With summer drawing to an end, car enthusiasts and collectors showed up in droves for the last night of the 2016 Southlake Auto Mall Cruise Nights on Tuesday in Merrillville.
The Cruise Nights are held twice a month from May through September and feature cars of all makes, models and years. Crowds gathered around an access road at the dealership for what most would agree is the most exciting part of the night: the burnouts.
“It’s what sets us apart from all the other dealership car shows,” said Parts and Service Director Kenneth O’Neal. “We get a nice family turnout for these shows, we don’t charge and provide free hot dogs, popcorn and soda so people really enjoy coming out”.
Whenever a car pulled up to the drag line, spectators were sure to capture the burning rubber on their phones and applaud the drivers afterwards as they drove back to their spots to mingle with MOPAR club members, fellow gasoline junkies, and other onlookers.
Dan Ostrozovich sat proudly in front of his 1982 Chevy Corvette, watching the burnouts as well as talking with the car owners around him.
"I’ve been working on my car for a few years now, so I took it out as much as I could,” he said. “Today makes my fifth car show this year, so you can tell I like coming out to see all the different makes and models.”
The crowd and cars present represented all ages, kids tried to plug their ears in vain of the roaring motors, while other spectators got as close as they could to the blaring engines. The cars were a mix of old, new, foreign, and all-American, but everyone was united by their love of all things auto.
While Austin James Clark’s Saturn wasn’t exactly car show material it didn’t stop him from getting his auto show fix from the Southlake Auto Mall.
“I’m a huge car guy,” he said. “ I like all cars, classic, vintage, imports - basically if it’s got four wheels I’m all about it.” he continued. “I had some free food saw some really nice cars, but my favorite part is getting to see the cars in action at the burnout line.”
It isn’t every day you get to see cars disappear in a thundering cloud of smoke, but you can count on it at the Southlake Auto Mall’s Cruise Nights, which will return next year at the Southlake Auto Mall.
The Southlake Auto Mall is located at 4191 East Lincoln Highway in Merrillville. More information about the dealership can be found at www.SouthlakeAutoMall.com.