St. Louis Auto Show @ Americas' Center, St. Louis, MO

Words and photos by Duane Clawson

Alright I have a confession: I’m a dude and I like cars!

Now that that’s out of the way, let me tell you what was going on at the 2018 version of the St. Louis Auto Show. On hand at this year’s show, as in years past, were all of the major players in the auto industry. Ford, GM, and Chrysler all had major displays in the bowels of Americas' Center. Also represented were the latest models from Kia, Lexus, and Toyota. For those that had an overflowing wallet, the million-dollar mile would gladly take your spare cash. New models from Rolls Royce, Lamborghini, and Bentley were featured in the mile, with prices nearing the $500,000 mark on some of the vehicles on display!

The Auto Show is not just a car show, it’s a happening! Extra-curricular activities included the Lululemon ABC Pants Test Drive, a go-kart race with drivers winning trophies for going the fastest, while wearing the Anti Ball Crushing trousers! The annual Pistons and Pearls Charity Party was held in conjunction with the Auto Show to raise money for local charities. If you were feeling adventurous the Auto Show had you covered there as well with indoor zip lining and indoor go kart racing sponsored by the Gateway Kartplex. Some stars of the racing world were on hand as well, including NHRA world champion Robert Hight, Indy Champ Josef Newgarden, and Drifting champion Vaughn Gittin Jr. Gittin Jr., along with fellow drifter Chelsea Denofa, put on a drifting demonstration that has become the highlight of the show. During the drifting demonstrations, a few lucky attendees are chosen to sit the passengers seat for a once in a lifetime, white-knuckle ride. And what Auto Show would be complete without a pet adoption event? Stray Rescue of St. Louis was on hand Saturday and Sunday looking for forever homes for our abused and neglected, four -egged friends. Check out their good works at www.strayrescue.org. As I left the Auto Show floor, I was left with one take away: no one can take away that new car smell!

Photos of the auto show are below: