AACA Speedster - May 2024

Click here to book online

Click here if you would like registration information sent to you (please include your name and member # in the email)

The Saratoga Region is excited to host the 2024 Eastern Spring Nationals and honored to welcome you to Saratoga, a city known for its rich “History, Hospitality and Horsepower.” We encourage all members to register their vehicles for the show and come see what our area has to offer. With attractions including naturally carbonated mineral spas, harness racing, polo, 15 golf courses, 10 historic museums, and an award-winning downtown, it’s no wonder Saratoga Springs is a nationally recognized destination known for its innovation. Historically, it has always been this way. Potato chips were invented in 1854 and the club sandwich in 1894. Over 20 films have been filmed in Saratoga. There’s something for everyone including of course America’s oldest and most popular thoroughbred racetrack and for the next two years home of the Belmont Stakes.

Event highlights include:

Thursday Lake George Tour and Friday Museum & Winery Tour are SOLD OUT!

Thursday, June 20: Lake George trip, ice cream social

Friday, June 21: National Horse Racing Museum and Saratoga Winery trip, member roundtable, Judging Schools, Saratoga Auto Museum, pizza party with entertainment

Saturday, June 22: Judges’ Breakfast, Judges CJE, Owners’ Briefing, car show, awards banquet

Host Hotel (Gideon Putnam) is SOLD OUT!!

Here are some alternate hotels:

Marriott Courtyard - $199+tax/night

11 Excelsior Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

866-210-9325, Mention: part of 2024 AACA Eastern Spring Nationals

Residence Inn by Marriott - $209+tax/night

295 Excelsior Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

518-584-9600 or 866-210-9325

Code: AACN, Mention: part of AACA Eastern Spring Nationals

These alternate hotels are about a 10 minute drive from the show field. Both offer complimentary breakfast.

Questions?

Show Chairman: Tom Walsh, 585-474-2406, thomaswalsh393@gmail.com

Registration: Marsha Mackey, 518-863-4987 home, 518-424-6866 mobile, billmarsha8@gmail.com

REMINDER: Your 2024 AACA membership dues must be paid

prior to registering for any 2024 National shows and tours.

Come Spend Some Time in the Mountains With Us

Only 10 Days Left to Register!!

July 10-13, 2024

Western Divisional Tour

Buffalo, WY

Registration Deadline: June 10

Click here to take advantage of this special deal and book your room for Hershey!

Click here if you would like registration information sent to you (please include your name and member # in the email)

The Nebraska Region is excited to host you for this year’s Western Divisional Tour in the breathtaking Bighorn Mountains. Please note that all vehicles should be suitable for mountain driving.

Tour highlights include:

-- Gillette

-- Eagle Butte Coal Mine

-- Frontier Auto Museum

-- Thermopolis

-- Hot Springs State Park

-- Washakie Museum & Cultural Center (Worland)

-- Kaycee

-- Yoder’s Amish Country Market

-- Hoofprints of the Past Museum

-- Chris LeDoux Park

Host Hotel:

Z Bar Motel & Cabins

626 Fort St, Buffalo, WY 82834

307-620-2452, info@zbarcabinsandmotel.com

limited number, ask for “AACA TOUR” rate of $85 per night

Questions?

Tour Chairman: Myron Smith, 402-429-0118, myronsmith@windstream.net

Assistant Tour Chairman: Juli Aubrey, 307-620-0161, aubrey@collinscom.net

Registration: Nathan Buss, 402-641-8905, 89.nathan.buss@gmail.com

REMINDER: Your 2024 AACA membership dues must be paid

prior to registering for any 2024 National shows and tours.

Driving Fun… AACA Tours

By Jeff Oaks, National VP Regions Development and Support –

Southeastern Division, tjoaks59@gmail.com

This is a member submitted article.

This year’s AACA calendar of events is in full swing! 2024 has many opportunities to offer us with our antique automobiles. Looking back, we have already had the Annual Convention in Chantilly, VA, the Special Winter Nationals in Puerto Rico, and the Southeastern Spring Nationals along with the Grand Nationals in Charlotte, NC. There are still many events spread throughout the rest of the year, so be sure to put a few on your must-attend list.

Car shows are great, but let’s take a closer look at the art of touring. Touring has been around as long as the AACA. In the early days, old cars were drug out of barns or fields, some mechanic work and body straightening were done, and the old jalopies were back on the road again. There was a great sense of accomplishment in the work performed and it was a lot of fun touring around with these old vintage cars. Nothing has changed and we are still doing this today. Although the cars are somewhat newer, faster, and more reliable, it is still fun! There is nothing more exhilarating than to look ahead or in your rear-view mirror and see a line of automobiles from yesteryear travelling down the road.

Back to the calendar, the AACA tours launched off with the 2024 Founder’s Tour in Lafayette, LA, and was hosted by the Louisiana Region. My wife Lorrie and I participated in this five-day event and had a great time! We were in Cajun country with antebellum mansions and gardens, good Cajun food, music, and folklore, and many scenic places to visit. However, most important was the companionship of 60 other old cars and passengers driving along with us from place to place. There were no major breakdowns on the tour, and we all went home having met some new friends and having made some good memories. (A few photos below from the tour...)

Ford Model T at German Museum

Oaks 36 Packard at Rice Theatre

Rip Van Winkle Gardens

Rip Van Winkle Home

If you could not make the Founder’s Tour this past March, do not despair. The 2024 Eastern Divisional Tour is located in Fredericksburg, VA, on June 9-13. There are many interesting venues to see in this historic area of the country. The Western Divisional Tour follows on July 10-13 in the Bighorn Mountains of Buffalo, WY. It is noted that the vehicles should be suitable for mountain driving. What an adventure that should be! And, if you have a vehicle 1943 and older, then you might want to take a look at the Revival AAA Glidden Tour® in late September, one of the oldest and most prestigious of the tours.

These are tours on the AACA National level that I have mentioned, but there are many tours hosted by the local chapters and regions all year round. We attend and enjoy these as well. They vary in size and destinations. One or two day, or weekend tours make it easy to get out and have some fun driving but be back for work or school with the kids. See what is planned in your local region or get together and create your own local day tour if you don’t have one. We all love to drive our cars so get out, travel the backroads of America, and have some fun!

How Do I Get Hershey Registration Materials?

Summer registration is almost upon us for the Hershey Flea Market, Car Corral and show vehicles.

To acquire space(s), you must request a registration card from AACA National Headquarters by using the Activity Request Card enclosed in the plastic covering of the May/June issue of your Antique Automobile magazine.

Please DO NOT send any money at this time. You are simply requesting that registration materials be mailed to you at this time. If you have lost your Activity Request Card, you can always call AACA Headquarters (717-534-1910), and we can fill one out for you. You can also send an email with your name, member number and which registration materials you want (flea market, car corral, or show car) sent to you to Sue Eitnier at seitnier@aaca.org.

All requested registration materials will be mailed to you by the AACA staff the first week of July. We recommend that you fill out your registration card(s), write your check and mail everything back to the Hershey Region immediately so that you do not forget/lose it/miss the August 15 deadline.

REMINDER: Your 2024 AACA membership dues must be paid

prior to registering for any 2024 National shows and tours.

Important 2024 Hershey Reminders

Show will run Tuesday, October 8 through Friday, October 11

Flea Market set-up will be Monday, October 7

Judging School will be Thursday, October 10, at 2 p.m.

Judges Breakfast will be Friday, October 11, at 7 a.m.

Car show will be Friday, October 11

Look for the Activity Request Card that came with your May/June issue of

Antique Automobile magazine and use it to request the registration materials

for the Hershey car show, flea market and car corral be mailed to you.

Special Room Offering for Hershey 2024 Still Available

RM Sotheby’s has secured an introductory rate of $289 + taxes at the Hershey Lodge for October 7-11, 2024, which is over $100/night cheaper than their website is offering right now and as we all know, rates tend to go up the closer we get to the event! This deal is currently available to us with no deposits, free changes, and free cancellation up to 72 hours before arrival. These rooms will go fast, so book early! Help us keep the Lodge as a great place for attendees to enjoy the auction and all that happens there during Hershey week. We need to fill the hotel with AACA members and guests!

We understand that there are other options for accommodations in Hershey – some being less expensive and some being more. Why not take advantage of this special offer and be where all the action is, watch the cars drive into the auction, watch the bidding, and have fun at a bustling hotel.

Fall Hershey 2024:

Yard Sale Volunteers Wanted

By Matt Hocker, AACA Librarian, Cataloger, & Volunteer Coordinator, mhocker@aaca.org

The AACA Library

Needs You!

Are you planning on attending the 2024 Eastern Fall Nationals in Hershey this October? Would you be interested in making a meaningful difference to your research library and AACA National Headquarters? If the answer to both questions is “yes,” the AACA Library will have exciting volunteer opportunities throughout the week.

We particularly need volunteers to staff and assist with this year’s annual Library Yard Sale, which will be held on Tuesday, October 8th from 4-7 p.m. This is our largest fundraising event of the year, in which we sell duplicate materials to help raise money for the library. Volunteer opportunities will include working registration, monitoring the sales tents, providing assistance and guidance to customers, etc. We also need help with setup and staging of literature throughout the day and leading up to sale time.

If you are unable to volunteer during the Library Yard Sale but would still like to make a difference, we could use help with staffing the library reading room throughout “Hershey Week.” We also need help sorting literature and manuals in the months leading up to the event and will be ramping up this process in June. With so much to do, we can use all the help we can get!

Pulling off such an event is only possible through the support of our volunteers. If you want to support your library and the broader old car hobby, please consider volunteering at the AACA Library.

For more information, please contact Librarian Matthew Hocker at mhocker@aaca.org or 717-534-2082.

Get a Friend to Join AACA for Only $25 Right Now!

By Karen White, AACA Membership Department, kwhite@aaca.org

Do you know anyone who would enjoy going to a car show? Maybe you know someone who would enjoy Antique Automobile magazine. This is an excellent time to encourage them to join AACA. New members can join the club now and pay only $25 for the second half of 2024. They can test drive AACA for half price! By the end of the year, we hope they will see the value of belonging to AACA and be ready to commit to a full year of membership for 2025!

The half year membership allows new members to join the club for the second half of the member year and pay half the yearly membership fee. The half year membership includes the months of June through December at a cost of only $25. The half year members receive three bi-monthly issues of Antique Automobile magazine (July/August, September/October & November/December).

REMEMBER: The half year membership is for first-time new members only!

If you have any questions regarding the half year membership program, feel free to contact me.

Click here to join as a new member online with a credit card – it’s quick and easy!

If you prefer to mail a check, click here for the AACA Membership Application.

2025 AACA Annual Convention Call for Speakers

February 6-8 – Charlotte, North Carolina

Have you ever thought about speaking or putting on a seminar at the Annual Convention? Well, now's your chance! If you would like to be a possible speaker, please fill out this form and send it in no later than August 15.

Have an idea for a workshop? What topics would you like to hear a panel of experts discuss? This is YOUR Annual Convention, and we want to know what you want to learn about. Please email Stacy with your seminar ideas and/or speaker suggestions (membership, leadership, chapters/regions, marketing, cars, technical, fun, historical, ladies-focused, etc.).

Collector Car Appreciation Day is July 12

How Will YOU Celebrate?

This year marks the 15th consecutive commemoration in what is now an annual holiday to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.

I know every day is Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD) for many of us but having a specific day when EVERYONE is celebrating brings visibility to our hobby and reinforces the importance of old cars. Now, if you can’t celebrate on July 12th, that’s okay – just make sure you set aside some time during the month of July to do something special.

Here are just a few ideas on how to celebrate Collector Car Appreciation Day:

1. Organize or attend a car show.

Organize a car show and invite local collectors and admirers to come together and celebrate the beauty of collector cars. Make sure there are awards and prizes in place. No time to plan a show? Then just find one to go to and/or participate in.

2. Take a drive.

Simply take a drive in your collector car. Head out on an open road adventure and enjoy the scenery, or take a scenic route for some sightseeing. Either way, it's sure to be a memorable experience.

3. Visit a classic car museum.

Visit a classic car museum and admire the beauty of these historic vehicles. Learn about the history of each car and get up close to see them in all their glory.

4. Join a collector car club or sign up a friend for a $25 half-year AACA membership.

Join a collector car club and meet other enthusiasts like yourself. Meet up with other members for events, car shows, and more. Already belong to enough clubs (AACA being the best one, of course!)? Why not sign up a friend who you think would enjoy all the benefits AACA has to offer?

5. Restore an old car/work on your current project.

If you're feeling ambitious, why not restore an old car? Find an old classic and spend time restoring it to its original glory. It's sure to be an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Help promote this special day by posting on social media using the hashtags #CCAD and #AACA. If your Region/Chapter is having an activity for Collector Car Appreciation Day, please share a few sentences and photos with us so we can publish them in Speedster. Send them to Stacy at szimmerman@aaca.org.

Newly Added This Month!

By Jen Wolfe, AACA Library Director, jwolfe@aaca.org

Much like a newly planted garden, the library collection is growing this spring! Staff have just finished cataloging an exciting batch of more than 500 factory parts catalogs to the collection, many of which are pre-war, and a few that are the first pieces of sales literature we own for that particular model and year. File folders that previously held a few clippings and an ad or two, now have more substantial pieces of automotive history within.

Represented in the mix are cars and trucks from popular manufacturers like Ford, Oldsmobile, Hupmobile, and Cadillac – but there are also interesting rare examples of Moretti (Italy), King Midget, Selden Truck, and Badger. Motorcycle/scooter catalogs include those from Velocette, Vespa, Evans Power Cycle, and Excelsior Motorcycle. Among some of the oldest parts catalogs added were from Oldsmobile and Stanley (see pictures). All three documents cover models from 1904 and are in fairly good condition despite their age.

As with other valuable, old, or fragile pieces, the parts catalogs added in this batch are handled with care and placed in archival safe plastic sleeves before storage. For those who attended our “Preserve & Protect” seminar at this year’s Annual Convention, you’ll remember the importance of using plastics that don’t “off-gas” when storing important documents for the long term. Avoiding plastics that use PVC can go a long way to helping preserve delicate paper documents. Instead, look for products that use polyester film, polyethylene, or polypropylene.

There’s always something new to see and use at the AACA Library. If you’ve been waiting on older parts catalogs or have asked for one in the past and were told we didn’t have it, now is a great time to ask again. Throughout the year, the library adds to every area of its collection – which exciting item will you discover within our shelves this year?

Interested in becoming a volunteer with the AACA Library?

Contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Matthew Hocker,

at mhocker@aaca.org or 717-534-2082.

Interested in doing research with the AACA Library?

More information is available on our website.

Visit AACA Library or contact our Reference Librarian, Amoi Goldman,

at agoldman@aaca.org or 717-534-2082.

Visit our Booth at Black Swan Antiquities

Please scroll all the way to the end of Speedster to find the answer.

Trivia Question

When it comes to compact cars, the Big 3 are best remembered for their Ford Falcon, Chevrolet Corvair and Valiant (which soon became a Plymouth) entries. But during, and just after, World War II, all three experimented with small cars because they were uncertain what market conditions would be like after routine production resumed. What concepts did the American industry explore in preparation for peace?

Member Story: My 1995 Corvette Goes to the 2024 AACA Grand Nationals

By Ed Nieves, Beverly Hills, FL, ednieves4039@gmail.com

This is a member submitted article.

The 2024 AACA Grand Nationals was held at the Charlotte Speedway on April 5th, in North Carolina. I had been planning to attend in order to obtain a Senior Grand Nationals Award for my low mileage 1995 Corvette convertible. I coordinated the trip from Beverly Hills, Florida, and my wife Margie and I decided to leave on Tuesday, but after going into the garage to wipe down the car, I noticed that the shifter console plate (gear indicator window) looked off. After inspecting it further, I realized that the plastic window had separated from the shifter plate. Apparently, the plastic screw points under the plate had cracked (on its own) and that was the problem. Well, we certainly couldn't show up to the event like that, so I took apart the shifter plate console, made the appropriate repair and reinstalled everything back in its place. The whole process took me about one hour. Now, we had to get the trailer ready and get the car inside so we could hit the road.

We had decided to break up the trip into two days. The first day we trailered from Florida to South Carolina and stayed overnight in Florence, SC. Then on Wednesday, April 3rd, we completed the trip to North Carolina. Upon checking into the host hotel (Embassy Suites), we settled in and then went down to the lobby for happy hour. While I was in line for a drink, I recognized two people from South Florida. It was Millie and Manny Garcia. Millie and I started chatting and she and Manny were nice enough to invite Margie and I to sit with their group. Millie introduced us to a wonderful group of people that included: Jim (Past AACA National President and current VP of Judging) and Donna Elliott, David (AACA National Executive Vice President) and Debra Anspach, and John McCarthy (AACA National Vice President of Endowments). After enjoying a few drinks with the group, we headed off to a local Mexican restaurant and subsequently had a great time.

On Thursday, I moved the trailer from the hotel to the designated trailer parking at the event site. There was plenty of space for trailer parking, but the only downside was that it was a grassy area and not paved. I separated my truck from the trailer so we could have transportation to and from the hotel (about 1 ½ miles from the speedway) and also use it to get around town. Show day was finally here on Friday and we had to get up at 6:00 a.m. in order to get the car down from the trailer and onto the show field. It was cold and windy, but at least it was sunny which helped. After prepping the car, the judges that were doing Corvettes came around and our car was the last to be judged. Everything appeared to go well, and more importantly, my shifter plate repair held up nicely. All cars were dismissed at 3:00 p.m. We went ahead and placed the car back into the trailer, so we could get ready for the award ceremony and dinner that was being held adjacent to the show field inside a huge tent.

During the awards ceremony, when they arrived at class 30E, we were delighted to hear my name called out as a Senior Grand Nationals Award winner. This was a long time coming for us. We started our AACA journey with our 1995 Corvette in 2020 at the Winter Nationals hosted by the South Florida Region. After that we got our Senior at the 2021 Southeastern Spring Nationals, and then pursued our First Grand Nationals in 2022. We took a break in 2023 and completed the process in 2024.

For anyone thinking of doing this, my advice is to take your time and plan ahead. Also, it helps if you write to the National Vice President of Judging and request information about your vehicle’s judging, so you can review and address any deductions you may have received. That will provide you with a guide on how your car is doing through the whole process.

In closing, my compliments to the Hornets Nest Region. They did an amazing job putting together the Grand Nationals and the Southeastern Spring Nationals during the same weekend. It took a significant number of volunteers and coordination to make these events happen. The AutoFair was also going on inside the track area where many beautiful cars were being displayed, along with vendors. Lastly, the Zenith display was nothing short of extraordinary. The quality of the restoration of the cars was very detailed and it was a pleasure to admire them.

So where do we go from here? I will continue to participate as a repeat Senior Grand Nationals winner (when it's practical) and help out as a judge when I can. It's been a fun journey and meeting great people along the way has been the best part!

We want to hear from you!!

We are always looking to feature articles from AACA members in Speedster. We'd love to share your personal accounts of tours and shows you have attended, restoration projects, unique vehicle stories and history, and any other stories you think other AACA members would enjoy hearing about.

Stories should average about 500 words or less. And we love photos, so make sure to include some! Please send your photos and stories to Stacy Zimmerman at szimmerman@aaca.org.

Fallbrook Vintage Car Club Hosts its First Funkhana

By Kathy Hesser, FVCC President/Talepipe Newsletter Editor, kathy.hesser@gmail.com

Photos by Fred Weisberger

This is a member submitted article.

Several Fallbrook Vintage Car Club members joined the fun and participated in a Funkhana while others cheered them on. What is a Funkhana you ask?

Funkhanas are low-speed, light-hearted competitions that are a test of dexterity and patience. Each team, composed of a driver and passenger, will drive a short course of obstacles and perform several fun actions to complete the Funkhana. Antique and classic cars make the course even more challenging! Fun to compete and observe!

Who would have thought that a Lotus, BMW, Mercedes, MG, Triumph and a Model A Huckster would be taking part in a Funkhana car game? It was a fun meeting on Tuesday, March 26, in Fallbrook, CA, as the sky opened up to sunshine (even though the wind played havoc with the balloons)! The theme of this course was “Honey Do List.” Participants had to do the following on the obstacle course...

1. Take out the garbage by throwing wine corks from their car.

2. Spray the weeds using a squirt gun.

3. Get out and build a deck with toddler Legos.

4. Throw some bean bag “steaks” on a barbeque grill from their car.

5. Roll dice for the number of ice cubes to shake and pour a lemonade for their “Honey.”

6. Throughout the course there were also balloons to pop with their car tires.

Points were given for each activity along with the best time to win the prize.

The Team of Ron Mintle and Steve Brown stole the show with a time of 2 min 48 seconds to win the prize! Big thanks to Fred Weisberger for capturing the fun with photos.

I handed the winners their prizes – the "Honey Do Hammer," plus a gift certificate to a local merchant and a gift basket of yummy jam.

What a fun day! This was our club’s first Funkhana, and it will definitely not be our last.

Historic Virginia Peninsula Region Sponsors

Classic Cars on Historic Main Street

By Al Crane, HVPR Community Relations, cranejra@aol.com

This is a member submitted article.

The third Invitational Car Show on Main Street in Historic Yorktown, VA, was held on a sunny morning in May. The event was co-sponsored by the York County VA Department of Economic and Tourism Development and the Historic Virginia Peninsula Region (HVPR) AACA. It was a nice day with lots of residents and visitors enjoying our wonderful town, Historic Grace Episcopal Church, several other historic buildings, shops, galleries, the Vintage Market on Water Street, and Classic Cars on Main.

(right) Welcoming participants and visitors from left to right: Bob Parrish (AACA Past President), Jim Elliott (AACA Past President), Donna Elliott (Show Awards Chair), Pete Romeo (Show Chair), Pam Romeo (Show Registration), and in the front row Donna & Jim Elliott's grandkids Maggie and Will.

(below) Thirty-two antique and classic vehicles were on display for the enjoyment of the citizens of York County, visitors to the Historic Triangle and to all automotive enthusiasts young and young at heart!

(left) Award presentations were made on the steps of the Historic Somerwell House (circa 1720) on Main Street. The building now houses the Little York Confectionery.

Here the President’s Award (Washington Award) is presented to Roger Cross and his 1967 Mercury Cougar XR7 by AACA Past Presidents Bob Parrish and Jim Elliott.

Virginia is For CAR Lovers

August 22-24, 2024

Special Eastern Fall Nationals

Hampton, VA

Registration Deadline: July 15

Click here to book your room online.

Click here if you would like registration information sent to you (please include your name and member # in the email)

The Historic Virginia Peninsula Region (HVPR) invites you to join them as they beat the August heat and weather worries on the air-conditioned show field inside the Hampton Roads Convention Center. That’s right – you read that correctly! The Special Eastern Fall Nationals show will take place inside! There will be plenty of room for up to 235 show cars, plus vendors, merchandise, and activities. The convention center boasts 300,000 square feet of indoor space. The host hotel, trailer parking, registration, Judging School, Judges Breakfast, and the awards banquet will all be at one location.

Event highlights include:

Thursday, August 22:

Virginia Air & Space Science Center, Welcome Reception Pizza Party

Friday, August 23:

Judging Schools, Membership Roundtable, Hampton Queen Twilight Boat Tour

Saturday, August 24:

Judges Breakfast, Judges CJE, Owners’ Briefing, car show, awards banquet

Host Hotel:

Embassy Suites Hampton – $149+tax/night

1700 Coliseum Dr., Hampton, VA 23666

757-827-8200, use code: 91U

Reservation Deadline: July 15

Complimentary parking, Wi-Fi, and continental breakfast included.

Questions?

Show Chairman: Scott Dayton, smdayton40@gmail.com

Registration Chair: Pete Romeo, pnpromeo@cox.net

REMINDER: Your 2024 AACA membership dues must be paid

prior to registering for any 2024 National shows and tours.

Youth Development Corner: Great Race X-Cup Has Record Registration

By Greg Jackson, Vice President – AACA Youth Development, greg.jackson15@outlook.com

With assistance from: Nick Ellis, Executive Director – RPM Foundation;

Jeff Stumb, Director – Great Race; Jeff Mahl, National AACA Youth Committee

This is a member submitted article.

For the first time in the division’s history, The Great Race X-Cup has reached capacity with ten teams competing in the 2024 Race this summer.

The Great Race X-Cup student division offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the thrill of a cross-country time/speed/distance rally for vehicles 1974 and older. A fortunate group of high school and college students hailing from across the country will cover more than 2,000 miles of scenic roads and historic highways, from Owensboro, KY all the way to Gardiner, ME.

The competitors will face a variety of challenges and obstacles, testing their skills and determination to make it to the finish line. X-Cup isn't just about the competition – it's also about the camaraderie, teamwork, and spirit of the classic car community. The student teams will be joined by over 100 adult entries. Together, they'll share in the joy of maintaining and driving these vintage vehicles, and they'll create memories that will last a lifetime.

The RPM Foundation is proud to continue the AACA’s tradition of administering the X-Cup Student Division. Our involvement includes fundraising, disbursement of grants to assist student teams with the expenses of the race, and awarding scholarships to eligible student participants continuing their post high school automotive related education. The Team Choice Award is awarded to the 501(c)(3) organization hosting the student team that most exemplifies the spirit of X-Cup. All student team members will also receive a complimentary AACA Student Membership. This is a great opportunity for an AACA Region or Chapter!

To follow the X-Cup teams in real time, as the students post daily updates on their adventures during Great Race, click here. The race runs from June 22-30.

Join in the excitement of these young people as they make their way across America during a "bucket-list" experience, driving the classic cars we all love!

Order Your Official AACA Car Sign Now for the 2024 Car Show Season

This is the only official AACA recommended car show sign and is intended for use at AACA events. The AACA car sign format, styled similarly to other Concours signs, when properly weighted or staked would limit potential damage to vehicles if bumped or blown. Signs are 16.5" tall and 12" wide and are made of hard plastic to withstand the elements. These signs are only available to AACA members and are custom created to tell your vehicle's story and history.

AACA car signs cost $45 plus shipping and handling. Add an image or images for $5 each. PA residents also pay sales tax.

Please allow 4-5 weeks for the entire process from start to finish.

Click here for more information and instructions.

Email Jon Curtis at AACA Headquarters if you would like to have a sign made.

Check Out These Upcoming AACA National Activities...

78th Revival AAA Glidden Tour® Registration CLOSED

Message from the Tour Chairman…

Rob Burchill, hattiesgarage@comcast.net

We have to advise you that the registration for the 2024 Glidden Tour is now closed.

We are honored to have received such a quick and overwhelming response to this year's tour, reaching the maximum number of people we can accommodate only 20 days after opening registration! We wish we could accommodate more, but unfortunately we cannot.

The Sugarloaf Mountain Region looks forward to hosting everyone who will be joining us for the tour – see you all in September!

New AACA Membership Brochure Available

Car show season is upon us. Are you prepared?

When your region or chapter holds a local car show, that is your best opportunity to recruit new members. The people attending your show are there because they already have an interest in antique cars. If your event is open to non-members, those who have registered and are showing their cars are already willing to participate. These are the folks you should be engaging about how much you enjoy being an AACA member and that they should think about joining.

Now, don’t be caught empty-handed at this point! Make sure your region has something to hand out to potential new members. When you are planning your event, be sure to reach out to National Headquarters to get a supply of materials to help you.

All of these items are available to you at no charge:

-- NEW! AACA National Membership Brochure

-- AACA National Membership Application

-- Mustang Car Cutouts

-- AACA Region Membership Brochure

-- AACA National Military Membership Program

Brochure & Application

All the membership materials except the Military Brochure & Application are available in packages of 50. You can request the number of Military Brochure & Applications you want to receive. If this is your first time requesting the military information, we suggest 25 to start. You can always request more.

To request a supply of these items, please email Karen and include your region, address where you would like the items mailed to and the date of your event.

Now, go out there and get those members!

Attention Regions & Chapters:

FREE Lanyards Available for Your Events

While doing some spring cleaning here at AACA National Headquarters, we came across a large supply of RM Auctions lanyards. We are offering these lanyards to any region or chapter who would like them. They are completely FREE – you just have to pay shipping. Here are the specific details:

18” Grey RM Auctions Lanyard

7/8” Band

Available in packs of 100

Plastic ID holder NOT included

Only Pay Shipping!

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Let’s Do Our Part to Build Awareness and

Stay Informed on Legislative Issues

By David Hoha, Madison, AL, davidhoha@gmail.com

This is a member submitted article.

Hello fellow car enthusiasts! My name is David Hoha. I am an AACA and North Alabama Region member. I am also a member of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) and the Alabama State Representative for MRF. MRF is the nation’s Federal Motorcycle Rights group. Each state has its own State-Run Motorcycle Organizations (SROs) as Alabama has Dixie ABATE (American Bikers Aimed Towards Education) which I am a rep for as well. I am also a member of the Patriot Guard Riders who show respect for those in the military who have passed away by holding a silent flag line at their wakes and escorting them to their burial site.

Each year the MRF team spots what proposed laws affect motorcycles and motorcyclists and seek support to aid the passing of those proposed bills or to stop them from being passed if they negatively affect our community. SROs do this at the state level and are supported by the MRF. This year there are laws pending to eliminate combustion engines, eliminate the right to repair your vehicle, eliminate the right to modify your vehicle, and to add more ethanol to the current gasoline (several states have already made 15% ethanol fuel legal). The right to repair or modify your vehicle bills will eliminate the small business owners and force you to use only the manufacturers’ service outlets for much higher costs and wait times. Manufacturers are already making things difficult by holding back maintenance information, tools, parts, etc., from being issued and sold. All motorcycle manufacturers have already stopped working on carbureted motorcycles and don’t work on motorcycles 10 years or older. Auto makers are doing similar practices so you will be forced to buy new cars and motorcycles as they won’t work on them, parts won’t be available and small shops won’t exist anymore.

There is also an “End of Life Directive” that has started in Europe. Policies like this usually seem to migrate to the U.S. at some point. This affects every vehicle, car, boat, motorcycle, etc. Once a vehicle reaches a certain age, the government requires you to turn in your vehicle no matter the condition so that it can be destroyed.

MRF has a subgroup called the Independent Motorcycle Aftermarket Network which is reaching out to all small shops supporting the motorcycle industry such as custom bike builders, independent motorcycle dealers, machine shops, and dealers selling parts, clothes, custom accessories, etc. The more businesses, SROs, independent motorcycle clubs, car enthusiasts/clubs and motorcycle riders that support the MRF and their State-Run Motorcycle Organizations, the better the chances are that we will retain our freedoms to fix our machines, find parts, tools and manuals to work on them and have fuel that won’t destroy our engines.

Thanks for your time! Hopefully, this gave you some food for thought. Through SAN (SEMA Action Network) AACA and its members can help make a difference and maybe SAN will tie their efforts together with MRF to stop the elimination of two cultures! If you are not already a member of SAN, please consider signing up to stay informed about legislative issues that may affect you and your ability to participate in this hobby.

Have You Checked Out MemberDeals Yet?

MemberDeals is a member benefit program with exclusive offers to the world’s greatest entertainment and travel brands. While working with the top suppliers and partners in the industry nationwide, MemberDeals develops attractive offers that you, as an AACA member, now get to take advantage of.

What kind of offers are we talking about? How about offers for Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal Orlando Resort™, Cirque du Soleil® and SeaWorld® Parks and Entertainment. There are deals on hotels, rental cars, flights, movie tickets, concerts and sports events. Don’t forget about Broadway musicals, cell phones, computers, appliances, automotive, flowers, food, subscriptions… the list goes on and on.

NEW 5-28-24!! Click here to check out the most current Epic Deals!

This benefit program is completely FREE for all current AACA members to utilize. To check out all of the great deals available right now, all you need is your AACA member number and PIN. Click here to go to the members only section of the AACA website, log in with your member number and PIN, and look for the Travel & Entertainment link on the homepage.

(Your member number and PIN can be found on your AACA membership card. If you have lost or misplaced your card, feel free to call AACA National Headquarters at 717-534-1910 and we will be happy to help you.)

Schedule a Tour of AACA National Headquarters

& Library Research Center

Would your AACA region or chapter like to visit?

What about any of the other car clubs you belong to?

If you are planning a tour or day excursion for a group near the Hershey area, why not include a stop at our building as part of your itinerary?

If you would like to book a tour, please reach out to Amoi Goldman, AACA Reference Librarian & Outreach Coordinator, at 717-534-2082 or agoldman@aaca.org.

Do You Know a Military Veteran Who Would Like to be an AACA Member?

The Military Membership Program is available to Military Veterans that have proudly served to protect our homeland and freedoms. With this program, AACA is extending complimentary 2024 memberships for first-time AACA applicants. More information on this program and an application can be found on the AACA website under Membership and drop down to Military Program, or simply click here.

These complimentary 2024 memberships are for first-time AACA applicants. These complimentary applications for membership are intended for individuals who have a genuine interest in the antique car hobby.

Be Social With Us

AACA hosts online forums! AACA hosts a massive online forum area on our website that you can read and/or join in on the conversations on all sorts of topics. People post some really interesting material and pictures on an everyday basis. If you haven't used the forums before, just use the sign-up button in the upper right corner to create your user account. Anyone can join the online forums and it's completely free.

AACA has Facebook! AACA has an official Facebook page for club information and events. We also have an extremely active Facebook group, where group members post, ask questions and discuss everything and anything car-related. LIKE our Facebook page and ask to JOIN our Facebook group. Don't forget to connect with the AACA Library on their official Facebook page as well.

AACA is on Instagram! @antiqueautomobileclubofamerica

Be sure to use these hashtags: #DrivingHistory, #AACA, #AntiqueAutomobileClubofAmerica, #Hershey, #AACAHershey, #AACAproud, #AACAstrong

ATTENTION

JUDGES

The Judge Newsletter – April 2024

This newsletter contains judge registration forms for Saratoga Springs, NY, and Hampton, VA.

Or you can always register online here.

AACA National Activities Calendar

June 9-13, 2024

Eastern Divisional Tour

Fredericksburg, VA

June 20-22, 2024

Eastern Spring Nationals

Saratoga Springs, NY

July 10-13, 2024

Western Divisional Tour

Buffalo, WY

July 12, 2024

Collector Car Appreciation Day

August 22-24, 2024

Special Eastern Fall Nationals

Hampton, VA