GUSTINE — Cool weather, polished chrome and the smell of sizzling linguica set the tone Sunday as the Westside Auto Club rolled into Henry Miller Park for its annual Linguica Run — a longtime summer tradition that again packed the grounds with classic cars, community members and charitable spirit.
Club President Don Gomes said this year’s show brought 290 cars and an estimated 800 linguica lunches served, along with “a lot of happy people due to the great weather and great food.” While final fundraising totals are still being tallied, Gomes said the event generated “plenty of money to donate to all our usual charities,” including high school auto shop scholarships.
Throughout the day, spectators browsed rows of pre‑2005 vehicles and special‑interest motorcycles, enjoyed Portuguese beans, listened to DJ music and took part in a giant raffle. The show culminated in the presentation of 28 specialty awards, each sponsored by local families, businesses or community partners.
2026 Linguica Run Award Winners
- Valley Real Estate Sales Inc Award — Vern Silva, Turlock, 1935 Ford Chopped Pku
- Perry’s More Than Pizza Award — Holly Foley, Fremont, 1957 Ford T‑Bird
- Miss Gustine Pick (Denny Clarke) — Mark Swartz, Denair, 1965 Chevy C10 Pku
- Jorge Medeiros WW2 Veteran Memorial (WSAC) — John S. Jaga, Merced, 1948 Ford 4‑door Sedan
- Escalon Livestock Market Inc Award — Jeff & Sheri Maciel, Hilmar, 1969 Chevy Chevelle
- Denny Perry Sr Memorial (Perry Family) — Carlos Belamort, Modesto, 1962 Chevy Impala Convertible
- Al’s Transmission Inc Award — Jerry & Lorina Hernandez, Modesto, 1967 Chevy Impala Fastback
- American Rod & Automotive Award — John & Joanne Interbitzen, Manteca, 1960 Ford Starliner
- Thompson Chevrolet Buick GMC Award — Carlos & Susan Martin, Ceres, 1956 Chevy Pro Street Pku
- Wally Lemas Memorial (Tiny Lemas) — Barbara & Frank Azevedo, Gustine, 1932 Ford Highboy (3‑window)
- Anton L. Gomes & Sons Dairy Award — Daniel Jimenez, Los Banos, 1950 Chevy P/U
- Robby Fonseca Memorial (Fonseca Family) — Gary Reinero, Merced, 1967 Chevy El Camino
- David Alamo Memorial (Bill Matter) — Larry Westervelt, Gustine, 1933 Ford Roadster
- Varni Farms (Lisa & Mike Varni) — Billy & Sherri Marsigli, Gustine, 1970 Ford Bronco
- Leroy’s Alignment Brake Memorial (Gary Vogar) — Clinton Maerzluft, Lodi, 1953 Chevy 3100 P/U
- Gustine Police Chief (Ruben Chavez) — Terry Rolfee, Atwater, 1956 Chevy Bel Air (post)
- Luis C. Nunes & Sons Dairies Award — Jose Sandoval, Hollister, 1960 Impala Convertible
- Westside Auto Club President’s Choice (WSRA) — Jerry Wood, Denair, 1969 Chevy C10 P/U
- Amos & Nancy Avila Memorial (WSAC) — Wayne Gordon, Manteca, 1949 Ford F1
- Richard Caetano Memorial (Markemobile) — Bill Schanen, Manteca, 1973 Chevy Corvette
- Volkswagen Pick (Margo & Steven Shell) — George & Sandra Mayama, Ceres, 1969 VW Convertible
- Al Garcia Memorial (Garcia Family) — Curt Sousa, Modesto, 1965 Chevy Malibu SS Chevelle
- Coupe Snyder Memorial (Snyder Family) — Clarince Dobbs, Hayward, 1964 Rambler 2‑door
- Pete Pacheco Memorial (Visual Horizons) — Roberto Delacruz, Los Banos, 1963 Ford Galaxie 2‑door
- Gustine Pioneer Drug Award — Rick Dudley, Newman, 1939 Plymouth 2‑door
- Newman Mini Storage (George Souza) — Joe Pimental, Gustine, 1932 Ford Roadster
- Parreira Auto Repair Award — Frank Dutra, Atwater, 1958 Chevy Corvette
- Gustine Fire Chief (WSAC) — Jason Earmu, Los Banos, 1967 IH Scout
The Linguica Run continues to serve as one of the region’s most anticipated summer gatherings, blending nostalgia, community pride and charitable impact. With hundreds of attendees and dozens of award‑winning vehicles, Sunday’s show once again proved why the event remains a cornerstone of Gustine’s seasonal calendar.
