Michael Hernandez, the official “leader of the pack” for the Alaska Miata Club (AKMC), based in Anchorage with members across Alaska, hit the open roads on Sunday, August 31st, for a Sunday drive to Seward with his fellow AKMC members. We asked him to share news about the AKMC, and were gifted with this season wrap-up…
Finishing strong for the 2025 season, the last five official events were blessed with great weather and great people. The Memorial Poker Run, the Father’s Day Lodge Run, the Anchorage Independence Day Parade, Over Hatcher Pass, and the Jay Ofsthun Car Show were memorable.
Memorial Day is dedicated to those who paid the ultimate price. The AKMC also remembers our fallen during each stage of the Poker Run card process—five stops where the winner gets a fabulous prize and lunch at the Palmer Alehouse. Stops include Twin Peaks Treat in Eklutna, the Kink River Lodge, and Hatcher Pass.
Our Father’s Day Lodge Run over the years brings people out. A spirited run north to Long Rifle Lodge gets a view of the Matanuska Glacier as we break bread together. There was only one construction stop to slow us down.
The fourth of July was on a Friday this year, and the AKMC was in the Independence Day Parade. It looked grim, as many members had other plans, including the Glacier View Vehicle Launch, but they were charging this year. I was able to contact members to come out and play. AKMC represented seven deep with two NAs and their pop-ups up front. In 3rd was OTAKU with his manga paint job. 4th was an eyelashed NB. If that wasn’t enough, we had American Flags, kids waving, pets, and passengers wishing the crowd a wonderful 4th. Pulling up the rear was an ND with racing numbers. It was a total blast!
The AKMC offers one off-road event. That is over Hatcher Pass to Willow. The weather was great for the July 13th run, and we had up to 7 cars show up, but only 5 Miatas braved the pass. We had lunch at Family’s Restaurant in Big Lake.
The 5th event was the Jay Ofsthun Show ‘n Shine Car Show at the Delaney Parkstrip on August 3rd. This year, I brought two Miatas to the Parkstrip: LEELOO in Hot Wheel theme and OTAKU with the Manga paint scheme. We tried saving parking spots as other people were trying to squeeze in. Luckily, Miatas are small, and we had five members show up, with two who arrived later and had to park elsewhere. While we are there, we promote our club, speak to people that we only meet at the yearly car show, and give Mazda Hot Wheels to kids. Over the years, the AKMC leaves the car show at 12 pm to actually cruise, as our members don’t like to “hard park” too long.
The AKMC 2025 Season has one Official Event left, The Leaf Peeper Run to Talkeetna on September 14th. We meet up at 10:00 AM at Taco Bell, also known as BroBell, located on Old Seward Highway, and roll out at 10:30 AM. Valley Peeps Three Bears on New Glenn and then to Talkeetna for late lunch.
We hope to close it out strong. All are welcome. Come out and play with us. See you at the next event.