Saturday July 12 street rods, customs, street machines and special interest vehicles of all types gathered at the headquarters of Coker Tire in Chattanooga, Tennessee. One of the reasons for the get-together was to give the participants on the Coker Tire Tour a great send-off as they hit the highway with the Syracuse Nationals as their final destination. A more important reason for the gathering was to raise money for The Victory Junction Gang Camp for kids in Randleman, North Carolina. Started by Pattie and Kyle Petty to honor their son Adam, the Victory Junction Gang Camp is a year round facility for children with physical disabilities. The Camp operates solely on donations from corporations and private individuals.
Over 100 cars were at Coker Tire for the send off and to participate in the silent auction. Items were donated by companies in the street rod industry including Holley, AMSOIL, Weiand, Grant Steering Wheels, The Right Coast Association, Edlebrock, Street Rodder Magazine, Classic Automobilia, Hooker Headers, Honest Charlies, California Car Cover and Hot Rod Magazine. From pedal cars to metal signs, carburetors to jackets all of the items were bid on vigorously throughout the afternoon. When the dust cleared at 4:30 $2300 had been raised to help the folks at The Victory Junction Camp. We will be delivering the proceeds from the auction to the Camp in Randleman on Monday afternoon.
A highlight of the day's activities at Coker Tire was a look at the newly renovated museum and restoration facility. The collection of classic vehicles on display was incredible and included an entire wall covered with fantastic motorcycles both restored and original. Corky Coker was on hand all afternoon to greet everyone in attendance and give us some background on both the vehicles on display and some history of the company that is celebrating their 50th Anniversary this year. Also open on Saturday was Honest Charley's Speed Shop which is celebrating its 60th year in business. Now operated by Mike Goodwin Honest Charley's continues its tradition of carrying a huge parts selection and a friendly and courteous staff that knows all about the products that they sell.
It was a great day in Chattanooga for everyone in attendance. The participants got a chance to show off their vehicles to an appreciative crowd and the Victory Junction Gang Camp benefited from the generosity of the companies who donated products and the many folks who bid on them.
The Coker Tire Tour has just begun. We have some great stops planned on our way to the Syracuse Nationals including our stop at the Victory Junction Gang Camp on Monday. Check back here all week and I will report on our progress as we travel to New York.