J.A.K

The members of the Car Club at Virginia Tech (CCVT) spend most of their time networking with fellow car enthusiasts and learning more about the motor vehicles they love.

But what’s the most rewarding aspect of being involved with the CCVT? The car show that takes place every semester.

This semester’s car show took place on April 30 in the Virginia Tech commuter lot off of Prices Fork Road and Stanger Street.

The event is the end result of months of preparation for that shiny Best in Show trophy.

There are dozens of eager participants who spend all semester gearing up for that one moment where they hear their name called out.

This year’s Best in Show trophy went to 2006 Virginia Tech graduate Jeff Shaffer who owns a 2007 BMW M6.

Shaffer says, “It feels great. Winning is always fun. It’s great to have a bunch of friends here supporting you. It’s a beautiful day.”

Despite the fact that a competing car show was held on the same day, the turnout was better than expected.

CCVT treasurer Tyler Thrall says, “Of all the ones I’ve been at, this one is a much better turnout. It’s a great success in my eyes. I think it does have a lot to do with marketing techniques.”

According to Thrall, word of mouth is what got the car show to have an increased turnout compared to past shows.

For the first time, a portion of the registration fee required to enter the show was donated to the New River Valley Hunger Relief, a local food bank.

The car show is a chance to celebrate all the accomplishments of the semester. Many alumni also come back to catch-up with fellow CCVT members and compete in the show.

A running joke in the car club is for alumni to buy a Corvette and show it off when they return for the next car show. At Saturday’s show, just like past semesters, the alumni didn’t disappoint.

2008 Virginia Tech graduate and owner of a 2006 Chevy Corvette Z6 Chris Manzione says, “The stereotypical alumni vehicle is to go out and buy a Corvette. Once you have a successful job you go out and buy a Corvette. As you can see, we have about eight here. They are probably the most affordable sports car you can have for the performance. Comparable cars usually cost double that.”

The CCVT is currently working on plans to make next semester’s car show even more successful.

Get a chance to meet some of the competitors in this year's car show with the video piece below:

Car Club Car Show from John Kayrouz on Vimeo.