The group is easy to spot.
A long line of classic cars driven by friendly car enthusiasts usually indicates a Tracy Clutch Burners event.
The longtime Tracy club seeks new members as it prepares for its 17th annual Picnic in the Park pre-’69 show May 5.
The Clutch Burners, which now claims 21 members, started as a Tracy High School car club in the 1950s and was reformed as a hot rod club by a group of friends 30 years later.
In an effort to promote street-rodding and support charities, club members attend car shows and events held all over the western states.
The camaraderie of the club’s 21 members is what’s brought Rich and Cheryl Avila of Tracy to events over the past 12 years.
“It’s exciting to be able to get together with people who enjoy the same things you do,” Rich Avila said. “And if you think your car is completed, there’s always room for improvement.”
The club is best known for its car shows, which usually draw 400 participants and about 3,000 viewers.
Proceeds from the shows have been donated to Tracy organizations such as Brighter Christmas, the Boys and Girls Clubs, Boy Scouts of America and the Tracy High Water Polo Team. For the past several years, the club has donated primarily to Sutter Tracy Hospice.
The May 5 Picnic in the Park will be in Dr. Powers Park, corner of Tracy Boulevard and Lowell Avenue. It will include music, food, games, a truck-pulling contest and raffle prizes. Proceeds will benefit Hospice of San Joaquin. Admission is free. For information: Valerie Bahm, 832-3346
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