SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 11, 2025 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING - November 11, 2025 - SHERIDAN, WYOMING - November 10, 2025 - SHERIDAN, WYOMING - November 10, 2025 - What began as a passionate movement among a few spirited BMW drivers has evolved into one of the most enduring love stories in automotive culture - the partnership between BMW of North America and the BMW Car Club of America (CCA). It's a relationship that transformed from early rivalry into a friendship defined by trust, loyalty, and the shared joy of driving.
A Club Born from Passion and the Open Road
The roots of the BMW CCA stretch back to the late 1960s, when a handful of enthusiasts fell head over heels for the nimble BMW 1600-2 and 2002 models. Their enthusiasm quickly spread, and soon, clubs popped up across the U.S. - in Boston, Palo Alto, Kansas City, and beyond. In 1970, the first "Oktoberfest" brought them all together in Massachusetts for what would become a beloved annual tradition of driving, camaraderie, and celebration.
As early member Michael Izor fondly recalled, "Year after year, Oktoberfest got me to see this country like I never would have otherwise, in a car that I absolutely adored."
From Adversaries to Allies
The early years weren't all smooth sailing. Two separate clubs - the BMW Car Club of America and the BMW Automobile Club of America - vied for recognition. But when BMW of North America replaced importer Max Hoffman in 1975, the company saw an opportunity to unify its most passionate fans. By 2000, the clubs had merged into one powerful community representing more than 70,000 members nationwide.
That unity proved essential for BMW's growth in America. Over time, the company realized these club members weren't just hobbyists - they were ambassadors. "A lot of people within NA thought club members were driving 2002s and smoking a pipe, but we knew they bought a ton of M cars," said longtime BMW executive Rich Brekus. "They're by far our most profitable customers."
Driving Together Toward the Future
Through the 1980s and '90s, BMW and the CCA strengthened their partnership with track events, car rallies, and racing programs that invited fans into the heart of the action. When the U.S.-spec M3 launched, BMW even added "BMW CCA" stickers to race cars - a nod to the enthusiasts who helped make the model a reality.
The club's influence wasn't just emotional - it was measurable. As Matt Russell, former BMW NA club liaison, explained, "Club members were 'influencers' before modern influencers were even born. They're the experts in their communities when it comes to car shopping… and no other luxury carmaker has a club like the BMW CCA."
Why It Still Matters Today
More than fifty years after its founding, the BMW CCA continues to embody the soul of the brand. From Oktoberfest reunions to cross-country rallies and local meet-ups, the club thrives on connection - not just horsepower. "We like to say that the brand brought us together, but the friends we make within the club are what keep us here," said current leader Frank Patek.
BMW's ongoing support - from financial assistance during the pandemic to exclusive member incentives - has ensured that this relationship remains as strong as ever. "BMW CCA members are wonderful people," said Thomas Plucinsky, Head of BMW Classic USA. "They love the brand and they purchase many vehicles each year. For all of that, we at BMW NA, thank you!"
Editorial Extra: Why Enthusiast Clubs Still Matter
- They turn a brand into a lifestyle, creating friendships that last a lifetime.
- They keep heritage alive through shared memories and preserved classics.
- They inspire the next generation of car lovers to see driving as art, not routine.
- And perhaps most importantly - they remind us that cars can still bring people together.
In an age of digital everything, the BMW CCA's story reminds us that some bonds are best forged offline - on winding roads, with the windows down, and a shared smile between kindred spirits.
Learn more at www.bmwusa.com