Welcome to the Triangle Chapter AACA Car Club Home Page

Triangle Members:
 Check our planned activities and events and join your fellow members. Pictures and stories of our past activities are below on this page. Previous years events are linked at the bottom of this page.  If you have comments, corrections, or Triangle related stories to add to our website please Email them to Denny at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
 

Visitors:
 The Triangle Chapter AACA is part of the Antique Auto Club of America (AACA.org) and the NC Region of AACA. If you have an interest in antique cars and would like to contact others in the Raleigh, NC area about antique car restoration or acquisition, we can help. You will find information about our events, activities, and contacts here on our web site.  We welcome you to join our car club and participate in our activities. For information about how to join AACA and our Chapter Click Here.  We can also provide contacts who can answer your questions about our club and antique vehicles. Contact Denny at: 
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   
To See Our Latest Triangle Chapter Newsletter (Click Here)
   

Triangle Chapter Meeting Notes

 See the latest Triangle Chapter meeting notes:
  (Meeting Notes April 2026)


Triangle Chapter Facebook Page

   See Car show pictures on the Facebook Page
   See the Triangle Chapter Facebook Page at:  (Triangle Facebook)

Upcoming Triangle Chapter Meetings, Events and Updates 
Triangle  Annual 2026 Calendar  
(Click Here)


1.  Next Triangle Chapter Monthly Meeting Sunday May 31, 2026.
      The next monthly meeting will be held at the "Local" restaurant.
      Address 1235 Hurricane Alley Way , Across from the Lenovo Center
      Late brunch starts at 2pm
      Meeting starts at 3pm.
      Program TBD

2.  Tom Pruett's Charity Classic Car Cruise-in Saturday, June 13, 2026.
      Tom Pruett will hold his annual Cruise-in at his home again this year.
      Rain date June 14, 2026
      This is a Charity Event benefiting Transition Life Care.
      $10 Donation appreciated.
      Location 3520 Carpenter Pond Rd. Durham, NC.
      See the Flyer for details at: Tom Pruett's 2026 Cruise-in
      

3.  Triangle Chapter Ice Cream Social Sunday August 16, 2026 2-4pm.
       Hosted by Tom and Debbie Pruett.
      3520 Carpenter Pond Road, Durham, NC 27720
      RSVP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
      NC State Ice Cream will be supplied
      Bring a treat to go along with the ice cream
      Drive your antique vehicle. 
      See the Flyer for details at: 2026 Ice Cream Social

4.  Triangle Chapter 2026 car show is planned for October 24, 2026.
      The location will be the same as last year. Mojos Restaurant in Garner.
     
Garner Towne Square, 2468 Timber Dr, Garner, NC 27529
      Much planning is needed. Be sure to volunteer to do your part. 

       
Other News and Updates
 
     
NC Region and Other NC Regions Events 
 (Reminder: All Triangle Chapter Members are also members of the NC Region of AACA.)

1.  2026 NC Region Calendar
     To see the link to the 2026 NC Region Calendar. Click Here   
     The Region Chapter shows, NC Region Shows, and AACA National Shows are listed.

2.  Next NC Region Events and Car Shows
     NC Region Spring Meet Car Show Washington, NC May 2, 2026

      Sponsored by the Coastal Plains Chapter.
      See the show flyer in your NC Region Newsletter or at: 
      NC Region Spring Meet Flyer (Click Here)
      
     First Capital Chapter Show at New Bern, NC  May 9, 2026 
     See the First Capital show flyer in your NC Region Newsletter or at: 
     First Capital Flyer (Click Here)

     Alamance Region Show at Burlington, NC  May 16, 2026 
     See the Alamance Region show flyer in your NC Region Newsletter or at:
     Alamance Region Flyer Alamance Region Show   
                 

                              

AACA National Events

1. Upcoming AACA National Events
   - Make your plans to participate in an AACA national event this year.
   - See the AACA National Event Schedule at: (https://aaca.org/events/category/aaca-national-calendar/)

   - Check the AACA.org web site or your National magazine for details and Registration Forms.

     
May 28-30, 2026 – Eastern Spring Nationals
 – Indiana, PA
     
  Click here for brochure

2. Triangle Members Participated in 2026 AACA National Shows 
   
AACA Winter Nationals held in Cartersville, GA March 28, 2026.
      Three Triangle Members entered the event. 
           - Mike Petersen Class ORG "First Original"  2001 Dodge Durango SLT Plus
           - Tom Pruett Class 30E "Senior" 1994 Chevrolet Corvette
           - Fernando Lugo Class 32 "First Junior" 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air 

         AACA Spring Nationals held in Charlotte, NC April 11, 2026 
         Story by Brian Wringler
       The Hornets Nest Region put on their usual fine National Meet at the Charlotte Motor Speedway
       April 9-11, 2026. The Triangle Chapter was well represented at the Saturday car show with members
       entering show cars and judging.  Several of Triangle judges reached new milestones in judging credits
       at this show. Judges included Jim Aldrich (75 credits), Dan Fuccella (Youth Judging),
       John and Brenda Gerken, Mike Petersen (425 credits), and Brian Wingler (25 credits).

       Triangle members showing cars included Beth Eakes (1966 Mustang- First Junior), Wilson Faucel
       (1924 Buick- Senior), Dan Fuccella (1950 Willys- DPC), Jim Gill (1925 Model T- DPC),
       Fernando Lugo (1956 Bel Air- Senior), Mike Petersen (2001 Durango- Senior Original),
       Tom Pruett (1994 Corvette- First Preservation), and Brian Wingler (2000 BMW Z3- Senior).
       It was a very productive day for the Triangle members showing cars. The Hornets Nest did something
       new this year by moving the AACA car show inside the speedway in the garage area; the AACA cars
       received a great deal more attention from Autofair attendees this year in the new location. 

        









Recent Triangle Chapter Activities and Stories
     - Below are stories and pictures from our 2026 events.
     - To jump to 2025 and previous years event stories (Click Here)



N
C Region Spring Meet Wshington, NC May 2, 2026
How to make it rain in North Carolina. Plan a car show. 

 Five Triangle members entered their vehicles in the NC region spring meet Washington NC
on May 2nd, 2026.  There was also an NC Region board meeting at the spring meet in
Little Washington on the waterfront. The Coastal Plains and Morehead City Chapters of
NC region sponsored the board meeting and the NC Region Spring Meet car show.  They
were prepared for 100 preregistered cars with trophies and well-marked parking places.
Since we had not had rain in NC for two to three weeks it was expected to be a good time
to hold a car show.

The weather report indicated a light sprinkle with sunshine during the day.  However, nature
does not watch the weather forecasts.  The morning of the show was dry but overcast when
I loaded my car on the trailer at 6:00 AM.  By the time I had loaded my drinks, chairs, and
warmer clothes it began to sprinkle at 6:30 AM.  I was on the road with my wipers on as I
drove East 147 miles on Hwy. 587/264.  I had the windshield wipers going all the way.  So
much for weather report reporting accuracy.

It was still raining when I reached Washington and unloaded the car.  I drove to the show
field and tried to prepare for judging.  Then I went quickly to the board meeting.  It was a
longer meetings. When we got out of the board meeting at 11:00 AM it was steadily raining.

The five members of the triangle chapter who joined the show were Dan Furccella 1950
Jeep Wagon, Denny Oestreich 1957 Chevrolet, Brian Wringler 1988 Ford Ranger,
Fernando Lugo 1956 Chevrolet, and Chet and Mary butcher 1950 Ford sedan. Of the
46 NC region members who registered for the show only 24 came to the show field.
Triangle had over 20% of the vehicles entered. The rain put a major damper on the
participation.

There were some very fine cars that entered the in show despite the rain. I spent time looking
at all the cars.  Cars that I really enjoyed included a 1970 Dodge convertible which the owner
had just received delivery the week before.  There were three Model Ts Which interested me
as I am restoring one now. I took many pictures of cars in the rain. One of the Model Ts was
a senior AACA car entered by David Lineback, President of NC Region. Another Model T was
a 1911 brass car. By comparison to these Model Ts I have a lot of work to do on my Model T.

Due to the continuing rain the Coastal Plains team rushed the judging and awards. Our
judging team had eight vehicles to judge with only one on the wet show field to be judged.
The awards were given by 1:00 PM they let everybody leave with their awards.

I left at about 1:30 PM and arrived home in Raleigh by 4 PM.  It rained and sprinkled all the
way back to Raleigh but stopped completely here in Raleigh. Nothing in our rain gauge. All the
Raleigh participants made it to and from the show safely.  The only problem reported was
when Dan Fuccella ‘s Jeep refused to start at a gas station. Dan recalled the stuck starter
solution fix by tapping the starter with a ball peen hammer to get started again.

Many Thanks to the Coastal Plains and Morehead City Chapters for organizing the show
and board meeting.  They were well prepared with registration, parking and awards. 

Below are pictures by Denny Oestreich
 
                             Chief judge James Matthews announcing the awards. A little Rain.




     Fernando Lugo 1956 Chevy, Denny Oestreich 1957 Chevy                  Brian Wringler 1988 Ford Ranger


       Dan Fuccella's 1950 Jeep Wagon (Center)                              Chet and Mary Butcher 1950 Ford


Glenaire Car Display Cary, NC April 19, 2026
17 Triangle members and 2 guests supported a car display for residents of Glenaire. Showing cars
were Ray Bader – 1978 Avanti II, Glenn Ott-1963 Corvette Split Window, Wilson Fausel-1924 Buick,
Cheryl Nelson-Anderson - 1956 Thunderbird, Dean & Les Tryon-1988 Buick LeSabre, Brian Wringler
- 1968 Mustang Fastback, DanFuccella, 1950 Jeep Station Wagon, Keith & Cecilia Townsend
-1925 Model T, Denny Oestreich - 1957 Chevrolet, and Courtney Johnston-1937 Buick.  The weather
threatened rain but held back for the entire event. Glenaire provided snacks and  drinks. Many residents
enjoyed the cars and the Triangle members enjoyed the outing.  
Pictures by Brian Wringler

 





Jim Gill R
eceives a 100 Year Vehicle Award April 11,
2026
Jim Gill's 1925 Model T Coupe was awarded a the AACA Century Plaque at the Southeastern Spring
meet.  
This badge is awarded to any qualifying car that participates in an AACA National Meet or National Tour,
honoring the preservation of historic
 vehicles. Jim restored the Model T over a couple of years 
and entered the Southeastern Spring meet in Charlotte. Congratulations Jim.  



2026 Triangle Chili Cook-off March 22, 2026
40 Triangle members attended the Chili-Cook off held at the South Hills Mall in South Raleigh.  
Our thanks to Randy Robertson for arranging the facility again this year and Glenn Ott for
organizing the event. There were nine chili’s, four corn brads and seven deserts to taste brought
by members.  Everyone tasted chilies, corn breads, and deserts and then voted for their favorites.
The winners were Zoe Carmichael (best), Ken Powell (hottest), Peggy Barns (cornbread) 
and Cecelia
Townsend (desert). Thanks to Ted Brooks, Courtney Johnston, Merilee Sanderson and
Randy Robertson (and others for sure) for set up and clean up
.




     Best Chili               Hotest Chili                           Best Cornbread             Best Desert


Cape Fear Car Show Wilmington, NC March 7, 2026

Dan Fuccella and Brian Wingler entered their vehicles in the Cape Fear Chapter Car show in Wilmington, NC
on March 7, 2026.   Cape Fear had 207 vehicles in the show.  With 53 vehicles preregistered, the majority
of the 207 entrants were day of show registration.  Cape Fear typically plans for 215 to 225 entrants.  
They also plan on 25% to 35% of entrants to be modified vehicles.  Their venue for the 3rd year
was Legion Stadium which includes several sports facilities and parking for events. The weather in
Wilmington begins to get nice in the first three weeks of March which allows them to hold the first
NC Region show of the season.


 


2026 NC Region Annual Membership Meeting January 16-17, 2026 
      The NC Region held its annual two day meeting at the DoubleTree Inn in Raleigh, NC.
      Events scheduled included AACA Judges Training, Presentations and the Annual Membership Meeting.
      Friday afternoon had an advanced Judging Class and presentations.
      Saturday had a Board meeting, presentations, and a members meeting.
      15 Triangle Chapter members attended this event. Below is a list of highlights from the Membership Meeting. 
      Membership Meeting Highlights: 
       1. NC Region will make a $500 contribution to the AACA Library and $100 to Blue Ridge Community
           College in 2026

       2. Most Chapters have identified their Annual Car show dates. The 2026 Calendar is events listing is
          at (Region Calendar). 

       3. Many members have not paid dues yet. The Region mailing list will be purged in February.
       4. NC Region sends out 622 newsletters. The Region had 1072 members including spouses.
       5. 2026 NC Region Circle of Honor nominations are open until August 1, 2026
       6. Scholarship applications for 2026 are open until April 1, 2026.
       7. Dan Fuccella announced that Youth Judging at NC Region meets will be supported with Hats
          and T-Shirts using logos for the NC Region.

       8. 2026 officers include President David Lineback, Vice President Zac Simmons, Secretary Judy Matthews,
           and Treasurer Mike Morgan. Denny Oestreich will serve on the Board for 2026-2027.
       Photos by Glenn Ott
                           Below: Triangle Members at 2026 NC Region Annual Meeting

          Dean Tryon: Futurliner #10 (Below)                    


    Mike Petersen: West Virginia Turnpike Presentation
 




Mojos New Year Day Cruise-in January 1, 2026
By Denny Oestreich
What do you do to celebrate New Years Day?  Many in the car community have a tradition of attending a cruise-in style car meet on New Tears Day.   The tradition is an informally advertised event at a local venue to greet other car enthusiasts and wish everyone Happy New year.  This year the cruise-in venue was the Garner Towne Square Shopping center parking lot, home of Mojos Grill.  There were well over 200 vehicles on display with vehicles coming and going from 11 AM until 3:30 PM.   I met many car friends at this event this year.  Several Triangle Chapter members brought their cars to the cruise-in or just came to look and meet friends. Triangle members that I met who brought vehicles were Ray Bader, Henry and Tracey Burgwyn, Fernando and Josefina Lugo, and Bill Warner. Other members who I met at the event while enjoying the cruise-in were Jim Aldrich, Brian White, and Randy Robertson.
      Fernando Lugo at Mojos (below)


  Randy Robertson and Ray Bader at Mojos


  Bill Werners Mercury Cougar at Mojos

  

Triangle Chapter Previous Year's Activities and Pictures

See Triangle Chapter Past Events in 2024 at: 2025 Triangle Chapter Activities and Pictures
See Triangle Chapter Past Events in 2024 at: 2024 Triangle Chapter Activities and Pictures
See Triangle Chapter Past Events in 2023 at: 2023 Triangle Chapter Activities and Pictures 
See Triangle Chapter Past Events in 2022 at: 2022 Triangle Chapter Activities and Pictures    
See Triangle Chapter Past Events in 2021 at: 2021 Past Activities and Pictures
See Triangle Chapter Past Events in 2020 at: 2020 Past Events

See Triangle Chapter Past Events in 2019 at: 2019 Past Events
Triangle Events from Past Years: Picture Archive

Triangle Chapter Web Site Pages

Click on the titles below to link to our other pages

Other AACA Web Pages
Click below to go to these Websites
Comments
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. enjoy the information about our AACA Triangle Chapter car club. If you have questions or comments contact our Webmaster Denny Oestreich at:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.