Published: August 16, 2007 01:02 pm            

Cruise-in | Flood City Corvette Club to hold its fifth annual show at Jennerstown Speedway

By TOM LAVIS

TLAVIS@TRIBDEM.COM

Members of the Flood City Corvette Club have traded the tarmac for a racetrack as they launch the 2007 edition of their popular cruise-in.

The fifth annual Flood City Corvette Club Cruise-In has been moved to Jennerstown Speedway from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Previous shows were staged at the John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport, but an upgrading of its main runway forced organizers to find a new venue.

The speedway and the cruise-in appear to be a perfect marriage.

“We were told that it may be a two-year project to complete the work,” said Becky Harrington of South Fork, the club’s public relations director.

“But instead of the 35 acres of space we had at the airport, we now have 59 acres and hope to fill it.”

Hundreds of Corvettes and classic, antique and muscle cars are expected to cover the track, infield and pit areas of the speedway.

“We never know what to expect when we open the gates,” Harrington said. “If it has wheels, it is welcome.”

Unusual entries in the past included vintage farm tractors and a refurbished milk delivery truck.

Registration for antiques, classics, Corvettes, motorcycles, street rods and trucks will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The cost to register is $6 per vehicle. The price includes admission for the driver and anyone else in the vehicle.

“Our members will bring their cars, which range from a 1954 classic to the newest models,” Harrington said.

“It’s a family-oriented event where people can enjoy a great day outdoors with their children or grandchildren.”

The gates open to the public at 10 a.m.

Admission is $3 a person, but children ages 12 and younger will be admitted free.

“Much of our proceeds are donated to charity,” Harrington said.

This year, the club again will give money to the Salvation Army’s Bundle Up Program and radio station WKYE-FM’s “12 Wishes of Christmas.”

“We donated $3,000 to each charity in 2006,” Harrington said.

No judging will be held, but dash plaques and goodie bags will be distributed while supplies last.

T-shirts designed especially for the club’s show will be sold for $9.

“They are designed by Olympia Trophy Co. in Maryand,” Harrington said. “They have designed shirts for NASCAR and the Carlisle car shows.”

Jennerstown officials have arranged to have a NASCAR simulator available.

“Patrons will be able to feel what it’s like being behind the wheel of a race car,” Harrington said.

“This is the only simulator in the world that puts people in the driver’s seat.”

The simulator is an actual show car that acts, feels and sounds like a stock car.

Food for the event will be available from the Jennerstown concessionaires.

“Continuous music by disc jockeys will be provided,” Harrington said.

Flood City Corvette Club was formed in 1974 by a small group of Corvette owners, and membership has grown steadily since.

Harrington said there are 205 members from Cambria, Somerset, Bedford and Blair counties.

“We invite people to bring their cars and chairs for an afternoon of fun,” Harrington said.

Free parking will be available.



Cars, more cars

What: Flood City Corvette Club’s fifth annual cruise-in.

Where: Jennerstown Speedway.

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Admission: $3 and children ages 12 and younger are free.

Registration: Show cars $6.

        

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