Chrome, Heart & Horsepower
How a Small-Town Car Show Became California’s Biggest Charity Event on Wheels
The Classic Burgers Car Show Story | April 18, 2026
In a desert town of just 857 souls, where the ghost of California’s legendary Inyokern Drag Strip
still echoes through the high desert air, something extraordinary happens every spring. It’s not
just a car show. It’s not just a fundraiser. It’s a movement—one that has grown from a modest
gathering raising $1,277 to a regional phenomenon that has donated over $15,000 to animals in need,
all while celebrating the timeless beauty of American automotive culture.
The Woman Behind the Wheel
Her name is Katherine Savoie, but to everyone in the classic car world, she’s simply “Crafty Kate.”
The nickname didn’t come from scrapbooking or Pinterest projects—it came from 30 + years of feeding
film crews as a craft services professional in Hollywood. But it’s her other passion, the one that
truly defines her, that has made her a legend in California’s high desert: classic cars and giving back.
“I’ve spent most of my life at race tracks across the USA,” Kate says with the kind of matter-of-fact
humility that masks decades of dedication. As a spokesmodel at trade shows, a promotional “BUG girl”
working alongside legends like George “The Bushmaster” Schreiber and the original Christine Pro Mod
through the electrifying 1980’s and 90’s, Kate lived and breathed automotive culture. She represented
Rods West, the premier custom Gasser builder in Ridgecrest— affectionately known as “Gasser Haven”—and
became the heartbeat of a community that measures wealth not in dollars, but in cubic inches and acts
of kindness.
“I’ve always believed horsepower is just one part of the story. It’s the people, the history, and
the heart that make this culture what it is.”
— CRAFTY KATE
March 23, 2019: A Dream Takes Shape
The story of the Classic Burgers Car Show begins with a simple idea and an even simpler truth: cars
bring people together, and when they do, we can make a difference. Kate had known Abdul Hugais, the
owner of Classic Burgers restaurant in Inyokern, since he was a child. When Abdul opened his restaurant
on West Inyokern Road with plenty of outdoor space perfect for displaying vehicles, Kate saw potential.
On a sunny March Day in 2019, the first Classic Burgers Car Show came to life. It was modest by any
standard—a local gathering of enthusiasts who shared Kate’s vision of combining their passion for
classic cars with support for the Ridgecrest Animal Shelter. By day’s end, they had raised $1,277
for animals in need.
“Every penny left at the end of the show goes directly to the shelter,” Kate explains. We don’t keep
any money for the following year. This is about the animals, pure and simple.”
The Desert Town with Racing in Its Blood
Inyokern isn’t just another California desert town. Old timers still talk reverently about the Inyokern
Drag Strip, one of the state’s oldest and most legendary racing venues. The track may be gone, but its
spirit lives on in every rumbling V8 that rolls into the Classic Burgers parking lot each spring. This
isn’t just nostalgia—it’s preservation of heritage, a living memorial to the golden age of American
motorsports.
2020-2021: The Pause That Made the Heart Grow Stronger
Do to Covid, and permits the pandemic that silenced engines across America. The Classic Burgers Car
Show, like countless community events, went quiet. For two years, the parking lot sat empty of chrome
and custom paint. But Kate and her team of volunteers never stopped planning, never stopped believing,
never stopped caring about the shelter animals waiting for their forever homes.
“Those two years were hard,” Kate admits. “But they reminded us why we do this. The shelter still
needed support. The animals still needed us. And when we could finally come back, we were ready to
make it bigger than ever.”
The Triumphant Return: A Timeline of Growth
2019
The Beginning
March 23, 2019 – The inaugural Classic Burgers Car Show raises $1,277 for the Ridgecrest
Animal Shelter. A modest start, but a mighty vision.
2022
The Comeback
March 12, 2022 – After two years of COVID-induced silence, the show returns with a vengeance.
The community has missed this gathering, and it shows: $2,510 raised, nearly doubling the
inaugural year’s success.
2023
Building Momentum
March 11, 2023 – Word spreads across Southern California. Classic car enthusiasts from
beyond Kern County start making the pilgrimage to Inyokern. The show raises an impressive
$4,895, nearly doubling again. The movement is growing.
2024
Record Breaking Year
March 16, 2024 – The show reaches new heights. Over 200 vehicles from as far away as Ventura
fill the desert air with the scent of gasoline and nostalgia. Thirty-seven hand-designed
trophies are awarded. Live music fills the air. Cackle cars thunder to life, their
nitro-burning engines a visceral connection to racing’s golden age. The day ends with
$6,250 donated to the Ridgecrest Animal Shelter—a record that stands as testament to what
community can achieve.
2025
The Fifth Anniversary
March 15, 2025 – The momentum continues to build. Five years of shows (minus the COVID pause)
have established Classic Burgers as a must-attend event on the Southern California car show
circuit. The community of volunteers has grown. The reach has expanded. The mission remains
pure. $4,500.00 due to weather
$15,000
Total Raised
200+
Vehicles Total
100%
Volunteer-Run
6 Years
5 Shows (2026)
The Mission: More Than Metal and Motors
At the heart of every Classic Burgers Car Show beats a singular purpose: supporting the Ridgecrest
Animal Shelter. This isn’t just any shelter—it’s a facility committed to providing a safe haven for
abandoned, stray, and surrendered animals. It aligns perfectly with Kate’s vision of community-driven
compassion.
“The Ridgecrest Animal Shelter provides medical treatment, socialization, and love to every animal
that comes through their doors,” Kate explains. “They work tirelessly to match each animal with a
loving forever home. When we hand them a check after each show, we’re not just giving money—we’re
giving hope.”
Where The Money Goes
Every dollar donated goes directly to animal care at the Ridgecrest Animal Shelter, located at
411 San Bernardino Blvd in Ridgecrest. The shelter provides:
- Medical treatment and vaccinations
- Spay and neuter services Microchipping for adopted pets
- Socialization and behavioral support Adoption services matching pets with families
- Emergency care for injured animals
It Takes a Village: The All-Volunteer Army
“It takes a village,” Kate says repeatedly, and she means it literally. The Classic Burgers Car Show
operates entirely on volunteer power—no paid staff, no management fees, no administrative overhead.
From booking to designing trophies by hand, from securing insurance to coordinating with vendors,
every detail is handled by people who believe in the mission.
Abdul Hugais provides the venue and insurance through Classic Burgers. Kate coordinates the entire
event from her post at Rods West, where she works as Promotions Manager. Sponsors donate goody bag
items, trophy sponsorships, and t-shirt printing. Volunteers arrive early on show day to set up,
stay late to clean up, and everything in between.
“A big thanks to Kate for her unwavering community support. Her dedication, hard work, and passion
are the driving forces behind the success of the Classic Burgers Classic Car Show. Without her
tireless efforts and commitment, this beloved event simply wouldn’t happen.”
— CLASSIC BURGERS RESTAURANT
The Sponsors Who Make It Possible
While the show is volunteer-run, and feeds all of them for free. it couldn’t exist without the
generous support of sponsors who share Kate’s vision.
- Gateway Hardware provides tools and supplies.
- Ridgecrest State Farm protects what matters.
- Get Smashed helps feed everyone on Sunday in Randsburg at the reliability run.
- Cheater Slick Culture preserves racing heritage.
- Local Edge Ads spreads the word.
- Kern River Rat Rods brings the rebellious spirit, and Trophies.
- Viking Bags returns year after year as a sponsor.
- Kings of the Sport and Nitro SLAMDANCE amplify the nostalgia nitro racing culture.
- And of course, Classic Burgers provides the home base where it all happens.
“I’m always looking for Goody bag sponsors,” Kate says with her characteristic warmth. “Product
samples, stickers, pens, promotional items—anything we can put in the goody bags that every participant
receives. All sponsors are recognized across all our social media platforms.”
April 18, 2026: The Biggest Show Yet
As the sixth annual Classic Burgers Car Show approaches on Saturday, April 18, 2026, the anticipation
is palpable throughout the Southern California car community. This isn’t just another year—this is
the culmination of several years of vision (counting the COVID pause), five successful shows, and a
proven track record of turning chrome into compassion.
What to Expect:
- Load-in begins at 7:00 AM sharp at 6525 W. Inyokern Road.
- The show runs from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM, offering a full day of automotive excellence. Registration
is $20.00 for early birds who register their car before April 1st 2026, or $25 after that date
and for day-of-show entries.
- Vendors can secure a 10’x10′ space for $20 plus until February 1st 2026 and it will be $25.00
after that, a donated raffle item.
- Kate and her team are expecting over 200 vehicles—classics, customs, rat rods, moderns, motorcycles,
cackle cars, and anything else with a motor. “If it has a motor, bring it!” has become the show’s
unofficial motto, reflecting its inclusive spirit.
- Trophy categories span every aspect of car culture: Best of Show, Best Cackle Car, Best Motorcycle,
Best Rat Rod, Best Paint, Under Construction, Promoter’s Choice, Special Thanks, Longest Distance,
Best Vintage, and Top Ten honors, and Modern trophy categories, and a ton of artist picks over 40
total.
- A wide variety of vendors and Classic Burgers’ famous 100% USDA choice steak burger patties will
keep everyone fueled.
- Raffles, a 50/50 drawing, and a live auction will add excitement.
- And yes, there will be cackle cars—those glorious nitro-burning beasts that fire up for the sole
purpose of making noise and stirring souls.
Special Features for 2026
Based on participant feedback from previous years (Kate listens to everyone and makes positive
changes annually), the 2026 show will include:
- Expanded trophy categories recognizing more vehicles
- Enhanced goody bags with even more sponsor items
- Improved layout for better vehicle display and foot traffic flow
- More seating areas for spectators and participants
- Designated photo areas for professional and amateur photographers
- Potential special guest appearances (to be announced)
The Crafty Kate Philosophy: Community Over Commerce
What sets the Classic Burgers Car Show apart from countless other automotive events across California?
The answer lies in Kate’s unwavering commitment to putting community first, always.
“We don’t keep any of the money for the following year,” she emphasizes. “Every penny left after
expenses—after we’ve paid for t-shirts, trophies, plaques, permits, and raffle items—goes straight
to the shelter”
This philosophy extends to every aspect of the show. There are no entry fees that pad someone’s pocket.
No inflated vendor rates that discourage participation. Just honest people doing honest work for a
cause that can’t speak for itself. The show welcomes all makes and models—from pristine trailer queens
to rough-around-the-edges drivers, from million-dollar customs to backyard builds still under
construction. “Every car has a soul,” Kate believes, and every car has a place at Classic Burgers.
“Cars bring people together—and when they do, we can make a real difference.”
— CRAFTY KATE
Beyond the Show: Kate’s Dedication to the Community
The Classic Burgers Car Show is just one chapter in Kate’s ongoing story of service to the automotive
community and animal welfare. Though currently sidelined from racing due to an injury, her spirit
remains unbroken. “I hope to see everyone at the races in Smitty Smith’s truck in late 2026,” she
says, her enthusiasm undimmed by temporary setbacks.
She also sponsors several other shows and events across California, extending her support to fellow
promoters and racers. She’s promoted milestone birthday celebrations for Ed “Isky” Iskenderian—the
legendary “Camfather”—including his 100th, 101st, and 102nd birthdays, massive events that drew
hundreds of fans and industry legends. She’s attended his birthday parties for years as a volunteer,
building relationships with racing royalty while never seeking the spotlight for herself.
Her work at Rods West continues, promoting custom Gasser builds filled with Willys, and Austin parts.
Her presence on social media—both as Crafty Kate and under her personal name, Katherine Piroska Savoie—keeps
the community connected and informed. And through it all, she maintains her craft services background,
understanding that whether you’re feeding a film crew or organizing a car show, it’s the details that
matter and the people who make it work.
The Ripple Effect: How One Show Changed Everything
The impact of the Classic Burgers Car Show extends far beyond the dollars donated to the Ridgecrest
Animal Shelter, as significant as those dollars are. The show has:
- Put Inyokern back on the map as a destination for car enthusiasts, honoring its drag racing heritage.
- Created economic impact for local businesses as hundreds of participants and spectators visit the area
- Inspired other communities to combine car culture with charitable causes
- Preserved automotive history by celebrating classics, customs, and the people who build them
- Built a volunteer network that extends beyond the show to support other community initiatives
- Raised awareness about animal shelter needs across Kern County and beyond
- Created lasting memories for families who return year after year.
Participants come from as far away as as Las Vegas, Arizona, and Idaho—a testament to the show’s
reputation for authenticity, quality, and heart. Media coverage has grown with features in Scenic 395
magazine, local newspapers, radio stations, and automotive websites. Social media buzz builds months
before each show and continues long after the last car rolls out.
Looking Ahead: The Legacy Being Built
As April 18, 2026 approaches, Kate is already thinking beyond the sixth annual show. “We’re always
looking to make it bigger and better,” she says. “More cars, more causes, more community.” She’s
expanding partnerships with shops, sponsors, and regional events to spread the culture she’s helped
revive. She’s exploring ways to increase the shelter donation without raising entry fees. She’s
considering additional charity partners for future years while keeping the animal shelter as the
primary beneficiary.
“The goal isn’t just to have the biggest show,” Kate explains. “It’s to have the most impact. If we
can raise $10,000 for the shelter, that’s how many more animals we can help. That’s how many more
forever homes we can facilitate. That’s what drives me.”
“This movement runs on more than fuel. It runs on heart, and no one embodies that better than
Crafty Kate.”
— LOCAL CAR ENTHUSIAST
How You Can Be Part of the Story
The Classic Burgers Car Show isn’t a spectator sport—it’s a participation event, a community gathering,
a cause worth supporting. Here’s how you can contribute to the April 18, 2026 show and the ongoing
mission:
Register Your Vehicle
Whether you own a pristine 1957 Chevy Bel Air, a rough-and-ready rat rod, a custom Gasser, or anything
in between, your vehicle has a place at Classic Burgers. Early bird registration is $20 (before April 1),
or $25.00 after that date. Make checks payable to “Friends of the Ridgecrest Animal Shelter” in the
memo line. Mail to: Rods West C/o Crafty Kate, 703 E Dolphin, Ridgecrest, CA 93555. Or bring cash/check
to the show on April 18. Or drop your entry off at classic Burgers.
Become a Sponsor
Kate is always seeking goody bag sponsors who can provide product samples, stickers, pens, promotional
items, or anything else for the 200+ goody bags distributed to participants.
