Rev Up Your Engines for the Magic City Octane
Bringing Car Enthusiasts Together
Every second Saturday of the month, more than 2,000 people gather in the lower parking lot at The Summit to witness some of the most glamorous cars, hottest rods and extraordinary motorcycles from all around the Southeast. This thrilling event, known as the Magic City Octane, was the brainchild of Paul Smith and Austin Tynes, both of whom are local residents with an unapologetic passion for cars.
In the inception stages, Smith and Tynes recognised a need for a focal point that could bring together car enthusiasts from all walks of life. The pair noticed that the Birmingham car community was fragmented and lacked the unity that they believed was essential for the passion-driven industry.
“Our vision was to create a platform for the car community that was inclusive and unsegregated,” commented Tynes. He added, “the event encourages everyone, regardless of what you look like or how much your car costs, to join and enjoy the car-fan camaraderie.”
Location and Scope
Originally held at Brookwood Village, Magic City Octane had to be shifted to The Summit in 2020 due to its burgeoning popularity. The crowd starts gathering from the Village Tavern and extends all the way to Panera Bread. Tynes and Smith exclaimed that they routinely have more than 500 cars participating and the event attracts car lovers not just from Alabama but from neighboring states like Georgia and Mississippi, making it one of the most coveted automobile events in the Southeast.
Uniting Passion with Purpose
However, it’s not just passion that drives the event. A significant part of the proceeds from Magic City Octane goes towards ‘Racing for Children’s’, an experience-based initiative with roots in motorsports. The initiative focuses on raising funds for research and treatment of childhood cancer and blood disorders.
“We didn’t anticipate the tremendous response that this event would garner,” shared Smith. “Being able to use our passion to contribute towards a noble cause has been truly humbling.”
No matter how diverse the car community might be, one thing unites them all – their joint love for cars. For Tynes, this mutual passion was sparked at a very young age. Reflecting on his early interest in cars, Tynes said, “At just six years old, I could tell you everything about a Lamborghini that passed by – the model, the price, and even all the specifications. It’s safe to say that cars were a huge part of our lives from the start.”
Experience the Magic City Octane
Experience the automobile extravaganza first-hand every second Saturday of the month, from 8 to11 a.m at The Summit. Whether you’re an automobile enthusiast or just looking for an exciting morning out, Magic City Octane has something to offer for everyone. For more information, please visit magiccityoctane.com.
