South OC Cars & Coffee Co-Founder James Wehr Dies in Irvine McLaren Crash

Key points

• James Wehr, 27, and 22-year-old Alexis Kramer died in a crash involving a 2019 McLaren on September 13, 2026.
• The crash occurred around 12:20 a.m. at Culver Drive and Deerfield Avenue in Irvine, California.
• The vehicle struck a curb and tree at high speed, splitting in two and catching fire.
• Wehr was co-founder of South OC Cars and Coffee, described as the 'largest weekly car show in the world.'
• It remains unclear who was driving the vehicle at the time of the crash.

Background

James Wehr was a prominent figure in Southern California car culture, co-founding South OC Cars and Coffee with his father, Simon. The event, held weekly at The Outlets at San Clemente, attracts hundreds of enthusiasts and has gained global attention. Wehr also collaborated with aftermarket companies like VF Engineering and 1016 Industries. His death has prompted widespread tributes from the automotive community, highlighting his role as a 'community builder' and positive influence on car culture.

How outlets are covering it

Road & Track and the Orange County Report both confirm the fatal crash of James Wehr and a second occupant in a 2019 McLaren in Irvine. Road & Track notes that the second victim was identified as 22-year-old Alexis Kramer by The New York Post, while the Orange County Register initially reported that the second person's identity was not publicly available. Both sources agree that it is unclear who was driving. The Orange County Register provides additional context on Wehr's role in the car community, quoting tributes from VF Engineering owner Nik Saran and SEMA representative Victor Muñoz, emphasizing Wehr's positive impact and community-building efforts. Road & Track focuses more on the crash details and Wehr's automotive collaborations.

Why it matters

The death of James Wehr, a key figure in Southern California car culture, has sparked widespread mourning and reflection on the impact of car enthusiasts on local communities. The crash also raises questions about high-speed driving and vehicle safety, particularly with high-performance cars like the McLaren. The ongoing investigation by the Irvine Police Department may provide further insights into the cause of the crash.

What to watch

The Irvine Police Department's Major Accident Investigation team is continuing to investigate the crash. Authorities are asking anyone with additional information to contact them. The car community is expected to continue mourning Wehr and supporting the preservation of South OC Cars and Coffee.