Welcome to Car Show Talk!
Hello, I’m Kim Hawksworth. I’ve been showing cars since 2012, and in 2026 I’ll be heading into my 15th season of attending car shows and cruise-ins throughout Central Ohio.
In 2024 and 2025 alone, I attended more than 90 events between January and November—and loved every minute of it. For me, car shows aren’t just about the vehicles (though they’re a big part of the draw). They’re about the people, the stories, and the shared passion that brings the automotive community together.
These days, I usually arrive in one of two cars: my 2024 Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 or my 2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing. I genuinely enjoy talking with fellow enthusiasts who stop by to check them out.
My Car Journey
My car show journey began with a 2012 Victory Red Chevrolet Camaro SS convertible. In 2013, I stepped up to a Victory Red Camaro ZL1 convertible, and three years later I traded again—this time for a 2017 Camaro ZL1 coupe, a car I absolutely loved.
When Cadillac announced the Blackwing models in 2022, I knew there was only one car I’d ever consider trading my ZL1 for: a CT5-V Blackwing with a manual transmission. It took some patience, but in May of 2024 I finally found the right one. I made the trade—and I’ve never looked back.
I’m an enthusiast who appreciates everything from classic cruisers to today’s cutting-edge performance machines, both foreign and domestic. That said, I have a special soft spot for modern muscle—especially Camaros and Corvettes. After spending more than 20 years working in the tech world, I’m fascinated by the advanced technology packed into today’s cars. Watching cars and computers converge has been one of the most exciting parts of modern automotive ownership.
Where It All Started
My love for cars began in the early 1970s when I was in college. During a two-hour break between classes, a classmate invited me to his place on the south end of Columbus to show me his pride and joy—a silver and black 1966 Corvette convertible. It featured a 427 engine, side exhaust pipes, and a Hurst shifter. Naturally, we went for a ride.
As we cruised down Frebis Avenue, he opened it up. I had never experienced anything like that before. The Corvette threw me back in my seat and fishtailed down the street, the side pipes roaring so loudly my ears rang for hours afterward. I was wide-eyed, grinning—and completely hooked.
From that moment on, cars were no longer just machines. They were something more. Something I wanted to be part of for life.
The Purpose of This Site
The primary goal of Car Show Talk is to promote car and bike events throughout Central Ohio and to provide fair, balanced coverage of as many of those events as possible. While many sites simply list upcoming shows, very few actually report on them in any meaningful way. This site aims to fill that gap.
Whether you’re a car enthusiast, motorcycle rider, or simply someone who enjoys the local automotive scene, Car Show Talk is here to keep you informed and connected. We invite you to explore, participate, and share in the vibrant community that makes Central Ohio’s car and bike culture so special.
As always, drive safe and stay passionate.
Kim David Hawksworth
Owner/Operator of carshowtalk.com
Promoting Central Ohio Car Shows, Cruise-Ins, Meet-ups, and Bike Events