Cars & Coffee Events Bring Auto Hobbyists to Mahomet
- Jul 1
- 2 min read
On the last Sunday morning of each month, hundreds of car enthusiasts from around the region gather at Whisk Coffee and Wine Bar to share their passion for motorsports. With an emphasis on mutual respect for all participants and nearby businesses, the group typically showcases around 150 cars in the parking lot of Whisk and its neighbors.
Matthew Crapse, the organizer of Cars & Coffee, shared that the event has been in the C-U area since 2017, when this type of event saw increasing popularity nationally. Cars & Coffee originally started in downtown Champaign, moved to north Prospect, and has now found a home at Whisk for many years. Crapse notes that neighboring businesses like Sunset Funeral Home, which offers overflow space, have been supportive of the event, and that the Mahomet Police Department has also offered continued support.
If you have ever wondered about the people who line up along Rt. 150 mid-morning, this is a concluding ritual for Cars & Coffee. When the event ends, attendees line up to watch cars make their exits. As the car enthusiasts leave, “some of the individuals like to have a little fun upon their exit,” Crapse explains. “We actively communicate to everyone to respect local laws and ordinances, just as they would when driving at any other times. However, some tend to get caught up in the moment and like to show off for the crowd.”
These gatherings are from 8-10 a.m. (though many arrive early) from March-October. You can follow @champaigncarsandcoffee on Instagram and Facebook for more information. Look out for their other events, like Parkland College Automotive and BBT Fabrication open houses, offered for car enthusiasts.
Photo credits: Nathaniel Underland