The IBEW 1245/PG&E Fleet “Gearhead Gathering” Car, Truck, and Motorcycle Show returned to the PG&E Gas Training Center in Winters, CA, in early October. With over 50 vehicles on display, the event was a great success, offering something for every car enthusiast—from motorcycles and vintage cars to a fire truck, stock car, and drag car.
A highlight of the day was Don Highley’s 1941 DeSoto convertible, which took home the coveted “Best of Show” award. Highley, a retired Teamster from Allendale, acquired the DeSoto only two years ago after patiently waiting for its previous owner, Don McKinley, to part with it. McKinley, a passionate 93-year-old car enthusiast, had devoted 25 years to meticulously restoring the vehicle, leaving only the upholstery unfinished. After purchasing the car, Highley found a specialist to complete the upholstery, allowing him and McKinley to proudly showcase the DeSoto together at car shows across the region.
We want to extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who attended this year’s event and to all the volunteers, vendors, and participants who made it possible. Special thanks go to the Winters Police Department for their support and to our co-hosts from PG&E’s Fleet Department. This year, PG&E’s Fleet Department brought several vehicles from their “Green Fleet,” showcasing the company’s commitment to sustainable energy with a range of advanced heavy-duty fleet vehicles. The addition was a crowd-pleaser, offering the public and car show participants a closer look at the future of fleet technology.
The Gearhead Gathering keeps growing each year, and we can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store! Join us again next year for another exciting celebration of automotive history and community spirit.
– Gerald Williams, IBEW 1245 Business Rep
Congrats to all of the winners:
- Best 50s – Bob Cellini, 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air
- Best 60s – David Cattaneo, 1969 Chevrolet Camaro
- Best 70s – Rory Dimick, 1970 Chevy Chevelle
- Best 80s – Damien Padilla, 1989 K5 Chevy Blazer
- Best 4×4 – Jason Conner, 1967 International Scout
- Best C10 – Gary Vasconcellos, 1971 Chevy C10 Pickup
- Best Import – Kevin Goodner, 1968 VW Bug
- Best of Show – Don Highley, 1941 DeSoto Convertible
- Best Modern – Steve Pettigrew, 2022 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
- People’s Choice – Manuel Cervantes, 2003 Ford Mustang Cobra
- Under Construction – John Huntsman, 1929 Dodge Brothers
- Most Unique – Jeff Lambert, 1935 International
- Best Muscle Car – “Mad Dog” – 1956 Chevy
- Best Chevy – David Cattaneo, 1969 Chevrolet Camaro
- Best Mopar – David Eredia, 1951 Plymouth
- Best Motorcycle – Sam Fernandez, 2004 Chopper
IBEW Local 1245 Car Show
The IBEW 1245 Car Show at the PG&E Gas Safety Academy in Winters, Calif. on October 5, 2024.
IBEW Local 1245 Car Show
IBEW Local 1245 Car Show
IBEW Local 1245 Car Show
IBEW Local 1245 Car Show
IBEW Local 1245 Car Show
IBEW Local 1245 Car Show
IBEW Local 1245 Car Show
IBEW Local 1245 Car Show
IBEW Local 1245 Car Show
Don Highley, winner of Best in Show award, with the car's previous owner Don McKimmy. The IBEW 1245 Car Show at the PG&E Gas Safety Academy in Winters, Calif. on October 5, 2024.