Local Race Car Enthusiasts Hold Toy Drive

There's nothing like waking up Christmas morning and finding gifts under the tree. At least that's what one local car enthusiast and a small business owner think.

Team 4-AC and Blu808 Engineering off of Campbell's Dell Avenue are hosting a Toys for Tots drive and car show Nov. 10 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Organizer TJ Lauters is asking visitors to bring in a new, unwrapped toy for a child, ages newborn to 5 and in return, receive free admission to the car show and food.

The automobiles on display vary from Formula Drift cars, race cars, show cars to "garage-built works of art," Lauters says.

"I’ve always admired the organization," he says. "Every child deserves to have a special holiday season. There are circumstances that don’t allow parents to buy toys for kids . This will hopefully remind them that the holidays are a fun time and not to be sad."

This is the second time he has organized this toy drive, but the first time at this local auto shop and at this scale.

The first event was held two years ago at AHQ Motorsport in Redwood City and although well attended, Lauters says the venue was a bit small. He took a year off from the event with the birth of his son but is at it again this year.

Lauters first organized Team 4-AC with a group of friends wanting to race cars. Their first purchase was a $300 car off of craigslist. Luke Longberger, owner of Blu808 is one of Lauters' sponsors.

"Luke has been welcoming of this event with open arms," he says. "Come out and support to help make a lot of kids and their families' holiday season special."

The event takes place Nov. 10 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Blu808 1334 Dell Ave., Suite H in the back parking lot.