2025-2026 Pub. 3 Issue 3

Chi-Town Alley Debuts at the 2026 Chicago Auto Show The 2026 Chicago Auto Show introduced an exciting new attraction that quickly became a highlight for attendees. Making its debut on the show floor, Chi-Town Alley brought Chicago’s vibrant automotive culture to life through an immersive display celebrating the creativity and passion of local car enthusiasts. Designed to showcase the city’s diverse car communities, the exhibit featured a mix of performance vehicles, custom builds, street-inspired rides and exotics. At the center of the display was the inaugural Chi-Town Alley Showcase, a contest that invited Chicagoland enthusiasts to submit a 60-second video for a chance to have their vehicle featured at the show. The competition attracted more than 50 entries, from which six finalists were selected to display their vehicles throughout the show. Attendees voted on-site to determine the winner, ultimately selecting Tim Mejias for his 1997 BMW M3. As part of the honor, Mejias received an invitation to return and display his winning vehicle at the 2027 Chicago Auto Show. Adding to the excitement, filmmaker, car enthusiast and “Fast & Furious” star Sung Kang brought an exclusive sneak peek of his upcoming film “DRIFTER” to the exhibit. Attendees had the opportunity to see two versions of the film’s hero car, “Lola,” a Toyota Corolla AE86, up close. The display offered fans a closer look at the craftsmanship behind the vehicles while highlighting drifting culture and providing a glimpse of the film before its official release. With an enthusiastic response from attendees and participants alike, Chi-Town Alley quickly established itself as a standout addition to the Chicago Auto Show. The exhibit is expected to return in 2027, continuing to spotlight the passion, creativity and diversity of Chicago’s automotive community. CATA UP TO SPEED 21

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