Going out with hubbys friends

So my husband likes going on group dates with his friends and their wives. I'm the one who suggested we do tonight because it makes him happy. I hate doing it though because he's been close friends with all these people even the wives for years and I am not close with any of them. I try to talk to them but they all talk for maybe a minute then go back to talking to eachother and about memories I wasn't present for and about cars and stuff I can't relate to. My husband is busy with them most of the night so I always end up feeling like a third wheel. I have told my husband this and he gets upset and says I need to try talking to them but I do and its never enough. It's hard talking to people who pretend you aren't there but I still try. Once again though it makes him happy so that's why I suggested it tonight but now i'm dreading it. Anyone else go through this or have any tips on what I can do to get to know these people better?