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)   To See Our January 1016  Newsletter (Click Here)

Triangle Chapter Meeting Notes
 See the latest Triangle Chapter meeting notes:  (Meeting Notes Feb 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 Event is the Chili Cook-off on March 22, 2026.  
     The next meeting is this year's chili cook-off!  It is Sunday March 22nd from 2 to 5 pm at:
      South Hills Mall, 1297 Buck Jones Road, Raleigh.  (The same location as last year.)

        We still need more volunteers to bring food.  1 or 2 more chili cooks would provide a variety
       of chili flavors.  5 or 6 more corn bread bakers and 3 or 4 desert pastry chefs would round out
       the menu.  
       
       If you don't have the cooking skills necessary to boil water, you can still be an integral part of
       this event.  The 1-2 pm set-up crew needs 5 or 6 more volunteers, and the 5 pm clean-up team
       needs 5 or 6 more helpers. 

       Please reply to Glenn Ott  the email by March 11th so I can include you with those who have already
       volunteered.


2.  Triangle Chapter Dues for 2026
       Reminder: AACA, NC Region, and Triangle dues are now overdue.
       Please submit your dues ASAP so you will continue to receive newsletters and
       remain listed in the Chapter handbook.  
       To see a 2026 dues payment form (2026 Dues Click Here). 

3.  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 for your part. 

4.    Notice of the Recent Passing of Four Triangle Members.
         Please take a moment to remember these members of the Triangle Chapter and their
       families in your thoughts and prayers.

      Bob Simpson died Jan 4, 2026.  Bob was a member of the Triangle for 10 years. He was most
      active in AACA National shows, recently winning a Senior Grand National with his 1973 Corvette
      at the Grand National in Dayton, OH in July of 2025.  Bob also showed his 1969 Camaro SS at
      other AACA and NC Region shows. He last served the Triangle as a judge in the
      2025 Triangle Car show.

      Jean Fuccella died January 12, 2026.  Jean and her husband Dan have been key members
      of the Triangle Chapter since 2002. They made many contributions to the Chapter activities.
      Among the many things we remember about Jean were the Jeep Trek adventure stories and
      the patience she demonstrated assisting Dan on their many long jeep trips around the US.

      Shayne O'Neill passed away February 13, 2026 at home. Shayne was a relatively new 
      member of the Triangle Chapter. He owned a 1968 Chevelle SS.  See the Link to his
      obituary at: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/newsobserver/name/shayne-o-neill-obituary?id=60747639 

      Jeanette Gage died  February 17, 2026. Jeanette and her husband Marv joined the
      Triangle Chapter in 1993. The were involved in early Chapter activities for many years.
      They were well known for their Franklin vehicles and Franklin Club activity.  In the past 3 years
      they had moved to Suwanee, GA to be near family.  They remained members and signed up
      their grandchildren as members of the Triangle Chapter.


       
Other News and Updates 
     
NC Region and Other NC Region Chapter's 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.  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.
 
            2026 Board Meeting and Members Annual Meeting. 

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.

      March 19-21, 2026 – Special Nationals – Guaynabo, Puerto Rico – hosted by Puerto Rico Region  Click here for brochure

      March 26-28, 2026 – Winter Nationals – Cartersville, GA – hosted by Lake Allatoona Region  Click here for brochure

     April 9-11, 2026 – Southeastern Spring Nationals – Charlotte, NC – hosted by Hornets Nest Region Click here for brochure

2. Triangle Members Participated in 2025 AACA National Shows 
   AACA listed the winners of eight 2025 national shows with the January-February 2026
      magazine.  The shows were located across the US. The largest show was the Eastern
      Regional in Hershey, PA October 7-10.  The most entrants at the AACA shows were in the
      Hershey, PA.  The most popular class of vehicles at the Hershey show were Original Class
      vehicles with 135 on the show field.

     The winners list shows there were 11 Triangle members who participated in 4 different shows. 
     Congratulations to the Triangle winners. You can review the list attached to your magazine to
     see their awards.
                Name                        Vehicle                Class   Shows
                Courtney Johnston   2000 Ford            ORG   Charlotte, NC
                Mike Petersen          2000 Dodge         ORG   Charlotte, NC; Beckley WV
                Brian Wringler          1988 Ford Truck   ORG   Charlotte, NC
                Dan Fuccella            1950 Willeys        ORG    Charlotte, NC; Beckley WV
                Brian White              1923 Stutz            17A      Charlotte, NC
                Wilson Fausel          1924 Buick           18A      Charlotte, NC
                Glen Andrews          1938 Chev.Truck  22B      Charlotte, NC
                Tom Pruett               1997 Chev.           36M     Charlotte, NC; Dayton, OH
                Tom Pruett               1994 Chevrolet     30E      Beckley, WV
                Fernando Lugo        1957 Chevrolet     32        Charlotte, NC; Beckley WV: Dayton, OH; Hershey, PA
                Robert Simpson       1973 Chevrolet     30C     Dayton, OH
               Tom Gipson               1952 Jaguar         25A      Hershey, PA



Triangle Chapter Activities and Stories - 2025

Mojos New Year Day Cruise-in January 1, 2026
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 years 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


Randy Robertson and Ray Bader at Mojos


  Bill Werners Mercury Cougar at Mojos

Fernando Lugo at Mojos

Triangle Chapter Holiday Party December 7, 2025
The 2025 Triangle Chapter Holiday party was held at the Stag Club in North Raleigh again this year.  Our thanks to Bob Safrit for arranging the use of the facility.  A well place sign on Ray Road alerted member where to turn to get to the facility. The facility was well decorated for the season.  Marilee Sanderson and her committee organized the meal and table layouts. Pipers Tavern catered the meal with a choice of Chicken Francese and/or Salmon.  The sides will be roasted red skin potatoes, green beans, sweet and unsweetened tea, rolls, and salad with ranch or vinegar dressing.  

After the meal there were two short presentations, one of Dan and Jean Fuccella on their Jeep Treks around the US and a second of Dean and Less Tryon on their purchase, restoration and adventures with their Pontiac Woody.  Glenn Ott prepared the Trivia Game question for the gift exchange this year.  Do you know how many parts are required to be assembled for the Tak-A-Part T?   The 2025 keeper of the Pink Elephant successfully disguised it for the new 2026 keeper.  Many toys were brought by members for Toys for Tots.   

Many thanks to everyone who helped arrange our Party.  Pictures will be added later.







 

Capital Oaks Car Display November 8, 2025
Ron Phillips, who is a resident at Capital Oaks Retirement Resort, organized a car display for the residents on November 8, 2025.  Twenty participants from the Triangle Chapter and Piedmont Classic Chevy Club brought their Classic Cars for the display.  The weather was great for the outdoor event with the residents enjoying the vehicles and reminiscing about the cars they or their family owned.  The car owners took time to answer their questions. The event went from 11am-2pm. Capital Oaks treated the entrants to lunch in Capital Oaks dining room at 12:30.  Triangle vehicles on display ranged in age from Glenn Ott’s 1931 Packard to John Dipietro’s 1990 Avanti.  Other Triangle members vehicles included Ray Bader – 1954 Studebaker, Dan Fuccella - 1950 Willys Jeep Wagon, Courtney Johnston – 1943 Military Truck, Barry Kitchner – 1973 Buick Riviera, Dudley Morrison – 1988 Lincoln, Edward Ott – 1963 Corvette, Dean & Les Tryon – 1959 Buick, and Denny Oestreich 1957 Chevy.

Photos below by Helen Dipietro

Glenn Ott 1931 Packard


Barry Kitchener 1973 Buick Riviera, John Dipietro 1990 Avanti, Dean & Les Tryon 1959 Buick, Dudley Morrison 1988 Lincoln


 Dan Fuccella (center)  and Barry Kitchener (right)


Courtney Johnston 1943 Military Truck (second from left), Edwards Ott 1963 Corvette (third from Left), Denny Oestreich 1957 Chevy


Triangle Chapter Car Show October 25, 2025 
On Saturday October 25, 2025 the Triangle Chapter held our annual Car show at the Garner Towne Square. The Show had been rescheduled from May to October due to the loss of the venue in May.  The show was very successful with 110 vehicles entered. Over thirty Triangle Chapter members volunteered their time, energy and resources to make the show a success. Entrants were offered five different judging classes similar to AACA judging. The classes offered were; AACA Classes judged by decade with AACA vehicles (49 Vehicles), Driver Participation Class judged with AACA vehicles (17 vehicles), Original Class (20 Vehicles) judged with AACA Original Vehicles, a Modified Class (20 Vehicles) for all non-AACA vehicles, and a Do Not Judge class (6 vehicles) for display only.  The show provided time to view entered vehicles and talk to the owners, a DJ with a good choice of music and announcements, Youth Judging, a Take A-Part T demonstration, a Raffle of prizes, a silent auction, and a 50-50 drawing.  Below are few pictures from the event. More pictures can be seen on the Triangle Facebook Page with the link above. A good portion of the final profit will aid the Manna project for recovery from Hurricane Helena in Western North Carolina.  
Thanks to the many Triangle Chapter volunteers for making the show successful. 
Special thanks to Helen Dipietro for being the Car Show Chair



Pictures By: Photographer Tim Mullins






 


Magnolia Glen Car Display October 10, 2025 
On Friday, October 10, 2025, four members of the Triangle Chapter of the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) had the opportunity to display their rides at the eighth local non-AACA event this year.  This event, the Fall Festival at Magnolia Glen Senior Living facility in Raleigh, NC, is indicative of a growing opportunity for the Triangle Chapter’s members to display their vehicles at local festivals, senior living establishments, and in one very successful case, a local childcare facility!  The fact that many of these private facilities hold their events on weekdays has an impact on Triangle car owner participation numbers.  Weekday events limit participation by working members. The four members displaying vehicles were:
    Dudley Morrison, 1988 Lincoln Town Car Cartier
    John DiPietro, 1990 Avanti 4-Door Touring Sedan
    Dan Fuccella, 1950 Willys-Overland Jeep Station Wagon
    Denny Oestreich, 1957 Chevrolet, Belaire 2-Door Hardtop.



Triangle Member Avanti Stories
By Helen Dipietro
At a recent Triangle Chapter car display three members displayed Avantis from three different decades.
      - Jim Cox’s 1963 Avanti
      - Ray Bader’s 1978 Avanti
      - John DiPietro 1990 Avanti
To see their three stories and pictures  (Click Here)


Triangle Cruise-in at Primrose Schools Daycare September 3, 2025
By Dan Fuccella

Our Triangle Chapter is well known for bringing our antique vehicles to retirement communities to provide the senior residents with an opportunity to recall their pasts by inspecting the cars and talking to the owners. These events have been both entertaining for the residents and rewarding for the car owners.  Well, now for a little twist on this practice!  This fall, the Triangle Chapter was invited by Primrose Schools to display its antique vehicles to over 100 of their daycare residents, aged 5 and under. After a previous false start due to a shaky weather forecast, on September 3, 2025, four of the Triangle Chapter members participated in cruise-ins to the Primrose School of West Cary and the Primrose School at The Park in Morrisville, NC.
 
Any concerns that we might have had regarding the concept of entertaining little ones evaporated as soon as we entered Primrose facilities and saw the multitude of young ones sitting neatly, but excitedly on the curbing surrounding the entrances.  After a slow cruise past the entrance, waving and honking our horns, we parked our cars to let an orderly stream of curious youngsters inspect our vehicles.  They were surprisingly attentive, with several commenting on the large steering wheels and strange interiors in some of the cars.
 
It is difficult to predict if the event will leave any long-term impression on our little observers, but it sure left an impression on the Triangle Chapter members who participated: Ray Bader (1978 Avanti), Wilson Fausel (1924 Buick), Glenn Ott (1963
Corvette), Dan Fuccella (1950 Jeep).  Thank you, Tammy Johnson of Primrose Schools for providing us with this memorable opportunity and thank you fellow Triangle Chapter members for participating!






Triangle Annual Ice Cream Social August 3, 2025
By Denny Oestreich

The Triangle Chapter held our annual Ice Cream Social at Tom and Debbie Pruett’s country home. Over seventy members and guests attended the event with 40 antique vehicles conveying everyone to the event.  The Triumph club was invited to join the event this year with 20 Triumph club members and 15 restored Triumphs in the parking area. Two large containers of NC State ice cream, obtained by Tom and Debbie, were at the start of Ice cream buffet line. The attendees provided toppings, fruit, cones, and snacks to go with the ice cream.  Attendees found spots in the screened porch, the patio, and the garage to enjoy the ice cream and discussions.  After the ice cream there was time to view Tom's car collection.

                                             Ice Cream Buffet

                           Enjoying Ice Cream at Tables in Pruett's Garage

After the ice cream was finished some members participated in two Take-Apart-T practice sessions.  The Take -Apart -T had been brought to Tom’s by Glenn Ott, Ken Powell and Denny the day before. Tom towed the T out of his storage shelter to a location under a shade tree. To ensure the T would start after the assembly, the temporary tank was filled and the T was started. Bob Gault was on crank with Colin Wimmer behind the wheel.  After several cranks, it started and was ready to go. The team then took the T apart and located the parts for ease of reassembly. Following the printed assembly instructions the Take-Apart-T was reassembled. Since it had been a long time since the assembly was last done and there were some new team members, the assembly took longer than usual. When assembly was complete, it was time to start the T and drive it off.  The Take-Apart-T started on compression, no cranking required. Several procedure changes were updated on the assembly directions. To improve on the assembly time a second take apart and reassembly was done. The second assembly took about half the time as the first assembly.  We are nearly ready for two planned public demonstrations this fall.

                             Take-Apart-T Ready for Disassembly

A special thank you to Tom and Debbie for preparing their home for all of us to gather and enjoy a summer social afternoon.


AACA Grand Nationals Dayton, OH July 26, 2025
Four Triangle members entered Judging at the AACA Grand Nationals.
Congratulations for qualifying and achieveing these judging results. 
- Class 30C Senior Grand National
  1973 Chevrolet Corvette            Robert A. Simpson, Garner, NC

- Class 32 Repeat Senior Grand National
  1957 Chevrolet Bel Air               Fernando Lugo, Youngsville, NC

- Class 36M Senior Grand National
  1997 Chevrolet Camaro Z28       Thomas J. Pruett, Durham, NC

- Class 36O Senior Grand National
  1997 Ford Mustang Saleen         Greg Lipscomb, Apex, NC

AACA Eastern Spring Nationals Beckley West Virgina
The AACA Eastern Spring Nationals on June 21, 2025, had 114 cars entered for judging. There were 23 vehicles from North Carolina with five Triangle members participating. The Triangle members making the trip to Beckly and their awards are listed below.

Owner              Year    Vehicle                              Award         Class
Mike Petersen     2000    Dodge Neon ES                    Senior          Original
Dan Fuccella       1950    Willys Jeep Station Wagon     Repeat         Driver Participation
Brian Wingler      2000    BMW Z3                              First Junior    Class 25D
Tom Pruett         1994     Chevrolet Corvette               First Junior    Class 30E
Fernando Lugo   1957     Chevrolet Bel Air                  Senior           Class 32                

The show field was on the streets of downtown Beckley.  Tom indicated it was an interesting trip with some road delays of about an hour on the West Virgina Turnpike.  Mike was a judge for AACA end of years special award vehicles and he reports seeing three really fine restorations.  See pictures of the participating Triangle vehicles below. 

                             Mike Petersen's 2000 Dodge Neon


   Tom Pruett's 1994 Corvette                                 Brian Wingler's BMW Z3


   Dan Fuccella 1950 Jeep Wagon                          Fernando Lugo 1957 Chevrolet
Congratulations to the Triangle winners.  

Summer Car Shows
There are many choices of car shows this summer. The Piedmont Classic Car Club (PCCC) held their annual car show at the Garner Towne Square Shopping center on May 24, 2025. They Had over 180 entries. With late entries and Club Cars there were well over 220 vehicles in the shopping center parking lot. Several Triangle Chapter members attended the show including Glenn Ott, John Dipietro, Beth Eakes, and Ray Bader. Glenn was awarded Best 60-64 vehicle for his Corvette.

 
         John Dipietro 1970 Avanti II                                                Glenn Ott  1963 Corvette

                                 
Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) car show on May 31, 2025
Courtney Johnston invited Triangle Chapter Members to attend the Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) car show on May 31, 2025. Courtney enjoys attending Auto restoration classes at CCCC. Members attending the show were Courtney, Glenn Ott, and Brian Wingler. Brian was awarded Best of the Fifties for his 1957 Thunderbird.

    Glenn Ott 1963 Corvette                            Brian Wingler Best of the Fifties                           

NC Region Spring Meet New Bern  May 10, 2025

The First Capital and Morehead City Chapters combined to host the 2025 NC Region Spring Meet in downtown New Bern. The event was a success with over 200 vehicles on the two show fields.  Two streets, a connecting street, and a parking lot were blocked off to provide great back-in parking in numbered spaces for all vehicles.  Parking was only on one side of the streets to provide a pedestrian walking area for viewing the antique cars.  Middle Street was used to display the 89 Registered AACA vehicles, 48 of which were going for a Red Bird award. Craven Street and the Pollock cross street displayed over 100 non-AACA, Custom, Hot Rods, Bikes, and Rat Rods. The two chapters provided many volunteers helping with registration, parking, cars, selling T-shirts and 50-50 tickets.
 
There were many pedestrians and families walking up and down the streets enjoying the great weather and the antique vehicles. The shops and restaurants were all open and happy to have many customers on Saturday. The choice of fine restaurants gave us opportunities to have lunch or ice cream with NC Region friends. Music was provided by a DJ all day.

There were 15 Triangle members with 8 Triangle cars at the show. Showing their antique vehicles included Dan and Jean Fuccella, Henry and Tracey Burgwyn, Chet & Mary Butcher, Warren Daniels, Fernando & Josefina Lugo, Brian Wingler, and Denny Oestreich. Glenn Ott, Dan Fuccella and Denny attended the NC Region Board of Directors meeting.  Jim Gill helped travel and load Denny’s car. Wilson Fausel trailered his 1924 Buick to the show and unloaded but the Buick refused to run for the trip to the show field. He reloaded and drove back to Cary to repair the fuel pump. Warren Daniels brought his recently acquired 1966 Thunderbird for its first show.

Several of us supported the show activities. Dan Fuccella led a group of six youths to judge a few cars and select their favorite car, a red Mustang. Several other Triangle members helped judge the AACA vehicles on the show field. There were 10 cars assigned to each judging team.  The vehicles which had already earned Red Bird Awards were given 1-1.5 minute reviews to ensure that they still maintained a 350 or more-point score. 

At 3 PM the awards were presented with everyone from Triangle getting the award they were expecting. A few Triangle members stayed over Friday night in New Bern. After the show we loaded up or drove our vehicle back to the Raleigh area. The trip to and from New Bern took a little over two hours. The drive to New Bern, participating in the show, and driving back in the in the same day made it a long but fun day. 

Many thanks to the First Capital and Morehead City Chapters for a great show.    


    Dan Fuccella and Youth Judges                   Brian Wingler with his BMW


      Chet Butcher 1950 Ford                            Dan Fuccella 1950 Jeep Wagon


     Fernando Lugo 1957 Chevrolet              Warren Daniels 1966 Thunderbird