Santa Margarita Ranch Hot Rods at RPM NATIONALS Part 3

Here we are with the last lot of photos that I took whilst at the RPM Nationals on the weekend, with my Girlfriend Jennifer.

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Fantastic ambiance and just the commeraderie of the people that attended this event was something I wont forget in a hurry, what I liked about it was that there was no attitude, no Look at me, just fun people having a fun time.

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Sure hope that this becomes an annual event as I really did like this and wanted to take my own Model A, but its a little ways off of running correctly, but at least we got to ride our Motorcycles here and check out what was going on.

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Located in the foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountains, it is one of the most rural communities in San Luis Obispo Counties, this makes for such a grand event as the RPM NATIONALS and with an 1/8th mile of drag strip at the ready as its actually a runway, well, just makes sense to have this event really eh?

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I wanted to try and take some cool shots, I’m not one of those Professional chaps, I just hit the button on the camera and hope I get the shot I was after.

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I loved the Belly Tanks as they are so Post World War 2 Hot Rodding, and I had a P-38 Drop tank myself with a V8-60 Motor, so I was stoked to see 2 of these racing here.

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Amazing place and the weather was already warm and people were smiling as we could see all sorts of great Hot Rods enter onto the Tarmac to Battle it out between each other.

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Just breath taking countryside for as far as the eye can see, little has changed since the late 1940’s, so it felt like back in the day for me.

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Oh yeah, there was of course some Classic steeds there, sat right by the drag strip and loved seeing these, all part of that era, when the drags were on Bikes would turn up to, the need for speed is for all machines back then.

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Old Crow Speed Shop had their Flat Head powered 5 window Coupe attend and boy did that sound great, it was quick off the line, this Coupe sits so well, a very Period piece indeed.

 

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Lighting the Tires up as he leaves the line, Flathead V8  Motors sound unique as they Braaap on through the gears and I was so glad I was there to be able to share the moment, I took a few photos and this will be a long blog, but mostly all photos.

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Our friend from the Pasadena area Diane Branch  takes her 1929 Roadster out on the strip and does really well, I am all for Girl power and she put the steel to the floor and had a blast.

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Old Crow’s 32 Coupe lines up with Steve Caballero’s 36 Three window, both very cool Period rides and both gave it all they had on the 1/8th mile, it was awesome to watch these go.

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Miles of smiles is what could be seen all day, a great event at the RPM Nationals, Jennifer and I really loved the whole set up and you could not of asked for a better day to be honest.

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Come in number 59, your times up, this 5 window Model A gets set as he approaches the starting line.

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Grinning from ear to ear, that just shows how this event was received, a really fun event, even with no front brakes.

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The T & the A line up and await the Flag start, the old school way of racing and one I prefer as I would be terrible on a Tree.

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He we are with some more Classic Tin, this time a 1934 5 Window, against a Model T Roadster, Dont let Mr Bunny ears fool you, this was fast all day long.

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I loved this Roadster, the Flatty just sounded so torquey, sits well and is really a time capsul of coolness from back in the day.

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These 2 Roadsters were Bloody awesome, check out the windshield on 142 now thats unique and two great Vintage machines have a go down the Tarmac.

Above, Jay Dean of Nostalgia Ranch Calif- Gets all set in his Hop Up T Modified, Another mate of ours having fun and builds some serious machines too.

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This 1934 Roadster sits high and dry with No windshield and ready to lay some rubber down as he sits and awaits the Flag man for the off.

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Mr Chin in this Period T- Roadster, this was built back in the 1950’s and ran strong all day long without a pop or backfire, this was a dialed in Hot Rod and loved seeing this run.

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Friendly rivalry is the best and what a day, just look at the scenery and it is just a timeless feeling sat out there in the countryside.

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I took this to show the area, this is the return lane from the Drag strip, perfect scenery.

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Great to see these two Model A’s. one stock and the Other Chopped, both very cool and rare to see these days.

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I would love any of these rides, the 36 was great and ran with old Hollywood flippers too, a hard item to locate these days.

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Diane Branch’s 29 Roadster is pulling out to enter the track against a 5 Window Coupe of the same year.

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Getting ready to run the Gaunlet, Diane Branch in her trusty 1929 Model A Roadster, a great Hot Rod and so great to see Girls racing and there were a few too.

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Old Crow up against the 36 Coupe and 2 very rare cars to locate anywhere in the world these days, so it made it even more fun to be able to watch these compete with each other.

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Bunny Ears gets set, this was a fast machine and ran really consistently too.

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All day long these Hot Rods ran and they turned many heads, these were quickly getting through the staging lanes, no hanging about like you get at other shows, so this was super cool for the spectators as there was always some action going on for them.

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Another cool 28-29 Roadster, fully fendered of the El Vinos car Club, getting sorted out to run with a 34 Ford.

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At the line and ready to hit the loud pedal as the 34 Sedan sits patiently too.

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OLD CROW SPEED SHOP got a Ton of Runs in, never tire of looking at this period Piece, very cool and envious in a good way, have had a soft spot on that model, I had a Three window but the 5 Window Coupe was always more appealing to me but, we all have our favorites right?

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I loved this 5 window 1930 Model A, complete with Cowl lights and ran well, he must of had a ball driving this Coupe on the Track.

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The PF Flyers Roadster put down some quick times and this is another great ride, well they all are in their own way, I loved every Hot Rod out here and was so cool to see people wearing Old Coveralls and Helmets too, just to get the theme of the event bang on.

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Diane Branch of the Immortal car club is from Pasadena and she loves to race, Fabian of Vintage Hammer Garage is a great friend of mine too and helped build this ride, super people.

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Winner Winner Chicken Dinner, so stoked for Diane to grab the win against the very fast and consistent Roadster she ran against here on the 1/8th mile track.

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Jenn and I taking it all in and hopefully Next year can run my Model A, Jennifer is Itching to drive it too, will be so stoked seeing her behind the wheel of our Roadster.

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Mr Chin does it again, this originally built Hot Rod just Banged out run after Run and the 24 stud Motor sounded so sweet.

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How freaking cool is it to see a So-Cal Speed Shop Roadster Hitting the Track and No spring Chicken at the wheel.

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Love this, this is Hot Rodding of all years and this fella was here when it all began and to watch him go down the Tarmac was really something else.

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Such a sweet A-Bone too, Dago front end and Cleaner than a cats Arse too.

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Just love all the Nostalgia that was at this show, sure hope that this will continue to be an annual event as I really think that it was received very well indeed.

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Five window Model A is cruising in the countryside on the return road from the end of the Drag Strip, just looks so cool with this Rustic contrast.

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More Rustic Scenery that i thought I would share that were parked out in the sticks, what a cool line up too.

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This is another really cool Coupes that was parked up, loved the whole set up, those E&J headlights aint cheap no more.

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The other end of the old Runway was the pits as well as the vendors and people parked to watch the races in their Nostalgic machines.

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here is the other side of the Runway, with 4 Roadsters in a Row, awaiting their turn to race as others return from the track in the distance.

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Such a well built Roadster and she sounded just right with straight through pipes.

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Above is the Best shot I took, such great lines, and the background is so timeless, just blow the pic up and have a long hard stare, its a wicked Model A Roadster for sure.

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This time a cool Old School 30/31 Roadster sits on the side of the track, just waiting its turn to stretch its 4 Banger legs out, these were remarkably fast, some quicker than the V8’s too!

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The quincicential Hot Rod right there, Reminds me of my buddy Steve Dennish’s Roadster over our way, sits right and well Is right, wicked Hot Rod full stop!

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28/29 Parked up, on Deuce Rails, Tri power and 32 grill shell looks epic, loved the shot gun exhaust position.

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This 5 Window Coupe sits so well, 36 Torque tube headers, check out the Front brakes too.

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Looks like an Old coupe with the roof cut off and I love it, no rules in Hot Rodding and look how the swage lines still line up, this is a tight body and check out the v-Grooved headlight bar with Commercial BLC’s, Wickedly cool.

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There is something really appealing the way this 5 Window A-Bone is sat almost Majestically on the side of the race track, maybe it was enjoying the Vitamin D as the Sun shined on.

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Jenn and I loved this as the kids playing in Mom or dads 4 Banger Roadster, thats what it is all about right there, the next generation of Hot Rodders who hopefully will keep this flame alight.

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This 1940 Panel was an awesome speed shop Parts Getter, hard to find anywhere these days and loved the whole ride, nice one my friend.

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Taking in the Pits as these 2 cruise around in this Roadster, a very Period looking ride that I am sure could tell a few stories. yeah the youngster is on his cell phone but most probably saying “Mom!- This is so cool, I love this style of event, sell my hatch back I want a HOT ROD”!

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What is NOT to like on this fully fendered Roadster, even the stance is bang on the money.

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How about this, Young and Old meet in the middle, Brilliant stuff.

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Here is a nice Black 5 window, complete with Rumble seat, sat in the Pits, is that a Blower I see perched on that Flathead.?

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Sweet lines on the T-Roadster from the Rear to the front- it is a really well thought out Hot Rod and with E&J headlights, 32 Grille shell, this really looks like a time capsule, nice job.

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Edelbrock 24 stud aluminum heads, Dropped headlight bar, Deuce rails, Juice brakes on Vintage style Firestones, made this a real head turner, me included.

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How sweet is this 4 Banger Model A Coupe, a timeless Hot Rod that looks great anywhere but so glad I got to see so many in one place.

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I watched this 32 cruise past me, the rumble of the flathead, the 50’s stance, and as it approached Steve Cabellero’s 36 Coupe I just stood there gobsmacked, in total awe!

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Raked windshield, cool flathead motor with Lakester Headers on Black steelies with Bias ply Firestones, 39 tear drop tail lights and 40 ford steering wheel was bang on the money for me, loved it.

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H&H were showing their very sweet Turtle Deck Model T Roadster off in fine fashion and a very period looking machine it was too, loved the Kelseys on front and steelies out back.

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Check out this 32, Milk Truck steelies, No windshield and flatty powered, this Hot Rod was built very well indeed.

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This Model T looked superb in its mostly stock guise , loves the 40 Ford steelies and wide Blackwalls, the Spare wheel kit and stock bumpers make this a neat Resto Ride.

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Talk about stepping back in time, even Doctor Who would have trouble locating something as cool as this, look at the patina, even has a Culver City Q/C in the rear end.

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I took a photo of the H&H Special from the front, a real Jalopy and I bet its a real Blast to drive?

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OOH, that Coupe again, standing with my gob open isn’t a good thing but you just could not help it, Loved everything about this fender-less Thirty Four Ford, how could you not?

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I saw this sat in the corner of the Pit area and had to walk over and take a snap, as the Old Tree behind gave this a Back in the day feel to it, the scenery here is just so nice.

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This guys Coupe was Killer, he didn’t mind me chirping in asking where he got this and that, nice to chat too and boy just look at this, complete with Schroeder steering too.

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One of the best Hot Rods in the 4 Banger class there, I loved them all but this was artwork, look how clean this Model A is, it ran well and steamed up the track with no problems.

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A lot of time and effort went into the build, this 1931 Model A Roadster is great from any angle, from the 32 grill up front, to the Quick change rear end, loved the Banjo steering wheel too.

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How low can you go, this 5 window ran very well on the Saturday, very well built and sits nice and stout, nice job there matey!

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This Geezer had a real blast All day, the Four Cylinder Powered Model T just ran and ran and a well put together Hot Rod too, it was fun watching you race my friend, well done.

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I wanted to take this in Black & White as with the old 1940’s Westcraft travel trailer behind, it just looked like it was 1949 and knew it would make a great Nostalgic Photograph.

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This is how I have my Splash Aprons on my Hot Rod, looks pretty cool, and this is unusual to see a chopped model A like this, nice job and glad to see this at the RPM Nationals.

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Diane and Tom Branch are a Hot Rodding Family, I have known them for many years and they continue to have fun and build cool Hot Rods, love these people and this Roadster ran all day, of which she fought off tough opposition on the drag strip, great Job Diane, it was a pleasure to watch you and we rooted for you too!

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One of the Oldest Hot Rod Clubs in existence, The Bean Bandits, had their Rail at the event, I didn’t see it run but there was so much going on it would be easy to miss.

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Blown Flatty Looked great, wasn’t liking the fan and shroud but guess it was the only way to keep it cool, but a well built Hot Rod none the less and unchopped too.

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Yes, that will make you stop and look, how sweet is this Roadster, a Gleaming example of pure love and attention to detail, I wonder how many hours were spent wrenching on this ride?

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Love seeing when Girls have their Hot Rods, we need more for sure and it was so nice to see this as the Girl was just Blapping about in the Pits, thats one tough A-Bone, great job.

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Where did this Gem of a Roadster come from? Looks like it was a barn find, other than a painted firewall and New Chopped Windshield, this Hot Rod was amazing to me.

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As straight as the Proverbial Arrow, this 1930  A-Bone sat so right and rode around all day, in the Pits and on the track.

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This 29 has had some Major work on its 4 banger mill and didnt hang about either, a lot of time and dedication went into this fantastic machine, Kudos my friend.

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Coupes and Roadster a plenty, it was great to be able to take this all in and have a superb setting to watch these machines against each other on the Drag Strip.

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How is this for a super shot? I loved all the countryside almost engulfing these Vintage Hot Rods, a taste of Yester Year and something that is warm to look at.

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This is a Local Hot Rod to us and what a peach of a ride, this is set back in the Rustic Area of Santa margarita Ranch, the Roadster belongs to Joe Leroux of Hillco Fastener Company.

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I am looking forward to taking a Photo of My Roadster in this setting next year, a fantastic part of California Gold and hopefully the weather will be as nice as this weekend was.

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Need parts anyone? There was a lot of cool second hand parts and speed equipment for your Hot Rod here, I wanted to buy a couple of things but held off, kicking my self now.

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This was a great Cruiser, couldnt fit it onto the back of my Triumph Motorcycle though.

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Thats some nice sign writing right there.

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Billy of the Shifters had a couple of his buddies over from his Home country, they too are Hot Rodders and they loved this unique event as much as I did.

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This sweet 5 window had a few teething problems with the front end, that Hot Rod is so nice too, am sure he got it sorted out in the end, but did see it there all day though.

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A tasty Coupe that screams back to the day of this type of event, pull the fenders off and go racing.

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Chopped 50 Coupe was Sat so right, nice lines and Loved the fender skirts, lakes pipes and shaved appearance, nice job mate.

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Plenty of things going on by the staging lanes, you can see the Bean Bandits getting a few things organised etc.

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How nice is this to watch, cruising the strip in hos Roadster and taking it all in, you can see the Oak Tree’s line some of this great Countryside.

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There is the finish line and what a feeling that must be as you cross that section.

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Now that was a close finish and a superb Drag race, I am sure they had a few happy words after to egg each other on.

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I took a few shots of this Model A, I really liked the windshield, reminded me of the Elvis Roadster and the little 4 banger was quite Happy gunning it at the line and held strong all the way.

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The paint work was so clean, the Model A sat so right and enjoyed watching this Bloke race all day long.

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Two Model A’s having a go, this was a close race and always fantastic to watch, unless you are here, it is hard to explain but I was rotting for them both.

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Just look at the stance of this Model A, this was at Mid track so he is in 2nd gear and on his way.

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Hope to race this chap next year at the RPM NATIONALS.

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Coupe and Roadster go at it on the 1/8th, loved hearing the Flathead V8 Motors chirp along.

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Chilling at the strip, people get their machines ready for the big off.

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This was stunning, how cool would this be to drive home?

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This Coupe ran all day long with out a hic cup and sure looks like a period ride, I am so surprised how fast some of these 4 Cylinder machines were.

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At the start line and awaiting the flag to drop so they can go toe to toe up the 1/8 th mile.

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Out of state Turtle Deck was sure consistent and fun as he gets ready to launch once more.

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It was so much fun watching all these machines and when you see something pretty much stock, it raises your eyebrows for a second but, they ran them out and Hard too, great stuff.

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As these 2 set off into the sunset, I wandered around the place just taking this all in, a real eye opener for me as this is something I have always wanted to see in California.

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Check out the Headers on this 4 banger, thats Passion right there, a seriously cool Ride and lush Deep rolled seats too.

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Wow is all I can say, I wasnt sure if this Bloke was going to race his Roadster as it was so nice, but he proved me wrong and I am so stoked that he did, look at this awesome ride.

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Staging lanes was a buzz of activity and the commeraderie was unsurpassed.

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Another Period machine takes to the drag strip and this is right out of one of Don Montgomery’s books, the essence of Hot Rodding right there on the tarmac.

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I love belly Tanks, I had one like this and with a V8-60 like this Drop tank, so cool to see it race another one and against other rides, true Hot Rodding inspired after WW2.

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Great photo of two Iconic Hot Rods and I am glad that we were able to watch these 2 race each other.

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Checking to see if his competitor is still hard on the pedal as this 29 Roadster Pick Up cruises home.

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Look at this Mobil oil Racer, loved it, complete with Dirt track Firestone’s and Tube Axle, as well as a Bell Auto parts Fuel pump.

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Loved seeing this 1929 Model A Push Truck, just as they were back in the day,and running a 32 grill shell and Radiator, really makes it a sweet set up.

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Look how clean this Roadster is, Kelseys, Drilled I Beam, Juice Brakes, 32 grill,Pete and Jake shocks, Firestone tires, king Bee headlights and Removed Windshield, Lakester style header,love it.

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I can not get enough of this Roadster at all and will post a few more below that I took as this 4 Banger machine trotted by me, a super cool build that cries out Hot Rod at its finest.

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I loved every part about the Roadster, I would like a Tonneau Cover for mine one of these days.

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Culver City Quick Change rear end would not be cheap, but that is indeed one fine Model A Roadster.

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Two Model A’s both with 4 bangers and both with Quick Change rear ends head off down the strip to the start line, these were 2 very Nostalgic looking rides that must of taken ages to piece together, I am sure glad I got to see these two run.

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On his way to the Win, a High boy of awesome Proportion.

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Shifters had their Lincoln Powered Roadster there and that Mill sounded bloody great, good job. Track Nose, nerf bar, Steelies, Hand made hood with scoop, timeless.

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And off he goes, as you watch the 39 tail lights disappear down the track. Loved the rear Nerf bar too.

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Mr Chin, awaiting another call, his Roadster ran very strong, right up to the semi Finals and only just lost out on that one.

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I am sure by next year there will be many more Hot Rods as cool as this entering, hope it doesnt get too big as that can take a little away from this unique atmosphere.

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Goggles on and set for Business, a reliable Hot Rod and a piece of Hot Rod History too.

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One of our Mates Jay Dean of Nostalgia Ranch racing his Quick Change T Roadster and what a neat machine too.

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Lighting the rears up as Jay makes for the off and heads on down the 1/8th mile, he had a real blast today and really enjoyed it.

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It is so nice to see the Big Coupes come out and complete, I also love the friendliness that these people have even when racing, its fun and should be, no ego’s just smiles.

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Staging lanes were busy getting their machines tweaked whilst one guy is expecting rain!

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Hang onto your hat, this chap in his converted Coupe gets all set, I have to laugh at the guy behind dressed as a bunny.

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The air was filled with fumes of Hot Rodding, nothing like it.

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The Big guns are out and both have the Pedal to the floor, how cool is it to see a sight like this these days?

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Seeing this 3 window was simply breathtaking, a rare car, this has old Hollywood Flippers on and skirted, bet the restorer’s are gasping right now. LOL.

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Getting towards the end of the day as the last of the races are almost completed.

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Too big a motor for this meet but down the 1/4 this Model A would almost fly I should think.

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Joe from Hillco Fasteners in his Road Devil’s Roadster had a Blast here and is from Just down the road from where we live.

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Getting ready for the last few races, it was fast and furious pace and thats what made this event so exciting.

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Quick get us to the line.!!!!!

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This Young lady whooped some Butt today, good on her, looking forward to watch my girl race ours next time.

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Model A has his last effort at having a go on the Drag Strip, this looks like a Barn find for sure.

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These 2 give it their all as they let the clutches go at the RPM NATIONALS.

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Look at the concentration on Diane Branches face as she gives it her all in the race.

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Didnt quite make it this time but she sure had fun trying and a gallant effort, Great Job Diane.

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Here is a great race and a Blown Flatty edges out to the lead.

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Well he gave it all and won but a close second was the other Roadster with no Blower, so cool to hear them engines wind up, great race guys.

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So there you go, a fantastic weekend, Loved it all, the weather, the event, the people, the Vendors, the RPM team, Hop Up magazine, PF Flyers, loved everything, and sure hope this will continue to carry on next year. I will of course keep you informed as to ANY cool event anyway but I would love to take my Roadster there next year. Until then, I hope you enjoyed my Blog over the last few days.  Plenty to look and hear on there eh?

 

 

 

 

 

 

RPM NATIONALS PART TWO

Hey Everyone

Well, this is part two of my RPM nationals and there will also be a Part three, as I took a bunch of photos whilst i was there with my phone and will post on here today as this was mostly what was on offer at the swap meet part of the event. Not loads of stuff but things I would of loved to purchase if I had a few quid in my Bin, but alas I did not.

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But I thought I would share a few pics as many of you email or message me to say they enjoy my Blogs and that is something that I do like to do.

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Many people from all over the Globe that simply cannot make the trip , but my Blogs and Rantings feels like they are there too, so here we are with the parts and things that I saw and maybe you will too.

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So sit back and have a look at some of the second hand parts that were at this little event, I am certain there is at least ONE part that you would love to own amongst all this cool stuff.

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I should of picked up the $36 dash and at $100 that was a real bargain and really straight too.

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Again, I should of purchased these as spare boxes too but just to look at stuff was pretty good for me as I know I can still locate these parts if I really need to.

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Odds and sods and always there is something that catches your eye and you have to try and restrain from spending your hard earned cash for, but awesome to see parts for sale here.

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I am sure that next year will bring many more parts for sale and be sure to bring some Folding Bills in your pocket as I know there will be a part you cannot be without.

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From Hubcaps to Dash Boards, there was plenty of Nostalgic parts to sift through for your Hot Rod machine.

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Old Bell Auto Parts Canvass bag anyone?

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The weather was pretty hot though and I didnt see too many people carrying parts about with them.

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I was quite surprised at the amount that was there as this was a fairly small amount of media advertisement of the show but a great turn it it proved to be and glad I made it there.

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How cool was this set up, Electric Bobber Cycle.

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Pretty cool set up for a Flathead, I eventually want to fit a different dash and fit some cool Gauges but that all takes time and plenty of Moola too.

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Some great parts here from dashes to Planishing Hammers.

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Banjo steering wheels are getting harder to find in any condition these days.

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Now a 160 MPH Speedo Gauge and a big sweep Stewart Warner Tach was pretty cool to see.

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These Fuel Pressure hand pumps were very cool and will eventually fit one of these models to my Roadster.

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Hope that you are enjoying these?

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So next year I am sure there will be Tons of cool Original Speed Equipment, so make sure that you mark the next event on your calendar.

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Loved this coupe, perfect lines.

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What a Bitchin Roadster.

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Plenty of people to chat too at this meet, great food too.

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Vintage Tin, Basking in the Sun.

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Neat 4 Banger Five window and it ran pretty Hard too.

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I have Known Billy of the Shifters for 17 years now, such a pleasant fella.

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This 29 Roadster was pretty fast up the 1/8th mile too.

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Nothing but beautiful hills and bright sunshine, such a great event in this unspoiled area of California.

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So many styles of Hot Rods made for interesting spectating.

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Staging Lane.

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Mr Chin in his Original T Roadster and this was a quick Hot Rod, he ran hard all day long without any issues, Nice one Mr Chin.

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The end of a Perfect day as Jennifer and I make our way back to Pismo beach, loved all the Old barns around this area.

 

 

 

RPM NATIONALS SANTA MARGARITA RANCH WAS A BLAST

Well, what can I say, I had no idea what this place looked like, other than a few internet pics, but Jenn and I loaded up our Van and headed off to Pismo Beach, as that is where we would hook up our Van in the RV park, pull out our Triumphs and ride to Santa Margarita ranch, where they are holding the RPM Nationals.

Now this was going to be a place I had hoped to drive my 1928 Model A Roadster to, but it has so many teething issues, it just would not of made the trip, so this year I wanted to at least attend and support this great Nostalgic Drag race event.

Originally used for the Four Banger Fords, they thought they would extend this out to the flatheads and boy am I glad that they did, as what a joyous sound.

So, after 3 and half hours, we pulled up to Pismo Beach and plugged the Coffee Maker in and had a Brew, unloaded bikes and whilst I was amazed how foggy it was, it did not deter us in the least.

To be honest, it reminded me of home and I wanted Jennifer to experience some colder riding conditions and we got some big time, the Fog was indeed Pea soup, Thicker than Anderson’s Soup thats just down the road from Pismo.

But I had a Fog light and we were all set to go first thing in the morning, sure enough, the Mist rolled in and stayed longer than a relative you dont like.

We jumped onto our steeds and rode to the Madonna Inn and had brekky, great place and so much history, if you get a chance, pop in as they have so many cool things to see, from hand carved doors and ceilings in wood, to Themed rooms from a Stage Coach room to a Rock room, all very cool not cheap but what an experience.

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So after having breakfast, blocking their crapper, we hastily headed North to Rancho Santa Margarita Ranch, we rode though the fog and then after a few miles the Sun was out, the roads were smooth and a smile on both our faces as we cruised around 75 MPH with open faced skid lids, what a great day already I muttered to myself.

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Before too long we had gotten off the main road and into a few country roads, with Trees changing color as Autumn took an abrupt hold over this way, we cruised into the start of this Great Big Ranch, that was out of some Bonanza Episode, well it looked like it to me.

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Cattle grids, Bridges, Old rail Road Lines were all over this place, we slowed right down along the road on the Ranch as there was a herd of Cows just sat by a tree and across the old rail Road lines, fearing we would get stampeded on, we rode past as quiet as could be, hard to do on 2 Triumphs though but we got passed and to our surprise, they just stayed their grazing, as if we were not even there.

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We pulled up at the Parking area and I could smell that wonderful internal Combustion engine aroma, then I could hear some Flatheads revving then letting go of the clutch and banging on down the Drag strip that was laid out.

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There were vendors along one side of the track and on the other was the swap meet, what cool stuff to see.

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Here are a few pictures I took with my Iphone, I did take more with my SLR but will blog that another day.

Some very cool stuff to look at, what an awesome event and was stoked that I attended the RPM Nationals, looks like it will be the start of bigger things to come.

I sure wanted to bring My 28 Roadster- but it was not running right and its a 4 hour drive but next year I hope to make it.

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An assortment of cool rides to look at whilst in between rounds, this was up at the end of the strip where the Pits were.

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Above, I loved this 3 window just bloody gorgeous in its Drab attire, killer machine for me right there.

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Above- How tough is that, what is not to like about it and so many great vehicles here and everybody was brilliant to talk to and had time for you.

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Flatty Powered 29 Roadster with Q/C and Zoomies, it was quick too.

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Simular to my 28 but a way cooler built version, high Boy with its 4 Banger and this was quick, the Bangers were faster than the flatheads, it was a solid built Hot Rod for sure.

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Everything was so cool on the A-Bone, loved the louvered panel, the Q/C and the Tonneau cover too .

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Our Mate Jay Dean from Nostalgia Ranch with his Flattie powered Modified, was a fun and period built machine.Hop Up Magazine Special.

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Jenn met up with Skateboard Pro, Steve Caballero, he has a passion for Hot Rods, Art as well as Skateboarding, super cool bloke.

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Me and the Girl I love to Bits, Jennifer Sun, an amazing Woman

 

 

Below are the Videos that I took with my Iphone, what a blast it was to see.

Below Diane Branch in her Roadster having a go and doing well.

Loved it all and so many cool people to chat to as we are all into the same stuff, no attitudes just miles of Smiles.

How can you not like all this and away from the main stream too.

Loved these 2 Roadsters, The Guy tried to sneak his kid in the car too, I think we all wanted to see that, but still A FUN race none the less.

OOH- A tasty 5 window against a Roadster, just like back in the day.

Diane Branch taking on a chopped and channeled Coupe on the strip.

Model A’s a plenty, these were so fun to watch and no change since back in the day, sure wished I had mine here but next year we shall attempt to drive it there.

How about this, 2 Drop Belly Tank Racers, Both running V8-60 flatheads, I had one of these I love them but great to see 2 running and racing.

Loved watching this 34 Coupe and Flatty Powered Fully Fendered A Bone.

How about this, two Roadsters, One 4 Banger and One flathead, man such a great sight and sound, period looking rides too, awesome.

Our Buddy Jay Dean in his hop Up T Modified goes up against a Roadster, jay had a blast, what a Neat rig too.

Chin in his Original Model T Roadster, running against an A Bone, Chin ran well all weekend right up to the semi’s, consistent Ride, loved this Hot Rod.

Wow- How about this 36 Coupe, what a sweet ride and glad to see a couple of these on the strip today.

I shall Blog over the next few days as these take ages to load, but I thought you would get a kick out of this one today and I sure hope to see some of you next year as I loved this so much, all fun, No attitude and all period machines, very cool indeed. BRAAAAAP!

RPM HOT ROD NATIONALS OCTOBER 28th Santa Margarita Ranch

For those of you like me that are into many Vintage things, well, this is a great event to head to, I wont have my Model A  Roadster Completed for this but will be for next year but am still driving up there with Jennifer to watch the 1/8th miles Nostalgic races as the countryside is amazing there and will be riding our Triumphs around that area, so what better weekend away than to explore Santa Margarita  ranch and watch the 4 Bangers and Flatheads on the old Tarmac.

Hope to see you there.

 

RPM Nationals is a race that pays homage to the early days of drag racing. When race cars and street cars competed head to head to see whose garage built hop up was the fastest. The races then started with the drop of a flag and end 1/8 of a mile down the strip.

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We will have 3 brackets competing head to head including v8s, 4 Bangers and full race.

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 Where?

Santa Margarita Ranch 

9000 Yerba Buena Ave

Santa Margarita, CA 93453

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EVENT DETAILS

RPM Nationals Takes place on October 28th 2017 at Santa margarita ranch in Santa Margarita California. Enter the ranch off of Yerba Buena. Gates open at 9am and racing starts shortly there after. racing continues throughout the day with the finals in each bracket concluding by 6pm. There will be music, vendors selling food, clothing and aftermarket speed parts. We will also be doing a swap meet section reserved for vendors selling period correct, rpm nationals applicable hot rod parts. If you are interested in being a vendor or swap meet vendor email rpmnationals@gmail.com for more info

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There will be absolutely no outside alcohol allowed at the event and cars will be checked upon arrival. There is also no BBqing/open flames or smoking due to wildfire risk. Please respect the ranch and clean up after yourself. Inappropriate behavior will be followed up by immediate removal from the premises.

 

Race Car Requirements

RPM Nationals is limited to ford Flathead and 4 Cylinder cars. Body Years are limited to  1936 and earlier . All Cars must represent an early 1950s Hot rod style or prior. Things like radials, billet, etc… will not be allowed. All racers must apply prior to registration for approval to race. rpm nationals has the final say in all race cars approval. Racers must wear and provide their own helmets.

Classes– There will be 3 race classes… 4 Cylinder Street Cars, V8 street cars and full race class. Cars with Power adders such as Blowers and overhead conversions will be considered full Race.

All cars must pass a technical inspection to ensure its safety and are required to run hub retainers, dual throttle return springs, seat belts, water overflow catch and must run water; no coolant allowed. Cars must in good general condition; tech has the final say on all race cars.

All applicants must email rpmnationals@gmail.com by September 22nd 2017 for approval. Please provide a spec sheet outlining all major components and photos of the cars front, back, both sides, engine and drivers compartment.

we will notify all Applicants by the 29th of September. Upon approval racers must sign and return their release form along with payment of $70 no later than October 10th.

 

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RPM Nat’s Car Show

we will also be having a large car show at RPM Nationals. The car show is open to all hot rods and customs model year 1960 or before. . the cost to bring a car to show is just $25, the cost of general admission. we will be picking best hot rod and best custom and a number of clubs will be picking their favorites and providing trophies.

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VENDORS

There will be a sizable location at the RPM Nationals race for vendors selling food, new aftermarket hot rod parts and accessories, clothing, collectibles and other products. We can accommodate booths ranging in size from 10 feet x 10 feet and up depending on the vendors needs. All vendors are required to have their own event insurance coverage. Email rpmnationals@gmail.com if you are interested in being a vendor.

SWAP MEET

Clean out those garages! The swap meet area is reserved for people selling used early ford parts and speed parts only. no selling of new products or parts allowed in the swap meet area. Swapmeet spaces are $40 per car/truck load and an additional $20 for trailers. This fee includes one admission ticket. Email RPMnationals@gmail.com if you are interested in reserving a Swapmeet space.

For more information Email:  rpmnationals@gmail.com

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