“Kaizen” is a Japanese word that means “continuous improvement” – literally translated, “kai” (change) and “zen” (for the better). Since 2011, that’s been our goal.
The Route 66 JDM Classic is already one of the largest gatherings of vintage Japanese cars in the US, but that doesn’t mean our work is done. Instead, each year, we collect suggestions and critiques in a notebook, and we work hard in the off-season to implement improvements.
This year was a challenge from the get-go. Despite health issues, countless frustrating project delays, and a real shortage of staff, it turned out to be one of the most fun, laid-back shows we’ve done. I’ve said it a hundred times, and I’ll say it as long as I’m in the scene: It’s not about the cars, it’s about the people.
The biggest changes for 2025: The development of “Truck Alley.” The City blocked off a road exclusively for our classic truck owners. Some had trailers, some had pop-up tents, some had displays… and all had a blast. We’re definitely keeping Truck Alley!
Also, we had our first 2000 model-year participant, a gorgeous Civic Si. Speaking of Hondas, a group of Honda enthusiasts rolled in heavy, and had a fantastic display. We even had a couple vintage Japanese motorcycles on hand, and the owner was incredibly friendly and educational.
The 2025 show saw lots of new attendees, which meant we were BUSY meeting up with new folks, checking out their cars, and getting to know them and their families.
The staff from EncircleFamilies (formerly Raising Special Kids), our chosen charity, were on hand to assist with the raffle, the vote tallying, and most of all, to share their mission of assisting families with special needs kids. Our very own granddaughter, Kynsen Rose, was on-site to see what all the fuss was about, and I think she enjoyed her time at the show!
As most of you know, the Route 66 JDM Classic is a peer-judged show. That means if you register a car, you get a vote. And after all, whose opinion is more valuable? Some guy with a clipboard, or your fellow vintage J-tin enthusiast? This year, there were some VERY close races, with one runner-up position ending in a tie (which was quickly and graciously resolved with a rock/paper/scissors duel).
We hope you’ll set aside time to join us next year – there’s a LOT more planned for the attendees, and as always, thank you to ALL the folks who showed up to be a part of the Route 66 JDM family. Huge thanks to Torry Skurski from NICOclub and Jana Murrell from EncircleFamilies for all your help tallying votes and handing out raffle prizes!
Once again, it’s always the first Saturday in October, so make plans to have your kyusha ready to rock in 2026! Registration is open here: Register for the 2026 Route 66 JDM Classic!
In no particular order, here’s this year’s award recipients – and a gallery of all the awesome rides! Big thanks to Jaymin Hofferber (@tydgmedia) and Aaron Hernandez (@toywagon) for the great pics!
Best in Show – 1970 Toyota Crown – Janet Fujimoto
Best in Show first runner-up – 1977 Toyota Celica – Damian Tuason
Best in Show second runner-up – 1970 Datsun 240Z – Joseph Papp
President’s Award – 1970 Toyota Crown – Janet Fujimoto
Iron Butt Award – 1978 Datsun 280Z – Mike Cieply
Diamond in the Rough – 1976 Mazda 808 Wagon – Aaron Hernandez
Best Paint – 1977 Toyota Celica – Damian Tuason
Best Interior – 1994 Toyota HiAce – Freddy Iribe
Best Suzuki – 1971 Suzuki LJ10 – Kelly McKendrick
Best 300ZX – 1992 Nissan 300ZX – Geoff Danielson
Best 510 – 1978 Datsun 510 – Jose Garcia
Best Datsun – 1974 Datsun 610 Bluebird SSS – Ryan Romaine
Best Nissan / Infiniti – 1990 Infiniti Q45 – Ryan Yantzer
Best Nissan / Infiniti runner-up – 1998 Nissan Skyline – Shaunde Romaine
Best Truck – 1976 Toyota HiLux – Ben Davis
Best Truck runner-up – 1979 Datsun 620 – Danny Tinsman
Best Mazda – 1973 Mazda RX2 – Dennis Ray
Best Mazda runner-up – 1980 Mazda RX7 – John Lorio
The Johnnie Gable Memorial Award – Aaron Hofferber
