Car Show
Downtown Columbus streets closing Saturday for car show, concert

Gearing Up for the Hottest Car and Music Extravaganza in Columbus

Downtown Columbus is about to come alive with the roar of engines and the rhythm of classic rock as the city prepares to host the 28th annual Hot Rods & Rock n Roll event. Starting this Saturday, the streets will be closed, and the stage will be set for a day of automotive and musical celebration that promises to captivate the hearts of enthusiasts and revelers alike.

Revving Up for a Day of Automotive and Musical Bliss

Street Closures and Event Logistics

The city's streets will be transformed into a hub of activity, as several key areas will be closed off to accommodate the event. According to the city engineer's office, the closures will begin at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday and will remain in effect until 11:30 p.m. the same day. The affected streets include Washington Street between 3rd and 8th Streets, as well as the area between Jackson and Franklin Streets from Fourth to Seventh Streets.These strategic closures will ensure the safety of the attendees and provide ample space for the classic cars and the stage setup. The event organizers have meticulously planned the logistics to create a seamless experience for all participants.

The Automotive Showcase: A Celebration of Automotive Legends

The heart of the Hot Rods & Rock n Roll event is the automotive showcase, where enthusiasts can admire and marvel at the stunning collection of classic cars on display. From sleek muscle cars to vintage roadsters, the event will be a veritable feast for the eyes of car aficionados.The showcase will kick off at 3 p.m. on Saturday, providing ample time for visitors to explore the impressive array of automobiles. Each car will be a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of its era, showcasing the evolution of automotive design and engineering.

The Musical Extravaganza: Rocking the Night Away

As the sun sets, the event will transition into a musical celebration that will captivate the senses. At 7 p.m., the stage will come alive with the electrifying performance of Rick K. & the Allnighters, a renowned classic rock band that will transport the audience back to the golden age of rock and roll.The concert will be the centerpiece of the event, drawing in music lovers from across the region. The powerful vocals, the infectious rhythms, and the sheer energy of the performance will create an unforgettable experience for all in attendance.

A Collaborative Effort: Bringing the Community Together

The Hot Rods & Rock n Roll event is the result of a collaborative effort between the city of Columbus and the White River Broadcasting sister station, 106.1 The River. This partnership has been instrumental in the event's success, as it has allowed for the seamless coordination of logistics, marketing, and community engagement.The event's organizers have worked tirelessly to ensure that the 28th edition of Hot Rods & Rock n Roll will be a true celebration of the city's vibrant culture and the shared passions of its residents. From the classic car enthusiasts to the music lovers, the event promises to bring the community together in a spirit of camaraderie and excitement.

A Tradition of Excellence: Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future

The Hot Rods & Rock n Roll event has become a cherished tradition in the city of Columbus, with a legacy that spans nearly three decades. Each year, the event has evolved and grown, reflecting the changing tastes and preferences of its audience.Yet, at its core, the event remains a celebration of the timeless allure of classic cars and the enduring power of rock and roll. It is a testament to the enduring appeal of these cultural icons and the ability of the community to come together and revel in their shared love for these passions.As the city prepares to host the 28th edition of the event, the anticipation and excitement are palpable. The streets of downtown Columbus will once again be transformed into a hub of activity, where the past and present will converge in a spectacular display of automotive and musical excellence.
NIU Huskie Motorsports to host car show Sept. 22

Revving Up for the Huskie Motorsports Car and Bike Show: A Celebration of Automotive Passion and Engineering Excellence

DeKALB, Illinois – Car enthusiasts, gear up for an exciting event that's set to rev up the streets of Northern Illinois University (NIU). The second annual Huskie Motorsports Car and Bike Show is gearing up to showcase the best of automotive engineering and design, bringing together car fanatics and the local community for a day of automotive celebration.

Unleash Your Automotive Passion at the Huskie Motorsports Car and Bike Show

Showcasing Student-Built Formula Race Cars

The Huskie Motorsports Car and Bike Show is more than just a display of stunning vehicles; it's a testament to the engineering prowess of NIU students. The event is hosted by the NIU Huskie Motorsports, a student-led Formula SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) team that designs and builds a formula-style race car each year. These students pour their hearts and minds into creating high-performance vehicles that they will take to compete against other schools in the annual Formula SAE competition.The Formula SAE competition is a prestigious design challenge where students from around the world come together to showcase their engineering skills. By participating in this event, the NIU Huskie Motorsports team not only gains valuable hands-on experience but also has the opportunity to showcase their hard work and dedication to the local community.

A Diverse Array of Automotive Marvels

The second annual Huskie Motorsports Car and Bike Show promises to be a true feast for the senses, with a diverse array of vehicles on display. From sleek sports cars to classic muscle cars and even custom-built motorcycles, the event will offer something for every automotive enthusiast. The organizers are aiming to attract between 50 to 100 cars and bikes, a significant increase from the 40 vehicles showcased at last year's inaugural event.The show will not only be a visual delight but also a chance for car enthusiasts to connect with like-minded individuals, share their passion, and learn from each other. Whether you're a seasoned car collector or a budding automotive enthusiast, the Huskie Motorsports Car and Bike Show is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of automotive excellence.

Fueling the Future of Automotive Engineering

The Huskie Motorsports Car and Bike Show is more than just a car show; it's a platform for the NIU Huskie Motorsports team to showcase their skills and raise funds for their future endeavors. All the proceeds from the event will go towards building a new car for the team to take to the Formula SAE competition in Michigan next year."Every dollar is getting spent to build a car," says Alex Gernenz, a senior engineering major and the president of NIU Huskie Motorsports. "In every car-guy's dream, that's where the money should be going."The team's dedication to their craft is evident in their commitment to using the funds raised from the car show to further their engineering prowess. By investing in the development of their Formula SAE race car, the Huskie Motorsports team is not only honing their skills but also inspiring the next generation of automotive engineers.

A Community Celebration of Automotive Passion

The Huskie Motorsports Car and Bike Show is more than just a showcase of automotive excellence; it's a community celebration that brings together car enthusiasts, local businesses, and the NIU community. The event will feature food trucks, drinks, and desserts, providing a festive atmosphere for attendees to enjoy.In addition to the vehicle displays, the show will also feature vendor booths, where a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Huskie Motorsports team. This collaborative effort not only supports the team's endeavors but also fosters a sense of community and shared passion for the automotive industry."We attend community events to promote the car, promote the school and the College of Engineering," Gernenz explains. "On top of that, it's just building the foundation of our members to help them post graduation. It gives them a lot more experience and makes them more valuable on the job market."The Huskie Motorsports Car and Bike Show is a testament to the power of community, where automotive enthusiasts can come together to celebrate their shared love for all things automotive, while also supporting the next generation of engineering talent.
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Chad McQueen, co-founder of Steve McQueen car show, dies at 63

The Legacy of Chad McQueen: Honoring His Father's Memory Through Automotive Passion

Chad McQueen, the only son and last living child of legendary actor Steve McQueen, passed away on September 11th at the age of 63. McQueen's life was deeply intertwined with his father's legacy, and he dedicated much of his time to preserving and celebrating that legacy through the annual Friends of Steve McQueen Car and Motorcycle Show held at the Boys Republic in Chino Hills, California.

Carrying on the McQueen Automotive Legacy

A Lifelong Passion for Automobiles

Chad McQueen's love for automobiles was undoubtedly inherited from his father, Steve McQueen, who was known for his on-screen driving prowess and off-screen passion for racing. From a young age, Chad was immersed in the world of cars and motorcycles, learning the intricacies of their mechanics and design. This passion would later shape the course of his life, as he sought to honor his father's memory through the annual car show.

Growing up, Chad was surrounded by his father's impressive collection of vehicles, which included everything from classic muscle cars to high-performance sports cars. He spent countless hours tinkering with these machines, honing his skills and developing a deep understanding of their inner workings. This hands-on experience would prove invaluable as he embarked on his own automotive ventures later in life.

Chad's fascination with automobiles extended beyond just his father's collection. He was an avid collector in his own right, amassing a impressive array of vintage and modern vehicles that reflected his eclectic tastes. From rare European sports cars to iconic American muscle, Chad's garage was a testament to his diverse automotive interests and his commitment to preserving automotive history.

Honoring His Father's Legacy

The Friends of Steve McQueen Car and Motorcycle Show was Chad's way of honoring his father's legacy and sharing his passion for automobiles with the world. The event, which has been held annually since 2008, brings together car enthusiasts, collectors, and fans of Steve McQueen to celebrate the actor's enduring influence on the automotive world.

The show features a wide range of vehicles, from the classic Mustangs and Porsches that Steve McQueen famously drove on the silver screen to the latest high-performance supercars that reflect the evolution of automotive technology. Each year, the event attracts thousands of visitors, who come to admire the stunning array of vehicles on display and learn more about the life and legacy of the legendary actor.

For Chad, the car show was more than just a celebration of his father's legacy; it was a way to give back to the community that had played a significant role in shaping Steve McQueen's life. The event was held at the Boys Republic in Chino Hills, the same institution where his father had spent time as a teenager, and a portion of the proceeds from the show were donated to the organization to support its ongoing work with at-risk youth.

A Lasting Impact on the Automotive Community

Through his tireless efforts to organize the Friends of Steve McQueen Car and Motorcycle Show, Chad McQueen left an indelible mark on the automotive community. The event not only celebrated his father's legacy but also inspired a new generation of car enthusiasts to embrace the thrill and beauty of classic and modern automobiles.

Beyond the car show, Chad was also actively involved in various automotive organizations and initiatives. He served on the board of directors for the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, lending his expertise and passion to the institution's efforts to preserve and showcase the history of the automobile. He was also a frequent contributor to automotive publications, sharing his insights and perspectives on the industry he loved so dearly.

Chad's impact on the automotive community extended far beyond his own personal achievements. By sharing his father's story and inspiring others to follow in his footsteps, he helped to cement the McQueen family's legacy as one of the most iconic and influential in the world of automobiles. His passing is a profound loss for the car enthusiast community, but his spirit and passion will continue to live on through the events and initiatives he helped to create.

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