MARBLE FALLS — Jeff Sellers can’t say how often the idea of starting a car and truck club had crossed his mind. But he can say why he founded the Highland Lakes Truck & Auto Club.

“I have friends who work on performance vehicles and diesels,” he said. “I thought it would be cool to get people in (the surrounding area) to drive in. I haven’t really seen anything like this going on here. I heard a few people tried it, but it wasn’t successful or didn’t last.”

The first meet night is July 18 from 7-10 p.m. in the parking lot of The Home Depot, 1307 Mormon Mill Road.

From March to October, the club will meet the first and third Saturdays of the month during those hours at The Home Depot. Then, from November to February, the group will meet the first Saturday only, weather permitting, from 4-7 p.m.

Sellers said he approached store managers who thought meeting in the parking lot was a great idea.

“We can get people out who love cars and trucks and show them off,” he said. “In high school and college, we did this a lot.”

The club is open to any owner of a unique car or truck, something considered a classic, an American Muscle or that causes people to drool with envy.

“My main reason (for creating the club) was to get people together with a sporty car or truck,” Sellers said. “We’re into classic originals or modifieds.”

The Highland Lakes Truck & Auto Club founder is aware other car clubs designed for specific models, such as Corvettes and Camaros, exists but notes they are based out of town.

Growing up, Sellers was working on cars with his dad and two grandfathers. He said those activities fostered a love of vehicles and allowed him to deepen his relationship with the men in his family. And he believes the same activities can help adults connect with some of their younger family members today.

Sellers envisions forming friendships and exchanging ideas, information and conversations. Usually, owners talk about some of the challenges of restoring a vehicle, finding an expert to do the work or other hurdles that come with that kind of responsibility.

There are no dues since the club is so new. Eventually, as it grows and gets sponsors and other activities, Sellers would like to donate money to local charities and nonprofits.

“It builds character and opens up another part of their heart,” he said. “This is something fun I like to do.”

Go to hlautoclub.com for more information.

jfierro@thepicayune.com

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