RENO, NV (Dec. 17) — This weekend there were two car meets in Reno. One was an annual event and toy drive while the other was the second-in-the-month with Reno Cars & Coffee.
• Saturday began with the third annual Cars & Boba annual Toy Drive. The event benefits the Women and Children Center of the Sierra.
This year’s event was blessed with great weather and the turn out reflected that. There was even one car that had a miniature car with it.
Lance Hoan Nguyn ran the event and he said, “The turnout’s been pretty incredible, we have a lot of people coming out, donating for a good cause, everything’s going out to the less fortunate from all the good families like around Reno.
“We do it every year this is our 3rd annual toy drive. Last year was pretty crazy, it was, the weather was really bad, it was snowing, but we still had a decent turnout. But this year it’s sunny outside, it’s very nice, we have a lot of toys, people coming out been a lot better than last year for sure. “
There was everything from a huge truck to one car decorated with wrap around graphics. Everyone there seemed to be enjoying the weather and seeing other cars.
• Sunday, starting at 10 a.m. Reno Cars & Coffee held its second meet of the month. This time the location was by the Human Bean Coffee Stand near the corner of Kietzke and Moana Lanes.
One of the exotic cars was a great looking BMW that arrived about 11. This location is close to the interchange with Moana Lane and the 580 Freeway.
One of the more interesting and different vehicles was an off- road racer that was trailered into the site.
Asked about it owner Marcus Matthews said, “We’re looking at a 2013 John Deere Gator 850 that has been fully built for Best in the Desert. It won the Silver State 250 back in, I think it was in 2013 or 2014.
“I picked it up a few months ago and right now we’re just sort of repairing it because it had been sitting for a while. We’re looking to get it prepped for next season.”
He has had out on the desert for some testing and to see what work is needed on the machine.
“The first time I went out there it immediately blew a belt, it was an old belt. So probably should have put on a new one before I went out there. We got it back to the shop, got that fixed then done a few runs with it.
“Handles great, the suspension is dialed in perfectly, soaks up everything, we’ve gotten it, all four wheels in the air a couple of times. Just absolutely soaks up the impact afterwards.”
While spectators see the racers going over jumps and slamming down hard it feel different for those inside the cockpit.
“This guy, as it’s short wheel base and it’s not necessarily built to be going over whoops at 90 miles an hour, you definitely feel it but it soaks up the majority of that impact. So you’re just kind of getting lightly jostled while you’re in the car, nothing really too bad.”
His plan is to race in the VORRA series next years, which gives him time to test and do the pre-season work that’s needed.
“These next few months it’s going to spend in the garage making sure everything is running great cause it’s also going down to King of the Hammers. Not to race, just kind to go out there and test it out.
“We’ve got a little bit of time there but trying to get this prepped as well as my Nissan I’m taking down there. Both rigs are there for some testing. I’m a photographer for a few of the teams that will be racing down there. So that’s why I’m heading down there but also gives me an excuse to test out the rigs.”
Matthews added he just graduated from high school, is a trained welder that does some on the side for a business he owns. He’s also starting at the University to get a degree in Mechanical Engineering. It’s going to be very busy 2024 for him.
As usually at a Cars & Coffee there is a mix of many types of cars. Things like Corvettes and one row had a 1960’s era Toyota as well as other cars from different yeas.
Next week Sparks Cars and Coffee will have a meet on Sunday.
OTHER RACING NEWS:
• Tuesday, starting at 6:30 p.m. Trucks and Tacos are having another meet. Location is Chema’s Real Taco at 1845 Prater in Sparks. Should be a great way to unwind after a workday or last minute shopping.
• Thursday will have an early start at 7:30 a.m. when the Iron Mafia hosts its weekly meet. Location is Kim’s Donuts at 1328 U.S. 395 North in Gardnerville.
• Friday, staring at 5:30 p.m. is the next Fernley Night Meet. Location is by the 76th gas station. If you’re coming from Reno or Sparks the gas out there is usually lower in cost.
• Daveys American Racing is found on Face Book. His focus is on western oval tracks as well as national series.
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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 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.
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