PISTONS in the PINES – A driver’s dream

June 1, 2018/CPC/Comments Off

The inaugural gathering of the Castle Pines Pistons in the Pines Car Show was snowed out on April 21 (Colorado you know), but the next day, with the sun shining, 60 awesome dream machines rallied for an impromptu car show in the Safeway parking lot. May’s Pistons in the Pines event was rainy, but it didn’t stop Mike Gressmen, Kirk DeJac, Allen Zearing, Jim Lakomy and Tony Mueller, five of the six organizers of the event, from bringing out their rides. The Pistons in the Pines Car Show will be held the third Saturday of the month, 8 a.m. until noon in the old Safeway parking lot, throughout the rest of the year, weather permitting.

Article and photo by Patte Smith; photos courtesy of Allen Zearing and Jim Lakomy

Car nuts rejoice. Start your engines and cruise on over to the new Castle Pines Pistons in the Pines car show and join fellow auto aficionados and “gear heads” to swap stories about engines, carburetors, motorcycles, new cars, old cars, auto racing, trucks and motor bike racing – the list is endless.

Allen Zearing of Castle Pines organized Pistons in the Pines with the help of his avid car buddies from the Camaro Club of the Rockies (CCOTR), Kirk DeJac, Mike Gressmen, Jim Lakomy, Logan Morris and Tony Mueller. With their craze for all types of vehicles – sports cars, street rods, trucks, high performance vehicles, motorcycles, classic cars, exotic cars and autos right off the showroom floor, they wanted to share that enthusiasm with other avid car people. So, began the idea of Pistons in the Pines that became a reality.

With a passion for cars that started as a kid, Zearing smiled, “I have fond memories of the nightly car cruises I enjoyed with my high school sweetheart, Jackie, who has been my wife for 35 years.” His interest in cars never waned, and a few years ago he purchased a 2012 Chevy Camaro SS and now owns a beauty of a Corvette. “At that time, my wife and I decided to join one of the best car clubs in Colorado – the CCOTR,” stated Zearing. “Some of the club members became great friends, helped me organize this event, and many are as close as family. They still accept me even though I now own a corvette,” he joked.

At the May 19 show, a few car buffs gathered in the rain. “We are eager to share this free family-friendly event with the community,” Zearing emphasized. “All types of cars, trucks and motorcycles are welcome. Hopefully, Piston in the Pines will bring attention to Castle Pines and the merchants doing business here.”

Our plan is to partner with the business owners to possibly arrange special events that tie the car show with the merchants and those who attend the show. We are optimistic that while car enthusiasts spend time enjoying cool cars and great people, they will also visit local businesses.”

Pistons in the Pines community car show will be held the third Saturday of every month from 8 a.m. until noon for as long as the weather is good. The event will be held at the old Safeway parking lot in Castle Pines. There are no fees for the car show and residents are encouraged to login to the Pistons in the Pines Facebook page www.facebook.com/events/1225077820956177/ to get information about future events.

Remember, first and foremost to bring your car to show off, your family, folding chairs, water and a camera to capture the “nifty, trendy, souped-up or stylish cars.” There will be plenty of room for all, with access within walking distance to coffee, donuts, breakfast, sandwiches, hamburgers, pizza, wings and other dining. A member of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office will be present, so please be respectful and obey all traffic laws.