Jam in the Van and Turtle Wax partnered up for an exclusive activation at Camp Sandy on Lake Travis for SXSW 2019 in Austin, Texas. Earlier this year, our Shine Squad member, Sam Hurly, attended the highly anticipated event.

Describe your experience at the event

“A private lake house on Lake Travis in Austin Texas, with an event alongside SXSW, this is a recipe for unpredictable fun. And that it was. It was amazing to have our own area to function alongside the rad JITV crew, myself documenting the cleaning of Band Vans through the week, really testing my product photo content creation skills, AND merchandising skills by organizing Turtle Wax bottles each morning on our display table as a tasty visual backdrop. Really flexing my old Coca Cola driver/merchandising muscles from back in 2013.”

What was your favourite car that was being showcased at the event? Why?

“I didn't really have a favorite car from the event, as they were all very similar cargo vans- but I'd say my favorite person was Sputnik from the JITV team, always positive, always saying something funny, and we even got a heart-to-heart, young man to grown man talk in. Good dude.”
 

What was the highlight of the day?

“The highlight of the trip was a four way split between: Satisfactory photos I made and shared via Turtle Wax's Instagram/The people I got to work with/The cookies Schlotzskys Deli provided/and scootering through Downtown Austin with my Turtle Wax co-workers by night.”

HIN Events is the leading producer of touring automotive lifestyle events. Based in Southern California, the company produces Hot Import Nights the world's largest and most unique indoor/outdoor car, music, and pop-culture festivals. The events are attended by thousands of automotive and entertainment enthusiasts each year spanning from North America, Canada, Asia, Europe, South Africa, and Australia. Read Sam Hurly’s experience of the event below. 

Describe your experience at the event

“The Hot Import Nights event in LA was a step out of my typical box, in that it was heavily a tuner scene around Asian manufactured cars- as I have normally been around German and American cars through my years. At that, it was a fun journey around all the cars to absorb an event I normally wouldn't have ended up at. Very unique.”
 

What was your favorite car that was being showcased at the event? Why?

“My favorite car at the event was a Nissan R34 Skyline, a car that isn't yet allowed to be owned or registered in the US, so it's always a treat to see one having been brought from out of the country.”

What was the highlight of the day?

“The highlight of my day personally was getting to see some video I shot used in the event promo video, on a huge screen, played over and over throughout the day. Always cool to see stuff you filmed and edited in your own little world, shared with the rest of the world.”

Ushering in the latest automotive trends, the 2020 New York International Auto Show showcases an incredible collection of cutting-edge design and extraordinary innovation. More than four floors of displays from the world’s automakers feature the newest vehicles and latest futuristic concept cars. Nearly 1,000 cars and trucks will be on display at North America’s first and largest-attended auto show dating back to 1900. Read Peter Kaczynski's experience of the event below. 

Describe your experience at the event

“The NYC International Auto Show was an extremely incredible event. It’s a treat to see all of the engineering and development of future releases in person.
Walking in I saw a crowd gather near the entrance and a stir of people commenting on the cars which are inside. From the start I saw the Ford showcase staring their latest creations of the Mustangs, Explorers and other fleet cars.
Most impressively the new Ford GT took me by awe because of its futuristic design. I continued through the display and the Nissan showcase featured their Nissan GTRs. Stunning race cars and even a feature of a few classics. Throughout my experience I photographed mostly every release and it was a treat for everyone following along on the IG.

What was your favorite car that was being showcased at the event? Why?

“I’m a big European car nut but that wasn’t the star of my trip. I’d have to say the new Nissan GTR was one of my favorites. The strong lines of the car and design elements around it made it a highlight of my trip.”
 

What was the highlight of the day?

“Overall, I’d say just being at the event was the highlight. Even seeing cars which are more “standard” for the general public in their new form was a joy to experience. I’m thrilled I got to go to the event as I remember going to the NYC International Auto Show with my dad when I was younger.
I was able to share my photographs and love of cars with the Turtle Wax audience and it was a humbling experience.”

The inaugural Sonoma Speed Festival gathers an extraordinary group of vintage racing vehicles for a celebration of flat-out wheel-to-wheel competition at the Illustrious Sonoma Raceway—one of the world’s most notable and challenging race tracks located in the heart of California’s Wine Country. Read Austin Caccavo's experience of the event below. 

Describe the event and your experience there. 

“Sonoma Speed Festival was the first of its kind at Sonoma Speedway encompassing all of the greatest classes of historic racing into a single weekend. From Vintage Grand Prix to late '70s IMSA, the track and paddock were full of all types of world-renowned race cars."

What was your favorite car that was being showcased at the event? Why?

"While not watching the races, we found ourselves lost in the pits getting up close and personal with Porsche 917s, Lotus 76s and a legendary Ferrari 312 PB. I’m very excited to see how the event evolves and what they have in store for next year as I’ll most certainly be going back.”

For the past twenty-six years, the Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance has grown into a beloved tradition for families celebrating Father’s Day. In fact, the Rodeo Drive Concours is the largest public event held annually in Beverly Hills, thanks to the continuing commitment and generosity of enthusiastic car owners, like you, who share their cars with over 35,000 visitors a year. Read Austin Caccavo's experience of the event below.

Describe the event and your experience.

“What better way to celebrate Father’s Day than enjoying classic cars on the streets of Beverly Hills. On what is normally a place full of Hollywood shoppers turns into an outdoor museum featuring some of the most iconic cars and new releases. By 10 o’clock, the sidewalks were full, and the coffee was poured, yet I still managed to capture one of my all-time favorites: the Renault R5 Turbo 2. Between that and the pistachio green Ferrari 512BBi, it had certainty justified my 6am arrival.”

HIN Events is the leading producer of touring automotive lifestyle events. Based in Southern California, the company produces Hot Import Nights the world's largest and most unique indoor/outdoor car, music, and pop-culture festivals. The events are attended by thousands of automotive and entertainment enthusiasts each year spanning from North America, Canada, Asia, Europe, South Africa, and Australia. Our Shine Squad member, Austin Caccavo, attended the Seattle meet-up; read his experience of the event below. 

Describe the event and your experience there. 

“Whether you’re looking for the latest trends in the car scene or want to see just how creative owners are willing to get with their cars, Hot Import Nights is the place to be. Arranged at the Angel of the Winds Arena near Seattle, WA, the event featured a dark, club-like atmosphere and a wide array of Japanese tuners. Various car clubs were spread around the top of the arena, and outside had enough cars to be a show of its own.

What was your favorite car that was being showcased at the event? Why?

On the main floor, amongst the variety, a Nissan S14 grabbed my attention for its period choice in livery combined with simple, modern styling.”

Held during the last weekend in June in Spanaway, Washington, the E30 Picnic sees upwards of 250 E30s from 8-10 states and two Canadian Provinces. The E30 Picnic is the largest gathering of E30s in the World! The event has turned into a whole weekend of activities. A Tech Session at Accuracy Automotive on Saturday afternoon, generally followed by an evening party/get-together, with the traditional E30 Picnic being on Sunday. Our Shine Squad member, Austin Caccavo, attended; read his experience of the event below. 

Describe the event and your experience.

“Each year, E30 Picnic highlights the ever so popular BMW E30 as well as the greater, vintage BMW culture. This is a true enthusiast-oriented event where members drove across the country to attend – with one guy flying in from Australia! Beneath the tress of a grassy field, spectators meandered amongst the cars and enjoyed the well-organized, laid-back event. For myself, it’s one of the most exciting shows as I am able to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones."

What was your favorite car that was being showcased at the event? Why?

"Picking a favorite here is tough, but Joe’s 1992 M3 has my vote for his 6,000-mile round trip journey all the way from Chicago, IL. It goes to show that it’s not always the destination, but the adventure that forms the memory.”

Although 5erWest spotlights the 5 series, it is a gathering of ALL BMW enthusiasts. We welcome other BMW makes to attend and would like to give special encouragement to owners of other vintage “roundels” to show up in force! Over the last couple of years, we had a nice showing of 3-series cars, 6-series, and even a few Porsches. Our Shine Squad member, Austin Caccavo, attended; read his experience of the event below. 

Describe the event and your experience.

“As a longtime member of the vintage BMW community and proud E28 M5 owner, I can say without hesitation that 5erWest is the venue for the true enthusiast. Taking place just south of Portland, OR, entrants and spectators drove their cars in from all areas of the west coast – with one entrant as far as Tucson, AZ. Since many of us are not centrally located, it is always a blast to put faces to usernames and reconvene with those we can’t normally see."

What was your favorite car that was being showcased at the event? Why?

"While there were many beautiful cars, Vince’s freshly restored M535i was my personal favorite, and the best part is, he drove it over 1,000 miles to get it there.”

RADwood is a celebration of '80s and '90s automotive lifestyle. The car show that blends period correct dress with automotive awesomeness. A period correct event for cars, trucks, and bikes from 1980-1999 that captures the essence of a bodacious era. Our Shine Squad member, Austin Caccavo, attended; read his experience of the event below. 

Describe the event and your experience. 

“Nothing quite captures the end of the 20th century as best as RADwood. This year, in San Francisco, CA, marked another fantastic event encompassing the cars, culture, style and accessories of the '80s and '90s. From Slant Nose 911’s to R32 GTR’s, RADwood was full of bright colors, nostalgic charm and future classics."

What was your favorite car showcased at the event? Why?

"My top pick goes out to Dylan’s recently acquired 1990 Ferrari 348TS with its side strakes, Targa top, and a rich tan interior that just screams '90s!”

Every August, the streets of Virginia City, Reno and Sparks vibrate with the sound of muffled rumbles of rebuilt engines, rays of sunlight glinting off the polished chrome and heavy scents of Dapper Dan hair pomade fill the air. Droves of spectators line the sidewalks for a glimpse into the past, a time when a driver’s license and a hot car were all anyone needed or wanted on a Saturday night. Join us for a trip down memory lane or a new adventure. Whichever way you look at it, this nostalgic event has it all. Our Shine Squad member, Austin Caccavo, attended Hot August Nights this year; read his experience of the event below.

Describe your experience at the event. 

“Hot August Nights is a citywide affair featuring over a dozen car shows, drag races, and several competitions across Reno. With over 22,000 registered cars, there wasn’t a minute that would pass without a classic car in sight."

What was the highlight of the day?

"Amongst the many car shows and events that satisfied all styles and flavors, nothing could beat the nostalgia of the historic Downtown Reno Cruise. As the sun set on the strip, owners and their families took a slow cruise under the glowing neon lights and famous Reno Arch."

What was your favorite car showcased at the event?

"It would be hard to pick a favorite car, but there was a stunning, all original, ’69 GTO Judge that I would have loved to have taken home with me.”