The Sunrunners Car Club of Imperial Valley recently celebrated its 39th annual Carne Asada Run car show, an event that took place on March 22 in Eager Park. This gathering attracted twenty car clubs from across the region, including notable groups such as the Mustang Club of San Diego, Desert Cruisers of Yuma, and Cab Drifters Coachella. The day featured a range of activities, including a carne asada feast, raffle prizes, and an awards ceremony. Among the highlights was the Best of Show trophy awarded to Cappy and Jerry Taylor for their stunning orange 1956 Chevy Bel Air.
This year's car show began early in the morning at Eager Park, where participants checked in between 8 a.m. and noon. Vehicles were showcased throughout the day, with viewing hours extending from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. One standout display was Arizona Sunshine, a vibrant yellow 1929 Ford pickup belonging to Bill and Linda Haney. The Haneys, who reside in Yuma, Arizona, have been regular attendees of the Sunrunners event for the past five years. Bill explained that he purchased the truck ten years ago with the intention of restoring it to its former glory, and now proudly exhibits it at various events.
Brian Mould, another enthusiast present at the show, brought his black 1967 Ford Mustang convertible, which he meticulously rebuilt over 19 years. Mould described himself as a lifelong admirer of classic cars, having developed a passion for muscle cars during his teenage years. He mentioned that he and his wife are Canadian residents who travel to Imperial Valley each winter to enjoy the desert climate and participate in the car show.
Kurt Leptich, president of the Sunrunners Car Club, has led the organization for three years. He recounted how the tradition began 39 years ago when Richard Alford of Alford Distributing established a museum filled with vintage automobiles. Leptich emphasized that the club continues to meet at Alford’s facility in Imperial, honoring his legacy by maintaining the club's activities. He noted that while some enthusiasts return annually to showcase their vehicles, others bring newly restored cars each year, reflecting the ongoing evolution of the hobby.
Leptich expressed pride in the club's reputation within the car community, attributing it to the longevity of the event. In addition to the Carne Asada show, the Sunrunners participate in other local exhibitions, such as displaying cars at the Pioneers Museum during the annual Pioneers Day celebration. The event was generously sponsored by One World Beef, providing all attendees with a complimentary lunch featuring carne asada. Additional food vendors included PK’s, Baja Shaved Ice, The Rolling Cones, and KS Lemonade, managed by Andrea Betancourt.
As the Sunrunners Car Club continues to thrive, it remains a cornerstone of the Imperial Valley's cultural landscape. Through events like the Carne Asada Run, the club fosters a sense of camaraderie among car enthusiasts and celebrates the artistry and craftsmanship inherent in classic automobile restoration. Those interested in learning more about the club can visit ivsunrunners.com for further details.