Cars and Cafe Event May 2010
Written by Jon McCullough
I can't think of a better car show then "Cars and Cafe", done once a month at the Auto MotorPlex just outside of Minneapolis. Every 1st Saturday of the month throughout the auto season in Minnesota, a large gathering of a wide variety of vehicles pulls into this large complex to enjoy the entire environment. I can't explain the amount of excitement I had to get to this event not only because of the quality of the show, but also the friendly people that are out there with the same passion. It might also help that I was going to reveal "the finished product" of my car being completed by In The Works Minneapolis Auto Body Shop.
Not only is it exciting to browse through cars from all ages, but I find the complex itself mind blowing. The Auto MotorPlex, simply put is "A Place to Enjoy Your Passion". With private garages, some boggling the mind and even referred to as "man caves", you will see all types of cars and bikes parked near a couch, a bar, perhaps within distance to flat panel TV. The other thing that impresses me about this complex is security is high on the list of priorities, giving comfort for anyone who desires a secure place to store their ride.
I arrived on scene just shortly before the 8 am start time of this event with my tall friend riding in the navigators spot (for those that don't speak Rally, that's passenger seat). I wanted to get there early because I wanted to ensure I got a good parking spot, because as normal, this event had well over 300 vehicles on location shortly after. We went to enjoy some coffee and start strolling around to look at the variety of cars. Of course friends started showing up too so we all went walking around to check out the vehicles. It certainly was a great time and I got the opportunity to meet Joey from Joey's Mobile Detailing who is well known for detailing services and shares the same passion for automobiles.
Of course Cars and Cafe doesn't go all day so around 11 am when everyone started leaving we decided it was time to go. My friend and I hopped in the car and I turned the key. That's when things got interesting. I thought to myself "That's strange; I didn't hear the fuel pump... ohh well, try again...". She cranked over but no fire. I knew right away there were issues. We looked everywhere we could but couldn't see any issues. I suspected some electrical issue but was at my end. I called Hitech Motorsport to ask where all fuses and relays were on this car (since they were the ones who have done all the driveline and other alterations). After a little more hunting I was out of options.
Luckily I was directed to the owner/operator of the Motorplex complex where I apologized for a stalled vehicle on their location and was trying to get a tow out of there. Although their complex was going to close before I could get it towed, they graciously offered a garage for the weekend for my car to be housed. Not only did that take the stress off trying to get the car out of there, but it allowed me to go home to discover my new insurance I just got for the car through Hagerty Collector Car Insurance covered most of the towing expenses!
So come Monday I call the insurance company to get a tow. Now everyone knows that getting a sports car onto any rig is tough, but this is lower then your average vehicle. Jeff from Jeff's Transport towing service located in Eden Prairie came out with a flat bed and was patient and caring to get the car on the trailer taking great care to ensure the car would load properly and get to its destination safely and without damage. Of course when it got up to Hitech Motorsport the guys diagnosed the problem quickly and found that my wiring on the passenger side was just kicked out (must have been from my tall friend - OOPS!). Thankfully it was nothing serious, and I was actually surprised I did not catch that but we aren't all perfect.
With that small "hiccup" I experienced I have to hand it to everyone for being so kind and really appreciate it. I will certainly be back for more cars and the coffee that goes along side it at the Cars and Cafe event, and would find it great to see the "Union Flag" fly even higher at upcoming Cars and Cafe events, so put it down on your calendar: the 1st Saturday of each month throughout the year (minus the months where we need winter tires on the cars).
Happy motoring and see you out at the next AutoPlex's Cars and Cafe!
- Jon McCullough
You can see more photo's and get more information about Cars and Cafe here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/bellus.alex/CarsCafe5110
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=78742046400
