Torque Staff Report
Welcome to the Seven Slot Dispatch, our weekly aggregation of Jeep news and events from around the automotive landscape. Every week, we’ll be shifting into low range to bring you the latest news, gear drops, and industry moves shaping the Jeep world.
Whether it's fresh concept news from Moab, Utah, new initiatives from Stellantis, a dive into Jeep’s latest model, or a closer look at the community that's been living the Jeep life for decades, you'll find it all here — served up with the same grit and passion that built the brand itself.
Here’s the latest news and information.
Sandy Showdown: Nearly 2,000 Jeeps Conquer Wildwood Beach
The New Jersey Jeep Invasion returned July 11–13 to Wildwood, drawing almost 2,000 Jeeps, 83 vendors, 15 food trucks, and thousands of spectators to the beach right near the city’s Convention Center
Torrential rain threatened the event earlier in the week, flooding setup areas and forcing organizers to shift vendors to drier ground—and recalibrate beach parking.
“Parking was 10X harder,” said event founder Jamie Longmuir. “But the team pulled it off”
On the beach, attendees tackled a sandy obstacle course featuring hills, water-fords, and high berm turns designed by Rausch Creek’s Bernie Gardula. Off-road seminars and recovery demos by Quadratec Trail Boss Kyle Buchter added hands-on learning to the mix.
A strong community spirit was on display as participants donated canned food to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, earning raffle tickets for gear prizes. With the event’s 13th year under its belt and plans for 2026 already underway, the Wildwood beach takeover proved once again why it's one of the East Coast’s premier Jeep gatherings.
Jeep CJ-2A Turns 80 — Celebrating the Civilian Jeep That Started It All
This week marked a historic milestone for Jeep fans everywhere. On July 17, 1945, Willys-Overland officially introduced the Jeep CJ-2A — the first civilian Jeep and a direct descendant of the battle-proven Willys MB. Designed to transition from war to work, the CJ-2A brought four-wheel drive to American farms, fields, and backroads with its now-iconic flat-fender silhouette and legendary Go-Devil engine.
Unlike its military forebear, the CJ-2A added key features like a tailgate, side-mounted spare, and even a windshield wiper — early steps in making Jeep a household name. Just over 214,000 were built between 1945 and 1949, but their impact laid the foundation for generations of trail rigs and weekend warriors to come.
Eighty years later, the CJ-2A remains a symbol of grit, simplicity, and freedom. Whether restored and cruising a car show or still turning wheels off-pavement, this “Civilian Jeep” continues to embody the spirit of adventure that defines the Jeep brand.
Maryland Man Wins Big in Stellantis National Sweepstakes, Drives Off in 2025 Ram 1500
One lucky Jeep fan—and proud Maryland resident—just turned a dream into reality. Stellantis recently named Parkville’s Hassan Smiley as the grand prize winner of its 2024 National Sweepstakes, handing him a $100,000 voucher good toward the purchase of any new Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram or FIAT vehicle.
Smiley chose a brand-new 2025 Ram 1500 Tungsten Crew Cab and picked it up at Jones Junction in Bel Air, Maryland. The luxurious, full-featured truck will now serve as his family’s ultimate adventure vehicle.
“It means so much to us,” Smiley said. “Now we can go camping, travel, and head off-road anytime.”
Entries for the sweepstakes were collected both online and at dozens of Stellantis events across the country—including Camp Jeep®, Easter Jeep Safari, Dodge Thrill Rides, and more.
Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion Returns: Aug 21–23 in Pigeon Forge, Tenn
The 13th annual Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion is quickly approaching, and is set for August 21–23, 2025** at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
Event organizers expect another massive gathering with over 20,000 Jeeps, more than 300 indoor and outdoor vendors, and a full showcase of custom rigs. From suspension kits and lighting to rooftop tents and vintage restorations—the event offers top vendors and manufacturers from across the Jeep spectrum.
Additionally, the GSMJI hosts a Show & Shine competition, evening Jeep cruises through town, and group trail rides every 30 minutes at nearvy Bluff Mountain.
The event runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day and admission is $20 per adult per day, $10 for kids ages 6–12, and free for children under 5—tickets available only on-site.
With Pigeon Forge attracting more than 12 million visitors annually, the GSMJI event offers plenty of local flavor with restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and lodging—all set against the stunning backdrop of the Smoky Mountains.
