194 Florida 13 in Saint Johns, just south of Julington Creek. BUT FYI – December’s Fruit Cove cruise-in will be the last until a new contract is signed between the Sunshine State Chevelles and Gate Petroleum. They will also postpone January’s cruise-in – more to come.

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

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

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

Jeremiah’s Italian Ice cruise-in: noon to 3 p.m. every fourth Saturday at the business at 18111 Golden Eagle Way on Fleming Island. 

Apex Auto Car Show and Cruise-in: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. every third Saturday of the month at Apex Automotive, 9962 San Jose Blvd. 

Cars, Bikes and Burgers: 7:30 to 11 p.m. every last Friday of each month at Steak ‘n Shake at 10661 San Jose Blvd.

Clay County Cruzers’ events: 2 to 5 p.m. every first Saturday at Big Dawg Sports Restaurant, 1330 Blanding Blvd.; New – 1 to 4 p.m. the second Saturday of each month at Whitey’s Fish Camp at 2032 County Road 20 in Fleming Island; 2 to 5 p.m. every third Saturday at Callahan’s Irish Bistro, 2141 Loch Rane Blvd. in Orange Park; and 2 to 5 p.m. every fourth Saturday at Gator’s Dockside, 8316 Merchants Way, Jacksonville.

Oakleaf Classic Car Cruise-In: 5 p.m. every fourth Friday at Trinity Oakleaf, 710 Oakleaf Plantation Parkway in Orange Park, with food truck – Clay County Cruzers.

Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine events:

Ancient City Jeep Club’s annual Jeep Show: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec.13. The regular monthly cruise-ins: St. Augustine Cruiser’s “Cruise In” from 5 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday, and Cars and Coffee from 8 to 10 a.m. every fourth Saturday. Both cruise-ins are at 4730 U.S. 1 S. Dixie Highway South in St. Augustine. And the museum is open Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

But wait, here’s more…

Britain-based Encor has done a carbon-fiber remastering of the iconic Lotus Esprit, 50 years after its Paris debut.

The Encor Series 1 gets modern engineering and a rebuilt 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-8, only 50 examples to be made.

The design and engineering team behind the project – drawn from experience with Lotus, Aston Martin, Koenigsegg and Skyships Automotive – had a goal to remaster it with the sensitivity, craftsmanship and capability of the present day, without disturbing the purity that made it so extraordinary in the first place.

“The S1 Esprit was forward-thinking, pure and utterly uncompromised,” says Daniel Durrant, Encor’s Head of Design and former Lead Designer at Lotus for the Emira. “To touch a shape like this is a huge responsibility. Every line we’ve refined, every decision we’ve made, is about honoring the original’s intent while letting the car perform, feel and function the way its silhouette always promised.”

The distinctive two-piece mold line of the 1970s fiberglass body is replaced by an uninterrupted autoclaved carbon-fiber shell that captures the purity of early sketches. Ultra-compact LED projectors are integrated into low-profile pop-up housings – retains the distinctive wedge front end, but with contemporary performance and a cleaner aerodynamic face.

Inspired by the original slot-mag design and the later Sport 350 five-spokes, Encor’s forged and billet-machined wheels reinterpret familiar cues with modern structural clarity and proportion.

The engine now produces approximately 400 hp, with 350 lb ft of torque, acceleration from 0-62 mph expected to take four seconds, with a top speed close to 175 mph. Suspension components are upgraded to Sport 350 specification; braking is delivered by AP Racing; steering remains hydraulically assisted rather than electric, preserving the tactile, driver-focused character fundamental to the original Esprit.

Inside, the Series 1 preserves the Esprit’s most memorable elements: the dramatically sloped dashboard; the cockpit-like wraparound instrument binnacle; the tartan accents; a floating instrument cluster machined from a single billet of aluminum and wrapped around a modern digital display. Seats are restored, re-foamed and re-trimmed. Deliveries will begin in Q2 2026.

The Amelia Concours – Three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dario Franchitti is the 2026 honoree at the event in early March. And the concours d’elegance – the classic car gathering at the huge weekend classic car event on Amelia Island, is set for a Saturday, and not a Sunday as in past, Hagerty says.

Franchitti won the Indy 500 in 2007, 2010 and 2012, and is also a 4-time IndyCar champion. The concours on Saturday, March 7th will see a collection of his race cars joining the annual display of 200-plus classics this year including Can-Am Racers and Corvettes. More details and ticket pre-sales are at ameliaconcours.com.

Porsche Werks

Registration has opened for Porsche Werks Reunion Amelia Island 2026, always held the same weekend as The Amelia.

This event will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the introduction of the 924 in 1976, as well as the series of transaxle Porsches, which will be the feature cars for Werks Reunion 2026.

To register your Porsche, go to https://www.werksreunion.com/amelia.cfm

EV Rider reviewer Dan Scanlan has the flagship SUV of the 123-year-old Cadillac brand – 17.5-feet-worth of multi-row luxury, tech and suavity.

The fifth-generation of the Escalade may not have the brand new IQ EV’s technological finesse, but it gains some of the non-ICE luxury wagon’s look inside and out, from LED light blades to a sweeping digital screen for driver – and passenger.

So read lot’s more about this, and see more interior and exterior images by EV Rider reviewer Dan Scanlan – 2025 Cadillac Escalade Combines Pace With Grace. And check out lots more views of EV, PHEV and ICE vehicles at EV Rider.

Jacksonville Car Culture events calendar:

The next Caffeine & Octane Jacksonville is set for 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 9, at The Avenues mall at 10300 Southside Blvd. Gentle reminders – All vehicles parked in the Central Lot Features area must remain in place until the show concludes. If you cannot stay until then, please park in the exhibit lot.

First Coast Recap:

Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine: Last Saturday, hosted by the St. Augustine – like this rare 1970’s Jensen-Healey, and a Willys-Knight: 

A 1990’s Panoz Roadster, built by Danny Panoz and his crew in a small factory in Braselton, Ga. – Ford Cobra V-8 inside, alloy body outside, and VW Super Beetle windshield.

Clay County Cruzers last Saturday at Gator’s Dockside: Very hot, but packed. This is real – not a kit car – but a late 1990’s Mitsuoka Ryoga, a retro-styled compact made in Japan off a Nissan Sunny – basically our Sentra – the nose styled to look like a 1960’s Jaguar sedan.

And some of the rest:

Upcoming events:

Cars, Culture, Community car show and open house: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, at the Jacksonville Sports Car Museum, 7601 Centurion Parkway. General Admission: $20; kids 12 & under: free (with adult). Includes museum access and entertainment. First Coast Hot Wheels Club, VW Bus retro photo booth, games and more for all ages.

Cruis’N Into Class Car Show: 10 a.m. on Saturday, at the Maceo Elks Lodge at 712 West Duval St. in Jacksonville. Free for spectators and $25 for show vehicles – school supplies will be distributed.

Low ‘n Clean Jacksonville Car and Truck Show: 1 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, at the Northeast Florida Fairgrounds at 543378 US-1 in Callahan. General admission is $17.20 plus fees, with show vehicle registration starting at $48.65 plus fees, and VIP tent display at $59.04 plus fees.

Street Passions Car Show: 2 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, at Passions Gentleman’s Club, 9801 Beach Blvd. Free for spectators and 425 per show vehicle.

Ultimate Car Show, presented by the Town of Hilliard: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6^th at 37328 W. First St. Free for spectators and $20 per show vehicle.

Touch A Truck – What Moves Clay: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 6 at the Clay County Fairgrounds on Florida 16 in Green Cove Springs. This free event will bring dozens of service vehicles for kids to see up close, plus food trucks, indoor and outdoor activities and free giveaways. Visitors can view the vehicles during quiet time from 9 to 11 a.m., then see them in action during the lights and sounds portion, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Chili’s Car Show: 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 13, at Chili’s at 1664 Wells Road in Orange Park. Free for spectators and $20 per show vehicles – proceeds benefit St. Jude.

FreedomFest Car Show: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13 at the U.S.S. Orleck/Jacksonville Naval Museum at 610 E. Bay St. Free for spectators and $30 show vehicle registration in advance. Event also celebrates the U.S.S. Orleck’s 80^th birthday.

JEA EV Ride & Drive: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13 at Florida State College at Jacksonville’s Cecil Center, 5640 POW-MIA Memorial Parkway. Along with dealership ride and drives, an EV Owners Car Show, stakeholder booths, games and food trucks, the FSCJ Automotive Technology department and North Florida Electrathon will show off some Electrathon Florida racing – custom-bult single seat electric race cars in competition.

True Point Church Cruise-in for Jesus: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, at Truth Point Church, 5330 Dunn Ave. Free for spectators and $20 per show vehicle, proceeds to benefit children and youth programs.

R.A.W. Music Festival and S.A.W. Kustomz Cars for a Cause: 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27, at Flamingo Lake RV Resort at 3640 Newcomb Road. Free to spectators and $20 for show vehicles, proceeds benefitting the MS Foundation.

Cruisin’ to the Creek Fall Car and Truck Show: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. n Saturday, Oct. 4, at Trout Creek Memorial Park, 6550 Florida 13 N. in Orangedale. All proceeds benefit Ronald McDonald House of Jacksonville.

2025 Fall Classic/Pontiac-Oakland-GMC Car Show: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine, 4730 Dixie Highway in St. Augustine. Free for spectators and $25 in advance/$30 day of show for display vehicles. Presented by the Dixie Chapter Pontiac Club.

Cars of Purpose Rev Out Cancer Pink Out Show: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 18 and 19, at the Clay County Fairgrounds at 2463 Florida 16 in Green Cove Springs. 

29th Annual 8-Flags Car Show: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18 on Centre Street in historic Centre Street in Fernandina Beach. Free for spectators and $30 per show vehicle – advance registration required – no day of show registration. Proceeds go to local organizations.

NBIA Auto Show: 9 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1, at St. Anastasia Catholic Church at 5205 Florida A1A S. in St. Augustine Beach.

Ponte Vedra Auto Show: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 2, at Nocatee Station Field, 245 Nocatee Center Way in Ponte Vedra Beach. Free for spectators – more info to come.

Ground Up Motors Fall Car Show: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8, at 2 Commerce Blvd. in Palm Coast. More news coming soon.

FlightLine After Dark: An exclusive hangar cocktail experience brings together exotic cars, private jets, and Jacksonville’s finest cuisine on Saturday, Nov. 8, at Jax Executive Jet Center, 985 Charles Lindbergh Drive, driven by Tom Bush BMW. Visit flightlineafterdark.com for information and tickets – raises funds for JaxPAL’s capital improvement project to help build a $2M turf field and track for our city’s youth.

18th annual Back to the Fifties Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8, at Moosehaven, 1701 Park Ave. in Orange Park. Free for spectator and $25 day-of-show for show vehicles, the event includes the annual chili cookoff. 

USS Orleck Car Show:10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Jacksonville Naval Museum at 610 E. Bay St. Free for spectators and $30 per show vehicle, proceeds to benefit the museum. Show hosted by the museum, NAPA Auto Parts and the Corvette Club of Jacksonville.

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

All the Cruise-ins…

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

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

Caffeine and Gasoline: 8 to 11 a.m. each first Saturday of the month at J-Tech Institute at 8813 Western Way in Jacksonville. House rules – “respect the property.” 

North Florida Domestic Car Club’s cruise-in: 5 to 8 p.m. on each first Saturday of the month at Culhane’s Irish Pub, 9720 Deer Lake Court off Southside Boulevard.

Morning Motor Social: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. on the third Saturday of each month at Park Place at Nocatee, 100 Palmetto Park Place in Ponte Vedra – free for spectators and show vehicles, all makes and models welcome. And Extreme SIM Racing & REViT SIM Racing will bring state-of-the-art racing simulators onsite.

And…Morning Motor Social “Night Edition”: 6:30 pm. each third Saturday, at 100 Palmetto Park Place in Ponte Vedra.. Organizers are curating a JDM Showcase for their August event and on the hunt for the cleanest builds and wildest rides from Japan.

Duval Car, Truck and Bike Meet: noon to 5 p.m. every first Saturday at 10749 N. Main St.

Rides and Brews: 8 to 10 a.m. each first Saturday of each month at 10618 Deerwood Park Blvd. Then at 6 to 9 p.m. each third Saturday of the month, Rides and Brews meets at World of Beers Bar and Kitchen at 5105 Butler Blvd. Both are held for car clubs and vehicles, organized by vehicle style, by the North Florida Type R/Type S community.

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

Cruise-in at the Creek: 9 a.m. to noon every fifth Saturday at Trout Creek Park, 6550 Florida 13 N.

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

New listing – Jeeps and Java: 9 to 11 a.m. each third Sunday of the month at Rummies and Yummies bakery and coffee bar at 1580 Wells Road – a free cruise-in for Jeep owners.

Duval Car, Truck and Bike meet: Free cruise-in from noon to 5 p.m. each 1st and 3rd Saturday at the shopping center at 3000 Dunn Ave. 

Orange Blossom Breakfast Show: 8 to 11 a.m. every third Saturday at Orange Blossom Diner at 14329 Beach Blvd., presented by Beaches Classic Cruisers and Carl Bush.

Amelia Cruizers: 3 to 5 p.m. on the third Saturday of each month, meeting in the parking lot by the old Krystal’s (Citrona & Sadler) between 2-2:30. At 2:30 p.m., they cruise through downtown Townies Pizza, 819 T.J. Courson Road.

Jax Beach Classic Car Cruise: 4 to 7 p.m. every fourth Tuesday at Latham Plaza, 143 2nd St. N. in Jacksonville Beach. This is a City of Jacksonville Beach sponsored event. Park on the walkway at Latham Plaza.

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

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

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

First Coast Car Council: All cruise-ins postponed.

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

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

Cruise Fruit Cove: The Sunshine State Chevelles’ cruise-in hours are 12 to 4 p.m. every third Saturday at the PDQ at 194 Florida 13 in Saint Johns, just south of Julington Creek.

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

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

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

Jeremiah’s Italian Ice cruise-in: noon to 3 p.m. every fourth Saturday at the business at 18111 Golden Eagle Way on Fleming Island. 

Apex Auto Car Show and Cruise-in: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. every third Saturday of the month at Apex Automotive, 9962 San Jose Blvd. 

Cars, Bikes and Burgers: 7:30 to 11 p.m. every last Friday of each month at Steak ‘n Shake at 10661 San Jose Blvd.

Clay County Cruzers’ events: 2 to 5 p.m. every first Saturday at Big Dawg Sports Restaurant, 1330 Blanding Blvd.; 2 to 5 p.m. every second Saturday – Woody’s barbecue, 2452 Stoney Glen Drive in Fleming Island; 2 to 5 p.m. every third Saturday at Callahan’s Irish Bistro, 2141 Loch Rane Blvd. in Orange Park; and 2 to 5 p.m. every fourth Saturday at Gator’s Dockside, 8316 Merchants Way, Jacksonville.

Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine events:

The regular monthly cruise-ins: St. Augustine Cruiser’s “Cruise In” from 5 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday, and Cars and Coffee from 8 to 10 a.m. every fourth Saturday. Both cruise-ins are at 4730 U.S. 1 S. Dixie Highway South in St. Augustine. And the museum is open Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wait, there’s more…

Courtesy The Amelia/Hagerty

Three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dario Franchitti is the 2026 honoree at The Amelia concours d’elegance in early March.

And the concours d’elegance – the classic car gathering at the huge weekend classic car event on Amelia Island, is set for a Saturday, and not a Sunday as in past, Hagerty says.

Franchitti won the Indy 500 in 2007, 2010 and 2012, and is also a 4-time IndyCar champion. The concours on Saturday, March 7th will see a collection of his race cars joining the annual display of 200-plus classics this year including Can-Am Racers and Corvettes.

The Amelia’s activities also include a kickoff party on March 5th, and Hagerty’s Broad Arrow Auctions on March 6th and 7th. The expanded Cars & Community show for regional cars and clubs is on March 8th.

Bill Warner, a Jacksonville businessman, car collector and magazine photographer, founded The Amelia in 1996. The automotive charity event is always held the first weekend of March at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island and the 10th and 18th fairways of the Golf Club of Amelia Island. The event has generated more than $4 million in donations to Community Hospice & Palliative Care, Spina Bifida of Jacksonville and Shop with Cops. 

More details and ticket pre-sales are at ameliaconcours.com.

GM has revealed the second in a series of three Chevrolet Corvette concept design studies.

The California Corvette concept was developed by GM’s Advanced Design studios in Pasadena, as part of a global design project. This latest concept reimagines the Corvette with a futuristic, Southern California twist and reflects GM’s deep roots in the SoCal design community.

“Our Advanced Design teams are dedicated to shaping the future, driving innovation, and exploring what’s possible,” said Bryan Nesbitt, vice president of global design. “The California Corvette concept is another example of forward-thinking design. We invited multiple GM studios to envision Corvette-inspired hypercars — the first of which was revealed by our UK studio in March. The California team has now delivered a complementary study that honors Corvette’s legendary performance, while infusing it with their own distinctive vision.”

While there is no production intent behind this design study, the Pasadena team embraced this project as a blank slate to reimagine what the Corvette could be. 

“Southern California has been at the heart of automotive and design culture for a century, and GM has had a deep design presence here for nearly 40 years. We wanted to ensure that this concept was developed through that SoCal lens, but with a global and futuristic outlook. Duality of purpose is the basis of this concept’s design strategy,” said Brian Smith, design director, GM Advanced Design Pasadena. “The defining design aspect is the single-piece, front-hinged canopy than enables the entire upper shell to be removed, transforming the concept from an agile, slick sports car to a lightweight, open-air track car.”

The body structure has a tunneled underbody with lightweight carbon tub; staggered wheels – 21-inch front and 22-inch rear; and is 182.5 inches long.

Stickerdick’s Garage: There’s a new podcast in town by the guy who brings you the Stickerdick’s award for the coolest ride at many local car events.

Listen in with Mark Richardson on personal stories, adventures, truths and “lies” about the things car folks talk about in the garage, or working on our rides! Produced at WJCT Media’s new podcast studio, and at a car event near us.

Jacksonville Car Culture events calendar:

The next Caffeine & Octane Jacksonville is set for 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 9, at The Avenues mall at 10300 Southside Blvd. Gentle reminders – All vehicles parked in the Central Lot Features area must remain in place until the show concludes. If you cannot stay until then, please park in the exhibit lot.

Past events:

Last Saturday’s Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville saw a frunk-load of toys for the annual Christmas in July Toy Drive for Wolfson Children’s Hospital.

And here’s some hot wheels – not the kind donated!

And here’s something you will rarely see outside of C&O Jax—

An early 1970’s Volkswagen Brasília – the rear-engined compact made and sold in Brazil to replace the Beetle in the Brazilian market. Three- and five-door hatchback body style, looking a bit like the Volkswagen 412 briefly sold in the U.S.

Upcoming events:

Morning Motor Social “Euro Night Edition”: 6:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday at 100 Palmetto Park Place in Ponte Vedra Beach – free Euro and Exotic vehicle cruise-in..

Cars, Culture, Community car show and open house: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 2, at the Jacksonville Sports Car Museum, 7601 Centurion Parkway. General Admission: $20; kids 12 & under: free (with adult). Includes museum access and entertainment. First Coast Hot Wheels Club, VW Bus retro photo booth, games and more for all ages.

Community School Supply Cruise-In: 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, July 25, at  Jacksonville Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram at 11101 Nurseryfield Drive. Admission is a backpack or school supplies.

Cruis’N Into Class Car Show: 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 2, at the Maceo Elks Lodge at 712 West Duval St. in Jacksonville. Free for spectators and $25 for show vehicles – school supplies will be distributed.

Low ‘n Clean Jacksonville Car and Truck Show: 1 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 2, at the Northeast Florida Fairgrounds at 543378 US-1 in Callahan. General admission is $17.20 plus fees, with show vehicle registration starting at $48.65 plus fees, and VIP tent display at $59.04 plus fees.

Street Passions Car Show: 2 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 2 at Passions Gentleman’s Club, 9801 Beach Blvd. Free for spectators and 425 per show vehicle.

Ultimate Car Show, presented by the Town of Hilliard: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6^th at 37328 W. First St. Free for spectators and $20 per show vehicle.

Chili’s Car Show: 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 13, at Chili’s at 1664 Wells Road in Orange Park. Free for spectators and $20 per show vehicles – proceeds benefit St. Jude.

True Point Church Cruise-in for Jesus: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, at Truth Point Church, 5330 Dunn Ave. Free for spectators and $20 per show vehicle, proceeds to benefit children and youth programs.

R.A.W. Music Festival and S.A.W. Kustomz Cars for a Cause: 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27, at Flamingo Lake RV Resort at 3640 Newcomb Road. Free to spectators and $20 for show vehicles, proceeds benefitting the MS Foundation.

Cruisin’ to the Creek Fall Car and Truck Show: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. n Saturday, Oct. 4, at Trout Creek Memorial Park, 6550 Florida 13 N. in Orangedale. All proceeds benefit Ronald McDonald House of Jacksonville.

2025 Fall Classic/Pontiac-Oakland-GMC Car Show: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine, 4730 Dixie Highway in St. Augustine. Free for spectators and $25 in advance/$30 day of show for display vehicles. Presented by the Dixie Chapter Pontiac Club.

Cars of Purpose Rev Out Cancer Pink Out Show: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 18 and 19, at the Clay County Fairgrounds at 2463 Florida 16 in Green Cove Springs. 

29th Annual 8-Flags Car Show: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18 on Centre Street in historic Centre Street in Fernandina Beach. Free for spectators and $30 per show vehicle – advance registration required – no day of show registration. Proceeds go to local organizations.

NBIA Auto Show: 9 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1, at St. Anastasia Catholic Church at 5205 Florida A1A S. in St. Augustine Beach.

Ponte Vedra Auto Show: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 2, at Nocatee Station Field, 245 Nocatee Center Way in Ponte Vedra Beach. Free for spectators – more info to come.

FlightLine After Dark: An exclusive hangar cocktail experience brings together exotic cars, private jets, and Jacksonville’s finest cuisine on Saturday, November 8, at Jax Executive Jet Center, 985 Charles Lindbergh Drive, driven by Tom Bush BMW. Visit flightlineafterdark.com for information and tickets – raises funds for JaxPAL’s capital improvement project to help build a $2M turf field and track for our city’s youth.

USS Orleck Car Show:10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Jacksonville Naval Museum at 610 E. Bay St. Free for spectators and $30 per show vehicle, proceeds to benefit the museum. Show hosted by the museum, NAPA Auto Parts and the Corvette Club of Jacksonville.

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

All the Cruise-ins…

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

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

Caffeine and Gasoline: 8 to 11 a.m. each first Saturday of the month at J-Tech Institute at 8813 Western Way in Jacksonville. House rules – “respect the property.” 

North Florida Domestic Car Club’s cruise-in: 5 to 8 p.m. on each first Saturday of the month at Culhane’s Irish Pub, 9720 Deer Lake Court off Southside Boulevard.

Morning Motor Social: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. on the third Saturday of each month at Park Place at Nocatee, 100 Palmetto Park Place in Ponte Vedra – free for spectators and show vehicles, all makes and models welcome. And Extreme SIM Racing & REViT SIM Racing will bring state-of-the-art racing simulators onsite.

*** Next Morning Motor Social “Night Edition”: 6:30 pm. Saturday July 19, at 100 Palmetto Park Place in Ponte Vedra.

Duval Car, Truck and Bike Meet: noon to 5 p.m. every first Saturday at 10749 N. Main St.

Rides and Brews: 8 to 10 a.m. each first Saturday of each month at 10618 Deerwood Park Blvd. Then at 6 to 9 p.m. each third Saturday of the month, Rides and Brews meets at World of Beers Bar and Kitchen at 5105 Butler Blvd. Both are held for car clubs and vehicles, organized by vehicle style, by the North Florida Type R/Type S community.

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

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

Cruise-in at the Creek: 9 a.m. to noon every fifth Saturday at Trout Creek Park, 6550 Florida 13 N.

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

New listing – Jeeps and Java: 9 to 11 a.m. each third Sunday of the month at Rummies and Yummies bakery and coffee bar at 1580 Wells Road – a free cruise-in for Jeep owners.

Duval Car, Truck and Bike meet: Free cruise-in from noon to 5 p.m. each 1st and 3rd Saturday at the shopping center at 3000 Dunn Ave. 

Orange Blossom Breakfast Show: 8 to 11 a.m. every third Saturday at Orange Blossom Diner at 14329 Beach Blvd., presented by Beaches Classic Cruisers and Carl Bush.

Amelia Cruizers: 3 to 5 p.m. on the third Saturday of each month, meeting in the parking lot by the old Krystal’s (Citrona & Sadler) between 2-2:30. At 2:30 p.m., they cruise through downtown Townies Pizza, 819 T.J. Courson Road.

Jax Beach Classic Car Cruise: 4 to 7 p.m. every fourth Tuesday at Latham Plaza, 143 2nd St. N. in Jacksonville Beach. This is a City of Jacksonville Beach sponsored event. Park on the walkway at Latham Plaza.

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

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

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

First Coast Car Council: All cruise-ins postponed.

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

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

Cruise Fruit Cove: The Sunshine State Chevelles’ cruise-in hours are 12 to 4 p.m. every third Saturday at the PDQ at 194 Florida 13 in Saint Johns, just south of Julington Creek.

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

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

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

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

Jeremiah’s Italian Ice cruise-in: noon to 3 p.m. every fourth Saturday at the business at 18111 Golden Eagle Way on Fleming Island. 

Apex Auto Car Show and Cruise-in: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. every third Saturday of the month at Apex Automotive, 9962 San Jose Blvd. 

Cars, Bikes and Burgers: 7:30 to 11 p.m. every last Friday of each month at Steak ‘n Shake at 10661 San Jose Blvd.

Clay County Cruzers’ events: 2 to 5 p.m. every first Saturday at Big Dawg Sports Restaurant, 1330 Blanding Blvd.; 2 to 5 p.m. every second Saturday – Woody’s barbecue, 2452 Stoney Glen Drive in Fleming Island; 2 to 5 p.m. every third Saturday at Callahan’s Irish Bistro, 2141 Loch Rane Blvd. in Orange Park; and 2 to 5 p.m. every fourth Saturday at Gator’s Dockside, 8316 Merchants Way, Jacksonville.

Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine events:

The regular monthly cruise-ins: St. Augustine Cruiser’s “Cruise In” from 5 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday, and Cars and Coffee from 8 to 10 a.m. every fourth Saturday. Both cruise-ins are at 4730 U.S. 1 S. Dixie Highway South in St. Augustine. And the museum is open Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wait, there’s more…

Goodwood Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard was held last weekend around Lord March’s Goodwood estates, which some call the classiest hillclimb of all. And the weekend’s theme was: ‘The Winning Formula – Champions & Challengers,’ as the event hosted its single biggest celebration on the 75th anniversary of the Formula 1 World Championship

Fans welcomed Alain Prost (1985, 1986, 1989, 1993):

Alain Prost at the 2025 Festival of Speed. Ph. by Jack Beasley.

Hillclimb action at the 2025 Festival of Speed. Ph. by Jayson Fong.

Other famous drivers attending included Emerson Fittipaldi (1972, 1974), Sir Jackie Stewart (1969, 1971, 1973), Jacques Villeneuve (1997), Mario Andretti (1978), Mika Häkkinen (1998, 1999) and Nigel Mansell (1992) alongside Bernie Ecclestone, Karun Chandhok and The Duke of Richmond.

With over 100 Formula 1 cars in attendance, the history of Formula 1 was brought to life with cars from all eras of the championship on display in the expanded F1 Pit Lane paddocks – and on the hillclimb:

Hillclimb action at the 2025 Festival of Speed. Ph. by Jayson Fong. (2)

Action on the hillclimb at the 2025 Festival of Speed. Ph. by PA Media.

Teams included Atlassian Williams Racing, McLaren Formula 1, Mercedes AMG Petronas F1, MoneyGram Haas F1, Oracle Red Bull Racing, Scuderia Ferrari HP Formula 1, Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber and the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Formula One Team. Haas brought both their current drivers, Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman, while Liam Lawson and Valtteri Bottas joined their teams across the weekend. Team principals Ayao Komatsu and James Vowles took to the Hill, while Haas owner and founder Gene Haas experienced driving one of his team’s cars for the first time.

Tyrrell-Cosworth 006 at the 2025 Festival of Speed. Ph. by PA Media.

In front of Goodwood House, this year’s Central Feature celebrated Gordon Murray Automotive (GMA), highlighting the extraordinary legacy and innovation that Professor Gordon Murray CBE has brought to the world of automotive design and engineering.

Festival of Speed 2025. Ph. by PA Media.

When the gates open on Aug. 13 to 16 for the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, Calif., fans will celebrate the 75^th anniversary of Formula 1. 

Photos courtesy of Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at WeatherTech

Twenty-five authentic F1 cars from the 1966-1985 non-turbo era will race daily in the Mario Andretti Trophy race. Fans will see, and hear, the 12-cylinder-powered cars from the likes of Tyrrell, Williams, Ferrari, Lotus and Brabham.

Guests will also enjoy an exhibition of more than 30 rarely seen historic F1 cars from museums and private collections. This exhibit marks the first time many of these cars have been displayed together in one place. The collection will feature models ranging from the 1956 Maserati 250F, 1966 Eagle Mk1 and 1986 Benetton B186 to more modern machinery like the 2024 Formula 1 World Constructors’ Championship-winning McLaren MCL38, driven by Lando Norris.

Photos courtesy of Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at WeatherTech

“The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion is the premier showcase for authentic, original, period-correct race cars and it is an incredible honor to host an official celebration for the 75^th anniversary of Formula 1,” said Mel Harder, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca president and general manager. “It will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience to see this jaw-dropping collection of cars and F1 history.”

Event information can be found online at WeatherTechRaceway.com.

Stickerdick’s Garage: There’s a new podcast in town by the guy who brings you the Stickerdick’s award for the coolest ride at many local car events.

Listen in with Mark Richardson on personal stories, adventures, truths and “lies” about the things car folks talk about in the garage, or working on our rides! Produced at WJCT Media’s new podcast studio, and at a car event near us.

Jacksonville Car Culture events calendar:

The next Caffeine & Octane is set for 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 12 at The Avenues mall at 10300 Southside Blvd. The entire parking area will be available. And brand new — Contact C&O if you’d like your car club to be featured in its first ever car club celebration! The first three clubs to reach out will be provided with a section of parking in the central lot — message C&O at https://www.facebook.com/caffeineandoctanejax

Gentle reminders – All vehicles parked in the Central Lot Features area must remain in place until the show concludes. If you cannot stay until then, please park in the exhibit lot.

Past events:

The Amelia by Hagerty celebrated 30 years last weekend at the Golf Club of Amelia Island and The Ritz-Carlton Resort, Hélio Castroneves as the honoree, continuing the event’s longstanding tradition as “the racer’s concours.” FYI – The Amelia Concours d’ Elegance – “The Amelia 2026” – is officially set for. March 5 – 8, 2026.

The Amelia Island Kickoff presented by Sunoco held the weekend’s kickoff show at Main Beach Park in Fernandina.

And right next to it, the  Florida Concours d’Lemons, all part of the Classic Motorsports Magazine Amelia Kick Off …..

Upcoming events:

Southern Vintage Market & Car Cruise-In: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday,; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, at Northeast Florida Fairgrounds, 543378 U.S. 1 in Callahan. No entry or registration fee for this St. Patrick’s Day weekend event.

Old Skool vs. New Skool Car, Truck and Bike Show: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, at Adamec Harley Davidson at 8909 Baymeadows Road.  Free for spectators and $25 fee for show vehicles. Hosted by Callahan Cruisers of North Florida.

Southern Vintage Market and Car Cruise-in: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, at Northeast Florida Fairgrounds at 543378 U.S. 1 in Callahan. Free admission for spectators and show vehicles.

Sacred Heart Spring Carnival Show and Shine: 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Catholic Church at 5752 Blanding Blvd. Free for spectators and $25 per show vehicle.

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

22^nd annual Mustang and Ford Regional Show: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, at Duval Fo1616 Cassat Ave. Spectators are free; $30 show vehicle registration. 

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

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

Rev It Up For Softball Car Show: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 29, at Cedar Creek Christian School, 1372 S. Lane Ave. Free for spectators and $20 per show vehicle.

10^th annual San Jose Car and Truck Show at Dupont Station: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 5, at Dupont Station, 6271 St. Augustine Road. Free for spectators and $25 to enter a car, the show raising funds for the Bishop John J. Snyder Community Center at San Jose Apartments for seniors.

St. Marys Waterfront Auto Show: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 5, at the St. Marys Waterfront Park on West St. Marys Street. Spectators are free, and show vehicles are $40 per – presented by Culture Driven and 912 Auto Spa.

Fifth annual Car-B-Que Classic Car Show: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 5, at the One Church Jacksonville Beach at 324 5^th Street N. 

FSCJ Automotive Technology Car Show: 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 5, at FSCJ Downtown, 401 W. State St. Free for spectators, and $20 per show vehicle.

Classic Car/Motorcycle Show and Rockabilly Music Review: noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 6, at RiverTown Amphitheater, 160 Riverglade Run, off Florida 13 in St. Johns. Free for spectators and $20 per show vehicle. Live music includes Beau and the Burners.

Clay County Fair Demolition Derby: 6 p.m. Thursday, April 10, at the fairgrounds at 2497 Florida 16, Green Cove Springs. Check here for ticket and event information.

Hot Rods for Hope Car Show at Relay for Life: 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, April 11, on Newcastle Street in downtown Brunswick. Free for spectators and $25 registration for show vehicles. www.relayforlife.org/glynnga.

St. Augustine Cruisers Car Show: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, at the Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine at 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway South in St. Augustine.

Low ‘N Clean Jacksonville: 1 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, at Northeast Florida Fairgrounds at 543378 U.S. 1 in Callahan. Spectator admission is $15 per person in advance; $35 for show vehicles: $55 VIP Registration. 

Morning Motor Social: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 19, at Treace Medical Concepts, 100 Palmetto Park Place in Ponte Vedra – free for spectators and show vehicles, all makes and models welcome.

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

Hillcrest Baptist Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, at the church at 7673 Collins Road. Free for spectators, and a $20 registration fee for show vehicles. 

Rumble at the Ranch 4: 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, at the WW Ranch at 1445 Otis Road in Jacksonville. The event includes a car show, burnout contest and more.

Jacksonville SSR Round-Up: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, at Golden Corral at 9070 Merrill Road.

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

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

Annual Memorial Day Rod Run: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, at  449648 U.S. 301 in Callahan – free for spectators and $20 for show vehicles. All proceeds benefit Barnabas Families in Transition program.

Kathleen’s second annual Car Show: 1 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 22, at Cracker’s Bar and Lounge at 1241 Blanding Blvd. in Orange Park. Free for spectators and $15 per show vehicle, or $10 and a new toy – proceeds benefit Wolfsons Children’s Hospital.

Ultimate Car Show, presented by the Town of Hilliard: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 5^th at 37328 W. First St. Free for spectators and $20 per show vehicle.

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

All the Cruise-ins…

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

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

Duval Car, Truck and Bike Meet: noon to 5 p.m. every first Saturday at 10749 N. Main St.

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

Cancelled – 1937 Spirits and Eatery Cruise-in.

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

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

Duval Car, Truck and Bike meet: Free cruise-in from noon to 5 p.m. each 1st and 3rd Saturday at the shopping center at 3000 Dunn Ave. 

Orange Blossom Breakfast Show: 8 to 11 a.m. every third Saturday at Orange Blossom Diner at 14329 Beach Blvd., presented by Beaches Classic Cruisers and Carl Bush.

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

Jax Beach Classic Car Cruise: 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday and every fourth Tuesday at Latham Plaza, 143 2nd St. N. in Jacksonville Beach. This is a City of Jacksonville Beach sponsored event. Park on the walkway at Latham Plaza.

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

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

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

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

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

First Coast Car Council: All cruise-ins postponed.

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

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

Cruise Fruit Cove: The Sunshine State Chevelles’ cruise-in hours are 12 to 4 p.m. every third Saturday at the PDQ at 194 Florida 13 in Saint Johns, just south of Julington Creek.

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

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

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

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

Jeremiah’s Italian Ice cruise-in: noon to 3 p.m. every fourth Saturday at the business at 18111 Golden Eagle Way on Fleming Island. 

Apex Auto Car Show and Cruise-in: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. every third Saturday of the month at Apex Automotive, 9962 San Jose Blvd. This starts in April.

Clay County Cruzers’ events: 2 to 5 p.m. every first Saturday at Big Dawg Sports Restaurant, 1330 Blanding Blvd.; 2 to 5 p.m. every second Saturday at Tom & Betty’s in Orange Park.  2 to 5 p.m. every third Saturday at various sites; and 2 to 5 p.m. every fourth Saturday at Gator’s Dockside, 8316 Merchants Way, Jacksonville.

Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine monthly cruise-ins: St. Augustine Cruiser’s “Cruise In” from 5 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday, and Cars and Coffee from 8 to 10 a.m. every fourth Saturday. Both cruise-ins are at 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway South in St. Augustine. And the museum is open Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

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

Black Rifle Coffee Company Cruise-in: 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 30, and every fifth Sunday, at 1619 County Road 220 in Fleming Island.

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

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

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

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

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

Wait, there’s more… 

Photo courtesy The Brumos Collection

The12 Hours of Sebring is this weekend, and the folks at The Brumos Collection activated its wayback machine to showcase where it all began – 1952, when Brundage Motors founder Hubert Brundage raced this VW Special in the first official 12 Hours of Sebring that year. That was a year before he established his local VW and Porsche dealer on Main Street, which would later become Brumos.

Petersen Automotive Museum

Motorcycles from one of the most extensive and internationally renowned collections in the world will be on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum beginning this weekend. “The American Motorcycle: Pioneering Machines from the Bunch Family Collection” will be displayed in the Richard Varner Family Gallery, highlighting some of the rarest and most historically significant motorcycles ever produced and explore the contributions of American motorcycling pioneers.

Some of the featured motorcycles include the 1898 Cleveland Tricycle, one of America’s oldest motorized cycles from a pioneering manufacturer, featuring the first front spring fork suspension, and the 1904 Thomas Auto-Bi, created by the E.R. Thomas Company, the first motorcycle manufacturer in America to design and build its own bikes.

Petersen Automotive Museum

Then there’s this 1936 Crocker Speedway Racer, produced by Crocker, a legendary motorcycle manufacturer in Los Angeles, whose bikes often outperformed Harley-Davidsons and Indians and are now some of the most valuable and rare motorcycles in existence.

The annual low-buck motorsports festival is coming – the Grassroots Motorsports $2000 Challenge Presented by Tire Rack,. set for March 29-30 at Gainesville Raceway. 

And this just in – college Formula SAE teams can now enjoy the $2000 Challenge with free entry – just help with a few of your best corner workers. The free testing runs allows competitors to meet other teams and fellow car enthusiasts, and test to your heart’s content. To receive a discount code and learn more about FSAE participation, email paris@grassrootsmotorsports.com.

And when the regular competitors register for the $2000 Challenge, your payment information will be saved, but you won’t be charged until a few days before the event – you can cancel up until three days before the start of the $2000 Challenge to get a full refund. For more information about the $2000 Challenge, visit 2000challenge.com.