JAE 2014 – More Than Just a Car Show

Japanese Auto Extravaganza or JAE as its more commonly known as, is described by its organizers as “the ultimate social weekend for Japanese car and bike owners, Japanese car clubs, tuners and traders.” Although the show has been running for many years now, this year was the first time I could attend as in previous years I was hampered by either work, finances or of course having to make the trek from Ireland.

I’ve read many glowing reports from various car forums over the years about the great atmosphere that exists at this show but being the sceptical individual I am, I was weary about whether or not it would live up to its ‘internet hype’ so I decided not get my hopes up until I experienced it for myself.
The show is held at Wicksteed Park in Kettering, Northamptonshire, it not only has the spacious and scenic grounds to facilitate this huge car show but also serves as a family friendly amusement park. The show ran from Thursday until Sunday, and most of the people who attended, arrived with their respective car clubs and camped on the grounds for the whole weekend. When I heard that the show ran for three days, I again became sceptical when considering how organisers would keep so many people entertained for such a long period of time. I’ve been to many shows in the past where once I had talked to my “car friends” and seen all the cars on display, there wasn’t normally any reason to stay beyond that. 

However this wasn’t the case at JAE, the organisers had a jam packed schedule filled with activities that gave everyone a chance to get involved and also included some friendly rivalry between the various car clubs from all over the country who attended. Even if you didn’t take part in the group activities put on by the sponsors and organisers, you could always sit around the many make shift camp sites/BBQ’s and talk to any of the friendly car folk present, or have another wander around to admire the awesome Japanese cars that were present. Whilst I didn’t stay for the full three days, during my time at the show I never seen anyone sitting bored or looking idle, the atmosphere was really friendly and everyone was either running around having a good time or sitting around having a laugh with friends. This for me is exactly how a car show should be run and if someone were to ask me, what makes a good car show? I’d tell them to go JAE! 
The weather was good, the facilities were great, the atmosphere was really friendly, there was a fantastic mix or cars on display (from old to new) and on top of that there was plenty to do. I take my hat off to the organisers who put on a great show and would like to thank them for their hospitality. Hopefully JAE continues at this level for many years to come. Also shout outs to Mr. Nando’s who kept me entertained with his ability to overcome his gag reflex and go on to take the crown of the food eating competition!

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