AACA Speedster - January 2026

Click here to register to judge now!

The Puerto Rico Region is excited to once again welcome mainland members to their beautiful island for an experience not to be missed!

If you have never been to Puerto Rico, now is your chance – especially if you are an AACA Judge. We NEED mainland AACA Judges for this show!!

Event Highlights:

Thursday Trip to the Beautiful La Marquesa Forest Park
Friday Judging School, Membership Roundtable & CJE
Friday Evening Welcome Party in the Capitol District Old San Juan
Saturday Special Nationals Car Show at the Music Museum of Guaynabo
Saturday Evening Awards Banquet at Pedrin Zorrilla Coliseum, San Juan

Host Hotel:

Courtyard by Marriott San Juan Miramar

801 Ponce de Leon Avenue, San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00907

Call 787-721-7400 or email Stephanie.Nora@courtyard.com to make your reservation

MCA Rate: $189 + taxes

Questions?

Chairman: Jose “Guillo” Davila, guillodavila57@outlook.com, 787-382-9813

Registration: Rafael F. Martinez, rmartinezcpa@gmail.com, 787-405-1650

REMINDER: Your 2026 membership dues MUST be paid

prior to registering for any 2026 National Activities.

Experience True Southern Hospitality

Only in Cartersville, Georgia… Museum City!!

Don't Miss This Show! Register Now Before Time Runs Out!

March 26-28, 2026

Winter Nationals

Cartersville, GA

Registration Deadline: February 24

cartersvillemuseumcity.com.

The Lake Allatoona Region invites you to attend the AACA Winter Nationals on the beautiful new campus of Georgia Highlands College in Cartersville, GA. The Courtyard by Marriott Cartersville across from the college serves as our host hotel. Free shuttle services to our off-site excursions are courtesy of Cartersville Museum City,

Also happening Saturday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., the 18th Annual Northwest Georgia Women’s Expo at the Clarence Brown Conference Center located next to our host hotel. Complimentary tickets are available for all AACA Winter Nationals participants.

Special Note: Because GA Hwy 20 is a busy stretch of road, we will be running free continuous shuttle transportation on Saturday between the host hotel Courtyard Marriott/Clarance Brown Conference Center and Georgia Highlands College from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Change: Registration pick-up on Thursday from 12-4 p.m. at the Courtyard has been canceled. Registration pick-up will begin on Friday at 9 a.m. at the Courtyard.

Event Highlights:

Thursday Welcome Reception at Old Car City USA
Friday Excursions: Historic Downtown Cartersville, Booth Western Art Museum, Etowah Indian Mounds, Tellus Science Museum
Friday Membership Roundtable & Judging School
Friday Tour & Special Presentation at the Savoy Automobile Museum
Friday Evening Georgia Highlands College Meet & Greet
Saturday Swap Meet & Car Corral
Saturday CJE & Owners Briefing
Saturday Winter Nationals Car Show at Georgia Highlands College
Saturday Evening Awards Banquet at Georgia Highlands College with special guest Corky Coker!! (read all about this below)

Host Hotel:

Courtyard by Marriott Cartersville

5460 Highway 20, Cartersville, GA 30121

678-721-1660, $159 + tax (includes breakfast)

Booking link: tinyurl.com/2026WinterNationals

Reservation deadline: February 24, 2026

Questions?

Chairman: Kraig Bolus, kbolus3@gmail.com, 770-363-4293

Registration: Marion Benson, marionbenson@bellsouth.net, 404-680-6654

Information & Updates: lakeallatoona.aaca.com

REMINDER: Your 2026 membership dues MUST be paid

prior to registering for any 2026 National Activities.

Special Guest at the Winter Nationals

Corky Coker: Toys, Tires and Tennessee Triumph

By Harry R. Krix, AACA Winter Nationals Team, hrkrix@gmail.com

This is a member submitted article.

Get ready for a fascinating ride as renowned automotive enthusiast and Director of Development at the Savoy Automobile Museum, Tom Shinall, sits down with the legendary Corky Coker—the man who took a small antique-tire niche and turned it into an international phenomenon.

Corky, son of Coker Tire Company founder Harold Coker, grew up on a family farm and initially dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. But after a self-described "too-carefree attitude" derailed his college plans, he returned to the family business. It was there, sweeping floors and cleaning whitewalls, that he found his true passion: making customers happy by helping them "play with their toys."

In this candid interview, Corky shares the formative years of the company with his father, the philosophy of "Doing right means something" that guided their success, and the genesis of the historical tire designs that cemented Coker Tire's reputation.

Inside the Exclusive Interview:

From Whitewalls to Worldwide: Learn how he revitalized the antique-tire segment, which was less than 5% of the company when he started full-time.
Beyond the Tread: Discover Corky's key accomplishments in the Chattanooga community, including his work with the Boy Scouts of America, the Chamber of Commerce, and his charitable mission work in Jamaica and Nicaragua.
Collector's Regret: Hear the story of the "shoulda bought" car that got away.
Favorite Vehicle: In the extensive Coker Museum collection, which vehicle stands out as his absolute favorite?
The Road Ahead: Corky offers his perspective on the challenges facing the vintage vehicle hobby and crucial advice for cultivating interest among younger generations.

Don't miss this engaging conversation between two passionate stewards of automotive history! Be sure to register to attend the Winter Nationals in Cartersville, GA, today!

Meet Me in Charlotte in the Springtime

April 9-11, 2026

Southeastern Spring Nationals

Charlotte, NC

Registration Deadline: March 9

The Hornets Nest Region extends a cordial welcome to all fellow AACA members attending the Southeastern Spring Nationals. April is a great time of year to visit Charlotte and we would be especially pleased if you would choose to join us this year. The AACA Nationals is being held during the Hornets Nest Region’s Charlotte AutoFair (produced each Spring) at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Credentials for Charlotte AutoFair will be provided to each AACA member registering a vehicle for the show and to each registered AACA Judge.

Event Highlights:

Free Admission to Charlotte AutoFair
Judging School and Senior Master Judging School
Judges Breakfast
Judges CJE
Youth Program
New Owners Clinic
Nationals Car Show
Awards & Picnic

Hotel Options:

Tru by Hilton Concord: 704-456-7951

Home2 Suites by Hilton: 704-456-7950

Embassy Suites: 704-455-8200

Comfort Suites Concord Mills: 704-761-6803

Wingate by Wyndham: 704-979-1300

Hampton Inn: 704-793-9700

Courtyard by Marriott: 704-453-2600

Residence Inn: 704-454-7862

Homewood Suites: 980-313-3100

Questions?

Chairman: Phillip Cole, pcole@wnccumc.net, 704-577-8576

Registration: Ken Gilmore, hornetsnestregionaaca@windstream.net, 704-841-1990

REMINDER: Your 2026 membership dues MUST be paid

prior to registering for any 2026 National Activities.

For Your Love of the Automobile… Viva Las Vegas!

There's No Snow in Vegas, So You Should Definitely Go to This Show!

April 23-25, 2026

Grand Nationals (April 24)

Western Spring Nationals (April 25)

Las Vegas, NV

Registration Deadline: March 20

Click here to reserve your room online

The Las Vegas Region is excited to welcome you to Sin City! This dual show is being hosted at a resort in Lake Las Vegas, roughly 30 minutes east of The Strip in the Henderson area. Join us for perfect weather, great food, awesome cars, and a good time with your AACA friends!

Event Highlights:

Thursday Members Roundtable & Judging School
Thursday Tour of the Maloof Car Collection
Friday Grand Nationals Car Show
Friday Grand Nationals Awards Presentation
Friday Evening Ice Cream Social
Saturday CJE & Owners Briefing
Saturday Western Spring Nationals Car Show
Saturday Evening Awards Banquet with special guest speaker Peter Brock

Special Guest Peter Brock to Speak at Saturday Evening Awards Banquet

Peter Brock was hired as a designer into the General Motors Tech Center at the age of 19. There, in 1957 he drew the sketch that head of design, Bill Mitchell, chose for what would become the iconic 1963 split-window Corvette Sting Ray.

Following his desire to become a professional race car driver, Brock left GM in 1959 and returned to his home state of California. There he was involved in the road racing scene and became Carroll Shelby’s first paid employee, running Shelby’s driving school at Riverside Raceway in 1961.

Host Hotel:

Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa

1610 Lake Las Vegas Parkway, Henderson, NV 89011

702-567-4700, mention Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA)

$155 per night (includes resort fee) + tax

Questions?

Chairman: John Ragonese, jbrags1644@gmail.com, 775-846-9045

Registration: Pat Buckley, pbuckley@aaca.org, 717-534-1910

REMINDER: Your 2026 membership dues MUST be paid

prior to registering for any 2026 National Activities.

Do You Have an Official AACA Car Sign for Your Car Yet?

Are you attending the Winter Nationals, Southeastern Spring Nationals or the Grand Nationals/Western Spring Nationals this year? Then it’s time to order your sign!

Deadline to order for Cartersville is February 13.

Deadline to order for Charlotte and Las Vegas is March 6.

This is the only official AACA recommended car show sign and is intended for use at AACA events. The AACA car sign format, styled similarly to other Concours signs, when properly weighted or staked would limit potential damage to vehicles if bumped or blown. Signs are 16.5" tall and 12" wide and are made of hard plastic to withstand the elements. These signs are only available to AACA members and are custom created to tell your vehicle's story and history.

AACA car signs cost $45 plus shipping and handling. Add an image or images for $5 each. PA residents also pay sales tax.

Please allow 4-5 weeks for the entire process from start to finish.

Click here for more information and instructions.

Email Jon Curtis at AACA Headquarters if you would like to have a sign made.

Please scroll all the way to the end of Speedster to find the answer.

Trivia Question

In addition to the Model T,

what other landmark Ford idea was harvested out of Detroit’s Piquette

Avenue Plant parts inventory?

Member Story: My Three Sergeants

By Chris Short, Cape Canaveral Region, FL, short_chris@bellsouth.net

This is a member submitted article.

I have always had an interest in odd, unique cars. It probably started on my ride home from the hospital when I was born. My dad was in the American Air Force. My parents were stationed at Weathersfield, England, when I came along. I came home from the hospital in a 1950s Renault 4CV. It was a French market car with the steering wheel on the left, which made driving in England a challenge. It was the typical GI car that was passed along from one GI to another as their deployments ended. That car was the first in a strange line of odd cars to follow that influenced my interests. There were Renaults, Peugeots, Volvos, a diesel Isuzu and Corvairs… so many Corvairs.

(Photo: My dad with the Renault in England, circa 1959.)

In 1966, we moved to Orlando, Florida. The block we moved to had three retired Air Force Sergeants on it, including my dad. All three had a great influence on my automotive upbringing. My dad gave me an interest in cars, as odd as they may have been. He was very good with them and taught me a lot. Sergeant Wojcik (Jim) was a very calm influence and taught me how to drive. My dad and I had a couple of unsatisfactory driving lessons when Jim was nominated to take over. Things went a lot smoother after that. Sergeant McDonald (Carl) had old cars: a 1953 Buick, 1956 Cadilac,1955 Oldsmobile 88 and 98. Carl gave me my lifelong love of antique cars. There was always something going on with the old cars and Carl would always let me help with the projects and drive his cars. Carl’s drivers were always interesting, too. I feel extremely fortunate to have the knowledge, patience, and time that these three men passed down to me. It was a perfect storm for a young car enthusiast.

After my last driving lesson with my dad, he said that I would never drive one of his cars again! As terrible as that sounds, the next part of the equation was that he bought me my own car, the Blue Volvo 122S, and 50 years later I still have and cherish the car and what it represents. It was a mess, over a hundred thousand miles, recapped tires, rusty floors, and worst of all it had an automatic transmission! I loved it and still do today. The process of finding a car for me included typically odd cars. Dad gave me my choice of a 1960s Austin America 4-door with 4-speed or the Volvo 2-door automatic. Volvo won out. The automatic was later changed to a 4-speed with overdrive. My dad passed in 2005 and true to his word I was never able to drive any of his cars for the rest of his life…but he did get me my first car and was always there to help me with all my cars, and everything else.

The Volvo saw me through high school and most of college when I started auto-crossing with the Martin Sports Car Club at the Martin Marietta plant in Orlando one Sunday a month. These events usually resulted in my need to replace the transmission. I would spend Sunday night changing the transmission so I could drive to work on Monday morning. Between the transmission being a little weak and my ineptitude at driving, something had to be done. So, instead of quitting auto-crossing, I bought a van to drive every day, and the Volvo became my toy car from then on. The van was already finished on the inside, and I completed the outside.

The Volvo began a career in the International Show Car Association, Martin Sports Car Club and the Volvo Club of America. Is has been auto crossed at Daytona International Speedway, ran hot laps at Sebring and Watkins Glen, and did drivers school at Summit Point Raceway in West Virgina. I have driven it all over the Eastern United States from Miami to Watkins Glenn and Lake Placid, New York. Showing in Volvo National shows since 1984, in 1988 it won best of show at the Volvo Club of America/Washington Volvo Club Nationals in Virginia. Both of my Volvos have over 300,000 miles on them. I am a co-founder of the Florida Chapter of the Volvo Club of America. We participated in two international club trips – one in 2007 to Sweden and one in 2013 to Norway and Sweden.

In 1996, I bought a low mileage, one family owned 1967 Chevrolet Custom Sport Truck and began a two-and-a-half-year restoration. It was completed just in time for the AACA Winter Nationals in Orlando in 1999. This was an auspicious beginning to my AACA journey. After 3 Second Junior Awards in a row, the truck needed a little more refinement. Also, during this time the commercial under one ton class was very large, resulting in massive participation and lots of competition. The truck worked its way through its First Junior, Senior, Grand National and Senior Grand National, but not after towing it all over the Southeastern United States. After all of that, the AACA revised the classes.

In 2005, I bought the 1964 Chevelle Malibu SS from longtime family friend Brad Hoke. I had worked with this car to get it through its First Junior and Senior for him. Not long after that Brad decided to downsize his collection and only have convertibles. With the Chevelle being a coupe, it was available, so I bought it. In the transfer of ownership, the Senior car reverted to First Junior status. The Chevelle quickly re-earned its Senior Award at Punta Gorda, Florida.

I have been a member of the AACA since 1999, but never a member of a local region. This all changed when I met Linn Murdoch at a car show in Titusville, Florida. He invited me to a club meeting, and I realized I had found a club. My leadership roles in the Florida Chapter of the Volvo Club of America were winding down so the timing was good to join the Cape Canaveral Region of AACA.

I’ve been showing cars since the late seventies traveling all over the Eastern United States and to Great Britain and Scandinavia for car shows and club events. I’ve had a lot of fun experiences, but now my favorite part of the car hobby is meeting with my Cape Canaveral Region friends and going out to our club dinners, breakfasts and car shows.

(Photo: A Renault like the one I came home from the hospital in after being born. I’m not sure I would even fit inside it now.)

So, thanks dad for everything and my passion for truly odd cars, especially my Volvo. I love it as much as the day you gave it to me. And thanks Sergeants for rounding out a kid’s lifelong appreciation of cars.

We are always looking to feature articles from AACA members in Speedster. We'd love to share your personal accounts of tours and shows you have attended, restoration projects, unique vehicle stories and history, and any other stories you think other AACA members would enjoy hearing about.

Stories should average 500 words or less. And we love photos, so make sure to include some! Please send your photos and stories to Chrissy Arnold.

Is Your 2026 AACA Membership PAST DUE?

By Karen White, AACA Membership Manager, kwhite@aaca.org

Your AACA membership runs on a calendar year

from January 1 through December 31.

If you have already renewed your membership for 2026, thank you!!

If you have not renewed your membership yet, please take a few minutes to do it now.

REMINDER: Your 2026 membership dues MUST be paid in order to renew your spaces for Hershey. Your 2026 membership dues MUST be paid before you can receive registration information for any 2026 National Shows or Tours. Your 2026 membership dues MUST be paid to continue receiving your beloved Antique Automobile magazine.

The quickest and easiest way to renew your membership right now is by using our super simple online renewal system. Just log in with your membership number and PIN, review the information currently listed on your membership record and make changes if necessary. Review your information one more time and click on credit card. Payment options include Visa, MasterCard and Discover. Your payment will automatically record to your membership record, you will receive an email confirmation and you will be renewed in our membership database immediately.

Your membership number and PIN are printed on the renewal form included with your Antique Automobile magazine. It can also be found on your membership card. If you don’t have access to a renewal form or your membership card, call National Headquarters at 717-534-1910 or email kwhite@aaca.org to get your numbers. Please DON’T try to pay your dues by using the JOIN AACA tab. This WILL NOT renew your membership – instead, it will create a new one.

You can also renew your membership by mailing in the renewal form with payment or by calling National HQ at 717-534-1910.

Check Out These Upcoming 2026 AACA National Activities...

Would you like registration materials mailed to you

as soon as they are available for any of these events?

Email Sue with your name, member number and the event or send in the

Activity Request Card from your Antique Automobile magazine.

Already Thinking About Hershey 2026?

Discounted Room Rate at the Hershey Lodge Available Now

Thanks once again to our partnership with RM Sotheby’s, we are able to offer all of you a discounted rate at the Hershey Lodge during the 2026 Eastern Fall Nationals happening October 6-9. The auction will back again, and the special room block is already set up. The discounted room rate is $308 a night. Selling out this room block is the best way we can ensure that the auction remains a part of our event. So, if you are ready to make your reservations for next year and have always wanted to stay at the Hershey Lodge, now’s your chance!

To book your reservations online, click here.

If you prefer to speak to a reservation agent, please call 855-729-3108 and ask for the room block for RM Sotheby’s, October 4-10, 2026.

Membership Corner: A Few Thoughts on Membership…

By Jeff Oaks, AACA National VP-Membership, tjoaks59@gmail.com

This is a member submitted article.

I hope that everyone is doing well as we start this new year… and yes, 2026 is off and running! I would like to pass along a few thoughts and reminders concerning our club membership as we make our upcoming plans.

Each of us will have at least one if not more car shows and displays throughout the year. Do not forget to have a tent or an area advertising club membership at these events. It has been noted that vehicles and owners that have registered for the show are usually club members, however their friends and neighbors they have invited and all others visiting are probably not. This is a perfect time to let them know about who we are and what we do in the antique auto hobby.

Here are some quick facts to pass along… We are the oldest and largest antique auto club in the world, since 1935. We have more than 45,000 members and over 350 regions and chapters scattered across the country. With the calendar of events listed on the local chapter and region levels combined with AACA National, there is plenty to do throughout the year. Clue them in on the shows, tours, and other outings we have, and do not forget to mention the bi-monthly magazines we receive. If you have automotive questions, our Library & Research Center has a vast collection of archives and our AACA Forum is a helpful tool. AACA recognizes vehicles as antique being 25 years and older. That is 2001 and earlier for this year. The good news is that you do not even have to own a car to join the club and get in on the fun! Moreover, if you do own a car, it does not have to be a perfect show car. Many I have seen are notable drivers that are works in progress. Our AACA National Membership trifold covers many selling points of our club and is available from National Headquarters if requested.

As a reminder, each one of our chapters and regions receive four complimentary memberships that can be used as a promotion to entice those to join if they have never been a member before and the same for Military veterans. For the rest of us who may have been a member at one time and want to rejoin, AACA National dues are still only $45.00 annually! I am a member of several other clubs, and I must say, that is a deal! So do not let your complimentary memberships go to waste. Sign up those antique auto friends you know, and I know they will enjoy the club.

Our 90th AACA Annual Convention in Chantilly, VA, will start the year off next week. I hope you can attend, and I look forward to meeting you at other events throughout the year! See you soon…

ATTENTION: Regions & Chapters

Free Region/Chapter Membership Applications

Four 2026 FREE membership applications have been mailed to your current region/chapter President. These applications can only be used for the recruitment of BRAND NEW AACA NATIONAL MEMBERS and must be signed by a region/chapter representative. These membership forms must be used by September 1, 2026.

ATTENTION: Regions & Chapters

$3,000-$5,000 Grants Available to Regions Hosting National Activities

The AACA National Board of Directors realizes that the financial risk involved with hosting a national show or tour has caused many regions and chapters to be hesitant to volunteer to host a national event. Some regions simply do not have the funds available to even think about hosting.

The board has approved a grant program for any region receiving board approval to host a national event that has not hosted one for more than ten years. Here's how it breaks down:

$5,000 grants available to regions hosting national car shows
$5,000 grants available to regions hosting national 5-day tours
$3,000 grants available to regions hosting national 3-day tours

There are many opportunities to host one of these events. We have Winter Nationals available and will schedule up to three years in advance. Spring and Fall National shows are available to schedule for Eastern, Southeastern, Central and Western Divisions, also up to 3 years in advance.

Touring events share the same opportunities. Founders Tour, Sentimental Tour, Vintage Tour, Reliability Tour, Glidden Tour and all four Divisional Tours have available openings for your region to reserve for up to three years in advance.

For more information, please contact Greg Jackson, VP National Activities, at greg.jackson15@outlook.com or 704-408-6217.

Don’t miss this opportunity to host a national event. Take advantage of this special grant program while the National Board has this offer available!

Do You Need Some New Gear for the New Year?

The 2026 car show and tour season will be here before we know it and we are positive that all of you could use some new gear to show off your love and pride for AACA. Earlier this month, we restocked the online AACA store with lots of cool stuff – both old and new. While browsing the website, be sure to check out some of our most popular items like the hats, T-Shirts, puzzles, license plate frames, and drink koozies shaped like a stack of tires.

Click here to visit the AACA store.

Can't find something in the online store? You can always call AACA Headquarters to place your order as well (717-534-1910, M-F 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).

Are You Taking Advantage of Your Access to MemberDeals?

Below are a few exclusive deals on live events including concerts, sports, shows and more. Check out these and more deals by clicking here.

Big Bear

Mountain Resort

FIFA World Cup Soccer

Grand Canyon

South Rim Tour

Don’t forget to sign up to get information

about ongoing legislative issues affecting

the car hobby directly from our partner SEMA!

Do You Know a Military Veteran Who Would Like to be an AACA Member?

The Military Membership Program is available to Military Veterans that have proudly served to protect our homeland and freedoms. With this program, AACA is extending complimentary 2026 memberships for first-time AACA applicants. More information on this program and an application can be found on the AACA website under Membership and drop down to Military Program, or simply click here.

These complimentary 2026 memberships are for first-time AACA applicants. These complimentary applications for membership are intended for individuals who have a genuine interest in the antique car hobby.

Be Social With Us

AACA hosts online forums! AACA hosts a massive online forum area on our website that you can read and/or join in on the conversations on all sorts of topics. People post some really interesting material and pictures on an everyday basis. If you haven't used the forums before, just use the sign-up button in the upper right corner to create your user account. Anyone can join the online forums and it's completely free.

AACA has Facebook! AACA has an official Facebook page for club information and events. We also have an extremely active Facebook group, where group members post, ask questions and discuss everything and anything car-related. LIKE our Facebook page and ask to JOIN our Facebook group. Don't forget to connect with the AACA Library on their official Facebook page as well.

AACA is on Instagram! @antiqueautomobileclubofamerica

Be sure to use these hashtags: #DrivingHistory, #AACA, #AntiqueAutomobileClubofAmerica, #Hershey, #AACAHershey, #AACAproud, #AACAstrong

AACA National Activities Calendar

February 5-7, 2026

Annual Convention

Chantilly, VA

Click here for seminar schedule

March 19-21, 2026

Special Nationals

Guaynabo, PR

Registration Deadline: February 18

March 21, 2026

36th Annual Show

(formerly the Depot Show)

Naples-Marco Region

Naples, FL

Email Peter Blackford for information

March 26-28, 2026

Winter Nationals

Cartersville, GA

Registration Deadline: February 24

April 9-11, 2026

Southeastern Spring Nationals

Charlotte, NC

Registration Deadline: March 9

April 23-25, 2026

Western Spring Nationals/Grand Nationals

Las Vegas, NV

Registration Deadline: March 20