Travel Blog
About Us...
or ILCAM, was founded by a small group of enthusiasts intent on keeping the mutual admiration and preservation of the iconic Chevrolet Camaro ahead of car club theatrics. Today it is far and away the largest and one of the most active Camaro organizations in the state of Illinois.
ILCAM is the one place where all of us car crazy people can share that passion and love for this hobby. Whatever the model or year, whatever the modification, completely stock or full race, we welcome you!
ILLINOIS CAMARO BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Founder: Becky "Ladie Sunshine" Rhoads
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Becky "Ladie Sunshine" Rhoads has an extensive history within the Camaro family. She rose to the top of another long-standing Camaro car club in 2009 by becoming President within six months, taking it to levels never previously achieved. Becky remained president for the next 6 years before taking a short reprieve until Illinois Camaro was founded on August 30, 2019. With that she became not only one of the founding members but also the organization's first President. Bringing in club sponsors, she brought along a new philosophy for a car club: Members pay NO dues! Many of her ideas and leadership skills are still present in our club today!
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President:
"Doc" Beckmann
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Doc is a car guy. For three years he was a Regional Director for the National Hemi Owners Association before spending two years as their National Director. Closer to home, he served as president of the Windy City Z Club (Nissan/Datsun) for 5 years. His daily driver, and also his first ever Camaro, is a 2010 factory stock 2SS LS3.
Vice President:
Omar Pena
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Omar Pena joined Illinois Camaro in May 2022 as a Media Director, quickly showing his leadership skills and willingness to get involved. That participation got him noticed and bumped up the ladder! His passion for Camaros started with a 1996 model, followed by a 2000 SS which he kept for 14 years. After selling it in 2017 during "one of the worst days" of his life he ended the nightmare in mid-2021 by purchasing his current
ride: a 2017 SS 1LE.
Secretary:
Brenda Protz
Brenda Protz brings a "can do" spirit
along with a lengthy resume. ILCAM's
first downstate Board of Directors
member, she has held a secretary position with other groups, has organized car shows, and not only is a journalist but a former drag racer! Those who attended the 2024Chicago Auto Show will easily recognize her ride, a customized 2020 convertible
dedicated to bringing awareness of the dangers of distracted driving.
Treasurer:
David Coredig
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David Coredig held the position as
Secretary at another Camaro club for seven years. Because of these acquired skills he was asked to help launch Illinois Camaro. He took on the position as Secretary/Treasurer for Illinois Camaro and has since transitioned to the Treasurer's spot.
Dave's car, Da Beest, is a modified 2015 3.6L LT, with rear mounted STS turbo system that runs on 5 pounds of boost, producing 386 hp, and 322rwhp.
Our Special Thanks To
Website Creator: Dominic Taylor
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Dominic joined Illinois Camaro in 2021. He'd had a life-long love of Camaros prior to joining and was looking to share that passion with others!
Dominic's Camaro is a 1979 custom resto mod with an iron block 350 engine, matching 350 trans and a 3.73 gear.
Illinois Camaro Achievements
* 2019 Attended a 6 hour conference with Founding member of Wisconsin Camaro
* 2019 Hired legal counsel
* 2019 Facebook page established
* 2019 Registered as Illinois Non-for profit
* 2019 Obtained E.I.N with the IRS * 2019 Logo trademarked * 2019 Financial accounts secured
* 2019 Sponsors anchored
* 2019 Official Illinois Camaro launch date August 30
* 2019 Mecum Auctions contract secured
* 2019-2020 Develop legal cause and research
* 2020 Kids Kruises and Parades * 2020 Drive by car shows organized * 2021 Event Calendar developed
* 2021 Charity Car show announced * 2021 Podcasts and TV interviews
* 2021 223 Cars and $2,000 raised for 2 charities * 2021 Mecum Auction account secured
* 2022 Legal counsel retained for registration * 2023 ILCAM debut Chicago Auto Show
* 2024 ILCAM returns to the Chicago Auto Show
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Founding Sponsors & Members :
Instrument Services Inc. (John & Lori Robertson ) * NicKey (Stephano & Beth Bimbi)
* Huligan Design (Jon Hooley) * Countryside Customs * Ray Chevrolet
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* Rory Smith * Ron Kirchner * Charlie Phillippou * Rob and Sherri Davis * Kurt Payne * Roy and Jeanne Pikis
* Roy Thon * Al & Judy Skwira * Rich & Colleen Hanck * John Pettis * Monica Reyes * Mr. And Mrs. Bright
Beloved John Green
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