Photo courtesy of Bill York Even if you're not a car buff, you'll find auction items and displays at the Red Line Corvettes show Sept. 16, being organized by show founder and chair Tony Panchenko of Thousand Oaks, and the benefit's committee.

Bill York of Newbury Park says a common chuckle among car cronies is, "A Corvette is not just a hobby, it's a way of life."

That may be why the 40-year Conejo Valley resident enjoys boating, fishing, motorhomes and an HDTV. Still, after almost two decades in car club circles, York said, "I don't attend as many of the runs as I once did — I still get a rush just putting the top down and driving down PCH."

The convertible that lets the wind ruffle York's hair these days is a 1999 red and tan Corvette. It sports a license plate transferred through many cars, "I'M KWUZN."

York, who is single, is a senior information technology professional, but there's no real correlation between his chosen profession and working on cars other than both having aspects with "hands-on types of tasks".

York joined the Red Line Corvettes Club 17 years ago to meet people who shared a love of the American sports car, and to have fun. He has maintained membership because of the club's "camaraderie, fun and events." Having held several positions, including historian, club treasurer and haberdasher, York is currently the National Council of Corvette Clubs' governor.

"I've been a car guy as long as I can remember. I've always loved them, and knew most every make and model by sight as a little boy," he said. "I love and appreciate all types of cars, in addition to Corvettes: classic cars, muscle cars, sports cars. If I had the means and the space, I'd have a huge collection like Jay Leno."

Does this fascination include restoring?

"Not so much restore as maintain and repair as needed," he said.

York's prized bright red Corvette isn't relegated to just any duty. For mundane driving, York employs a 2004 BMW X5. But the Corvette will be among those on display Sept. 16 when Red Line members host the club's 14th annual car show and benefit at Conejo Creek Park North in Thousand Oaks. The event begins at 10 a.m.

"This show has been around long enough. It's a tradition, and folks come in from all over the region, even out of state," said Tony Panchenko of Thousand Oaks, the show's founder and chairman.

As show organization gets into high gear, Panchenko is sending out a call for corporate and business vendors to round out certain categories.

"We have the food worked out, but we could use help in other areas," he said.

Major sponsors include the Thousand Oaks Police Department, Conejo Recreation and Park District, Courtesy Chevrolet, Bulova Corp. and K-Earth 101 radio oldies.

Panchenko said this year's charities will be the Police Department's foundation, with proceeds defraying costs of Explorers equipment such as walkie-talkies, and police volunteers.

"The funds have to come from somewhere to fill up the volunteers' gas tanks, maintain cars and provide uniforms," he said.

The second recipient will be Hospice of the Conejo.

Another club member involved in the benefit is Newbury Park's Jerry Norton, who has lived in the Conejo Valley since 1970. Norton, a club member of 12 years, has a 1964 saddle tan (gold) Corvette, and a 1968 427 with 400 horsepower and air conditioning — "at that time a rarity," he said.

Norton's wife, Sandy, goes along for the ride and helps with jobs such as making sure there is ample coffee and doughnuts on hand, he said. And while he loves driving the '68 vet, Norton said candidly his "pretty rare" light blue 1967 Chevy El Camino draws even more comments. That's OK with him because he spent "a lot of time and money" restoring it. A technical illustrator and photographer retired from full-time work, Norton fits in part-time work delivering — what else — cars for a car rental agency.

To learn more about vendors needed for the benefit, contact Panchenko at 499-3152.