Cars and more cruise into Tioga Downs for annual show

On Sept. 28, the threat of storms didn’t stop the hundreds of cars, trucks, and motorcycles from rolling into Tioga Downs Casino Resort as the American Cruisers Car Club, LLC, along with Southern Tier Harley Davidson presented the annual show.

Held in the lot located in front of the newly constructed hotel that was part of Tioga Downs’ recent expansion, guests that arrived were able to browse through a variety of makes and models of vehicles ranging from Chevy’s and Ford’s, to Plymouth’s and even a cherry red 1933 Willys model, owned by Sal Iserra of Ithaca, N.Y. The Willys was a favorite of guests, and garnered much attention throughout the show.

Also included in the show were muscle and modern cars, to include an interesting custom car owned by Kurtis Hart of Owego, N.Y. The 2017 Honda had a clear hood that offered guests a view of its modified engine; “Never Satisfied” and “Ego Killer” were appropriately etched on the top and bottom border of the front windshield.

A motorcycle run, the John “Wah” Oleski Christmas for Kids Ride, which benefits local children during the holiday season, rolled into the show following a ride from Southern Tier Harley Davidson, bringing with it over 100 motorcycles and their riders.

Every year, Southern Tier Harley Davidson is host to the ride, collecting registration fees at their Front Street Binghamton location that benefit the annual holiday effort. As a bonus, Tioga Downs offers a 100 percent match of funds raised.

And the threat of storms did not deter the riders that arrived at the show, either. As a regular tradition, James “Packrat” Bates drove his trike, decorated with bells and everything but holly. Bates himself dresses as Santa each year; representing the ride’s true spirit.

Guests were also treated to a special guest again this year; Greg Zyla, author of Collector Car Corner and Test Drive, and a syndicated columnist, was at the show representing Auto Round-Up Publications and Lucas Oil.

Working hand-in-hand with Dave Mareck, the two were able to give away magazines and products throughout the day, and Zyla was available to answer many questions and to “talk shop.”

Harvey Harris, from Watkins Glen International, was also set up at the show. In February of this year, Tioga Downs Casino Resort and Watkins Glen International announced a multi-year partnership, making Tioga Downs the ‘Official Casino’ of Watkins Glen International. So it was fitting that Harris was represented at the show with one of their cars, and with information about the track and its promotions.

Other activities taking place throughout the day included music by Aunt Millie’s Biscuits, vendors, to include food vendors, and access to all of the amenities that the Nichols, N.Y. casino has to offer, including the gaming tables and the new FanDuel Sportsbook, which opened in July.