CELEBRITY GUESTS
WHO YOU'LL MEET AT MCACN
Check out our current guest lineup below, and be sure to check back often as additional appearances are announced throughout the year.
Buddy Martin
Buddy Martin, Legendary Co-Owner of the Sox & Martin drag team needs no introduction. Buddy became a legendary team owner when he met Ronnie Sox. With Ronnies incredible driving skills on the quarter mile dragstrip and Buddy's ability to oversee all of the business end of racing they would join forces to create a team that was instantly recognized worldwide for decades. Buddy will be with us Saturday and Sunday.
Dennis Collins of "Coffee Walk"
There is no disputing that Dennis is a car guy. Dennis’ titles as a car enthusiast and automotive historian started to fuel at the ripe young age of 13 when he bought and sold his first car, a 1948 F1 Ford truck. Since that truck in 1978, this man has found, bought, restored, traded, collected, and sold some of the rarest and most sought-after cars in the world. For the past 33 years, Dennis has been the owner of Collins Brothers Jeep in Wylie, Texas.
Now, Collins Brothers is hardly your average car dealership. Out of this shop just 30 minutes North of Dallas, these guys have earned the status of being the most active and well acclaimed restoration shop in the country- arguably the world.
And then of course, you have his highly acclaimed and fun YouTube channel Coffee Walk. With a non-stop flow of new adventures, Dennis travels the country to buy and sell all kinds of collectible cars and trucks.
With a passion for undiscovered Barn Finds and rare relics, he has a knack for finding plenty of neat vehicles, often literally buying them by the truck load. Dennis has his own incredibly diverse collection that ranges from hot American Muscle to wild exotics and darn near everything in between, Dennis will be with us Saturday and Sunday, taping for new Coffee Walk episodes.
Dennis Collins Car World
Chris Jacobs
You may remember Chris as the Co-Host of TV’s Overhaulin’ with Chip Foose or his many appearances on a wide variety of shows, or as a head commentator for Mecum Auctions. But that’s just part of the story. He attended New Trier High School in Winnetka, Illinois and then Cranbrook School in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan before moving to California in 1988 where he attended Whittier College, earning a bachelor's degree in English. He then graduated from Western State University College of Law and was later admitted to the state bar of California in 1995.
Of course, Chris has always been an enthusiastic car guy and is living his dream immersed in all things automotive. AND…he is a huge Chicago Bears fan! Chris will be with us Saturday, helping us kick off the show with several of our Premier Unveilings and will be meeting fans afterwards.
Claudia Abel "Miss Direct Connection" 1984
Claudia is an automotive icon: She rose to fame in 1984 as the official model and spokesperson, "Miss Direct Connection," for Chrysler's Mopar Performance team. Meet her in person at MCACN 2026
Wayne Carini
Our friends at Car Capsule welcome Wayne Carini of Chasing Classic Cars. Meet Wayne in the Car Capsule display in the big room. He will be sharing stories of his many automotive adventures. Always ready to shake hands and sign autographs, Wayne has been a fixture of our hobby in so many ways. His hit TV show is just one example of his passion and enthusiasm for all things on wheels.
Wayne Carini
Paul Rossi
Champion NHRA drag racer, consistent IMSA track champion and winner of the Pike's Peak race, whose innovative automotive engineering achievements made him a Carroll Shelby collaborator, trusted consultant to Lee Iaccoa at Chrysler and the envy of those who challenged him on the track. Today, many of us think of Paul as Mr. Direct Connection.
Paul will also be joining a drag racing discussion on Saturday.
Arnie "The Farmer" Beswick
We are pleased to announce that Arnie "The Farmer" Beswick will be joining us Saturday and Sunday. With an incredible career spanning back near 70 years, Arnie has plenty of stories to share. Be sure to meet Arnie and pick up a copy of his new book, available at the show, which he will be signing along with author Dean Fait. And yes...he really is a farmer!
Butch Leal
Butch Leal is a fascinating figure in drag-racing history. His ability to campaign Chevrolets, Fords, and Plymouths—and his association with the famous California Flash Plymouth Duster—made him especially memorable. The Duster’s Dodge Direct Connection power was a major part of the car’s reputation, and Leal’s driving helped turn the combination into an iconic piece of 1970s drag-racing history.
Jason Line
Jason Line is a retired American drag racer and three-time NHRA Pro Stock champion. He drove for KB Racing for most of his career before retiring from full-time driving at the end of the 2020 season. Meet Jason at MCACN 2025.