Published August 2, 2026
Stuck in Lodi Car Show 2026
Reclaiming the Purgatory: The "Stuck in Lodi" Honor
On August 1, 2026, the 29th Annual "Stuck in Lodi" Car Show transformed downtown Lodi into a cathedral of American steel. The event’s name is a playful jab at the 1969 CCR song, but the relationship is entirely counter-intuitive. In the song, being stuck is a mark of failure; at the car show, it is a badge of exclusivity.
The show is strictly limited to the first 300 vehicles (1979 and older) that apply. Getting "stuck" on School Street—with the engine off and the hood popped—is a hard-won privilege. This community of preservationists traces its lineage back to March 4, 1996, when the American Steel Car Club (ASCC) held its first official meeting. The club was the brainchild of Jonathan Muggette, the historical catalyst who turned a weekly gathering of friends at a Lodi A&W into a formal organization dedicated to automotive heritage.
The commitment required to maintain these time capsules is legendary. As the official "History of the ASCC" records:
"Each of these men not only collected classic cars, but put blood, sweat, and tears into preserving the legacy of each one."
For those lucky enough to secure a spot before the July 1 registration hike, being "stuck in Lodi" represents the culmination of that labor.
