UVU Auto Expo

Utah Valley University invites auto enthusiasts, casual observers and families alike to experience one of the largest and best known car shows in Utah when it presents the 26th annual UVU Auto Expo and Swap Meet May 18 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, Utah.

More than 700 shiny and pampered-to-pristine automobiles will be on display with entries of every type from custom classics to vintage models to hotrods. Entries are eligible to win more than 110 individual expo awards.

This year’s auto expo special guest is Shirley Muldowney, the so-called “First Lady of Drag Racing.” Born in Burlington, Vt., Muldowney took drag racing to new levels for female drivers, winning titles domestically and internationally in the 1970s and 1980s that included an unprecedented three World Fuel Championship titles. Though Muldowney suffered a debilitating wreck in 1984, she made a comeback to racing two years later.

Patrons of what has become a Utah Valley institution not only get a chance to gaze upon some of finest metallic beauties around. They also play a vital role in supporting student success in the University’s Department of Automotive Technology, which is highlighted during the event. All proceeds from the expo are donated to scholarships in in-demand automotive training in everything from diesels to collision repair to alternative fuels. Twelve students have received such scholarships in the last four years.

“The UVU auto expo is a fun, engaging day for car enthusiasts, car owners, local businesses and the community to come together and fundraise for a great cause — creating scholarships opportunities in support of our automotive technology students,” said Kim Chiu, assistant director for Career & Technical Education. “After all, they are the future of the automotive industry.”

As in years past, this year’s auto expo and swap meet also will offer a Friday car social and preshow on Friday, May 17, from 2 to 6 p.m., at Barber Brothers Motor Company, 1341 N. Main Street, Spanish Fork, Utah. It will be followed at 7 p.m. by a barbecue at the UVU automotive compound near the Sparks Automotive Building, on UVU’s Orem campus. Cost to attend the barbecue is $5. After the car social and preshow, Muldowney will lead the expo’s traditional car cruise from Barber Brothers in Spanish Fork to the automotive compound on UVU’s campus

Public admission to the UVU Auto Expo and Swap Meet May 18 at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, Utah, is $5 per person. Children 5 and under are free. For more information about this year’s event, contact Kim Chiu at 801-863-8563 or chiuki@uvu.edu.