Revving Up for the Cruise N Class Car Show: A Celebration of Automotive Artistry

The Cruise N Class Rod & Roll Car Show in Sidney, Nebraska, is set to captivate crowds once again on October 5th, marking its 38th year as one of the region's most anticipated automotive events. This year's festivities promise to be even more thrilling, with the addition of special guests from the hit TV show "Counting Cars" who will be on hand to judge and interact with attendees.

Unleashing the Passion for Classic and Modern Automotive Masterpieces

A Tradition of Automotive Excellence

The Cruise N Class Car Show has been a beloved tradition in Sidney since its inception in 1986. Over the years, it has grown to become one of the largest and most well-attended car shows in the area, drawing enthusiasts from near and far. The event's enduring popularity is a testament to the community's unwavering passion for classic cars, hot rods, and cutting-edge automotive designs.

A Diverse Automotive Showcase

The Legion Park area will be transformed into a veritable automotive wonderland, showcasing an incredible array of classic cars, modern favorites, and specialty vehicles. From muscle cars to sports cars, trucks to vintage gems, the event promises to delight the senses of every car enthusiast. The changing weather and the vibrant fall colors provide the perfect backdrop for this automotive celebration, creating an unforgettable experience for all who attend.

Celebrating the Artistry of Automotive Design

The Cruise N Class Car Show is more than just a display of impressive machinery; it's a celebration of the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into the design and restoration of these automotive masterpieces. Each vehicle on display represents the passion, dedication, and creativity of its owner, who has poured their heart and soul into preserving and enhancing these automotive icons.

Bringing the "Counting Cars" Crew to Sidney

This year's event has an extra special treat in store for attendees, as the stars of the hit TV show "Counting Cars" will be in attendance. Ryan Evans and Ghetto Bob, two of the show's popular personalities, will be on hand to judge the vehicles and interact with the crowd. The addition of these celebrity car enthusiasts is sure to add an extra layer of excitement and draw even more attention to the already impressive lineup of cars.

Honoring the Sponsors' Contributions

The success of the Cruise N Class Car Show is made possible by the generous support and contributions of its sponsors. Event organizer Bridget Russell is quick to acknowledge the vital role these sponsors play, from providing vehicles for the "Counting Cars" crew to sponsoring their accommodations and meals. The sponsors' commitment to the event ensures that it continues to be a world-class automotive showcase that delights and inspires attendees year after year.

A Celebration for the Entire Community

The Cruise N Class Car Show coincides with the Oktoberfest celebration in Sidney, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere that draws in crowds from all over the region. The event offers something for everyone, with local vendors serving up delicious culinary delights and the opportunity for attendees to contribute to the event by voting for their favorite vehicles.

Joining the Cruise N Class Car Club

For those who are captivated by the Cruise N Class Car Show and want to be a part of the automotive community, the event organizers invite them to consider joining the Cruise N Class Car Club. With an annual membership fee of just $5, the club offers monthly meetings and the chance to connect with fellow car enthusiasts, making it the perfect way to immerse oneself in the world of classic and modern automotive excellence.

Essen's Iconic Car Show Passes the Torch: A New Era Dawns for Retro Classics

The world-famous Techno-Classica Essen, a long-standing pillar of the classic car enthusiast community, is set to hold its final event in 2025. This transition marks the beginning of a new chapter, as Retro Classics – the team behind the successful and long-running Stuttgart show, plus several smaller regional events – will take over the Essen show from 2026 onwards.

Bidding Farewell to a Legendary Automotive Showcase

The Rise and Decline of Techno-Classica Essen

Techno-Classica Essen was once the largest and most prestigious classic car show in Europe, and arguably the world. Manufacturers would dedicate entire halls to their heritage collections and club scenes, creating a truly European flavor across the event's many halls. The eccentric antics of the lively independent clubs packed into every nook and cranny of Messe Essen added to the show's unique charm, making it a true highlight of the international automotive event scene. However, in recent years, the event has struggled to maintain its former allure, facing a series of challenges that have impacted its overall appeal.

Waning Manufacturer Presence and Visitor Trends

Despite still attracting a significant number of visitors – 188,000 from 41 nations, with 1,250 exhibitors from 30 countries in 2023 – Techno-Classica Essen has fallen short of its mid-2010s glory days. The manufacturer support, once a hallmark of the event, has become more muted, with the Volkswagen Group's presence notably reduced compared to previous years. This can be attributed to the company's ongoing financial challenges and the ripple effects of the emissions scandal. Additionally, the impact of Brexit regulations has made it more difficult for UK dealers and visitors to participate, with only a few notable exceptions, such as British restoration firms.

The Decline of the Vibrant Club Scene

One of the most significant disappointments for visitors in recent years has been the diminished presence of the vibrant club scene stands. These eccentric displays, which once added an extra level of personality to the event, have dwindled in both number and enthusiasm. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll, with the tragic loss of key, enthusiastic individuals and ongoing health concerns dissuading others from participating in large-scale events.

The Rise of Retro Classics Stuttgart

The continued success of Retro Classics Stuttgart has also played a role in the challenges faced by Techno-Classica Essen. The Retro Classics event has experienced remarkable growth over the past decade, thanks to its slick organization, extensive international PR efforts, and strategic location. Messe Stuttgart's proximity to the airport and several renowned automotive museums, as well as the ease of access for international visitors, have made it a more appealing destination for classic car enthusiasts.

The Transition to Retro Classics Essen

As Techno-Classica Essen prepares to hold its final event in 2025, the Retro Classics team is set to take over the Essen show from 2026 onwards. This transition marks a new chapter for the iconic event, with the Retro Classics team expressing their excitement and confidence in the potential of the Ruhr region and its unique car culture.Despite the changes, one aspect of the Techno-Classica Essen experience that many hope will remain constant is the opportunity to indulge in the iconic currywurst while contemplating the temptation of a "must-have" classic car. As the curtain falls on Techno-Classica Essen, the stage is set for Retro Classics to usher in a new era of automotive enthusiasm and excitement in Essen.