Car show introduces cars of yesteryear to younger generation
Ted Gonzales grew up collecting model cars and seeing muscle cars and low riders around town also helped spark his interest in cars. Now, he’s trying to show the younger generations how much fun cars – both young and old- can be.
This will be Gonzales’ fourth year hosting Gallup’s Annual Route 66 Freedom Ride and Flight Cruise. Steve Gurley of Gurley Motor Company ran the car show for eight years, but he transferred the emcee role to Gonzales a couple years ago.
The Business Improvement District helps Gonzales put the event together.
Gonzales said one of his favorite parts about the show is getting the chance to show the younger generation how cool old cars can be.
“Right now the teenagers don’t have the exposure to cars like we did when we were growing up,” he said. “We had the model cars and a lot of car culture going around in the area. They would have hobby shops where we could build model cars, and that would get us interested. Now, all that has gone away, so [teens are] depending on social media obviously, which is great, but this way they can see what’s going on with the cars in a hands-on way.”
Gonzales said the show gives people an opportunity to show off their cars, no matter what they drive.
“Whatever you drive, bring it,” he said. “It doesn’t have to be in show condition, just enjoy your car and bring it down for people to see it.”
The registration fee for the event is $30. All proceeds go to Veterans Helping Veterans. Gonzales said they usually raise about $1,800 - $2,000 for the organization every year.
Seeing all the neat cars isn’t the only thing people will be able to do at the car show. There’s also a competition. Every year people get the chance to win a prize from a total of 12 categories:
Late trucks (these are trucks that were made more recently (1961-2023)
Early trucks (trucks built in 1900-1961)
Late cars (cars that were made in 1961-2023)
Early cars (cars built in 1900-1961)
Muscle cars that were built in 1964-2023 (1964 is when the muscle car was first introduced)
Low-riders
Motorcycles
Long Distance (Whoever traveld the furthest to get to the car show wins this award)
Mayor’s pick
Police Chief’s pick
Firefighter’s pick
Best of Show
The car show is on July 27, and will go on from 8 am to 12 pm, with the competition winners announced at the end.
To learn more about the annual Route 66 Freedom Ride and Flight Cruise, visit the BID’s website at gogallup.com/events.
By Molly Ann Howell
Managing Editor
