THIS WEEKEND
Today: Fifth annual Corvette Dreamin' Concours and Peoples Choice Car Show, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Ventura Point, Mission Bay Park, 1000 W. Mission Bay Drive (at Gleason Road). Sponsored by Bob Stall Chevrolet and presented by the Corvettes of San Diego car club. More than 200 Corvettes are expected to be on view. Music, prizes, vendors and food for sale. Free to view. Information: Steve Lucero, (760) 796-4366; Paul Heeter, (619) 890-9887; or corvettesofsandiego.com.
Today: Rockin' Cool Chili Cook-Off and Car Show, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Cornerstone Therapeutic Riding Center, 25201 Creek Hollow Drive, Ramona 92065. Sponsored in part by Union Bank and KSON-FM radio. The event is a tribute to firefighters and a fundraiser for the Burn Institute and Cornerstone, which lost buildings and more in the Witch Creek fire; Cornerstone helps those living with disabilities.
The show is open to all cars, trucks and motorcycles. No registration fee and free to view; car-show area is on dirt.
Also featured will be a beer garden, chili, vendor booths and children's activities.
Information: (760) 788-2872.
Tomorrow: BMW Clean Car Contest and Charity Auction, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Spanish Landing park, west end, across from Lindbergh Field. Registration on arrival. All BMWs invited. Proceeds to benefit charity. Free to view. Information: Dennis Damon, (760) 598-8770.
Through June 25: “Motocross America: The Early Years,” 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., San Diego Automotive Museum, Balboa Park. The exhibit, presented by the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum and San Diego BMW Motorcycles, is on a national tour to showcase the history of the sport. Featured will be more than 60 off-road machines owned and raced by well-known champions, many of whom will be featured in the “Hall of Heroes.”
Admission: $8, seniors (65 and over) active duty military with ID $6, students with ID $5, children ages 6 to 15 $4. Free to San Diego County residents and military with ID on the fourth Tuesday of the month.
Information: (619) 231-2886 or www.sdautomuseum.org.
Thursday: Shop Talk, 7 to 9 p.m., San Diego Automotive Museum, Balboa Park. Award-winning car and motorcycle customizer Trevelen Rabanal will talk about the customized vehicles he builds at his Los Angeles shop, Super Company Customs. Rabanal, a native of National City and an accomplished skateboarder and surfer, won the Discovery Channel's “Biker Build-Off” in 2005 and 2006 and has been profiled on ESPN's “Chopper Nation”, Speed Channel's “American Thunder,” MTV and Latin Nation.
Admission: members $5, nonmembers $10.
Information: (619) 398-0308 or sdautomuseum.org.
UPCOMING
May 25: San Diego Car and Cycle Swap, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., San Diego Sports Arena, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd. New and used parts for sale and car and motorcycle show areas. Admission: $5; active-duty military and children younger than 12 admitted free. Information: (858) 484-9342 or sandiegoautoswap.com.
May 27: “Blast From the Past” Cruise Night, 5 to 8 p.m., through Sept. 2, along Third Avenue in Chula Vista from E Street to G Street. The season opener, presented by the South Bay Cruisers, will have cars and motorcycles on view, trophies in six categories, prizes and music. Information: (619) 426-1882.
May 31: Tire recycling event: Pala Tribal Transfer Station, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., 12802 state Route 76, Pala 92059. Open to tribal members and San Diego County residents. Recycling requirements: up to nine tires with 16.5 inches maximum inside diameter size; no tires with rims/wheels; no truck, tractor, business tires; tires must be reasonably clean of dirt or other foreign matter. Information: (877) 713-2784
June 1: 31st annual Plastic Fantastic Corvette Show, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Seaport Village. Expect more than 300 Corvettes on view. Free to view. Show fee $15; proceeds benefit the Challenged Athletes Foundation. Dash plaques and goodie bags to the first 300 entries. Due to the Rock and Roll Marathon, please check the club Web site for directions: ncocc.com or (760) 742-2405.
June 1: Supercar Tour. Test drive six supercars: the Ferrari 360 Modena Spider, Ferrari F430, Lamborghini Gallardo, Aston Martin V8 Vantage, Porsche 997 Turbo and Lotus Elise.
Presented by San Diego Prestige. The half-day tours begin at 7:45 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. Each tour allows up to 30 minutes of drive time in each car over a 140-mile route on a variety of roads. Technical presentation and handling instruction is provided. Only 12 seats available at each event.
Cost: $999 per person (three hours of driving). Price includes one passenger, fuel, mileage, instruction and road book. A $10,000 security deposit is required by the insurance company.
Information: sandiegoprestige.com or (858) 551-6001.
June 1: 16th annual Buick Car Show, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Bates Nut Farm, 15954 Woods Valley Road, Valley Center 92082. Presented by the Buick Grand National Racing Association with the Buick GS Club. Show is open to all vehicles. Advance registration is $20; day of show $25. Information: bgnra.org or Pat Fierro (858) 273-5325.
June 4: Eighth annual Cajon Classic Cruise, 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays through Sept. 24, Main Street, downtown El Cajon. This is the season-opening night, which could draw more than 500 vehicles to view. Information: (619) 401-8858 or downtownelcajon.com.
June 5: Back to the '50s Car Show, 5 to 8 p.m. Thursdays through Aug. 30, between Date and Fourth streets, La Mesa. The show features pre-1973 vehicles, including motorcycles, in show condition; six trophies awarded nightly. Information: (619) 303-5811 or lmvma.com.
June 7: Greatest Show on Turf, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Balboa Park, Park Boulevard and President's Way. Marking the 20th anniversary of the San Diego Automotive Museum, more than 400 cars and trucks of all years, makes and models will be on view. Trophies awarded for 15 classes and 10 special club classes. Free to view. Show registration by May 24, $25 per vehicle.
Information: Faye (619) 231-2886, ext. 2239, or e-mail faye@sdautomuseum.org.
Online registration: www.sdautomuseum.org.
June 8: Rip's BAD Ride, Oak Canyon Park, 5305 Santiago Canyon Road, Irvine 92602. Family-oriented, motorcycle fundraising ride and festival to benefit the American Diabetes Association. Gates open at 10 a.m.; escorted group rides from various start points at 9 a.m. Nonmotorcyclists may drive to the event. Admittance by donation, includes ride pin and free barbecue lunch and soft drinks. Also featured will be entertainment, bike show, bike games and vendor village. Information: badride.diabetes.org or (888) 342-2383.
June 15: Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 300 and 400 blocks of N. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills 90210. The show of more than 100 cars is themed “Haute Wheels: Celebrating Car Couture,” which blends high fashion with high-quality automobiles. Information: rodeodrive-bh.com/CNC/CNC_about.html
June 19: Rods & Woodies Classic Car Show 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. every third Thursday through Sept. 18, South Coast Highway 101 between H and D streets, Encinitas. Expect 30 to 50 vehicles on view. Opening night features the Little Guys Street Rods; SoCalStangs July 17; North County Cruisers Aug. 21; Wavecrest Woodies Sept. 18. Information: encinitas101.com or (760) 943-1950.
June 21: Third annual “Cops and Rodders” Car Show, 9 a.m. 4000 Oregon St., North Park Recreation Center, San Diego. All years, makes and models of cars, trucks, motorcycles and military, police, fire and emergency vehicles will be on view; with trophies, prizes and music. Free to view. Show registration $20 until June 5, $25 after. Proceeds benefit the San Diego Police Historical Association. Information: Ed LaValle (619) 922-2849 or Rick Carlson (619) 990-6197.
July 12: All-American Car Show, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Westfield Plaza Camino Real, Carlsbad (behind Sears). Sponsored by the Mopar Club of San Diego. The show also features food, entertainment and celebrities; proceeds benefit Homefront San Diego. Information: moparclubsandiego.org
July 20: Main Street America People's Choice Car Show, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Embarcadero Park North, near Seaport Village. More than 400 cars and trucks of all years, makes and models will be on view; trophies awarded for 24 classes. Music, an opportunity drawing and food will also be featured. Spectator admission: $1. Proceeds will benefit the San Diego Center for the Blind.
Show registration by July 11, $25 per vehicle, includes one lunch.
Information: cocsd.com, or Craig (619) 295-1985; e-mail cjm57@earthlink.net.
Aug. 2: Sixth Annual Run to the Hills, Bates Nut Farm, Valley Center. Organized by the Monday Nite Car Club. Registration $25; at the gate $30. Information: George (619) 440-6168 or Tony (619) 443-1710.
Aug. 24: Classic Chevy's of San Diego Picnic by the Bay 2008 Car Show, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Embarcadero Marine Park (North) next to Seaport Village. Open to all 1972 and older American-made vehicles; highlighting all years of Corvettes, Camaros and Mustangs. Show registration by Aug. 16. $25; $30 after. Free to view. Sanctioned by the Car Club Council of San Diego.
Also featured will be an opportunity drawing for a new Chevy 350 high-output, 330-horsepower crate engine, food, music and awards. Proceeds will benefit San Diego Hospice and Palliative care.
Information: Leon (858) 569-0738; LeRoy and Marcia (619) 429-5291; classicchevysofsandiego.org.
Sept. 28: 61st annual Prowler 'Ol Timers Picnic, 9 a.m., Bates Nut Farm, Valley Center. Open to all American-made hot rods, customs, trucks and special-interest vehicles. Also featured will be music, vendors, vintage trailer and dragster displays and drawings for a new GM crate motor, remanufactured TH350 transmission, 1-ton engine hoist, 3-ton aluminum racing floor jack, bicycles and more. Catered breakfasts and lunches available. Entry fee $25 per vehicle; free to view. Information: prowlers.org.
Oct. 17-19: Bronco Daze: Palm Canyon Resort, Borrego Springs. All Ford Broncos welcome. For camp space or hotel room, preregister with the hotel, (800) 242-0044; mention group No. 191857. Register for the event at earlybronco.com.
CRUISE NIGHTS
Cruisin' Coco's, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every third Sunday of the month, Coco's Restaurant, Rancho Bernardo Plaza, 16759 Bernardo Center Dr. Information: Coco's (858) 485-9419 or Ken Owen (858) 774-3898.
Monday Night Car Club, 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, VFW Hall, 12650 Lindo Lane, next to Lindo Lake Park, Lakeside. Information: mncc.cc.
East County Cruisers, 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Tyler's Taste of Texas Barbecue, 576 N. Second St., El Cajon. Information: (619) 312-0129 or eastcountycruisers.com.
Chicken Pie Diner Cruise Night, 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesdays through October, 14727 Pomerado Road, Poway, in the Target shopping center. Music, prizes, giveaways. Information: (858) 748-2445.
Classic Malt Shop, 6 to 9 p.m. Fridays, 3615 Midway Drive, Loma Portal. Cars from the 1950s and older. Information: (619) 226-1600.
Cruisin' Grand, 5 to 9 p.m. Fridays through Sept. 26, Grand and Second avenues, Escondido. Expect more than 300 pre-1974 American-made customs, classics, rods and more. Theme nights include “Classic Fire Engine and Squad Car Night,” “AFX Pro Quarter-Miler Night,” “Sprint Midget Car Night” and “Nitro Night.” Information: cruisingrand.com.
“Cruz'in the Lakes 2008,” 4 to 7 p.m., Fridays through Sept. 26, Santee Lakes Park, between Mast Boulevard and Carlton Oaks Drive. Presented by the Movers & Shakers, Rods, Customs, Classics Car Club. Bring your picnic for the car show on the grass next to Lake No. 1. The event is free. Park admission $2.
Fallbrook Rods & Relics, 7 to 9 a.m. Saturdays, Sunrize Cafe, River Village, state Route 76 and Mission Road, Bonsall. Information: (760) 723-4020.
Great Autos of Yesteryear. Gay-friendly club for owners and those who appreciate vintage autos. Cruise nights and times vary. Check Web site for details: Greatautos.org.
Mission Valley Corvettes and Cobras, 8 a.m., first Saturday of the month, Starbucks, 2245 Fenton Parkway, San Diego (in the IKEA shopping center on Friars Road, west of Qualcomm Stadium).
Siggy's Car Cruise, 3 to 6 p.m. second Saturday of the month, 26820 Jefferson Ave., Murrieta. Free entry; trophies awarded. Information: (951) 830-7010 or (951) 316-9927.
Clairemont Neighborhood Cruisers, 5 to 8 p.m. every fourth Saturday through Sept. 27, Woodies Chili Dogs, 4250-D Clairemont Mesa Blvd., in Clairemont Town Square. Information: (858) 270-6412.
Dalton's Roadhouse, noon to 4 p.m., first Sunday, 775 Center Drive, San Marcos. (760) 746-8340.
RADIO
“You Auto Know,” hosted by Dave Stall, 1-3 p.m. Saturdays, KCEO-AM 1000; listen online at KCEOradio.com. Call in: (800) 292-5236.
“Click & Clack,” Tom and Ray Magliozzi, 10-11 a.m. Saturdays KPBS-FM 89.5; repeated 1-2 p.m. Sundays.
“The Car Show,” with Art Gould and John Retsek, 9-10 a.m. Saturdays, KPFK-FM 90.7 (Los Angeles) or listen online at kpfk.org. Call in: (818) 985-5736.
“RPM Today,” hosted by Dave Stall, 9-11 a.m. Sundays on ESPN radio. Local, regional and national motorsports. Call-in: (866) ESPN-800 or e-mail rpm@espnradio800.com.
ONGOING
Miramar Speed Circuit, 8123 Miralani Drive, off Miramar Road. Indoor kart racing with Sodi karts and 6.5-horsepower Honda engines on a 1,500-foot asphalt track. For adults at least 54 inches tall. Junior classes for children at least 48 inches tall use slightly de-powered engines.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday; 11 a.m. to midnight Friday, 9 a.m. to midnight Saturday; and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.
Pricing: Adult and youth races $23; members $18. Information: (858) 586-7500 or miramarspeedcircuit.com.
K1 Speed Karting, 6212 Corte Del Abeto, Carlsbad, off Palomar Airport Road near Legoland California. Italian electric Pro Karts with roll hoop, racing harness and a reverse gear on a 2,000-foot-long asphalt track; helmets and other gear are provided. Corporate groups encouraged.
Arrive and drive: $25 for nonmembers; lunch-hour special: $20 nonmembers, Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Information: k1speed.com.
Horseless Carriage Foundation Library, 8186 Center St., La Mesa. For automobile research and restoration. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Information: hcfi.org, (619) 464-0301 or e-mail hcfi@aol.com.
San Diego Automotive Museum, Balboa Park; open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; last admission at 4:30 p.m. Admission: $8, seniors (65 and older) and active-duty military with ID $6, students with ID $5, children ages 6-15 $4.
Automobiles, motorcycles and memorabilia take visitors through automotive history. The core collection includes more than 80 vehicles.
Speakers are available for a fee at the museum or at your facility. Programs last about 30 minutes. Information: Kenn Colclasure, (619) 231-2886 or sdautomuseum.org.
Simpson's Garden Town Nursery and Auto Barns, 13925 state Route 94, Jamul; 8:30 a.m. to 4:50 p.m. Wednesday through Monday, closed Tuesday. More than 70 restored or customized cars and trucks in two barns, ranging from Model A's and T's, through the 1930s and 1940s to muscle cars of the 1960s and 1970s. The nursery grounds include more classics and travel trailers. Free. Information: (619) 669-1977 or simpsonsnursery.com.
J.A. Cooley Museum, 4233 Park Blvd., North Park, off El Cajon Boulevard.
The museum specializes in early years of automotive history and features 24 cars in original condition, including an 1895 Benz, a 1903 curved-dash Oldsmobile, 1907 International, 1910 Hudson, 1910 Russell, 1913 Oakland, 1904 DeDion, 1936 Cord and three early Cadillacs.
Admission: $2 to $5. Hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Guided tours for three or more people are available. Information: (619) 296-3112.
Motor Transport Museum, 31949 state Route 94, Campo, about a mile from the railroad museum. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. This old-truck museum is loaded with weather-worn hulks of sleeper-cab tractors, heavy equipment, light trucks and more dating to 1912.
The main building contains about a dozen restored trucks, including a Diamond T, Federal, Mack and Autocar.
Admission is free, donations accepted. Take Interstate 8 to Buckman Springs Road, south to state Route 94, turn left and go a half-mile to the museum, on the right. Information: (619) 478-2492 or (619) 233-9707.
The San Diego Collection, 7215 El Cajon Blvd. Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday; closed Mondays; free admission.
About 25 vehicles on view (some are for sale). Information: (619) 667-3136; Web site: thesandiegocollection.com.
Petersen Automotive Museum, 6060 Wilshire Blvd. at Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles.
The Petersen museum has more than 150 vehicles – motorcycles, race cars, hot rods, customs and trucks – on view.
Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. Admission: $10; seniors and students with ID $5; ages 5 to 12 $3. Parking: $6. Information: (323) 930-CARS or petersen.org.
NHRA Motorsports Museum, 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona. Presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
About 60 cars are on view. An array of photographs and memorabilia chronicle more than 50 years of U.S. motor sports.
Admission: NHRA members free; nonmembers $5; seniors 60 and older and juniors 6 to 15 $3; younger than 5 free. Information: (909) 622-2133 and nhra.com/museum.
