MKE Racing Charity Car Show

In this episode…

• 1:40 - Favorite car 🚗
• 4:22 - About the event 📅
• 7:24 - Bring Mac N’ Cheese, get Hotwheels for free! 🚗
• 11:44 - A dream come true 🌟
• 17:44 - One last thing… 📝

Meet John Baczanski, a 33-year-old from Milwaukee with a unique story. Despite growing up around cars, thanks to his dad, a mechanic, John didn't always love them. His dad taught him everything from changing oil to fixing ball joints, and while John wasn’t always a car enthusiast, these early experiences laid the foundation for his passion for drag racing.

In his early 20s, John’s interest in cars began to grow, eventually leading him to drag racing. He’s now the proud owner of a 1984 LTD, a car that doesn’t look fast but packs a punch. With a souped-up LS engine and a turbo, John’s drag car boasts 900-1,000 horsepower and can hit speeds of up to 155 mph!

Building his 1984 LTD didn’t take long. John bought the car from a friend in Ohio, who had already done an engine swap. John then transplanted the engine and transmission from his old fox body Mustang, added a turbo, and completed the process in just two weeks.

John and MKE Racing have always wanted to host a car show for a good cause. They chose the Salvation Army, where John’s girlfriend’s mom works, as their beneficiary. With the help of sponsors like Meijer, which donated $1,000 worth of food, they aimed to cover event costs so all proceeds could benefit the Salvation Army.

The event will be on Saturday, June 1st, from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Greenfield Salvation Army, 2900 West Cold Spring Rd. With a first-come, first-serve basis for car entries, John expects a great turnout, judging by the interest on Facebook.

John’s drag car will be at the show, alongside other exciting attractions, including a bouncy house and delicious food like burgers and brats. Plus, if you bring a box of mac n' cheese, you’ll get a free Hot Wheel! 

The main goal is to restock the Salvation Army’s pantry, focusing on mac n’ cheese, a highly sought-after item.

Organizing this event took about two months, with John’s girlfriend playing a significant role. She coordinated with sponsors, planned games for kids, and ensured everything ran smoothly. The community’s support has been overwhelming, with around 20 local businesses sponsoring the event.

John’s journey from a reluctant mechanic’s helper to a drag racer and charity event organizer is truly inspiring. His dedication, combined with community support, shows that with passion and hard work, anything is possible.

Don’t miss out on the fun and the chance to support a great cause!

Join John and MKE Racing on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at 2900 West Cold Spring Rd. in Greenfield, WI. For more information, visit the event page on Facebook.

Join us for a day of fast cars, good food, and giving back! 🚗