By David Kilby, Staff Writer
JAMESBURG — A local car show and maintenance inspection has raised well over $1,000 for local volunteer organizations while bringing together local businesses and car fanatics.
Platt’s Performance Plus Inc., a personalized automotive service business on Lincoln Avenue, has hosted three joint car show and maintenance inspections over the past two years — the most recent one being April 30 — and has another one planned for October.
Edwin Platt, president of Platt’s Performance Plus Inc. said his company hosts the car show and a free 38-point maintenance inspection every April and October to encourage people to make sure their cars are ready for summer and winter.
”By having a free inspection, you get a chance to win a $100 gift basket, free hot dogs, beverages, visit our sponsors, check out the car show and listen to a great rock and roll band,” he said.
He added, “With that, we thought we’d have a fundraiser to help local organizations.”
At the first car show last April, $450 was raised for Jamesburg DARE. At the following car show in October of last year, the fundraiser raised $400 for the Jamesburg Volunteer Fire Department. The car show and inspection April 30 raised $565 for the Jamesburg Volunteer First Aid Squad.
At the next fundraiser Oct. 1, the proceeds of the car show will go to the American Legion Star Post 127 of Jamesburg.
Participants also had a chance to donate to the Jamesburg Food Bank through the car show.
”Basically, besides the car show, we really want to get out the word about the free maintenance inspection,” Mr. Platt said.
The classic rock band, Round Trip, from Old Bridge played at the car show April 30 and also will play at the next show.
Kaye Septak’s Custom Painting and Decorating Center, across the street from Platt’s Performance Plus, opened its parking lot for the car show participants, Dot Designing, of Monroe, designed the fliers for the event, and Academy of Music, of Spotswood, offered a free half-hour lesson to raffle winners.
Other local sponsors of the event included Oliver L.E. Soden Agency Insurance of Jamesburg, PNC Bank of Jamesburg, Keller Williams Elite Realtors, of Metuchen, RA Nichols Plumbing and Heating, of Cranbury, BDR Diecast, a car collectibles and memorabilia company from Old Bridge, No-Wet Waterless Car Wash and Wax, of Helmetta, Valiant Home Remodelers, of Carteret, and Central Jersey Appraisal LLC, of Dayton.
About 50 cars entered the car show contest, and nine trophies were awarded. The biggest winner of the car show was Sam Morgan’s 1951 Ford F100 truck, which won first place for most original car and also won the People’s Choice Award.
Ernest Feist’s 1979 Pontiac TransAm won second place for most original, and Dennis Brizak’s 1981 Chevrolet Corvette won third place in the same category.
In the modified car category, Al Ceraso’s 1955 Sedan Delivery won first place, Doug Kasic’s 1957 Chevrolet Belair won second, and George Trohahides’ Hummer H2 won third.
In the pre-1960 category, Warren Reich’s 1954 Mercury Monterey won first place, Robert Clary’s 1957 Chevy won second, and Dee Heath’s 1951 F100 won third.
Three gift baskets were raffled by tickets, and they consisted of car care items, barbecue tools, a grill and a cooler with built-in radios.
For more information on Platt’s Performance Plus Inc. visit Plattsplus.com.

