H2Oi founder critical of Ocean City, police, Cruisin' car show
Shoup defends car show's image
Ryan Marshall
The founder of H2O International recently posted a letter to the event's website in an attempt to defend his position after heavy criticism of the car show.
Jay Shoup of Berlin addresses what he believes are public misconceptions of the 20-year-old event.
Shoup condemns Ocean City officials, police, misbehaving teenagers, other car shows and the media in his lengthy address.
The founder writes his car show has nothing to do with Ocean City, and it should not be blamed for the actions of a few who also have no connection with H2Oi.
The show most recently took place in Whaleyville before it was canceled last year, and attendees often stay in the nearby resort.
The event name "H2O" references modern-era Volkswagens and Audis that are water-cooled, rather than air-cooled. Shoup canceled the show in 2017, but drivers joined together in an H2Oi Facebook group with more than 35,000 members to organize a weekend in late September.
With the cancellation, Shoup writes that nothing should be labeled as H2Oi that occurred last year, arguing it's a different set of people and event.
More:Ocean City H2Oi event postponed until 2018
Shoup describes how H2Oi has developed an unfair reputation, writing that other car shows like Cruisin' and OC BikeFest cause unwanted activity yet are sanctioned to be in town.
The "real" event in Whaleyville, he writes, does not cause issues and is completely different than what occurs in Ocean City.
Area car shows have struggled for years with ways to control the actions of those attracted to the gathering of these vehicles but who do not officially participate in the event.
Shoup writes he's offered to pay for more for law enforcement, help clean up and donate to the police department as an olive branch, but he's depicted as elusive figure by Ocean City leaders.
He also alleged media outlets of sharing misinformation and not speaking with him. Delmarva Now has reached out to Shoup many times in previous years with no response.
More:Read the full letter here
Background
More:Bill passes to enforce special event zones for car shows
More:H2Oi: Ocean City looks to stamp 'fun out' to regain control
More:H2Oi behavior 'appalling' to Ocean City officials
