LIFE

Need for speed: Indy car clubs to check out

Justin L. Mack
justin.mack@Indystar.com

As the home of the Indianapolis 500, the Circle City is also home to thousands of car enthusiasts who occasionally break out their best Mario Andretti impression while cruising on the I-465 loop.

Corvettes in the Corvette Indy club wait for the Fishers Freedom Festival parade to begin on June 30, 2013, in Fishers.

Here are a few Indianapolis area car clubs designed to help you connect with fellow enthusiasts.

Corvette Indy, www.corvetteindy.com

Few sports cars get the blood of both novice and hardcore car lovers pumping as quickly as the Corvette. A highly active group founded by race enthusiasts in 1989, Corvette Indy meets on the first and third Monday of every month from January to November. Guests are always encouraged to come see what the club is all about.

Mustang Club of Indianapolis, www.mustangclubofindianapolis.com

It's no surprise that America's marquee pony car has spawned a number of car clubs and enthusiast group in the area, one of them being the Mustang Club of Indianapolis. Founded in 1978 under the name of "Indy Mustangs," the club took its new name in 1981 and now recognizes all Mustangs, including current models. In 1987, the club became a regional member of the Mustang Club of America, affording members access to more events and information.

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The Indy Miata Club, www.indymiata.org

Often regarded as one of the greatest "driver's cars" of all time, the Mazda Miata has attracted a loyal following in Indianapolis. The first gathering was held in a front yard with a handful of cars in 1990, a year after the MX-5 made its game-changing 1989 debut. In it's 25 year history, the club has grown to the point that it has hosted a number of national and regional Miata-related events.

Indy Z Car Club, www.indyzcarclub.org

In honor of the beloved sports cars created by late Nissan exec Yutaka Katayama, this club is dedicated to all things Z. The club also participates in regional and national car shows and driving events, holds monthly club meetings and enjoys a strong relationship with the national Z Car Club Association, resulting in discounts at the International Z Car Convention. Above all else, it upholds the reputation of "Mr. K's" pride and joy.

Central Indiana Italian Car Association, www.meetup.com/Central-Indiana-Italian-sportscar-club-Fiat-Lancia

Fiats, Lancias, Alfas, oh my. The members of the Central Indiana Italian Car Association are passionate about their cars, giving potential new members a large base of knowledge to tap into and plenty of people to chat with about the one-of-a-kind vehicles they own and care for.

Indy Import Auto Club, www.facebook.com/IndyImportAutoClub

Any import-lover looking for a car meet in the area should visit the Facebook page of the Indy Import Auto Club. Created for anyone with an import looking to hang out with other drivers, the club offers a casual, no-pressure space to meet. The Facebook page is also loaded with photos and videos of participants showing off their rides at previous events.

Indy Sports Car Club of America, www.indyscca.org

Want to get the most out of your muscle car or roadster? Check out the Indianapolis Regions SCCA. In addition to gatherings, the club holds a number of events to make you better behind the wheel, including rally school and dragcross events.

Indy NexGen, www.indynexgen.com

Indy NexGen, also known as the Indiana Next Generation Camaro Club, dates back to 2010 when the 5th Generation Camaro made its debut. But what started as just a Facebook group dedicated to the return on the beloved nameplate has grown into a club family boasting more than 200 paid members and nearly 500 members online.

Hoosier BMW, www.hoosierbmw.com

The Hoosier Chapter of the BMW Car Club of America is a group of more than 700 local members that share a passion for the car known as the "ultimate driving machine." No matter if your ride is older and in need of some TLC or fresh off the showroom floor, the Hoosier BMW chapter offers something to appeal to every enthusiast.

Are you a member of an Indy car club not mentioned on this list? Contact Star reporter Justin L. Mack at (317) 444-6138. Follow him on Twitter: @justinlmack.