Tioga Downs’ Car Show draws good crowd; champion driver makes guest appearance

The 6th Annual ‘Cruisin’ at the Downs’ Car Show, held Saturday, Sept. 19 at Tioga Downs in Nichols, N.Y. attracted hundreds of cars ranging from Rat Rods to Street Rods, classic cars that neared a century old, and polished up collector cars that were vying for one of 35 trophies awarded and the top win, Best in Show, which went to Duke Whitt of Moravia, N.Y. and his 1968 Dodger Charger.

The paint job, detail, polished engine and pristine interior, definitely earned Whitt this spot as he was all smiles when presented his trophy by Rhonda’s Rockabilly Pinups, who were a favorite to all at the Saturday event.

This year’s event expanded to offer a cruise in to the car show that departed from Owego Soft Serve and the Route 96 BBQ in Owego, N.Y. Those who gathered for the approximate 25-mile ride received an escort from William Chandler of Owego, N.Y., and enjoyed the scenic views down Route 96 to Candor, to Halsey Valley and Tioga Center, and then over to Nichols, N.Y. where over one hundred cars were already parked – some with chairs and tents for the 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. event.

The daylong event offered live music, as well as several vendors that were on-hand to include Chacona’s on Wheels.

New to this year’s event was a well-known celebrity in the auto and racing circuit, Oscar Koveleski.

Noted champion racer, businessman and auto racing ambassador, along with his “Kid Racer” free rides for the kids, Koveleski is also noted for his world famous “Auto World” slot car and model car business he opened back in 1958 along with his wife, Elaine.

Following the success of Auto World, Koveleski formed the Polish Racing Drivers of America (PRDA), and then drove in high-stakes SCCA and Can-Am competitions numerous times in ultra fast sports cars throughout America. He won several championships and made a big name when he competed against the best drivers in the world in the world renowned Can Am Circuit with his Auto World Chaparral No. 54 injected Chevy.

And if you happened across Koveleski on Saturday, he had many stories to tell that inspired both young and old auto enthusiasts in attendance. His picture boards told of his story, as well as his success.

Also new to this year’s event was an appearance by the Watkins Glen, N.Y. based International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC). The IMRRC is one of the world-class leaders in the collection of materials representing the documentary heritage of amateur and professional motor racing, highlighting Sports Car, Formula 1, NASCAR, Vintage and Historic racing.

The Research Center is located in downtown Watkins Glen, and maintains archives for the personal papers of drivers, journalists and authors; rare books, serial publications, and reference books pertaining to drivers, cars, races and the history of motor racing; the historical records and newsletters of clubs and motor racing teams and corporations; and historical photographs, movie films, videos, oral histories, and memorabilia.

Greg Zyla of Sayre, Pa., noted syndicated auto and racing columnist was also on hand at the Auto Round-up display as he is one of the regular columnists for the magazine, dating all the way back to the 1980s. Guests arriving received a free printed edition of Auto Round-up, and had an opportunity to speak with Zyla, who knows the ins and outs of the car industry of the modern days, of motor sports, and of the classics.

There was a lot of shop talk happening at Tioga Downs on Saturday amongst the hundreds that arrived with their polished cars. And a brief shower around noon steered a few cars away, but not all of them.

One interesting group that was on-hand during the show was the Bearcat Motor Sports team; a team that was founded by recent SUNY Binghamton graduate Michelle DiGiacomo.

The team’s display was an electric car that DiGiacomo claims can reach a speed of 80 MPH, and can run for approximately 30 minutes on a charge – a question that was fielded by Koveleski himself.

According to DiGiacomo’s mother, Cheryl DiGiacomo, whose son Michael is also on the team, Michelle’s major was in leadership, but her love is racing. According to Cheryl, Michelle did all of the fundraising for the project herself.

But the unusual didn’t just come in Hybrid fashion. Adam Standard, of Johnson City, N.Y. was sporting, and then displaying his 1973 Beetle – “The Thing.”

According to Johnson, “The Thing” was only in production in the United States for two years, and he was the owner of one of them.

Another unique display at the show was a 1938 Chevy Rat Rod owned by Scott Wilbur of Millerton, Pa.

The rust colored, machine appeared to be lying on the ground, with its tires suspended in the air. Wilbur’s friend, Jeff Balmer, had to explain, well, exactly what this vehicle was all about.

“It has airbags in the rear,” said Balmer, “that actually elevate it so it is operable on the road.” It was interesting, at the end of the show, to see the Rat Rod depart – airbags deployed.

Harry Brown of Warren Center was at the show with a vehicle he designed and put together with his own hands. “I can build anything,” he bolstered.

Many who arrived did not own a classic, muscle, or unique car – they merely stopped by to take a look at the vehicles that were on display.

Jerry and Sherry Falletta arrived with their rescue dog named Greta. “We just came by to take a look,” said Jerry. “The cars are so beautiful,” added Sherry.

Also new this year was an appearance by Rhonda’s Rockabilly Pinups, a group of four women that took drivers a “step back in time” with their 40’s and 50’s style attire, and their stiletto heels.

Drivers were welcome to have the girls pose with their cars, and at one point were photographed inside an old paddy wagon, or police van, that was on display.

The event culminated when all four pinup girls assisted with the award presentation. Thirty-five awards were handed out, as well as the Best In Show, awarded to Duke Whitt.

As for Oscar Koveleski, he was keeping the drivers occupied with his automotive knowledge and his stories throughout the day, and was offered applause by the drivers when he was introduced at the beginning of the show.

As the event neared its end, and vehicles began to depart, Zyla cranked up his championship “Lucas Oil/Vegas Fuel Energy Drink” sponsored 1970 Camaro Pro/Modified, the car that dominated the competition at nearby Skyview Drags in 2011 and 2012.

The engine noise was music to the driver’s ears.

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To learn more about Tioga Downs, visit www.tiogadowns.com.