RENO, NV (SEPT 14) — Great weather set the stage for many car meets in our region as well as a couple of races.
• The second Saturday of the month is when Nevada Vintage Euro meets. Location is by the Starbucks at the Summit Mall.
All three founders, Jonas Goldsmith, Rachel Micander and Trevor were on hand with their BMW Sedans.
Asked Goldsmith about the group and he named the other two founders of the group.
Asked about the group Goldsmith said, “We’re not going to hold anybody to a standard, we like vintage European cars but anybody that shows up is more than welcome. Technically we have meets scheduled for every month of the year but that’s obviously weather permitting.
“If I’m not going to drive my car in the rain and snow I don’t expect other people to do it. We’ve typically been getting between 30 to 50 cars so that’s not bad but we’d always like more.”
Then Rachel said, “We’re not exclusive, like Jonas said but we welcome anybody that appreciates vintage cars.”
There were two lines of various types of cars and a bunch of spectators were one hand. Some of the parents brought their kids so they could admire what was on display.
The section of one row was a great example of variety as there was everything from a Citron to a motorcycle.
• Sunday began with Sparks Cars & Coffee having its first meet of the month. And again variety was everywhere including a Lamborghini parked next to a Mercury Capri.
Not far away Roger King had his 1969 VW Square Back on display.
“I’ve had it about 15 years, I bought it for about 500 bucks and I’ve done about everything to it. Striped it, painted it, engine twice, did the interior. Had friends help me but I wanted to do everything myself.
“They looked over my shoulder and made sure I didn’t screw it up too bad. I drive it around but don’t drive it daily and it drives pretty nice for 50 years old.”
One thing about many car meets is that people like King will take an older vehicle and basically give it a new life. At the end of one row was another vintage vehicle that traces its history back to WW II.
Owner Daryl Hollenback bought his 1942 Willys. MB. He explained that during the war there were a couple of prototypes in 1941; Ford and Willys Overland got the contract for these vehicles. So there were two typical jeeps in WW II with one the Willys MB and the other Ford GPW. The GPW is where the label Jeep came from.
“I’ve had it for about six years. Found it up at Red Rock, it was painted orange, it was kind of a Frankenstein, it was just used for hunting and for ranch work. My uncle found it and he wanted it to we hauled it back to Illinois. He put a paint job on it but it still needed a lot of mechanical work.
“He’s too big to get in it so he sold it back to me, I went back and brought it here. I took it up to Diamond Springs, California to Jimmy Strauss Jeeps. I dropped it off in 2019 then COVID happened, kind of shut him down for a while so it took about five years to get the Jeep back but he did a really good job on it.”
Asked about how he uses it Hollenback said, “I drive it anywhere I can. If I don’t have to get on the Interstate, I’m driving this. Have a quarter ton trailer that goes behind it too and it’s a 1945 and made by the Checkered Cab Company.”
He is an Army veteran that severed in the Military Police so the hood had the MP logo on it. His wife, who is also in the Army reserve, thought this is a great idea and she likes it.”
• Next up was the 5th annual Hounds & Hot Rods meet hosted by the Northern Nevada Classis. Location was the west parking lot at Baldini’s and the event was to benefit the Nevada ASPCA.
There was music provided by a DJ as well as a pin up contest. The Cherrybomb Betties supplied the contestants that also included a late arrive, a young girl that was also on the stage.
As expected there were many cars with their hoods up. This gives people a chance to examine everything from stock to enhanced motors
Over on one row there were two classic VWs. One was a Beetle while the other was a van that was probably used by a business.
Back in the 1930’s cars were built for different purposes. One on display was a wonderfully restored 1931 Dodge Business Coupe.
The classic car shows have many older vehicles whose owners have given new life to. One of them was a Chevy El Camino that had quite a history. In fact on the display one can see when it was in pieces.
Owner Josie Tovar explained it’s a 1970 El Camino.
“My brother purchased this car and it was fully restored but after a few girlfriends taking their dings with it he started to take it apart. Unfortunately he became ill with heat failure and he passed away suddenly. The car was in parts and we had to, in my mind get rid of it, my husband Marco grciously decided to keep it for me and restore it in my brother’s honor.
“After years of sitting my brother’s driveway it was fully taken apart. That was a sore subject between my brother and I as I’d always tell him to sell this piece of junk somebody will want it. He would tell me, ‘I’m always going to keep it,’ and now I know why. I feel the exact way as it will be with me until my last day.”
Northern Nevada Classics is run by volunteers but Kevin, the president, and Marnie Degregori head the organization.
Asked about the meet he said, “This is the fifth year for us giving back to the SPCA and it will continue as long as people want to come to it. It was a good turn out today so we’re happy.”
He also credited Nick, who is the general manager of Baldini’s. “Right after Randy White passed he stepped in and said ‘we’re going to continue NNC and SPCA,’ and I happy for that.”
He later added the Northern Nevada Classics raised $1,455 while Cherrybomb Betties raised $360 and all that was donated to the Nevada SPCA.
Looking head Degrigori said they have one more meet to go and this will be at the Veteran’s Home on 10 and 2 on September 28.
“It’s like a meet and greet for the veterans since they can’t come out and go to Hot August Nights and car shows. We’re going to bring a few cars to them and they will have a BBQ and some activities.”
• Later that afternoon Summit Racing had its final Cruise In for the season. Sadly there were only about a half dozen cars around 2:30.
One of the vehicles was a brilliant pick up that has been restored. Hard to miss that one when it’s on the road.
The most unusual “car” was sitting by its self. Although Top Gun Drag Strip was closing its season this dragster found its way to the Summit parking lot.
• This coming Tuesday, starting at 6:30 p.m., Trucks and Tacos of Northern Nevada has its next meet. Location is De Leon, that has $2.50 tacos, and is at 1201 California Avenue.
• Wednesday evening, starting around 5 p.m.,the Sparks A&W has another Cruise Nights. Address is 1311 Baring Blvd., across from Reed High School, and there is a DJ as well as prizes.
-At that same time on Wednesday, PJ&CO is having another Bike Night. Location is north of the Well round about. Great way to see some cool bikes and enjoy some great food.
OTHER RACING NEWS:
• This Thursday, south of Ely on State Route 310, the only open road race in America will be run. The amazing event is the Silver State Challenge and apparently the finishing place is how close to the predicted average speed is.
For further information please go to, www.sscc.us.
• Davey’s American Racing is found on Face Book. His focus is on western oval tracks as well as national series.
He also posts schedules for various tracks and there related subjects.
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• Our newest sponsor is State Farm agent Kelby Schoorl, who was a racer in his younger days. He has some supplemental insurance that racers might be interested in checking out.
There is medical that covers visits to the ER, ambulance rides and if a person has to stay in a hospital. In addition trailers as well as tools and tools in shops can be covered with additional policies.
If Kelby isn’t available the other guys at his office will be very happy to explain what they can offer both to racers and those enjoying motorized recreation.
Office hours are from 9 until 5: 30 Monday through Friday, appointments are needed on Saturday. The phone number is 775-827-2255 or at his website, www.kelby@insuringreno.com.
• One of our sponsors is General Transmission and Power Train Specialists owned by former motorcycle racer Pete Attashian. The shop is located at 890 Gentry Way.
The shop services older and new transmissions and now has a section for high performance units and those used in towing. Phone number is 775-786-5888 and the shop’s website is www.generaltransmissionreno.com.
Two of our sponsors are first class motorcycle shops located in Reno.
• Our first sponsor is Reno Motorsports (RMS). Not only do they have about anything a rider might want or need and the store also has a full service shop.
Their location is at 964 Terminal Way, by the intersection with Mill Street. Store’s phone number is 775-322-1499 and the site is, www.rms-renomotorsports.com.
• The next shop is Moto-Source located at 3180 Mill Street. Once again they are a full service shop plus the showroom has about any thing a rider might need or want.
The phone number is 775-856-3855 and the website is,www.moto-source.com.
• Concours Body Shop, located at 250 Telegraph Street in Reno, is another sponsor. The shop does quality collision repair for cars and trucks.
Owner Brian Saul is a car enthusiast himself and is committed to continuing the shop’s reputation of quality work. Phone number is 775-329-4557 and the website is, www.concoursbodyshop.net.
• Hungry, want a great place to eat, then try PJ&CO for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and it’s a great place to watch your favorite sports. Wednesday evenings, starting around 5 p.m. is Bike Night, good time to meet fellow riders and have a great dinner.
The location is 1590 South Wells Avenue, just north of the round about. Phone number is 775-323-6366 and their website is www.pjandco.net.
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