JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
SlowPokes SpeedShop, a local auto shop in Jasper that specializes in antique vehicles, has hosted its first ever annual car show within the Jasper community.
The car show was spearheaded by SlowPokes Manager Chris Tuders, who wanted to establishment a new yearly event for residents and fans of classic rides to experience, while also bring something new to the Jasper community. His long time passion for vintage cars and trucks is what further fueled him to have the car show established. However, Tuders and other members of SlowPokes had to first find the right location to host the event, eventually landing the opportunity at Whiskey Throttle BBQ.
Paul Caesar, who is the owner/manager of the restaurant and a longtime friend of Tuders and the SlowPoke crew, explained that he welcomed hosting the event at his restaurant with open arms in a joint effort to help establish a new activity for the community to enjoy. He added that the car show had already attracted new customers from all over, which attracted additional business and further solidified his restaurant as a place of gathering and for customers to enjoy a menu filled with BBQ dishes.
“If it wasn’t for Josh Kilgore and Chris Tuders, as well as the whole SlowPokes crew this wouldn’t even be happening,” said Caesar.
SlowPokes’ first annual car show contained a plethora of cars, trucks, as well as motorcycles that were on display for visitors to view in person. Cars ranged from a Chevrolet Nova and Studebaker, to a DeLorean and 1967 Ford Mustang Convertible. Tom Roberts of Tom’s Tunes was present during the event to provide a plethora of tracks from some of the biggest names in the music industry. He also helped announce the winning participants of both a silent auction and the show in general.
Brandon Price, School Resource Deputy of South Pittsburg High School, also participated in the event as a D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) instructor with the county’s first ever D.A.R.E. vehicle on display. He explained that the vehicle is a 2017 Polaris UTV that was awarded to the Marion County Sheriff’s Department from the local court system after the vehicle was reported stolen. The department today utilizes the vehicle throughout the county’s public events to promote the community’s D.A.R.E. program, especially to those interested in learning more about the statewide program’s main goals.
“The program teaches you how to say no and on making the right decisions,” said Price.
The first annual car show had a major turnout in visitations, making it a successful starting event in which the SlowPoke crew hopes to continue hosting for years to come.