Kurman Clients on WGN TV's Midday News

The 47th Annual CARQUEST World of Wheels, presented by South Oak Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep is rolling into town this weekend at Chicago's McCormick Place-Lakeside and WGN TV anchor Steve Sanders had the scoop on the Midday news today. Bob Millard from The Car Show Association brought the eye-catching "Atomic Punk" hot rod to the WGN studios and talked to Sanders about the show running Jan. 23-25, along with more than 400 custom cars and motorcycles like the Atomic Punk.

Later on in WGN's Midday News segment, Executive Chef Robert Packer of pan-Asian restaurant Karma (510 E. Route 83, Mundelein; 847-970-6900) helped WGN anchor Dina Bair prepare Crispy Golden Pork Won Ton, a special dish off Karma's Chinese New Year menu to celebrate the Year of the Ox. Chef Packer showed how easy this Asian dish is to make at home. Ring in the Chinese New Year January 26 through January 31 at Karma. Call (847) 970-6900 or visit www.karmachicago.com to make a reservation.

Celebrities to attend CARQUEST World of Wheels in Chicago, Jan. 23-25

The 47th Annual CARQUEST World of Wheels, presented by South Oak Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep is quickly approaching. Aside from the hundreds of custom hot rods and motorcycles that will be at the event Jan. 23-25, the lineup includes a number of guest appearances from celebrities, including:

George Barris, "King of Kustomizers" and creator of the original Batmobile in TV's "Batman" starring Adam West; the Monkee Mobile from TV's "The Monkees"; the 1980s KITT Firebird from TV's "Knight Rider" and Drag-U-La from "The Munsters." These cars will all be at the show as part of a special tribute to America's Coolest TV Cars. Barris is lucky enough to be receiving a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the Legends of Motorsports Guild during a special brunch Saturday morning. You can meet Barris yourself Friday, 7 p.m.-9 p.m., Saturday, 1 p.m.-4 p.m. and 7 p.m.-9 p.m. or Sunday, 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

Also at the event will be original member of "The Monkees," Micky Dolenz. Catch him at CARQUEST World of Wheels Saturday, 12:30 p.m.-5 p.m. A portion of Dolenz' proceeds from attending the event will be donated to the Make A Wish Foundation, a charity that he is very fond of.

Two-time Indy 500 Winner and Season Five "Dancing with the Stars" champ, Helio Castroneves will be on hand Sunday 1 p.m.-3:30 p.m.

Other celebrity appearances include Moises Arias, known as "Rico" on Disney's Hannah Montana (Sunday, Noon-4 p.m.) plus Wolf and Venom from "American Gladiators" on Saturday, 1 p.m.-4 p.m. and 7 p.m.-9 p.m.

The CARQUEST World of Wheels event runs Friday, Jan. 23 through Sunday, Jan. 25 at McCormick Place-Lakeside in Chicago. Tickets are $16 for adults, $5 for children 6-12 and free for kids five and under. Visit http://www.worldofwheels.com/ for more information.

CARQUEST World of Wheels Revs Engines at Chicago's McCormick Place January 23-25

The 47th Annual CARQUEST World of Wheels, presented by South Oak Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep, will take place January 23-25, 2009 at Chicago's McCormick Place - Lakeside, (2301 S. Lakeshore Drive, Chicago, Ill.). Friday hours are: 3 p.m. until 10:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. until 10:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. A $16 admission cost per person ($5 for children under 12 years of age) will open the doors for one of the most action-packed weekends in Chicago.

Celebrating its 47th year in showcasing the country's best cars and motorcycles, CARQUEST World of Wheels will be exhibiting more than 400 of the country's most spectacular customized cars, as well as more than 100 of the nation's best custom built motorcycles in the "Cyclerama" exhibit. Nearly 345,000 square feet of exhibition space within McCormick Place Convention Center will be used to its fullest, as thousands of car enthusiasts will visit the convention center over the course of its three-day run.

CARQUEST World of Wheels is a three-day experience, full of displays and events, including a live charity auction featuring auto and music memorabilia, vendors, demonstrations and showcases.

"There will be a wide variety of automobiles and motorcycles," says show co-manager Bob Ashton, "ranging from local hobbyists bringing in their "pride and joy" to national magazine cover cars, street rods and muscle cars to race cars."

What will be seen at CARQUEST World of Wheels
From the "Rod 'N Custom 62" showcase featuring a well-chosen mix of traditional hot rods and customs, to educational displays aimed towards the young generation of car enthusiasts, CARQUEST World of Wheels will be a weekend to remember.

One of the highlights of the weekend will be the Legends of Motorsports Guild "Lifetime Achievement Award" Induction Ceremony, taking place on Saturday January 24, 2009 at 10 a.m. This ceremony will be celebrated with a brunch, and will honor exceptional individuals who have made an unforgettable impression, both locally and nationally, in the world of Motorsports. The awards are organized within three categories: Design/Manufacturing, Racing and Media. This year, the Legends of Motorsports Guild will honor George Barris, the "King of the Kustomizers"; Ron Colson, NHRA Hall of Fame Drag Racer; and Paul Brian, WLS Radio Motorsports announcer.

After celebrating Barris' "Lifetime Achievement" induction, patrons can see his famous pop culture cars on display. Check out TV's Batmobile from the original "Batman" series starring Adam West; the original 1980's K.I.T.T. Firebird from TV's "Knight Rider"; the Monkee Mobile from TV's "The Monkees" (with an appearance by original Monkee, Mickey Dolenz); and the Drag-U-La from TV's "The Munsters." Pop culture stars, Wolf and Venom of TV's "American Gladiators," will also be present to rile up the crowds.

Throughout the weekend, cars will compete for the prestigious Legend Cup, sponsored by CleanTools. This award will be given to the winning vehicle which best represents a combination of style, quality and craftsmanship during the CARQUEST World of Wheels weekend. An advisory board will choose the "Top Twenty" vehicles that best represent the CARQUEST World of Wheels, from which a select six vehicles will be chosen to advance in the competition for the esteemed Legend Cup. The introduction of the "Select Six" will be announced during the "Legends of Motorsports" brunch. The winner of the CleanTools Legend Cup will be awarded a beautiful perennial cup and presented with a check for $5,000.

CARQUEST World of Wheels patrons can expect to see much more than automobiles-the "Cyclerama" exhibit, presented by Oak Lawn Harley-Davidson, will fill the ballroom area of McCormick Place - Lakeside with customized motorcycles, motorcycle-specific vendors, star cycle-customizers, and celebrities.

Committed to educating future generations about the automotive industry, the 4th Annual CARQUEST World of Wheels Student Career Day will be held Friday, January 23, 2009 starting at 9 a.m. at McCormick Place - Lakeside. Participating students will have the chance to visit the CARQUEST World of Wheels show floor to see the vehicles and speak with sponsors and exhibitors before the event opens to the public. They will also be able to register for prizes like welders from Student Career Day sponsor, Miller Welding, participate in interactive exhibits and meet with human resource representatives from automotive related companies looking to hire interested young men and women.

CARQUEST World of Wheels is hoping to combine the worlds of auto and art with the Chicago Brush Masters Pinstripers Art Auction. This live auction will feature more than 300 professionally decorated pieces from artists from around the country. "All of the items offered are one-of-a-kind works painted by volunteer artists," explains Bob Ashton. Not only will their work be available for bidding, but artists will be on site all weekend, painting during open show hours.

Sightseeing is only half the fun of CARQUEST World of Wheels showcase when there is much shopping to do. A wide assortment of vendors will be exhibiting, offering the latest in car customization, technology and accessories, such as GM Performance Parts, Meguiar's and UCoat-It.

About CARQUEST World of Wheels
The 47th Annual CARQUEST World of Wheels, presented by South Oak Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep is produced by Championship Auto Shows, Inc. of Auburn Hills, Mich. Part of the GM Performance Parts Show Car Series and the International Show Car Association custom car competition, the show will take place January 23-25, 2009 at McCormick Place - Lakeside, (2301 S. Lakeshore Dr.; Chicago, Ill.). The event hours are Friday, 3 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, call (708) 361-2665 and visit the World of Wheels website at http://www.worldofwheels.com/.