Reporting And Writing Class Fall 2010

Northern Minnesota’s fastest growing car club

Automotive enthusiasts come together in Bemidji, Minnesota

By Taylor Klinke

Everyone knows someone who enjoys working with cars - whether it is your dad, brother, or a friend. They’re the ones who change your oil or help change a flat tire - Or the ones who are constantly upgrading their vehicles with the latest sound systems, etc. A lot of people enjoy working with vehicles and now Bemidji has a club for all local automotive enthusiasts.

Club Redline was formed in 2006. BSU junior and club president - Chris Nelson said. “I wanted to get all automotive enthusiasts in the area connected in a group because one did not exist.”

Chris decided to start this club after seeing movies and being involved in other groups who enjoyed the same hobby. After brainstorming he recruited three of his friends to put flyers on cars around the Bemidji area – and within two months they went from 4 members to 125 members.

BSU senior - Brian Dahlin joined Club Redline in 2006 after Chris Nelson approached two of his friends while they were out driving around. “I joined because I’ve always had a passion for cars,” He said. “About 70% of my thoughts are occupied by something automotive and I like the fact that I have a local forum full of people with the same passion.”

The car club comprises all styles, makes, and models – new and old, import and domestic. Chris Nelson owns a 1985 Pontiac Fiero GT and a 2005 Nissan 350z while Brian Dahlin owns a 1996 Jeep Cherokee and a 2000 Honda Civic.

Club Redline hosts the Club Redline Street Show every June in Bemidji – it is either held indoors at the John Glas Fieldhouse or at various outside venues. They also participate in out-of-town car shows such as the Tintmasters Motorsports Perfect 10 Car Show and also do a lot of drag racing events at the racetracks in Brainerd and Sabin – which is near Moorhead.

Initially, there was no membership requirement for Club Redline, but since 2009 a flat rate of $35 is required to join and you also need to have at least $1,000 in modifications or upgrades done to your car or truck.

“Recently in Bemidji the car scene has become increasingly older and more mature,” said Dahlin. “People no longer see the joy in going out for a weekend cruise or a short cruise on a weeknight. I’m guilty of this - I see the fun but I am too busy in my final year of school to be able to go out and cruise when only two other people show up.”

Club Redline is a local car club based in Bemidji and currently consists of 35 members. “We do not cater to a specific style of car, but to the actual person who has an interest in modified cars and trucks,” said Chris Nelson.

If you want to find out more information, visit http://www.clubredline.net/

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