In the pink: Celebrated Porsche among healthy Tennessee Valley Auto Fest roster

HUNTSVILLE – Some of the cars in the lineup as part of the inaugural Tennessee Valley Auto Fest might bring more star power than the celebrities who will be on hand at Wicks Family Field at Joe Davis Stadium.

There’s the 1965 Imposter designed by the renowned Chip Foos of the television show “Overhaulin’” fame. The car, an Impala, won the most prestigious car award in the country in 2015 when it took home the Ridler Award and is valued at $3 million.

There’s the Pink Pig, a Porsche 917-20 that captured the imagination of race fans for its livery design when it debuted at the 1971 24 Hours of Le Mans. The car is raced by auto enthusiast Chandler Wicks of the namesake family that shares the marquee at Joe Davis Stadium.

There’s the car Pancho Carter drove in the 1990 Indianapolis 500, and one of the 1969 Mach 1 Ford Mustang’s nicknamed “Hitman” driven by John Wick that saw screen time. (In film, as a Boss 429.)

There’s much more, including a Kids Zone, for the family-styled event slated for Oct. 18-19. Tickets can be purchased here. For $10, fans can purchase single-day tickets to attend Friday and Saturday. Car owners who want to display their vehicle all weekend can sign up to do so for $25.

“If you like IndyCar, Monster Trucks, NASCAR, if you like show cars, imports – we’re gonna have it all,’’ Ed Fausel, event coordinator and a leading voice nationally when it comes to car shows, said during a news conference Wednesday to announce the event. “So, definitely get out here for that show. It is gonna turn out to be a big one and this, hopefully this inaugural, this will be the first of many.”

The fest will showcase hundreds of vintage and modern vehicles from across the region with owners looking to qualify for the Top 20 Best of Show. The winner of the ‘Best in Show’ trophy will be unveiled Saturday evening. Additionally, the event will feature activities for the entire family including live entertainment and celebrity appearances.

“You’ll see this place filled up with cars, collectors, and it’s for all ages,” said Chad Emerson, Huntsville City FC Managing Director of Business Operations. “This is really going to be a really special addition this October.”

Emerson, as part of the deal between the soccer club and the city, also oversees field and stadium operations year ‘round.

Among those scheduled to appear and sign autographs is John Schneider, who played Bo Duke in television’s “The Dukes of Hazzard,” as well as car show industry personalities. 

“I think one of my favorite things about car shows is just the fellowship with everybody and with fellow car enthusiasts, people that maybe this is the first time, but one of my favorite things about the car community is just the fellowship that it creates,’’ said Mike Wicks, Chandler’s father.

The next non-soccer event taking place at Wicks Family Field at Joe Davis Stadium is Huntsville City FC’s “Stadium Series” Beer Cup on June 1 at 5 p.m. CT. Tickets are available here.