RENO, NV (Sept 4) — In addition to the Best in the West Rib Cook Off there were a pair of car meets this weekend. One saw the Impalas Car Club in Sun Valley while the other was Reno Cars & Coffee.
The weekend got rolling at the Sun Valley Community Center when the Impalas Car Club held their meet. Actually all makes were welcome so it was a varied group.
Kevin Bland is the president of the local chapter and this reporter asked him about the group. “ It started I want to say it was 1994 back in Modesto California. So we are a branch of the main chapter that started years ago and there’s 42 chapters nation wide.
“We get together and have car shows that benefit fund raisers, anything to help out the community. This one here is for Mental Health Awareness so raising money for non-profit organizations kind of giving back to those that need help,” he said.
He also brought his car.
“It’s a 1966 Chevy Impala, white with blue pearl. I’ve got custom engraving on it, got the Air Ride Suspension, we’ve had it in the family for about 12-years now. You know I actually got the car the way it is, as far as the body is.
“It’s got new fresh paint and upholstery. Other than the frame of we restored the outside of it, the motor is pretty much original and runs really good. Me and the kids tore this apart, re did it and cruise around every weekend.”
One of the Impalas on display came from the Central Valley as that owner wanted to support the local chapter’s efforts.
Another Chevy Impala , owned by Luis Prenes, is a 1964 model
“I did get it in the condition it’s in, the only thing I have done to it so far is to put a front disc brake conversion kit. Pretty much everything is as when I picked it up,” he said. “The motor is a 283 small block and the only thing I did to that so far is the alternator. Try to get out on the weekend as much as I can but mostly its parked in my driveway.”
The display had all types of cars and trucks. Due to a big VW function going on in Sacramento only a very few made this local meet.
• Sunday got going around 10 a.m. when Reno Cars & Coffee had a meet at the Keitzke Starbucks. Like always there was a huge variety of cars, trucks and even a few motorcycles.
Many times some of the vehicles that show up have been restored thus giving them a new life. One such restoration in a 1956 Ford F100 owned by Jason Legare, who according to a sticker is a member of the National Street Rod Association.
“This is a barn find out of Bakersfield pulled out back in 2005ish and did a full frame-off restoration,” he said. “Got a TTI frame under it, TTI front suspension, Kugel Komponents rear end and it’s got an LS1 in it. So if you’re a true Ford enthusiast this isn’t your car but that’s what was available at that time. These are always a work in progress so probably next year going to do a motor swap and put a Coyote in it.
“I actually do use it as a daily driver in the summer time. I love driving it, can’t get enough of it. Like I said, it’s got all sorts of things we need to work on and I enjoy driving the heck out of it. I drive it two or three times a week all summer long.”
There was a cute factor at this meet. Thanks to his father, two and a half year old Monroe Streets had a miniature Corvette of his own. In fact his t-shirt said, “Mechanic in Training.”
Another nifty looking car is a 2020 Toyota Supra owned by Jose Trujillo.
“It has the basic bolt-ons and a bunch of stuff. Carbon fiber spoiler, Mirror cast, A pillar, air suspension and wheels. Have the trunk set up, and some engine work done,” he said. “It was brand new so everything done to it I’ve done myself.
“Drives amazing, turbo charged, inline 6. I hardly drive it to be honest. This is the first time I took it out in a month. Been a while since I took it out. It’s an amazing car.”
While there were at least two other meets this reporter was only able to attend these. Next weekend there will be there other shows and those will be listed in Thursday’s preview.
OTHER RACING NEWS:
• Remember the Sparks A&W has it’s next cruise starting at 5 p.m. on Wednesday. Location is across the street from Reed High School and there will be music as well as prizes.
• Teresa’s Garage Radio Show is on the air from 2 until 3 p.m. Tuesday afternoon. In northwest Nevada, it can be heard over the air at 1060 AM.
There is also a Podcast at amm.streamon.fm or it can be seen live on Face Book. The show is focused on all things automotive, trends, new developments and trivia.
SPONSOR LIST:
• If you enjoyed this article please “like,” and share it as widely as possible. Comments are welcome.
Subscribers have articles posted to their inbox as soon as they are up on the site.
We now have five very appreciated sponsors supporting this site. Please patronize them as they support your sport and help nvracingnews continue. And let them know you heard about them through this site.
• One of our sponsors is General Transmission and Power Train Specialists owned by former motorcycle racer Pete Attashian. The shop is located at 2515 Sutro Street in Reno, a few blocks below Hug High School.
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.
Have a business targeted toward motorsports or car enthusiasts? This site is a great way to expose your services to those communities. Sponsorships are very reasonable and one can contact us either through the comment section of this site or on our Face Book page.
