The 2019 Chicago Auto Show started last Thursday and runs through Feb. 18 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. Debuting in 1901, it is the largest auto show and has been held more times than any auto show in the country. More than 1,000 vehicles are on display across 1 million square feet of McCormick Place.

The show opened with a special media preview. Comedian Adam Carolla was representing Castrol EDGE, and I got the first interview with him.

A noted car enthusiast, Carolla told me his favorite place to get away from everything is his shop in Glendale, California. He stated, “If I can get some time and organize nuts and bolts and monkey around with the cars, it’s a good head clearing thing.”

Sticking with the car theme, Carolla talked about his love for Laguna Seca in central California. The track is a big part of his passion for the area, but he also loves how beautiful it is, nestled in the hills.

Carolla’s passion for cars runs deep. A serious collector, he has more than 20 racer and classic cars. He has also won professional races.

Of the cars he owns, Carolla named a Porsche 935 race car as the favorite. Previously driven by Paul Newman, Bobby Rahal and several others, it has a rich history, including several wins. His dream cars include a BMW M1 Procar and a Newman Ferrari 308.

After the media session, Carolla looked forward to checking out the race cars on the show floor. You don’t have to be a car hound to love the show, though. I am not really a “car guy,” but once a year I enjoy seeing all of the new models, the specialty cars and more at the Chicago Auto Show.

— John Wroblewski, online writer