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For years, Jeep enthusiasts have been playfully placing rubber ducks on each other’s vehicles as a means of fostering community spirit. This quirky tradition has become so well-known among Jeep owners, particularly those with Wranglers, that even non-Jeep drivers are familiar with it. Now, another group of automobile aficionados is adapting and transforming this trend, as Chevy Camaro owners take to leaving small rubber sharks on each other’s cars.
Our first encounter with this new trend occurred when we came across a Reddit post a few days ago that inquired whether anyone was familiar with “Chevy sharking.” The Facebook community known as “Sharked Camaros” comprises nearly 3,200 members and has played a significant role in promoting this trend. However, the concept of placing rubber sharks on Camaros seems to have originated with Sharell Lester, a car enthusiast who drew inspiration from her scuba diving experience in Florida.
“My husband and I had just finished scuba diving at Lauderdale by the Sea,” Lester shared with The Drive. “After getting into the truck and scrolling through Facebook, an idea came to me. I had always appreciated the camaraderie within the Jeep community (as a former Jeep owner) and wanted to replicate that feeling with Camaros.”
The initiative is to place a rubber shark on the windshields of other Camaros, along with a cheerful note, to show appreciation for this community’s favorite sports car. When Camaro sharkers share their adventures on social media, they are encouraged to utilize specific hashtags, enabling their fellow enthusiasts to follow along with all the sharking activity. (Is that a record for the word “shark” in a single sentence?)
Prior to the formation of Sharked Camaros, Lester was active in a Facebook group called the “Lady Camaro Gang,” where she introduced the idea and initiated a poll to select a mascot. “Naturally, sharks came to mind first, not only because I’m fascinated by them, but also because the Camaro has always struck me as a sleek, powerful creature reminiscent of a shark,” Lester explained. “I immediately posted in the Lady Camaro Gang, a community for women who love their Camaros, allowing us to escape the ‘mansplaining’ often found with our cars. We held a vote, and sharks emerged victorious.”
Interestingly, Lester mentioned that she purchased her current Camaro—whom she named Gypsy—because it resembled a shark long before she conceived of the idea.
After leaving the Lady Camaro Gang, a friend named Melissa established Sharked Camaros on her behalf. While the initial group was mainly composed of women, everyone is now encouraged to join in on the fun. “It started this way primarily because I wanted to avoid potential complaints from men who might object to us touching their cars,” Lester noted. “It served as an accessible platform for organizing enthusiasts. Everyone is welcome to take part!”
This group, which features both men and women, continues to expand. Member John Carter remarked, “Many vehicles have shark antennae. This is likely because the Camaro is a fierce competitor, a ‘Mustang-eater’ akin to a shark.” He added, “Maybe the group founders can provide some insight. I even have a friend who prints sharks for us.”
Another member, Laura Johnson, expressed her enthusiasm: “I was first Sharked at a car show a couple of years ago and became hooked. I’ve met numerous Camaro owners across several states and always bring sharks along when I travel.” One participant even showcased a Camaro race car owned by famous drag racer Ryan Martin from Street Outlaws, adorned with a shark keychain on its blower.
What began as a lighthearted inside joke among a few Camaro fans is rapidly evolving into a recognized phenomenon. While it hasn’t reached the level of Jeep ducks—yet—these Camaro owners are fervent about their shark-themed tradition and the growing community around it, which is commendable especially as the Camaro faces a brief pause in production.
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