CAM
Car Show 2002
Madisons
Clarkson among
car club fanatics at River Run VII
By
Stacie Laker
Staff Writer
(May 2002) MADISON, Ind. Rarely in this day and
age comes a time when younger and older generations can come together
and enjoy similar interests, but with the CAM River Run it happens every
year.
On May 25, the Choice Automobiles of Madison (CAM) Car Club will host
their River Run VII on the Riverfront in downtown Madison. The River
Run features cars of all kinds ranging from the 1920s to new low-riding
cars.
One person who has seen River Run grow over the last ten years is Hanover
resident, Delmar Clarkson. Clarkson started getting into classic cars
later in life, not getting his first classic car, a 52 Mercury,
until the age of 30, and not fixing it up until 11 years later, at the
age of 41. The ironic thing about the car is that it was literally at
his footsteps since 1952, when his brother bought the car new for $2,400.
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Delmar
Clarkson poses
with his 1952 Mercury
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The car continued to stay in the Clarkson family, having
Clarksons brother, mother and then sister own it before buying
it himself.
After years of refurbishing the car, Clarkson estimates that he has
put nearly $6,000 into it, and it shows.
The sea-foam green beauty stays at Clarksons residence, only making
it out of the garage to special events like the CAM River Run, and other
area car shows.
It takes TLC and a lot of cleaning, cleaning and more cleaning,
chuckled Clarkson when describing what it takes to get the cars ready
to show. The careful care that Clarkson puts into his vehicles can be
seen on the sparkling chrome, flawless interior and intricate attention
to detailing on the cars, which is commonly seen on many of the cars
presented at car shows. But Clarkson didnt learn the tricks of
the trade from his father or brother, rather he said he just has a natural
knack for working on cars.
But, the 52 Mercury isnt Clarksons only pride and
joy, he also owns a candy apple red 66 Mustang convertible
that his wife, Eula wanted, only to find himself buying his own convertible
a couple years later, a 68 Oldsmobile convertible.
But dont think that Clarksons wife,Eula is out of the car
scene herself, she gets involved by holding the position of Cruise-in
Chairperson, handling the details on the Cruise-in that is held throughout
the summer months at the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Madison.
The Clarksons stay very active with the CAM Car Club and stress
that people are missing out on a lot of fun if they arent
taking part. [We] really enjoy the younger people that are
taking part in the car shows, they are a good group of kids,
agreed the Clarksons on how a new generation is getting involved
in car shows, although with different styles of cars. The difference
between the classic cars of the CAM Car Club and the newer cars is that
the younger people drive [their] cars everyday and still have
oil and grease on the engines, stated Clarkson. Although at River
Run, the CAM Car Club has divisions on cars so each division will have
a separate judging, while overall awards also are given like Best of
Show and Mayors Choice.
Im amazed at the number of people that take part in the
event and the pride [the participants] take into their cars, commented
Madison Mayor Al Huntington. The club has a lot of enthusiasm,
he added, and the people that come to see the cars are very complimentary
about the club and the town, not to mention the city is a perfect
setting with the riverfront. Estimates provided by the Madison
Visitors Center state that last years CAM River Run brought approximately
1,500 people into Madison. Although Vice President of the CAM Club Bruce
Anderson believes that number is quite conservative on the fact the
they expect 350 to 500 cars to participate in the show.
The CAM Car Club River Run is a family event that attracts people of
all ages. With an estimated 30 members, they keep busy with trips to
other area car shows, Poker Runs, Cruise-ins, special trips to
the Speedway and much more, anyone could have fun being a member, or
just taking part in the events.
The CAM River Run VII will be held on May 25,
rain or shine, with registration starting at 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. (slow
time), when awards will be presented by Mayor Huntington. For more information
call (812) 265-3620 ext. 4004.
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