Volkswagens, Fords, swap meets, and more. Kansas City car shows, races, and events for October 22, 23, 24

Yes, we’re starting to see the phrase, “last one of the year” turn up in more and more of these event listings. We’re nearing the end of October, and car events are going to start to become few-and-far-between very shortly.

But let’s not dwell on the negative! At least there are still some great events that you can hit this weekend. Whether you like Fords, Volkswagens, or something more general, there are still some fun places around Kansas City that you can go to scratch that automotive itch.

Check out the list below for the full skinny. And remember, as we get later in the season, it is a very smart idea to call ahead and make sure it’s a go before you head out to these things. Or not. Sometimes it’s worth taking the chance just for the opportunity to get to drive somewhere.

Kansas City-area car shows and swap meets

Friday, October 22- Sunday, October 24. Hutchinson, Kan. Automotive Swap Meet. Kansas State Fairgrounds. Saturday 7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. - Sunday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. For more information, call (316) 832-0569, or e-mail tbatson@cox.net.

Saturday, October 23. Raymore, Mo. MoKan Volkswagen Club Volks-a-Ween Show and Swap Meet. 121 N. Dean Ave. 7:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.mokanvwclub.org/.

Saturday, October 23. Independence, Mo. Metro Ford Fall Car Show and Owner Clinic. 2860 South Noland Road, 64055. 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. For more information, call Curtis at (816) 254-9800, e-mail curtisowen@kcmetroford.com, or visit http://www.kcmetroford.com/fall-car-show-and-new-owner-clinic.htm.

Sunday, October 24. Independence, Mo. Jeff Williams Productions Motorcycle Swap Meet. Twin Drive In, 24 Highway and Kentucky Road. For more information, call (816) 228-5811.

Kansas City-area car cruises


 Friday, October 22- Sunday, October 24. Branson, Mo. Lodge of the Falls Cruise. Two-night stay, car show, drive-in movie, live show, and more. To get the details, call (800) 463-2557, or visit http://www.lodgeatthefalls.com/cruiseintofall.html.

Friday, October 22. Kansas City, Mo. High Performance Auto Club (HPAC) North Cruise Night. Final one of the year! Sonic Drive-In, 10101 NE Cookingham Road, 64157. 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. For more information, call Bob at (816) 407-9023 or e-mail rcsnyder@kc.rr.com.

Friday, October 22. Lansing, Kan. Leavenworth Cruisers Burger King Cruise. 391 N Main St (Carriage Hills Shopping Plaza), 66043. 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. For more information, call (913) 240-6272, or (913) 306-0959.

Friday, October 22. Olathe, Kan. Subway Cruise Night sponsored by the Good Times Car Club. 539 East Santa Fe Street, 66061. 6:00 p.m. For more information, call Subway at (913) 393-0363.

Friday, October 22. Overland Park, Kan. Longbranch TGIF Cruise. Dan's Longbranch Steakhouse. 9095 Metcalf, 66212. 5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. For more information, call Dan at (913) 642-9555.

Saturday, October 23. Blue Springs, Mo. Culver's Saturday Winter Cruise. Parking lot west of Culver's. 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. For more information, call Eric at (816) 213-7398.

Saturday, October 23. Belton, Mo. South 71 Cruisers Main Street Car Cruise. Last one of the year! Main Street, Historic Downtown Belton. 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.belton.org/.

Saturday, October 23. Independence, Mo. Summer Cruise-In at the Hartman Heritage Center. Jackson Drive next to Buffalo Wild Wings. 6:00 p.m. For more information, call Jim at (816) 808-1154.

Saturday, October 23. Lenexa, Kan. Margarita's Promotional Car Night. Margarita's, 7890 Quivira Rd, 66215. For more information, check out http://www.margaritasamigos.com/.

Kansas City-area car races

Friday, October 22. Kansas City, Mo. Friday Night Grudge Racing. Kansas City International Raceway, 8201 S Noland Rd, 64138. For more information, call (816) 358-6700, or visit http://www.kcironline.com/.

Saturday, October 23. Kansas City, Kan. THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED. THE RACES AT LAKESIDE HAVE ENDED FOR 2010. Budweiser Festival of Speed. Lakeside Speedway, 5616 Wolcott Dr, 66109. For more information, call (913) 299-2040 or visit http://www.lakesidespeedway.net/.

Saturday, October 23-24. Kansas City, Mo. E.T. Racing Series. Kansas City International Raceway, 8201 S Noland Rd, 64138. For more information, call (816) 358-6700, or visit http://www.kcironline.com/.

Saturday, October 23-Sunday October 24. Kansas City, Kan. Richard Petty Driving Experience, Kansas Speedway. For information, on pricing and times, call (800) 237-3889, or visit http://www.drivepetty.com/Experience/ScheduleDetails_KC.aspx?LocID=KC.

NASCAR on Television

The Sprint Cup and Camping World Truck Series’ are on the paperclip-shaped short track at Martinsville this weekend, while the Nationwide cars are running their last-ever race at Gateway International Speedway in St. Louis.

This is a playoff race for the Sprint Cup Series, as these races count toward the championship. The last Nationwide race at Gateway was one of the most controversial finishes of the year, so anything can happen there. And the trucks have been off a few weeks, so they should be ready for action. In all, a pretty good weekend of racing is in store. For more, visit http://www.nascar.com/.

Sunday, October 24. Martinsville, VA. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Tums Fast Relief 500. Martinsville Speedway. 12:00 noon (C/T).  ESPN Television.

Saturday, October 23. Madison, Ill. NASCAR Nationwide Series 5-Hour Energy 250. Gateway International Raceway. 2:00 p.m. (C/T). ESPN2.

Saturday, October 23. Martinsville, VA. NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Kroger 200. Martinsville Speedway. 11:30 a.m. (C/T). Speed Television.