Outback in the Midwest 2024: A Record-Breaking Tribute to a Beloved Friend
The Outback in the Midwest has once again achieved record-breaking success in 2024, with nearly 600 registered Holden’s showcasing the event’s continued popularity and the deep passion of its attendees. This year was especially poignant as we gathered to honor the memory of our dear friend and longtime co-host, Rob Pitts.
Remembering Rob Pitts
Rob Pitts (July 27, 1979 – August 25, 2024) was a beloved figure in the automotive community. An American businessman, television personality, and classic car enthusiast, Rob was best known for being banned from eBay, his role in the Netflix series Tex-Mex Motors and his captivating storytelling on the YouTube channel VINwiki. His passing at the age of 45 from stomach cancer left a significant void in the hearts of many. This year’s Outback in the Midwest was dedicated to celebrating Rob’s legacy and the immense impact he had on our community.
A Heartfelt Tribute
Travis Bell, the host of Outback in the Midwest and Rob’s best friend, deeply felt the loss of his close companion. Although Travis was unable to attend Rob’s funeral in South Carolina due to the event, Sam Hard of Hard Up Garage stepped in to deliver a heartfelt eulogy on his behalf. Known for his early racing achievements, work as a Mercedes technician, and entertaining YouTube antics with luxury lookalike and movie cars, Sam’s presence at both the funeral and the Outback in the Midwest was a testament to the strong bonds within the automotive community.
Sam Hard Takes the Stage
In a touching gesture, Sam Hard also served as a stand-in co-host for the Outback Car Show, stepping into Rob’s shoes with grace and respect. Sam’s passion for cars and his engaging personality helped honor Rob’s memory while continuing the event’s tradition of excellence. His contributions added a special touch to this year’s show, blending his own automotive expertise with the heartfelt tribute to his late friend.
A Historic Turnout
The Outback Car Show 2024 set a new record with nearly 600 Holdens on display, highlighting the event’s growth and the unwavering dedication of its participants. The diverse lineup of classic and modern Holdens showcased the brand’s rich history and the enthusiasm of its fans, making for an unforgettable celebration of automotive culture.
Special Guests and Highlights
Adding to the event’s excitement, Arne Toman made a brief appearance with the Fraud Taurus, the Cannonball Run record-holding car. Arne, who currently holds the record for the fastest Cannonball Run at an impressive 25 hours and 39 minutes, drew considerable attention and sparked conversations about automotive endurance and performance.
Print Lyfe’s Debut and Sell-Out Success
For the first time, Print Lyfe introduced exclusive event merchandise, and the response was overwhelming. The T-shirt designs, which featured unique artwork celebrating the Outback in the Midwest, sold out in under an hour. This rapid sell-out underscored the strong demand for out shirt and the excitement surrounding the show.
Exciting Giveaways and Future Plans
The giveaways and the raffling off of a Holden UTE was the major highlight of the show, with Travis Bell announcing the all the lucky winners to enthusiastic cheers. In addition, Travis revealed that the giveaway car for 2025 would be another Holden UTE, setting the stage for another year of anticipation and excitement.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on Outback in the Midwest 2024, it is clear that this year’s show was both a celebration of automotive passion and a heartfelt tribute to a cherished friend. The record-breaking turnout, special guests, and touching moments have set a high standard for future events.
Thank you to everyone who participated and supported the Outback in the Midwest this year. Your presence and enthusiasm made this event truly special, and we look forward to continuing this tradition in 2025. Here’s to celebrating the memory of Rob Pitts, and to another fantastic year ahead!
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