Most car clubs are "gray." That's hardly surprising, because people often want the cars of their youth. There's also the fact that people usually can't afford their automotive dream until they're older.
Not so with the 10-year-old Volksport, which is into late-model water-cooled Volkswagens and brands with a VW connection (Audi and Porsche). It doesn't follow the typical car-club pattern. The club has a few gray heads who have cracked 50, but teens also belong and club president Mark Genzlinger says the average age of Volksport's 80 or so members is about 25.
Volksport members get involved in many of the usual car-club activities. Members are into modifying their cars to increase torque and power. They're into autocrosses and racing. They drive to parks to hold barbeques a couple of times a year.
One difference may be the lack of a newsletter. It had one, but members, who've grown up enamored of things electronic, said a printed piece wasn't worth the cost. They prefer forums at the club's website, where hundreds of non-members also congregate.
Started by enthusiasts, Volksport touts its members' achievements. Members' cars have won at national shows and raced in One Lap of America and Sports Car Club of America events. One member won a national autocross and photos of club cars have appeared in European car magazines, including one picture from the club's 2007 show in "Performance VW" magazine.
Members still work on cars - Genzlinger recently modified a 1995 Jetta and a 2004 Audi A4 1.8T - but he says Volksport has transitioned into more of a social club. The club, which discourages illegal street racing, encourages participation in events like autocrosses where people learn better car control.
While the club hopes to host an autocross this year, its biggest event is its annual show at Luther Westside Volkswagen. The fourth annual show this year, set for June 8, is open to owners of VWs, Audis and Porsches, who will compete for $5,000 in prizes. Funds come from sponsors and show participants and the club has 501(c)3 charity status.
Genzlinger cites "feeling connected to the image of the brand" as one of the prime reasons for his VW interest.
Ryan Heidcamp, who rode home from the hospital in a VW van after he was born and who still has his first car (a Beetle), exemplifies the club's members. He's modified a 1981 Rabbit pickup and a 1991 GTI and he also races and crews for an SCCA racer. But he's also in the club for its social network.
For more information on Volksport, call 612-802-4892 or visit www.volksport.org.
