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High-caliber cars turn out for Matt Stutzman Car Show
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
BRIGHTON – The Second Annual Matt Stutzman Car Show was a huge success, one of many events held during this past weekend’s Brighton Whoopee Days.
Stutzman, known as the “Armless Archer” for his prowess with a bow despite having no arms, said he was pleased with the turnout for the show, which was nearly 50 cars, about 15-20 more than last year.
“People brought cars from 2.5 hours away, which is pretty amazing for a small car show in Brighton,” Stutzman said. “The caliber of cars was phenomenal.”
All car registrants get to vote on their favorite car, and Stutzman picks his own favorite, too. This year, Gabe and Kellie Golla of Marion won Best of Show, Veteran’s Award, Top 2 Class Award and the Matt Stutzman Choice Award. The Spectator’s Choice Award went to Ted Pacha.
In 2024, Stutzman won a gold medal in archery at the Paralympic Games in Paris. Apart from archery, automobiles are another one of his main passions. In fact, he said he doesn’t get to attend many other car shows because he’s busy drag racing. He competed in a race last month in Eddyville, and he plans to run his car at the upcoming Crash the Clunkers event 7 p.m. Sunday at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, where his wife Jessica will be running her car as well.
“We’ll be doing some laps with our cars,” Stutzman said.
Brighton Chamber of Commerce Director Chuck Emry said Whoopee Days was a success, and that the chamber is going to work hard to make it even better next year. He said he’s been friends with Stutzman for a few years, and was the one who floated the idea of Stutzman hosting the car show.
“He grew up in Brighton for a while, so when I called him about the car show, I asked, ‘Would you mind if we named it the Matt Stutzman Car Show?’ and he was super excited,” Emry said.
Emry recalled that the first time he met Stutzman was at Skeeter Hidy’s shop in Fairfield. Emry was working under a car, and Stutzman came up to introduce himself.
“He goes, ‘I’ll give you a hand,’ and just shrugs his shoulders. He’s hilarious,” Emry said. “I’m blessed to consider him a friend.”
Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com
