For most people, a car is a means of transportation from point A to point B, but for the members of Le Pit Club, a vehicle is a piece of art, and a reason for community. Originally established in Lafayette, this car club has officially expanded, bringing its “Cars and Coffee” energy to the heart of Moraga. While the Lafayette Pit Stop begins early at 8:00 am with fresh donuts and coffee, the Moraga Pit Stop, located at 380 Moraga Road, kicks off at 10:00 am, allowing cars and their enthusiasts to park in neat rows and converse in the morning air. 

The Moraga location is more than a convenient place to talk; it is a trip through time. Long-time friends Bob Marks and Ron Hait, both Campolindo High School alumni, are members of Le Pit Club and bring a unique perspective. To them, this parking lot is both a meeting spot and a landmark of their youth.

"We used to meet in this very parking lot back then," Ron shares, pointing to the parking lot that has served Moraga for decades. Whether you are a "Porsche guy" or just starting your journey, the club’s philosophy is “Everyone is welcome”.

 "It doesn't matter what you have, what condition it's in," Bob says. "You bring what you have, and people want to know about it. It’s rolling art."

This lack of pretense is what makes the Moraga meetup a destination for all walks of life. For members like John & Jennifer Datlen, joining the club was a way to reclaim their time after years of prioritizing their children. Now that their kids are grown, the Datlens are spending time together and found a community that welcomes them with open arms.

"We had kids young, so it was all about them," John explains. "Now they’re grown up, they can support themselves, and we can spend the money!" he jokes. The Datlens have since acquired cars, including a 2007 BMW Z4 and two Porsches, making the drive from American Canyon specifically for the community they’ve found here. Jennifer notes that, unlike brand-specific clubs that can feel like closed-door societies, Le Pit Club has "no feeling of exclusivity." It’s a place where a passion for cars- whether vintage or modern, European or Japanese- is the only requirement to join. 

The scene also functions as a sort of classroom for a generation that rarely sees an auto shop in school anymore. Experts and enthusiasts alike, Brad H., a docent at the Blackhawk Museum, treats the lot like a living gallery.  Brad often coordinates his wardrobe to match his machines. “I’m wearing my black Le Pit Club hat today because I brought the black ’57 Thunderbird," Brad says.  For Brad, the Moraga meetup represents a fresh chapter. He’s noticed a younger energy taking root in the Moraga lot, a vital sign for a culture that relies on the next generation. "Whether it’s a modern high-tech machine or a classic in primer, everyone just sits around and chats." He recalls a moment where he and a couple of other members parked their black Thunderbird next to a black '57 Chevy Nomad, and a black '56 Buick, three different manufacturers, one shared aesthetic, all together in a parking lot. 

Behind the logistics of these gatherings is Jill Hoover, the club’s Events Manager, who views the club as a bridge between car connoisseurs and the towns they inhabit. 

"It’s about building the community within ourselves, but also making sure we give back," Jill says. From partnering with Round Table Pizza for watch parties to supporting the Milo Foundation dog rescue, the club’s footprint extends far beyond parking lot lines. The Moraga location has quickly developed its own personality, where members might grab brunch at Town Bakery or take advantage of club discounts at Round Table Pizza. 

As noon approaches, the cars trickle onto Moraga Road to return to their respective garages. In a world that often sequesters us to be in front of a screen, Le Pit Club provides a reason to park the car and connect the old-fashioned way, allowing us to realize that life is always better when you have a community in your rearview mirror.