Around The Cracker Barrel - Classic Cars, Big Hearts: Inside the Santa Cruz Valley Car Nuts (Aired 07/10/2026)

The engines may not officially start until January, but the excitement is already building for the 32nd Annual Sahuarita Classics Car Show. On this week's Around the Cracker Barrel, Guy Atchley welcomes Jay Thompson, Pat Krigbaum, and Mark Simos of the Santa Cruz Valley Car Nuts to discuss one of Southern Arizona's most anticipated automotive events.Listeners will learn how the volunteer-driven organization has transformed a passion for classic cars into a community tradition that benefits local students. The annual car show, scheduled for Saturday, January 30, 2027, at Quail Creek Veterans Municipal Park, raises funds that directly support automotive education programs at Sahuarita High School and Walden Grove High School. This year, the club proudly presented $22,000 to local automotive programs, continuing a tradition that has contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to area schools.The conversation also explores the club's monthly Cars & Custer's gatherings, Tubac Cars & Coffee meetups, membership opportunities, volunteer needs, sponsorship levels, and the welcoming spirit that makes the Car Nuts more than just a classic car club. Along the way are plenty of entertaining stories about Mustangs, Road Runners, Pintos, vintage trucks, roadside diners, and the unforgettable memories that come with owning and preserving classic automobiles.Whether you're a lifelong gearhead, a weekend car enthusiast, or simply enjoy seeing beautiful vintage vehicles while supporting a great cause, this episode is a reminder that the best community organizations are powered by people with a passion for giving back.For more information, upcoming events, membership opportunities, or sponsorship details, visit carnuts.org.