Drive through downtown Tipton on the first Friday of almost any month, and you’ll feel it before you see it—the low rumble of engines, the glint of chrome in the sun, and a sense that something a little nostalgic, a little rebellious and entirely authentic is happening.
That “something” is the Jackwagons Car Club.
At first glance, they might look like a typical bunch of car guys and gals gathered around muscle cars, rat rods and vintage cruisers. But talk to Brian Roberts, one of the group’s co-founders, and you’ll quickly discover the Jackwagons are much more than a car club—they’re a living, rolling expression of community spirit.
“We’re not here for trophies,” Roberts says with a grin. “We’re here to have fun, support Tipton and bring people together. And if you’ve got a car—or even if you don’t—you’re welcome.”
The club has grown fast. What started as a small band of local car lovers has now evolved into a statewide network, with members joining from across Indiana. Their Facebook page boasts over 1,000 followers, and their monthly cruise-ins during Tipton’s First Friday events regularly draw 85 or more cars. It’s become a fixture for locals, a magnet for visitors and an undeniable engine of downtown energy.
The name “Jackwagons” itself is a nod to Roberts’ days playing slow-pitch softball and cracking jokes about those over-the-top “jackwagon” commercials of the early 2000s. “It was always a little tongue-in-cheek,” he explains, “but then it stuck. So, we embraced it.”
But don’t let the name fool you—the club has heart.
“We’ve got people in our group who don’t even own a car,” Roberts says. “They just like being around the atmosphere. They come to our breakfast, sit under tents at shows and enjoy the friendships. It’s about fellowship, not perfection.”
There are no dues, no formal meetings, no pressure. Instead, there are Hot Wheels giveaways at Christmastime, scholarships for trade school students and donations to local causes like the Humane Society and veterans groups. This summer, the Jackwagons even commissioned a handmade metal park bench honoring veterans—crafted from scratch by Med Creek Welding—and donated it to a local site.
“Kids need good leadership today,” Roberts says, pausing. “They need someone who shows up. That’s what we’re trying to do.”
The club’s reach extends beyond Tipton. On weekends, it’s not unusual for caravans of classic cars to head out to events in Fairmount, Plymouth, Roanoke or even Madison. Routes are posted on Facebook, and members join in wherever they can—sometimes hopping in mid-route to cruise alongside the group.
“It’s kind of like a throwback,” Roberts adds. “Old-school community, just done with a little more horsepower.”
Roberts runs the club alongside Heath Moreland, a well-known name in Tipton whose roots run deep in the community. Together, they’ve built more than a club—they’ve built a movement. One that’s inspired older residents to dust off their rides and younger generations to dream of metal flakes and pinstripes.
“We’ve had some of the older guys—70s, 80s—who used to cruise downtown back in the day,” Roberts says, smiling. “They told us, ‘I thought we’d never see this again.’ But now they’re parking on the square, just like old times.”
Their vision is simple but powerful: build something joyful, inclusive and lasting. And judging by the growing turnouts and community engagement, they’re well on their way.
As Roberts puts it, “We just want to have a blast—and remind people what it feels like to slow down, connect and be part of something real.”
Want to join in or just see what the buzz is about? Follow the Jackwagons Car Club on Facebook, or better yet—take a trip to Tipton on the next First Friday. The engines will be revving, the laughs will be flowing and the Jackwagons will be there—doing what they do best.
For more information, contact Brian Roberts at jackwagonscarclub@yahoo.com or call 765-860-9944.
