Founders on the Fast Track

Kris

Alright, welcome back to the Golden State MB Car Club Podcast—Driven by Legacy! I’m Kris, and I’m here with my partner in crime, Donald. Today’s a big one, man. We’re talking about the launch of the club and what it means to be one of the first 25 members. This is like, the ground floor, right?

Donald

Absolutely, Kris. You know, there’s something special about being part of the founding group. I mean, you’re not just joining a club—you’re helping to build it. The first 25, they get to set the tone, decide what kind of events we run, what the vibe is, all that. It’s like, you’re steering the ship from day one.

Kris

Yeah, and I gotta say, I’ve been in a couple car clubs before, but nothing beats that feeling of being there at the start. You get to see your ideas actually turn into real events, real traditions. Like, I remember in my last club, we started this midnight canyon run—totally member-driven, and it became the thing everyone looked forward to. That’s the kind of influence you get as a founding member here.

Donald

And the perks aren’t bad either. I mean, we’re talking early access to events, special offers—like, the first ten members get a big discount on the Buttonwillow track day. That’s not something you see every day. Plus, you get to help decide what kind of technical sessions we offer, what kind of merch we make, all that good stuff.

Kris

Exactly! And, honestly, it’s not just about the perks. It’s about having your voice heard. If you’re passionate about Mercedes-Benz, this is your shot to help shape the club’s future. I mean, who doesn’t want to say, “Yeah, I helped start that”?

Donald

Speaking of perks, let’s talk about that Buttonwillow Raceway event. Man, if you’re into performance driving, this is the place to be. Buttonwillow’s got, what, over 40 different track layouts? It’s a playground for anyone who loves to push their car a little—or a lot.

Kris

Yeah, and it’s not just for the pros. Like, if you’re new to track days, Buttonwillow is super welcoming. There’s a layout for every skill level. And the technical sessions—those are gold. You get to learn about your car, how to handle it better, maybe even squeeze out a little more performance. I mean, who doesn’t want to shave a second off their lap time?

Donald

You know, my first time at Buttonwillow, I was nervous as heck. I’d done some spirited driving before, but nothing like a real track. I remember pulling onto the straight, heart pounding, and just thinking, “Alright, let’s see what this old Benz can do.” And, man, the adrenaline rush—there’s nothing like it. But what really stuck with me was how supportive everyone was. Folks were sharing tips, helping each other out in the paddock. It’s not just about speed, it’s about learning and having fun together.

Kris

That’s what I love about these events. It’s not a competition, it’s a community. And, hey, if you’re one of those first ten members, you’re getting a sweet deal on that track day. Just saying.

Kris

But it’s not all about the track, right? The club’s about building a real community. We’ve got social events, rallies, online forums—ways for everyone to connect, whether you’re into vintage SLs or the latest AMG.

Donald

Yeah, and don’t forget the club-branded merch. I know it sounds silly, but there’s something about rocking a jacket or a hat with the club logo that just makes you feel like you’re part of something bigger. It’s like, you see someone at a gas station with the same patch, and suddenly you’re swapping stories about your cars.

Kris

Totally. And, you know, Mercedes-Benz has this way of bringing people together. I mean, we’ve talked about it before—whether it’s the legacy of the brand, the engineering, or just the shared passion, it creates this instant bond. Like, I met a guy at a meet last year who’d driven his W123 across the country. We ended up talking for hours about road trips, breakdowns, all that. That’s the kind of camaraderie we want to build here.

Donald

And it’s not just the cars, it’s the people. The stories, the experiences, the little tips you pick up along the way. That’s what makes a club like this special. It’s not just about horsepower—it’s about connection.

Donald

Looking ahead, we’ve got some pretty exciting stuff in the works. We’re planning exclusive VIP track days, meet-and-greets with Mercedes-Benz engineers—yeah, you heard that right—and even a heritage drive where we’ll showcase classic models. I mean, imagine seeing a row of vintage Benzes cruising down the coast. That’s the dream, right?

Kris

Oh, and we’re rolling out a new member-driven thing on the forum. We want folks to share their driving tips, customization stories, maybe even some DIY fixes. It’s all about learning from each other. Like, you never know who’s got the secret to getting that stubborn window switch working again.

Donald

And if you’ve got a story about your car—maybe a road trip, a restoration, whatever—bring it to the heritage drive. We want to hear it. That’s how we keep the legacy alive, by sharing what these cars mean to us.

Kris

Alright, that’s gonna do it for today. If you’re thinking about joining, now’s the time. Be one of the first 25, help us build something awesome, and get in on all the action. Donald, always a pleasure, man.

Donald

Right back at you, Kris. Thanks for tuning in, everyone. We’ll catch you next time on the Golden State MB Car Club Podcast. Stay driven!