The Fresno State Motorsports Club will host the Fresno State Car Show from 8:30 a.m.-noon Sunday, Oct. 25, in parking lot P20 on campus (Barstow Avenue just east of Cedar Avenue).
The event is sponsored by Industrial Technology Department students from the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology.
Admission is free to spectators and $10 for each car entered in the judging competition.
Sixty cars are currently entered, and all makes and models of cars are welcome. Awards will be given in categories for best of show, best interior, best paint, best import, best muscle, best domestic, best lifted truck and best lowered truck.
An award will be given for the largest Fresno State club in attendance as well.
Event proceeds will go towards the club’s project of converting a Mazda MX-5 Miata into an autocross racing car. The two-seat sports car was donated by Pick-a-Part Auto Wrecking. Its initial rebuilding was started by an industrial technology class taught by Dr. Daming Zhang in 2012. The rebuilding is now managed by the club.
“Car racing is a big business and attractive career, so the club is a great introduction to the sport,” Zhang said. “It also provides a great chance to learn car rebuilding skills that students can use recreationally or professionally. We’ve been fortunate to have received funding from [Associated Students, Inc.] throughout the process and thank them for their support.”
The rebuilding process is nearly 70-percent complete, and noteworthy improvements include a student-designed roll cage, wheels, seats and a 1.6-liter, turbo, 250-horsepower engine.
“We have learned so much from each other on this project,” said club president Johnny Cano. “When it’s finished, this car will be a great resource because of how light and versatile it is. We want our members to be able to potentially take it drag racing, to Sports Car Club of America and National Auto Sports Association events, drifting time trials or even the 25 Hours of Thunderhill. Racing is an expensive sport, so this gives our students a chance to do something they may never get to again.
The club meets each Monday to conduct business, work on the car and often hone their driving skills at the MB2 Raceway in Clovis.
Those interested in entering or volunteering for the event, joining the Motorsports Club or with questions can contact Cano at johnnycano@mail.fresnostate.edu
