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Back to the Bricks®
February 2025 Newsletter
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Latest from the Chairman of the Board | |
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Cruisin' Into Spring: Revamping My Rides!
Hello there fellow car enthusiasts! As the days get longer and the temperatures rise, my excitement for the cruising season reaches a new high!
This time of year is all about transforming my beloved rides, and here’s what I’ve got cookin’: First, my classic 1965 Buick Special is in for some major upgrades! New tires and custom wheels are a must, and guess what? I snagged a fantastic deal on used wheels and fresh tires for HALF the price I was going to pay at JEGS – that’s a whopping $800 saved! Always remember, it pays to explore what’s out there before making a purchase!
Now, let’s talk about my 1970 Corvette. It's been a challenge, as I need some frame supports for the windshield and T-Tops. The aftermarket simply doesn't make them anymore! But thanks to my awesome friends Craig and Sheryl at Rat Rod Relics, I have some hope! Sheryl started researching possible suppliers for the parts and found a company that was building prototypes of the parts we needed. Craig put the first one on and the second one is on its way soon. We have a plan now to have it completed by late spring. Thank you, Craig and Sheryl, from Rat Rod Relics. They are not just Rat Rod builders; they truly have a knack for problem-solving.
The Back to the Bricks® community is a treasure trove of knowledge and resources. Whether you need a helping hand or just want to bounce around ideas, there's always someone willing to lend an ear (or a wrench!).
So, as we gear up for another season of cruising, let's remember to lean on each other, explore our options, and have a whole lot of fun in the process.
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See you on the open road!
Al Jones
Chairman of the Board
Back to the Bricks®
810-625-2713
aljones@backtothebricks.org
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2025 Car Show Events Schedule | |
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We've got a busy car show season coming, with everyone's favorites, Dust 'em Off, Road Rally's, Tune Up, and Main Event Week being scheduled and planned.
We do make changes, to make their experience even better, so to stay up to date on all events, visit BacktotheBricks.org
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5th Annual Dust 'em Off Car Show | |
NEW Location, and Registration is OPEN!!
The 5th Annual Dust 'em Off Car Show is honored to have a NEW Brought to you by Sponsor, Owosso Speedway with Special Thanks to Wild Bills Craft Beverage Co. for helping to bring back this VERY POPULAR Spring Car Show!
See full details and REGISTER today on the website.
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2025 Sunset Promo Tour is Filling UP! | | |
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Registration is OPEN
The 15th Annual Back Roads Promo Tour will take place
June 6-11, 2025
We've made it easy for you, click the link to the website, learn all about the tour, and register today!
Only 250 Spots are available, and we have over 200 registered today!!!
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News from the Executive Director | |
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Hey classic car lovers!
It’s been a minute since I’ve shared an update, and I’m thrilled to say that being in this position for over 5 years has been nothing short of an incredible journey!
From the moment I was a kid, I was captivated by classic cars and trucks. The craftsmanship, the history, and the stories each vehicle carries have always inspired me. This role allows me to merge my love for these timeless beauties with a mission that promotes community, preservation, and appreciation for automotive artistry and history!
Every day, I get to work alongside amazing fellow enthusiasts—our Board, Committee Members, and Volunteers—who support our efforts to keep these gems on the road for generations to come and organize events that honor them. Together, we celebrate not only the vehicles but also the rich history and culture they represent.
Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting up with the Founder of Back to the Bricks®, Al Hatch, while we were both in Florida. We had a wonderful conversation at Ford's Garage, the perfect spot for two car enthusiasts! Whenever we chat, he always shares insightful perspectives. Having retired before my tenure began, he offers a unique viewpoint as someone who used to be behind the wheel like I am now, running this organization, and now enjoys the events as a participant. Plus, we always manage to share a few laughs along the way!
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I can't wait to see where this journey takes us ALL next. Our schedule is filling up, and I am so grateful to each of YOU for being an integral part of our classic car family!
Let’s keep the passion rolling!
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Amber Lynn Taylor, CTA
Executive Director
Back to the Bricks®
810-877-8383
ambertaylor@backtothebricks.org
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2025 Grand Marshal Nomination | |
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Calling All Community Champions!
Back to the Bricks® is on the hunt for our next Grand Marshal for this year’s 21st annual festivities, and we need YOUR help!
Do you know a local automotive pioneer or car enthusiast who’s gone above and beyond in 2024-2025? Whether it’s someone preserving our automotive heritage or fueling the community with their passion, we want to hear about them!
Here’s how to submit:
- Write a letter (one page or less) explaining why you believe your nominee deserves this recognition.
- Include their name and contact info, as well as your own.
- Send it via Mail to:
Back to the Bricks
2025 Grand Marshal Nomination
PO Box 500
Flint MI 48501
Or email it to: ambertaylor@backtothebricks.org
Subject Line: 2025 Grand Marshal Nomination
Deadline: April 1st, 2025
Let’s celebrate our hometown heroes in the automotive world!
We can’t wait to read your inspiring stories.
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Al's Garage - SPECIAL EDITION | |
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Al’s Garage
Vol. #6, Issue #2
"Spring Road Trips, and New Car Show Events"
Now that the Back to the Bricks® Chrome & Ice™ Winter Indoor Car Show is over, it is time to start shifting gears and getting ready for what is up for the next BttB events. I would be remiss if I did not say a few words about this year’s Chrome and Ice™ indoor car show. Even though I am currently in Florida, it does not mean that I was not receiving updates four to five times a day. It was like I was there, and our youngest son Phil sent us daily ‘Facebook’ videos as well. From all reports, the show was a success, with about 120 vehicles on display, and spectator attendance was strong. Congratulations to the great BttB Chrome & Ice™ committee members and car owners who braved the cold temperatures and brought their prized possessions to the show. Work on the 2026 show has already begun. If you want to get involved with the show, contact Keith Damon, who is the BttB Volunteer Coordinator for all the BttB events. I know for sure he would welcome you abroad. Volunteer@backtothebricks.org
Spring is just around the corner, and plans for the BttB Annual Spring Dust ‘em Off™ Car Show are well underway. Dust ‘em Off™ is a one-day event that occurs in May. The event is free to all car owners of cars that are considered collectable, and that includes future collectable cars. Like years past, each registered car owner receives an event t-shirt. I would like to stress that to receive the t-shirt, you must be registered for the show. The QR code registration requirement has proven to be remarkably successful when the BttB is giving out free t-shirts and offering giveaways. So, with that said, do not forget to register; it will be a fun day!
Next up is our 11th Annual Promo Tour, which occurs in early June. Registration is currently open and is approaching the maximum number of 250 registrations. As in all years past, the tour route is primarily on the back roads of Michigan. This year’s tour information can be accessed by visiting the Promo Tour Page. On a personal note, my wife and I have been on all the tours. We have made a tremendous number of new and old friends. The routes for the tour are great, as well as the overnight stops. Yes, I recognize that some of the stops are repeats of previous years, and their locations will be there for years to come. I wish I could say the same for all of us, but unfortunately, that is not the case. Our futures are ‘time sensitive’ as it is with all our friends. Think about it and join in on the fun of getting your collector cars out on an enjoyable five-day tour. And as time marches on, the memories get sweeter!
Keep on rolling!
CORDially,
Al Hatch
Founder & Chairman Emeritus
Back to the Bricks®
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Photo of: Pat and Al Hatch, attending Car Shows in Florida!!!
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