The aroma of freshly-cut October grass hangs in the air of a quiet neighborhood in Baton Rouge, but the mid-week tranquility is about to receive a friendly jolt. After running some morning errands and shaking off the residue of a 22-hour flight from Argentina two nights ago, one of the state capital's local heroes is getting ready to enjoy a day off.

Kenny Neal is standing in the driveway of his unassuming beige home, circling one of his prized possessions: a 1947 two-tone royal blue and c...