Auto Crusade Shows It’s Winning Edge

Car show poster for 2020 Cummings, Georgia event

They say practice makes perfect. If that’s the case, Mount Pisgah Baptist Church’s 27th Annual Auto Crusade must be getting close to perfection. The two-day show brings a variety of car events and activities for the whole family every August.

In 1994 it started as a single-day event with 54 cars at the Forsyth Central High School. Fast-forward 27 years, and it has evolved to become one of the best multi-day car events in the area.

This well designed two-day automotive celebration has become a significant fundraising event for the Church. The proceeds benefit families in need at Christmas and support ministry programs throughout the year.

Man in wheelchair in Vengeance Racing shirt — Chris admiring Corvettes while sporting his Vengeance Racing shirt

2016 Seventh-generation Corvette and a red 1972 Corvette convertible — Bob – Silver 2016 and Paul – Red 1972 Corvette

Fourth-generation black Corvette with two men — Chuck – 1989 Corvette & brother Dale

Fifth-generation Corvette 2003 anniversary edition — Randy – 2003 Anniversary Red Corvette

Autocross Started It Off

The fun kicked off with autocross in the large parking lot across from the Cummings Fairground facilities on Friday morning. The well-designed course was both technical and fun to drive.

Tight hairpins let you show off your precision driving skills, while a few open portions allowed you to put the power down.

Scoring duties were handled wirelessly, with updates being sent straight to your phone. To me, it looked like the Farmtek Wireless Timing system, which is quickly becoming the standard for SCCA, NASA, PCA, BMW (and all other clubs) autocross and time trial events.

Quick, accurate, simple setup with minimum hassle.

With several classes to choose from, there was a competition level for everyone during the two days. How did the Corvettes do? Greg from Corvette Cruisers of Atlanta in his 2019 Grand Sport threw down the best Corvette time with a 52.650 second time.

Chuck and Marlena from Tennessee posted a low 53.14 time in their 2017 Z06. Keith, in his 2016 Stingray, also knew how to get around the track quickly. All told, there were about 20 Vettes laying Michelin rubber down on the course.

At the end of two days of autocross, three trophies were given out. Two went to the fastest along with $500, and they also gave a memorial award to a young man.

Seventh-generation Blue Corvette stingray coup — Keith – 2016 Laguna Blue Stingray coupe

Seventh-generation Corvette coupe grey — Chuck & Marlena – 2017 Z06 Corvette

Family Friendly Throughout

The Auto Crusaders car show was one of the most family-friendly events we’ve attended this year. Every aspect of the weekend lent itself to being enjoyed by the whole family.

Take, for instance, the excellent barbeque dinner on Friday night, which only costs $10. Tasty barbeque with chips, soft drink, and dessert for $10 at an event, are you kidding me? How about thick cheeseburgers for $2.50? Family-friendly pricing at every turn.

How about beautiful, well made 50/50 blend event t-shirts personally designed by Steve McKenzie from Official Event Tees for $15.00? Honestly can’t remember getting a two-sided color t-shirt this nice for only $15.00 in a long time.

For young boys and girls, Hot Wheel races were going on with awards presented. All told, the event gave away roughly 130 brand new Hot Wheels to excited kids.

Admission was free to spectators, and the City of Cummings Fairgrounds was a well-designed, family-friendly venue to host due to its layout and facilities. They even had entertainment by Lydia Watson Music & The Rusty Nails.

Family beside a 1969 Corvette and a 2002 Corvette convertible — Michael with his family and their 1969 and 2002 Corvettes

Woman and child beside a seventh-generation Corvette — Jessica with son – 2016 convertible Corvette

Bring On The Car Show

The Friday night cruise-in was a fun, well-attended event, but the heavy hitters came out for the Saturday car show. Open to all vehicles; it served up a formidable collection of vintage, hot rods, customs, and of course, Corvettes from Classic Glass and Corvette Cruisers of Atlanta.

There is something to be said for consistency. For 26 of the past 27 years, the same judging crew has been judging this event.

Unlike “People’s Choice” award driven events, this professional crew knew what they were looking for in a top-flight show vehicle. You couldn’t hide weaknesses behind bright paint jobs and fancy signs.

This crew knew what they were judging. If you pick up an award, or a coveted “Best of Show” trophy here, you’ve earned it.

2016 torch red Corvette and 2012 white Corvette — Terry – His 2012 coupe & 2016 Stingray Corvette

Two people by a 2013 C6 Corvette — Becca and Jonny – Styling and Profiling

Something For Everyone

Whether you’re into autocross, a judged car show, or just a casual barbecue eating cruise-in, this event had it all. When the show’s organizers told us it took almost a year to organize, we weren’t surprised. It was that well thought out.

The 27th Annual Auto Crusader event went off without a hitch, which is saying something in 2020, the year of COVID setbacks. Attendance, while down slightly, was respectable, with about 1,500 to 2,000 people in attendance.

This year they had 251 cars sign up for the car show, and 78 cars sign up for the autocross.

They even had ScottyD TV there on Saturday shooting video at this family-friendly event. He should have it up on his YouTube channel in a few weeks in case you’re interested.

Overall this is an event we can wholeheartedly recommend. We can’t wait to see what the Mount Pisgah Baptist Church does for 2021 to maintain their winning edge.