Long-term members will know that the Puget Sound Chapter was part of BMW ACA until 2000. Our chapter was originally called BEPS—BMW Enthusiasts of Puget Sound. In 1972, the name was changed to BMW ACA, Puget Sound Region, giving us an affiliation with the Los Angeles and Portland chapters of BMW ACA.

In the late 1990s, the LA chapter joined BMW CCA. In 2000, our chapter did the same. The Portland chapter decided against joining BMW CCA, instead remaining the lone BMW ACA chapter. Meanwhile, a BMW CCA chapter was started in Portland.

Now comes word of the end of the last BMW ACA chapter, from Greg Meythaler via Motorsportreg.com:

Drivers,

After 53 years as a club, the BMW Automobile Club of America, Portland Chapter is dissolving as a club.

The BMW Automobile Club of America, Portland Chapter, was founded in Spring 1971 with a handful of drivers and BMW enthusiasts. Joining other ACA clubs such as Seattle, LA, and local clubs, the Portland ACA group flourished. For many years Portland was the sole remaining U.S. ACA organization.

Events including driving tours, Historics, Annual Holiday Banquet, monthly meetings, Rose Cups, Show & Shines, Track Days, were fun, informative, and were held for decades with 1000s of participants. As driving enthusiasts, we welcomed all BMWs and all other makes and models to our events.

The Club focused on track events over the past years and has experienced ever-increasing costs for insurance, track rental, with shrinking volunteer support services. So, after 53 years the decision has been made in 2024 to throw in the towel, park the car, and look for the next adventure.

We appreciate all the members and their contributions over the years, including the generous businesses that have supported the organization. It’s been a GREAT run.

Thanks everyone.