Northern Minnesota’s fastest growing car club

Automotive enthusiasts come together in Bemidji, Minnesota

 By Taylor Klinke

Everyone knows someone who enjoys working with cars - whether it is your dad, brother, or a friend. They’re the ones who change your oil or help with a flat tire - Or the ones who are constantly upgrading their vehicles with the latest sound systems, etc. A lot of people enjoy working with vehicles and now Bemidji has a club for all local automotive enthusiasts.  

Club Redline is a local car club based in Bemidji and currently consists of 35 members. “We do not cater to a specific style of car, but to the actual person who has an interest in modified cars and trucks,” said Chris Nelson.

Club Redline was formed in 2006 by BSU junior and club president - Chris Nelson. “I wanted to get all automotive enthusiasts in the area connected in a group because one did not exist.” 

Chris decided to start this club after seeing movies and being involved in other groups who enjoyed the same hobby. After brainstorming he recruited three of his friends to put flyers on cars around the Bemidji area – and within two months they went from 4 members to 125 members.

BSU senior - Brian Dahlin joined Club Redline in 2006 after Chris Nelson approached two of his friends while they were out driving around. “I joined because I’ve always had a passion for cars,” He said. “About seventy percent of my thoughts are occupied by something automotive and I like the fact that I have a local forum full of people with the same passion.”

The car club comprises all styles, makes, and models – new and old, import and domestic. Chris Nelson owns a 1985 Pontiac Fiero GT and a 2005 Nissan 350z while Brian Dahlin owns a 1996 Jeep Cherokee and a 2000 Honda Civic.

Club Redline hosts the Club Redline Street Show every June in Bemidji – it is either held indoors at the John Glas Fieldhouse or at various outside venues. They also participate in out-of-town car shows such as the Tintmasters Motorsports Perfect 10 Car Show and also do a lot of drag racing events at the racetracks in Brainerd and Sabin – which is near Moorhead. 

Initially, there was no membership requirement for Club Redline, but since 2009 a flat rate of $35 is required to join and you also need to have at least $1,000 in modifications or upgrades done to your car or truck. 

“Recently in Bemidji the car scene has become increasingly older and more mature,” said Dahlin. “People no longer see the joy in going out for a weekend cruise or a short cruise on a weeknight. I’m guilty of this - I see the fun but I am too busy in my final year of school to be able to go out and cruise when only two other people show up.”

Every Thursday night Club Redline hosts “Thursday Night Cruises” – which is open to the public. Members and Bemidji residents interested meet at a predetermined location with their vehicles and then drive through town and the surrounding area before parking together at a local restaurant to enjoy a meal.

Club Redline is a growing community of automotive enthusiasts in the Bemidji area – started by Bemidji State University students. It is the perfect club for anybody who is interested in cars, drag racing, and modifications. If your interests are new to cars and modifications – this is a club where you’ll be able to learn a lot about how vehicles work. 

You’ll be surrounded by a lot of enthusiasts who know what they’re talking about and are willing to share their expertise.   

If you want to find out more information, visit www.clubredline.net

Brian Dahlin's 2000 Honda Civic

Photo from Brian Dahlin

Chris Nelson's car parked outside of
the Bemidji location Tintmasters

Photo by Taylor Klinke

Chris Nelson's 350z Nissan that he bought in Florida.
He flew down to FL and then drove this car all the way back to Bemidji.

Photo by Taylor Klinke