FYI: Sleds North 2024 showcased the true essence of car culture, mixing camaraderie, style, and performance in Ontario’s custom car community.
Embracing the True Spirit of Car Culture
Car culture is much more than simply learning about cars or attending meetings. It’s a lifestyle—lived, shared, and experienced. Unfortunately, many car events today fail to capture this essence, seeming more like commercial ventures rather than heartfelt gatherings. The magic lies in celebrating a community bonded by their passion for cars, transcending differences and uniting enthusiasts.
Sleds North 2024: A Community-Driven Event
Recently, I witnessed this magic at Sleds North 2024, Canada’s only invite-only custom car event. Founded by Ontario automotive veterans Kenny Kroeker and "London" Jay Handsor, Sleds North isn’t just about displaying cars. It’s about celebrating a tightly-knit community of true enthusiasts who would help you at any hour, reminiscent of camaraderie in its purest form.
Passionate Founders and Supportive Hosts
Kenny and Jay’s shared passion for car culture brought Sleds North to life. However, they didn’t work alone. Fred Bottcher and Jill McIntosh offered their property for this year’s event, contributing significantly. Jill, an acclaimed motoring journalist, and Fred, an authentic car enthusiast, played crucial roles, with Fred notably driving a stunning gold ’57 Cadillac with a 440 six-pack motor, albeit with the hood closed 95% of the time—a testament to the focus on aesthetics.
Unique Layout and Presentation
Sleds North stands apart from typical car shows. Instead of uniform rows, cars were laid out like a child’s Hot Wheels collection, loosely organized by year and style. This arrangement provided a visual treat for photographers and attendees alike. The requirements were simple—close the hood when done showing the engine because a line of open hoods doesn’t look appealing. Emphasizing style over performance might be controversial for some, but it’s a defining trait of the event.
Hidden Power and Custom Creations
Don’t be deceived by appearances. Many cars here, like Jay’s Mercury with a NASCAR-spec V8, harbor impressive performance upgrades under their stylish exteriors. Similarly, the variety in customization is extensive, from pinstripes and chopped tops to unique paint jobs, highlighting individual interpretations within traditional guidelines.
Highlight: The Ferguson SuperSport
Among the unique builds was Ross and Blanche Ferguson’s 1967 ‘Ferguson SuperSport,’ created over ten years with expert craftsmanship. Ross, a former Avro Arrow engineer, used his skills to build this dream car featuring a tube frame, independent suspension, and a Ford 289ci V8 engine. Now managed by Chris Atkins, the vehicle is a standout example of garage-built ingenuity.
Looking Ahead: Sleds North 2025
As Sleds North prepares for its fifth annual event in 2025, the aim is to grow while preserving its unique charm. The community spirit remains central, as physical invitations are personally handed out by Jay and Kenny. For car enthusiasts, driving a custom remains the best way to experience and showcase their passion.
Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
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