About

ABOUT SOUTHLAND CAR CLUB

Club History

The Club was formed in 1988 when a group of car enthusiasts gathered at the Southland Winery Grape Festival. It all started when Harvey Eubanks suggested, "Let's start a car club," leading to the creation of a community that still thrives today. Initially, nine members joined, and some are still actively involved.
The club held its first car show in 1990 at Carolina Pottery in Smithfield, NC, attracting 204 registered cars. Proceeds from this and subsequent shows have supported various charitable organizations over the years.
One of the club’s proudest accomplishments is the creation of a $10,000 endowment at Johnston Community College, which has grown to $25,000 through the continued dedication of our members. Since June 1995, the interest from this endowment has funded a $500 annual scholarship. In years when the interest did not fully cover the amount, the club stepped in to make up the difference, ensuring the scholarship remained steady.
In 2025, Southland expanded its support for local education by donating $500 to each of the 12 high schools in Johnston County. These contributions were made possible through the proceeds from our Cruise-Ins and Car events throughout the year. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended and helped support our mission.

Pictured here are our charter members, Harvey and Edna Eubanks. By 2009, Harvey had dedicated 12 years as President of the Club, having previously served as Vice President in 2003 and as a Board Member in 1993, 2000, and 2008. Edna has been an invaluable partner, serving as Secretary and Treasurer in 1989 and again as Secretary from 1990 to 1992. She also contributed as a Board Member from 2002 to 2005 and once more in 2009.

We are incredibly fortunate to have such devoted individuals in our community and club. Their tireless efforts and commitment to our organization have greatly enriched our mission, and we deeply appreciate their contributions.

JOHNSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP FUND

All Southland C.C. sanctioned events in 2025 will benefit the Johnston Community College Scholarship Fund. This year, we are proud to support all 12 high schools in Johnston County, Thank you for supporting and participating in our club events — your involvement makes a lasting impact! 
Club President Tony Losada with some of this years recipients

2025 Recipients

CHLOE MURIEL NELSON  - Smithfield- Selma High - Howard University  - Biology
MICHELA MARTIN  - Virtual Academy - JCC - STEM
KAMORA ANDERSON  - CTLA - JCC - Appied Engineering
TYSHAUN STEWART  - South Johnston High - Mount Olive - Computer Science
EDUARDO VILLAPANDO OROZCO  - North Johnston High - JCC - Business Technology
XAVIER MOORE  - Choice Plus Academy - ECU/NC A&T - Mechanical Engineering

THOMAS DESPRES - West Johnston - Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Univ. - Aeronautical Engineer   
CHRISTOPHER CUNNINGHAM - Early College Academy - NC State - Nuclear Engineering
LILLIAN YOUNG - Cleveland High - JCC - Applied Engineering
JAZMIN TAYLOR - Clayton High - NC A&T - Physics
SAVANNAH LOCK - Corinth Holder High - JCC - Chemical Engineering
TUCKER McLEMORE - Princeton High - JCC/NC State - Aerospace Engineering

Members of the Southland Car Club of Smithfield celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, marking the opening of an 18-mile stretch of the six-lane toll road along N.C. 540. This new section will be accessible to the public starting Wednesday morning, September 25, 2024. The event highlighted the club's ongoing involvement in community initiatives and its passion for automotive culture.

Read more at: 
THE NEWS OBSERVER

Virginia Webb and Mayor William P. Elmore Jr. gathered at Sherry's Bakery in Dunn, NC, to present a donation check to St. Jude Children's Hospital. The check was made possible through the hard work of Southland Car Club volunteers during the St. Jude Car Show. This generous contribution reflects the club's commitment to supporting important causes and making a positive impact in the community.

2024 Scholarship Recipients