The season is deep into August and the car shows roll on. From fund raisers to enthusiast gatherings there can usually be a show within a half hour of driving on any given weekend from April to October.
Racing schedules roll out at tracks with events, local and national, that also draw in often enough. However, the saying is quite true that you can’t do everything. A weekend away from racing and, as it may, cars still make a pull on the time. For car fans, the track may be a draw for any number of reasons and the “car show” is often overlooked. That leaves a lot on the table, or the parking lot, that could be time well spent with fellow “car folk”.
On a Saturday between NASCAR at Richmond and IMSA at Virginia International Raceway, the Star City Cruisers held one of their bigger events at the Salem Civic Center. Cars, trucks, bikes… All were represented. Race cars, daily drivers, trailer queens and garage keepers were on display with stories of color and chrome. It is beyond amazing the sheer variety of style and personality that automobiles present. Two cars that rolled off the assembly line nose to tail could be parked side by side and the years of travel, handling and owners now show two completely different stories. It doesn’t matter if they are stone stock or modified well into a showcase of speed and spectacle, they heart of the car can be the heart of a dream.
Photos – Star City Cruisers 33rd Annual Car Show – Salem Civic Center – August 17, 2024
Now… Skip ahead 24 hours. The same lot and the same time of day on this particular weekend presented a totally different bit of “car show”. This one was more involved with the car being showcased for what it was designed for. Driving!
The SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) holds dedicated track events with big money and organization and rules and drivers who take racing to a semi-pro, or even all-pro, level of dedication. They also sanction events such as this one on a Sunday in a parking lot. Autocross allows practically anyone to test their driving on a set course against any number of other enthusiasts. It’s racing without the “racing”. There is no side by side, nudging a nose in to take the spot with a little paint as the trade. Autocross is the car and driver against the clock and those times are the challenge to beat. Marshalls are stationed along the course and trade off volunteer time as part of the cost of driving against friends and other club members.
The “track” is marked with traffic cones. Some are down pointing like arrows as to direction for turns or course boundaries. Divisions are set for “novice” and up to more experienced drivers with cars of different levels of performance.
It is all taken very seriously for fairness and safety and is, quite honestly, a fun way to enjoy “racing” on a budget. Spectators are welcome but this is a “common sense” type of show. Stay outside the perimeter and enjoy with a cool beverage and a Popsicle (or whatever). It’s a parking lot so the view is good from all around the edges. Bonus if you can find a tree to relax under…
Check around for car shows. Look up SCCA “Autocross” for your area. Race tracks need your support but, sometimes, you don’t need a big ticket to enjoy the car culture.
Blue Ridge SCCA Autocross – Salem Civic Center – August 18, 2024
