The 2022 Cleveland Auto Show gives you a ride on the wild side

There is, as always, a lot of fun stuff to do at the Cleveland Auto Show and 2022 is no different. The show is currently at the I-X Center through March 6th. One of the most funnest things to do is to take a ride through any of the three indoor demonstration tracks sponsored by Camp Jeep, Ram Track and Bronco Track. Of the three the most wild and hair raising is Camp Jeep which takes you and the vehicle on nearly impossible angles with sometimes only three wheels making contact with the ground followed by a hill climb to the highest point in the I-X Center for a panoramic view. This is not to say that the other two are any slouches for raising your heart rate.

Bronco Track demonstrates crazy angles as well as its performance potential in sand followed by a gas pedal foot free hill climb then a dip in an axle deep pool of water. Ram Track begins with an “oh my goodness” high angle embankment, an uneven road demo and yet another hill climb. Some Ram Track guests are treated to a demo of the trucks torque capacity as they lift weights and pull up walls. There are parting gifts for those who participate from all three sites.

With this being the first Saturday of the show there was a huge influx of people coming in to see the vast array of concept, pre-production and production vehicles from the largest collection of world auto manufacturers. Seeing as how big the I-X Center is there was plenty of room to roam around and even though there were lines at the indoor demonstration tracks they moved quickly so that everyone was served in a safe and efficient manner.

Many were drawn to the popular displays that included Millionaire’s Row with a selection of high end cars such as Aston Martin, Bentley and Rolls Royce that mere mortals can only stare at and dream. New this year is Recharge Rally that is showcasing all electric versions of Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini and more that are electric in their own right. There is also the Triple F Collection that will get your heart racing as you find yourself feet away from Bugatti, Koenigsegg and McLaren automobiles that are among the rarest vehicles in the world. If your tastes run along the lines of older vehicles there is a huge selection of Classic Cars for you to look at with many of them having their owners nearby to answer questions.

The 2022 Cleveland Auto Show kicks off the spring selling season in Northern Ohio and is considered one of the top five auto shows in the nation. The show has been around since 1903 when it was first held at Gray’s Armory in downtown Cleveland. The first show featured fifteen Cleveland made automobiles along with a variety of other manufacturer exhibits from around the country. Leading automakers of the era included Winton, White, Jordon and Peerless to name a few giving Cleveland the temporary title of Motor City until 1908 when Detroit became the new center of automotive manufacturing.

For those in the market for a new car, four manufacturers (Subaru, Toyota, Chrysler and Chevy) are offering test drives with a number of their current models. You simply register and off you go with a company representative who will fill you on all of the new features of the car you are testing. Subaru is also sponsoring their puppy chorale where area rescue services will have dogs on hand that are up for adoption.

There are a lot of special show days coming up this next week.

On Sunday, February 27 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. former Cleveland Cavaliers Center Brad Daugherty will be on hand to sign autographs in the Kia display.

Monday, February 28th is Family Day, presented by Medical Mutual. Children 15 and under get in free with paid adult admission.

Tuesday, March 1st is T-Shirt Day with the first 2,500 attendees receiving a limited edition Cleveland Auto Show T-Shirt.

Wednesday, March 2nd has the show distributing 2,500 ice scrapers which should be in high demand this year. That same evening in the Buick GMC display, Cleveland Browns Running Back Kareem Hunt will be signing autographs from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Autographs will be a first come, first served only on a provided card (no memorabilia will be signed during this appearance).

Thursday March 3rd has the Cleveland Auto Show honoring America’s military, first responders and health care workers with free admission during Northern Ohio Heroes Day. Valid ID must be presented at the I-X Center Box Office. Further information can be found by going to www.clevelandautoshow.com/heroes.

That evening from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah,Cleveland's rookie linebacker will be signing autographs in the Buick GMC display. No memorabilia will be signed during this appearance. Autographs will be first come, first served, on a provided card.

Friday, March 4th is your opportunity to grab a new pair of Cleveland Auto Show socks if you are among the first 2,500 to enter the Center.

On the last day of the show, March 6th, ten finalists will square off at 5:00 p.m. for the Official Vehicle Giveaway where two lucky winners will win a 36 month lease of either a 2022 Hyundai Sonata or a 2022 Honda Ridgeline Sport (both are official vehicles of the Cleveland Auto Show). You can register anytime during the show at the Official Vehicle Giveaway Booth near the West Main Entrance of the I-X Center.

Show hours are 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is Adults 13-61: $15.00, Pre-teen 7-12: $12.00 (ages 6 and under are free) and Seniors 62+: $12.00. Parking is FREE!