For the fifth consecutive year, Club H20 threw its popular weekend car show and barbecue for the VW and Audi elite. Held in Ocean City, Md., Club H20 International is billed as the largest two-day gathering of VWs and Audis on the East Coast.
The event draws some of the best modified cars from around the country, and the gathered enthusiasts kicked off the weekend festivities early, arriving in town on Friday for a variety of pre-event activities. By Saturday afternoon the coastal community was overrun with hundreds of VWs and Audis of myriad years and models. Later that evening, hoards of cars packed the nearby Ocean Downs Racetrack for a large barbecue and informal car show.
The main event came early Sunday morning when show participants and vendors filled the ground's spacious parking lot. Of the nearly 50 registered classes, which included everything from stock MKIs to heavily modified MkIVs and more, a special "Top Dawg" competition showcased the very best. Decided by people's choice, this year's Top Dawg award was handed to Doug Koozer for his wildly customized 1984 Rabbit Convertible.
While the show brings out an assortment of late-model cars, it also continues to attract a variety of early models, including '70s Rabbits and Sciroccos. A number of cars with massive engine mods were found in nearly every modified class, including an impressive pair of supercharged GTIs. Always a crowd favorite, 1552 Design debuted a number of impressive project cars, including its web-based "Project X" MkIV Jetta Coupe.
In addition to the cars on display, dozens of vendors offered their latest wares. Among those in attendance were RPI, AWE Tuning and Eastside Motorsports.
Thousands of spectators enjoyed the 2002 weekend festivities, which was the largest to date. As Club H2O has proven each year, enthusiasm for the VW and Audi marques continues to grow in popularity along with the show and the club. With more than 1,200 active members in all 50 states, it's no wonder why. Visit www.clubh20.com to obtain additional club and event info.