History of the  2002 Fest West

The 2002 Fest West held each year in San Luis Obispo is the premier 2002 event in North America.  The event dates back to July 2nd, 1989 at the Stanford Linear Accelerator In Palo Alto, CA.  This was the 20th Anniversary of the BMW CCA Golden Gate Chapter forming.  The event drew about 80 cars on the day.  This first 2002 "event/show & shine" was attended by a wide variety of cars and enthusiasts.  Everyone was excited to see so many 02's at one place at one time.  The trivia contest plaque resides on the shop wall here to commemorate my enthusiasm and love for these cars ( the contest was won with a tie-breaker question, we both got 48 out of 50 questions correct).

The next two years events were cancelled.  This prompted my request to organize and hold the event here in SLO.  This also was an opportunity to bring together the north and the south regions of the BMW CCA and the LA Region of the BMW ACA. This joining of the North and South eventually led to the Los Angeles area becoming a chapter of the BMW CCA.  Since 1992 the event has become an annual  two day gathering.  In 1995 the event was officially changed to the 2002 Fest West in order to differentiate ourselves from a similar 2002 event held at Limerock, CT.  The event evolves as each year passes.  Previous experience, your feedback and a sense of  adventure prompt us to try new events, and bring back the old.  We hope that you think that our event is better than the last.  We look forward to this years event with the enthusiasm that keeps us motivated to bring you this event year after year.  

One of the highlights of the past 2 years has been our Saturday Night Cruise through the County of SLO.  Most of the enthusiasts who own these cars do so because they love to drive them.  This common ground was incorporated into the event and has become one of the most popular portions with 45 2002's in a row last year winding through some of my most favorite motorcycle roads in the area.

An enthusiast does not need to have a 2002 to come out and enjoy the event.  Everyone is invited to take part in the celebration and admire all of the fine examples of very rare European models, stock originals, and custom renovations who attend each year.  Last years event had on display at least one of every model of 2002 built ( Factory Turbo, Full Cabriolet, Targa Cabriolet, Touring, Tii, Ti, Automatics, and all years of round and square lights).

We look forward to meeting you and seeing you here this year !