Car shows, racing and car clubs (Knoxville, Chattanooga: theater, mall, moving to)

[leonard]

I will be visiting in April with the intent to move to either the Knoxville or Chattanooga area. Right now it is hard to decide which so a couple of weeks will be spent in both areas.

My hobby (and business) is High Performance Cars.

How is Knoxville for Car related activities, shows, racing, etc?

[mbmouse]

Not sure about Knoxville specifically, the locals I am sure will chime in soon. But as far as cars and East TN as a whole, people are VERY much into their cars. I mean this is NASCAR country after all. (I am about a 10 minute drive to Bristol, so I know when the traffic gets thick, it is race time.) All spring, summer and fall at least one or two towns/cities in the region has a car show of some sort going on about every weekend. I do not think you will have any issues about finding car enthusiast, make and model clubs of all kinds all around this region.
Hope that helps.

[Tennesseestorm]

I know they have a couple of big car shows in the Pigeon Forge area and several throughout the year up in Bristol at the BMS track. There are also numerous "cruise ins" for old cars in general (does not have to be show car condition) in several places in the Tri-Cities throughout the year.... especially March-October.

[leonard]

Does anyone know about the drive in theaters? I have heard that some still exist and have cruise in nights?

[dixierambler]

There's something going on over in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg almost every weekend during warm months. One of the biggest rod runs is in April or May. Also, there is a great cruise in at Foothills Mall in Maryville every Friday evening. Very informal and great place to meet other car enthusiasts, and its' FREE!

[Freelander]

Originally Posted by leonard

I will be visiting in April with the intent to move to either the Knoxville or Chattanooga area. Right now it is hard to decide which so a couple of weeks will be spent in both areas.

My hobby (and business) is High Performance Cars.

How is Knoxville for Car related activities, shows, racing, etc?

One activity you may be interested in is Knoxville Cars and Coffee.

On the first Saturday of every other month (I think), owners of high-end cars gather at 227 Sherway Road in Knoxville for what they call "Cars and Coffee." Here's some pics of the January Cars and Coffee: (spectators are always welcome)

Knoxville, TN Cars and Coffee January 3rd - a set on Flickr

BMW, Ferrari, Porsche...you name it.

The next meet is scheduled for March 7th I think...but don't quote me on that.

I always attend the Cars and Coffee at Nashville. I'm a huge car enthusiast, especially exotics...it's always a blast for me Let me know if you need any more info!



EDIT: And here's the pics from the November meet, if you're interested:

http://flickr.com/photos/connorgt3/s...7608770710149/

[leonard]

Originally Posted by Freelander

One activity you may be interested in is Knoxville Cars and Coffee.

On the first Saturday of every other month (I think), owners of high-end cars gather at 227 Sherway Road in Knoxville for what they call "Cars and Coffee." Here's some pics of the January Cars and Coffee: (spectators are always welcome)

Knoxville, TN Cars and Coffee January 3rd - a set on Flickr

BMW, Ferrari, Porsche...you name it.

The next meet is scheduled for March 7th I think...but don't quote me on that.

I always attend the Cars and Coffee at Nashville. I'm a huge car enthusiast, especially exotics...it's always a blast for me Let me know if you need any more info!



EDIT: And here's the pics from the November meet, if you're interested:

Knoxville Cars and Coffee, November 8th, 2008 - a set on Flickr

Thanks,

The cars are out of my league (or budget)

but it looks like fun.

[DaveC20853]

Originally Posted by leonard

Thanks,

The cars are out of my league (or budget)

but it looks like fun.

Don't let the high end cars scare you off. There were at least 3 Miatas at the January meet. These are "car people" and (if they're like the folks up here, which is what I hear) not snobs.

Here's a vid from the January meet:
YouTube - Cars and coffee . VW Bugs to Ferraris. Good starting point to meet other car people and find other meets and clubs.

The Knoxville area is blessed with an abundance of entertaining driving roads.

[leonard]

Originally Posted by DaveC20853

Don't let the high end cars scare you off. There were at least 3 Miatas at the January meet. These are "car people" and (if they're like the folks up here, which is what I hear) not snobs.

Here's a vid from the January meet:
YouTube - Cars and coffee . VW Bugs to Ferraris. Good starting point to meet other car people and find other meets and clubs.

The Knoxville area is blessed with an abundance of entertaining driving roads.

I am a bit torn.

I drag race so having Seymour close is nice. I spoke to the owner and he seems like a real nice guy.

I also want a road car, like a Miata or similar, so at worst I will need a bigger garage.

[dave1961]

Originally Posted by leonard

I am a bit torn.

I drag race so having Seymour close is nice. I spoke to the owner and he seems like a real nice guy.

I also want a road car, like a Miata or similar, so at worst I will need a bigger garage.

There's an 1/8 mile dragstrip in Maynardville called Knoxville Dragway. Maynardville is about 25 minutes north of Knoxville. Then of course there's Thunder Valley in Bristol, which is the nearest 1/4 mile track.
What kind of drag car do you have? I've got a '73 Plymouth Duster with a blown 528" Hemi, a street 'n strip car. I plan on moving to Knoxville next year.