The National Collector Car Appreciation Day (NCCAD) event on July 14th was more than a car cruise.
It was Georgia’s celebration of its long-standing love affair with the automobile. Naturally, this nationwide SEMA-backed event gave car lovers the perfect excuse to revel in their passion.
And revel they did, as the appreciation day brought together an eclectic patchwork of genres ranging from 70’s muscle cars to custom hot rods and pristine classics.
America’s Sports Car, the Corvette, was well represented with third-generation through seventh-generation models on hand. Regardless of what you drove, a common thread, an automotive camaraderie, united everyone.
The event’s host, the Georgia Street Rod Association (GSRA), has been bringing car enthusiasts together for decades and was the perfect organization to put on this smooth-running event.
As the largest automotive association of its type in the State of Georgia, this group has been addressing legislative, insurance, and safety issues facing the automotive hobby since 1976.
Clearly, they had the passion, expertise, and manpower to bring this celebration to life.
SEMA Support
Here is a bit of trivia that surprised many in the crowd. Since 2010 the SEMA-supported Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus has sponsored U.S. Congressional legislation to honor the second Friday of July.
But really, when you think about it, that shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone in the automotive hobby. The Speciality Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has worked hard since 1963 to protect consumers’ rights to drive accessorized, customized, and vintage vehicles.
To that end, SEMA keeps a watchful eye on pending automotive legislation moving through the halls of state and federal legislative branches. They do this so car enthusiasts can mobilize quickly to protest pending legislation that might harm our hobby.
You may not realize that SEMA also helps consumers interact with car dealers, who try to charge for repairs on modified vehicles by claiming that specialty accessories have voided the warranty.
Sam Mahdavi
We’re not sure you could have selected a better Grand Marshall for this inaugural event than Sam Mahdavi.
The popular host of Sam’s Garage TV Show, Sam’s Garage Radio Show, and the Lokar Performance Product Car Show had a trunk full of charisma, passion, and street cred. After a few minutes being around Sam, you could easily see why his national TV show on MotorTrend is heading into its eleventh season.
Granted, he is a nationally recognized automotive expert, but he was quick to encourage and advise anyone who asked. His immense TV popularity and respect have been earned from the many automotive segments he has produced over the years.
Sam’s expertise clearly resonates with performance, hotrod, import, street rod, and restoration enthusiasts.
Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes
Proceeds from the event went to sponsor the Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes. During the late 1950s, Georgia Sheriffs became concerned about the growing number of abandoned, neglected, and abused children.
The Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes were established to give our state’s most at-risk children the love, safety, and stability needed to become mature, successful adults.
In 1960, the sheriffs opened the Georgia Sheriffs’ Boys Ranch near Hahira, where children were taught:
- How to overcome adversity
- Teamwork and accepting authority
- Personal responsibility
- Hygiene and manners
Over the years, four additional homes have opened across the state for both boys and girls, providing thousands of disadvantaged youth the opportunity to live stable, positive lives in full-time residential facilities.
The Sky Is The Limit
Georgia’s first National Collector Car Appreciation Day (NCAAD) cruise is in the books. And what a day it was, from the friendships made to the great food and service at El Charro Mexican Restaurant in Covington.
Of course, we want to especially thank the police officers who escorted us through the small towns on our way to the closing ceremonies at the Atlanta Motor Speedway.
The flashing lights, sirens, and open intersections took the excursion to a new level.
So where does Georgia’s NCCAD event go from here? Given the energy and genuine excitement, the sky is the limit.
So, go ahead and mark the second Friday of July on your calendar for next year’s National Collector Car Appreciation Day.
You’ll have fun, meet interesting people and help keep the car hobby strong.
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