Car buffs revved up

Autofest runs Saturday

Sunday in New Ulm

By KURT NESBITT

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Hans Puhlmann doesn't usually drive his 1936 Ford sedan on a regular basis.

But now that summer's here and car shows are becoming more common, he's been out cruising more often.

Joe Lamecker's passion is more for rare, modern Chevys. He's got a 35th anniversary 2003 Camaro convertible and a limited-edition Corvette in addition to his '55 Chevy Bel Air and a 1960 Ford Thunderbird.

Chris Glowacki also likes latter-day makers, but his passion is Ferrari. Having fallen in love with the Italian car maker at age 16, Glowacki bought his first Ferrari at age 21. He's now on his third, a 1993 348TS, which he drives most days except in winter.

Puhlmann, Lamecker and Glowacki are local car enthusiasts who are expected to turn up at New Ulm's Autofest, which runs Saturday and Sunday.

They are also part of the non-profit group that organizes and sponsors the show.

Originally started four years ago by local car collectors and car dealers as a way to promote the hobby, Autofest's organizers are hoping to use it as a way to make New Ulm a destination for car collectors and auto show buffs.

All three men are quick to point out that Autofest isn't a judged competition and entry and admission are both free. This year's Autofest is also sponsored by the New Ulm Convention and Visitors Bureau and by the city's 150th anniversary committee.

"A lot of it is to promote New Ulm as a destination," said Paul Maday, one of the two brothers who own Maday Motors Jeep, which hosts the event. "It's also to promote cars and promote New Ulm within the industry."

Maday's 1970 AMX will be at the show. His brother, Dennis, is showing his newly acquired '73 AMC Gremlin, which he recently found at a car show in Anoka and purchased for its 400-horsepower V8 engine. Dennis also has a 1967 AMC Rambler and a 1969 AMC Rebel Machine in his collection and is working on a 1970 AMX for his son.

Last year's Autofest saw roughly 300 cars on the lot. Dennis Maday said its organizers are hoping to top that attendance figure this year. A car club from St. Cloud will be bringing at least 40 entries. He said he thinks that the show will bring many out-of-town visitors.

Autofest also includes a "Clue Cruise." Participants will get a list of directions with clues on how to reach each destination point and questions that can be answered by reading the marker or sign at each point. The number of correct answers on the direction sheet could win a prize.

A police squadcar shootout, where patrol cars from local law enforcement agencies will compete on the Dynometer, a device that measures a car's horsepower, is Autofest's newest addition, Dennis Maday said.

Autofest starts Saturday, at Maday Motors Jeep and Joe's Campers off State Highway 15 in New Ulm. The Clue Cruise starts at 4:30 p.m. Sunday hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.