The BMW Car Club of America New Mexico Chapter welcomed participants to its annual Clean Car Show fundraiser on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at the beautiful New Mexico Veterans Memorial Park in Albuquerque. Under sunny skies and surrounded by fellow enthusiasts, participants spent the morning admiring exceptional BMWs, sharing stories, casting votes in the popular People’s Choice competition, and supporting a meaningful cause. The event once again benefited the New Mexico Veterans Memorial, which supports activities at the Memorial Welcome Center and assists local veterans groups with their missions. Thanks to the generosity of attendees, more than $700 was raised to help support the memorial and its important work.
Sandia BMW once again served as the corporate sponsor of the People’s Choice Awards, generously providing gift certificates for the winners. Special thanks go to Cameron Berenger-Russell, Sandia BMW’s Marketing Director, for helping make this valued partnership possible and continuing Sandia BMW’s support of the New Mexico Chapter.
Excitement surrounding the event extended beyond the show field. The New Mexico Veterans Memorial helped publicize the Clean Car Show, and local television coverage added to the momentum. A KRQE reporter visited before the event to capture video and interview chapter leadership, helping share the spirit of the day with an even wider audience.
A total of 20 BMWs were registered for the show, creating an impressive display that included several standout M3s, a beautifully preserved classic Neue Klasse BMW 2002tii, and a variety of distinctive BMWs that reflected the passion and personality of their owners. The BMW Z Series Corral added even more energy, with eight Z models on display. Special thanks go to the Albuquerque BMW Z’s group and Robert Pratt for helping promote the event and encourage participation.
When the votes were counted, Rob Anthony earned First Place in the People’s Choice competition with his E36 M3, Andrew Bulahao took Second Place with his E46 M3, and Phil Undercuffler claimed Third Place with his BMW 2002tii. Winners received gift certificates from Sandia BMW along with custom trophies featuring the New Mexico Chapter logo, created by Rowan Apparel in Albuquerque.
Additional recognition was given to members who made the journey and celebrated the spirit of BMW enthusiasm. Daniel Garin (Z3) of Taos received a bottle of Gruet Brut Route 66 for traveling the farthest distance to attend, while Paul Aragon (M440i) was recognized for entering the highest-mileage BMW in the People’s Choice competition. The sparkling wine, generously donated by NM Chapter President Phil Undercuffler, is a special limited-edition release from Gruet Winery commemorating the 100th anniversary of Route 66.
If you have not attended a New Mexico Chapter Clean Car Show before, picture yourself pulling into the scenic NM Veterans Memorial grounds, surrounded by rows of BMWs, talking cars with fellow enthusiasts, and supporting a great cause while enjoying a relaxed morning with the BMW community. We hope to see even more members join us next year.
