Museum offers trip into classic hot rod pastime
Campus Times
October 29, 1999
Labeled as "the world's fastest and quickest Oldsmobile,"
the fuel dragster, built in 1964, was raced by Ken Stafford at every Southern
California strip. This car is an exact recreation of the original by the
original builder and owners. The fuel dragster can reach speeds in excess
of 200 mph within a quarter of a mile. The National Hot Rod Association
Motorsports Museum, located at the Fairplex in Pomona, displays many racing
cars including famous winning cars and oval track challengers. Also, the
museum houses a gift shop and plans to add a research library and a multimedia
classroom.
Home of such memorabilia as historical dragsters, roadsters, funny cars
and photographs dating as far back as 1929, the National Hot Rod Association
(NHRA) Motorsports Museum is open to the public to display the artifacts
of this American past time.
A formal ribbon-cutting ceremony served as the grand opening celebration
of the museum last April. Since then, NHRA members and California and out-of-state
residents who appreciate hot rods have come to see the attraction.
The 28,500 square-foot museum also features helmets, driving uniforms,
trophies and paintings belonging to the sport's top competitors of all time.
"Like any other museum, it is valuable to preserve whatever your
interest is. This happens to be racing and cars," said Steve Gibbs,
NHRA vice president and museum director.
Gibbs contributed much of his personal time into the museum's construction,
which began in 1996. He has been a vital factor in the growth of the NHRA
Winston Drag Racing since 1969.
"It is very important to preserve our history, not only the cars,
but the archival information in terms of photography and the printed words
as far as publications," he said.
Residing in the center of the museum, near the entrance, is a gold-painted
15-foot statue of Wally Parks, the NHRA founder and chairman. Around the
huge representation are the main attractions of the museum.
Some of these prominent attractions are Kenny Bernstein's 1992 Budweiser
King top fuel dragster, the first car to break the 300 mph barrier in NHRA
competition; "Big Daddy" Don Garlits' 1971 Swamp Rat, the first
successful rear-engine dragster; and Tommy Ivo's 4-engine "Showboat,"
drag racing's most famous exhibition vehicle.
Also included are Warren Johnson's 1997 GM Goodwrench Pontiac Firebird,
the first Pro Stock machine to crack the 200 mph barrier; Mickey Thompson's
Challenger, which set a one-way American land speed record of over 400 mph;
and many others. There are close to 50 automobiles total.
The museum contains a combination of cars that have either been restored
and donated or loaned to museum officials for an extended period of time,
making up a full-toned collage of hot rodding from its roots to today's
300 mph drag racing sport.
Other features the museum offers include a gift shop and facilities
for personal meetings, press conferences and private parties.
"I think this is a real valuable asset to any community. We get
a lot of good responses from the people who grew up in this area to come
back and see these vehicles and things from the past. It is a nice way to
remember the good times of your life," said Gibbs.
Financially, the museum is supported by individual members of the NHRA
who submit donations, along with staging an annual event called the California
Hot Rod Reunion. All proceeds from this year's reunion, which took place
two weeks ago in Bakersfield, go to the museum.
The museum is open year-round, Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to
5 p.m., except for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Extended hours are posted
during special Fairplex events such as the Los Angeles County Fair.
Admission is $5 for adults; $3 for seniors, 60 and older; $3 for juniors,
6 through 15; and free for children under 5. Current NHRA members are admitted
free of charge.
The NHRA Museum is located at the Fairplex, Gate 1, 1101 W. McKinley
Avenue in Pomona. For more information, call (909) 622-2133.
