ANTIQUE NATIONALS FONTANA May 2017

Well, it was that time of year already, I almost forgot it to be honest and as Jennifer was washing her Motorcycle, I loaded up my Camera and jumped onto my Triumph and headed off to see the cool Drag Racing that will be going on at Fontana drag Way .

The Sun was out and so was I, I flew up the 57 freeway, then the 60 and then the 15 and then headed to Fontana, took me about 50 minutes and was great to see many Hot Rods and Customs lined up at the staging Lanes as I pulled into the event.

I have been going to this for 17 years, this was the 47th Annual Meet and a perfect day for racing.

Once I unloaded my back pack, I had my trusty camera in my hand and walked the Pits to see what we had this year, plenty of great Nostalgia vehicles all over the place, its like a candy shop for the eye, seeing peoples rides that they chose to drive up to this part of Southern California and have a go at hitting the loud pedal on the 1/4 mile drag strip.

People from all over had turned up, I spoke to a fella from Western Australia, and then saw a bunch of guys wearing Flying Norwegian’s tee Shirts, had a chin wag to them and they wanted to come and check the place out, as they had flown in to race at El Mirage Dry lake next week with their Belly Tank racer, which was stuck at Customs, awaiting clearance, so a Great Experience for them for the first time.

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I never tire of this event and the reason is the weather is usually always good, the cars and bikes are fantastic to see, and also everybody is happy and wiling to talk to you about what they are up to and what their vehicle is etc. A totally cool event with a great vibe, fun for everybody in the family too.

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The other thing I like about the Fontana track is that you get close to all the action of racing, you can sit in the grand stand or stand by the fire lane and watch along the fence, you can see, smell and hear the Vintage Flatheads or the Hilborn injected Hemi’s as they hit the Loud button when the lights change from double Orange to green.

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The Pits are a great area to see people working on their cars etc, Heck you could even help sometimes, be it pass a wrench, push a car or jump right in and help on the Motor etc.

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I did not do a car count this year as i was so immersed into the event of trying to at least capture some of the rides that were attending this great show, but a nice turn out none the less and am glad that i managed to make it out here to Fontana raceway, this is right next to the NASCAR track as whilst cars was were racing up the Drag strip, you could also hear the roar of a few V8’s on the Oval track getting some lap times in.

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They also have a Go Kart track too that had a race on as well as drifting saloon cars too, so something for everyone and worth the trip up to these parts for sure.

If you are going to visit, I would make sure you take plenty of liquids, some good walking shoes and a hat, as the Sun can really bely down here, plus if you want to walk the whole track side, well you can as the pit area is huge and fun to take your time and have a look at all the vehicles that are there and, to the sound of screaming motors running beside you up the 1/4 mile is something to experience.

 

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I saw my Fellow Compatriot ” Tony Thacker ” Walking about taking photos with Ryan of Hop Up magazine, always a great social event too, best place to catch up with friends and of course make new ones.

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No attitudes, just all enthusiasts and a healthy fun vibe was felt all day. I have always dug the California lifestyle and even though I have been here 17 years, still feels like just a couple.

Below is a few sets of snaps that i took and you can look at your own time, many cool styles of cars and genre’s and I am sure at least something there to make you smile, you may not be able to smell the leaking 97’s, or feel the heat of the Fontana sun burning the back of your neck but, you can sit back with a can of your favorite suds and take in some of the cars that was at this super cool show.

 

 

Plenty to see whilst you are here and I loved it all, it is a relaxed atmosphere for racing and I have been to many race tracks over the years, if you want to just hang out and check things out at your own pace, what better than to come to this event, try and make it next year if you can and spread the word, the more, the merrier.

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A Little bit of everything for everyone here in SoCal and I love the coupes, Roadsters, Sedans, Tudors and of course then theres the Gassers and Rails too.

I loved them all to be honest and already looking forward to next years event and hopefully can drive up in my Flathead powered 28 Roadster. Check out these rides below, just take a look at that Tri-Powered 4 banger Three Window Coupe. Really a rare machine these days and thats what I like about the Antique Nationals as there are so many Nostalgic rides here to look at close up.

So much cool Nostalgia to see, I was sure glad I had ridden up today to check this event out. I should of taken a few more but after a while, I simply forgot what car I had taken a pic of.

I am certain that you have a favorite amongst the snaps that I took on this Saturday and, if you can make it for next years event, I know you will be smiling all weekend. There is a constant running of motors, the sound of laughter and the announcer is pretty cool, letting you know who the driver is and what car he has brought to race etc. So look below as I have quite a few photos, but I wanted to share all I saw with you.

I took as many shots as I could until my battery ran low on the camera and hope that at least some of them grabbed your attention.   The Branch Family  ( Above )had a Blast too.

I know a lot to look at, so you can imaging how I felt walking around taking this all in again for another year, this seems to get bigger and better at every event and next year I hope to be driving up to the Drags in my 1928 Model A Roadster and join in with everyone.

 

I wish this was a two day event to be honest, then I could take my time and take it all in, time flies faster than some of the 1/4 milers when you are here but a full weekend would be a blast.

I am partial to Model A’s and loved this as it sat in the pits, great look to it.

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Cool 28/29 Roadster with the 4 banger, how Nostalgic is that with 16 inch skinny Bias Ply Firestones and an angled windshield, gives this a Period look.

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Body work is great, hope mine looks half as good when I remove my fenders this month and get a few miles under its belt.

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39 Tear drops, louvered Rumble seat deck lid and Moon discs, set this apart for sure.

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Now theres some money sat in a row, not often you see that right?

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So, until Next year, Many thanks for taking your time to see what I got up to on Saturday at Fontana in Sunny Southern California.

 

Mooneyes Christmas event Irwindale

Well, Saturday Morning soon came around, a little apprehensive about the trip to Irwindale today as yesterday we had Rain on and off all day and the forecast was dry as a proverbial bone.

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But it was a nice morning and no sign of rain, but, we came to the decision to jump in the wagon, and head out to the freeway and see what this years Mooneyes show had in stall for us, on many occasions the sky’s have closed and it has poured down with H2O, so this time we were prepared.
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The traffic was pretty good on the 5 and the 605 was even more clearer, so it took us maybe 25 minutes to make the trip to the Drag strip, but there was the usual line to get in and, I could see there was many vehicles already at the show and knew that this event would indeed be a doozy!

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We parked on the Oval track where they race the Speedway, so kinda cool being lined up on the third turn and headed down the incline, trying not to walk like a professional shopping cart pusher.

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Once in the show, the air was filled with BBQ and Hot Dogs, as well with a good sprinkling of Rockabilly Music, and high revving cars as they staged and drag raced up the 1/8th mile strip.

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So many cars had turned up and it was fun to walk the lines of machines, checking them out and seeing what the trend is this year in the Custom world and I noticed a few Lavender painted cars in a flat finish, so that seems to be the go this year.
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Mooneyes is always a fantastic annual social event for me and was great to be able to approach some well known names in the Hot Rod industry, just to shoot the breeze etc.

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Shige from Mooneyes is always there and will stop everything he is doing to chat and genuinely ask how you are etc, so great to see him and Chico, along with Bob and Go manning the busy station, selling their infamous wares.

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There were many vendors this year and ranging from cool plaid Pendletons, to custom pomade, there seemed to be a little of everything at the show and was a enjoyable checking different vendors booths to see what they had created for sale.

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I saw Vintage Hot Rod Club Coats I would of given three arms and a leg for but wrong sizes made it a unsuccessful scavenge for me this time but, proves that there are still wicked clothing out there if you are at the right place at the right time.

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I saw Big Nick Barns, another Ex pat living in SoCal and has been dealing in the Vintage Clothing industry over 30 years and always seems to come up with unique apparel and love seeing it.

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Jennifer and I watched Buddy Dhugi and his wonderful wife Suzi, play as they always do for the moon show and this year kitted out with Christmas sweaters, albeit it was bloody hot this year.

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But their set was pretty cool and they rocked the event as they usually do, we made sure to stop and chin wag as these are the best events for an annual social gathering for us.

Next band was my mate Big Dan and he plays in the Dynotones, an awesome 60’s Surf Guitar combo and boy do they rock, loved every song and hope to book them for my annual party in march 2016.

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We grabbed some food and hung out with some good people, I spoke to some mates I hae not seen in years, like Dean from Dice Magazine etc and Dennis Roth was in his element having fun with people in his Crazy Custom Flaked machine.

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The sound of bands playing, and Gassers racing up the strip every few minutes is an awesome experience and one you should at least try Once, just to be able to truly understand what I am on about, it is a really cool show- busy but cool.

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So many cars to see, make sure you allocate a few hours just to observe these fantastic machines as we walked isle upon aisle and people were more than happy to tell you about their car and how it came about etc.

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Now this Roadster you see is a show car, something many of you and I dream about, Jennifer asked the guy if it was his and with a smile on his face he said yes.
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I asked him about the 40 ford dash and he said it was a 40 ford dash but- he did not build the car, he won it in a raffle.

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I was gobsmaked as i remember the Roadster being as a raffle car at Ventura a few years ago, he said he had watched the Roadster being built via instagram etc and he bought ONE $20 ticket, he went to the show but came home as it was his 32nd Birthday, the phone rang and he thought it may be one of his buddies wishing him all the best, but infact it was ventura asking him if he had abought a raffle ticket for the car. He said yes and then she said, well you have won it!!

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Jeez, for $20 a $40,000 Built Roadster, they even had the builder drive it to his house and he drives it every weekend, lucky man, I always hear about raffles and never believe they are legit and you never see the winner, but this was the real deal and for $20 he won that awesome machine.

Jenn informs me she is doing Raffles from now on and, I tend to agree with her it seems like it may just be worth the chance, but such a great story on that Roadster.

 
Mooneyes always brings over their super cool pinstripers from Japan and they turn out some super cool work quickly.

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A great event and so much to see, make sure you get here early to be able to take it all in.

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Another Pinstriper is Hot Rod, he has been doing this for many many years.

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This Blue 29 Roadster was pretty cool parked up and sun bathing.

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I loved this tough 55 Gasser in Candy Paint, sure sounded menacing too.
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This mid 60’s Ranchero was so bang on the money for styling .

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Legends in the Hot Rod Art world, Robert and Suzy Williams were in attendance too.

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Here is my mate GO hat works at Mooneyes and is a super nice fella.

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Organ pipes on this roadster sounded like a broken fan in a fridge.
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29 roadster pick up but too low to pick anything up.

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This green T was pretty cool.

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Another channeled Roadster sits on the deck.

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Now, I would drive this home no problem.

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A nice sprinkling of Roadsters were here this year.

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A few Custom Low riders too, a lot of masking to do this.

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Like I said, there are all sorts f machines here, enough for everyone’s taste.

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Well, it is the Christmas show.

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Now this is what I am talking about, I love the straight Axle Gassers.

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This was a sweet 58 I would love to own.

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Amazing, as I live in SoCal, youd think you seen all the rides and then you come to Mooneyes show and loads of cool stuff not seen before.

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Plenty of Chevys thats for sure.

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I dug this pick up, would be a fun parts ride.

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This was pretty cool to see and I am sure he has fun with it with that Motor.

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Even the Old Bill were cool.

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Loved this Kustom Pontiac.

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Nice color scheme I thought.

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Always great to see some classic Tin here.

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Frenched Lights and a floating grill was cool.

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These are Custom from right out of the show room.

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How can you not like this Lincoln front end.
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Always loved these and the body goes on for miles.

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Now this is right on the deck.

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Rather odd choice of color but it works.

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Loved this 57 Belair as a gasser, the best years for me for gassers are the big straight axled heavy Bricks.

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Slammed Custom Roadster for the use of a better word.

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Three hungry birds.

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I loved the artwork on the trucks door.

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How clean is this and I love the color.

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This sedan sat really well.

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The sun was out and so were the Hot Rods this weekend.

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A cool 56 Gasser awaits its turn before going up on the 1/8th mile.

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This 1948 Rag top was cool as hell and loved the color.

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A couple of car club guys shooting the breeze.

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Off the the strip to tear it up.

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This Caddy is pretty straight bodywork wise.

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A Candy red 58 Pick up look good basking in the Sun.

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Now that’s a lot of work.
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How straight is this and love that color.

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Some intricate masking here to get this effect.

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I think this is Keith Weesners 5 window and boy is it nice.

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Suicide doors on this Bow Tie.

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Whats going on here, his own Smoker?
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Clean, low and bell flowers too.

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Nice 56 for belting around town in.

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So clean.
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Jeez, that push bike must weigh a ton?

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Yep. that will give it some giddy up.
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Thats one way of making sure the hood closes on that Caddy.

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More random shots for you lot.
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I am way digging that color.

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Matt from Australia’s ride that he painted himself.

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Plenty of GM rides here.

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Different and nice to see from the Norm.

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Hanging in some shade on this hot day in December.

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Plenty of flake in this design, so many hours.

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This is one tough looking 58.

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Plenty to see today.

RUBY’S CAR SHOW WE ATTENDED

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What a great little venue Ruby’s diner is up in Whittier, A stones throw from where I live and thought that a trip to check this Car show out would be fun to attend and get some cool grub at the same time, seeing as it is quite light until at least 8;30 pm, we took advantage of the weather and headed out to Whittier for a great evening with my 59 Club.

 

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Caution indeed,as we parked up and took in the sights and sounds of Ruby’s Diner and what a great selection of cool stuff they had to show us here.

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How about this awesome flathead Indian Chief, I would love to have been the owner of this ride and loved everything about it, even the oil leaks!

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I painted this design on My leather jacket a few decades ago now and always loved the Indian logo, what a cracking American piece of History.

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I didn’t see the owner as i wanted to hear it fire up and cruise down the road, but this show is always cool to see as you never know what might turn up.

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Green seemed to be a popular choice of color for many of the cars that showed up today but its a cool color none the less and loved the rides.

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The fairlane below was super clean and had every factory option available o it, a sweet long and wide machine that was just nice to look at.

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The Pontiac Star Chief was also a hit at the show, Big Chromed D- Cup Over riders and sat lower than a snakes belly, this was really a nice car.

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The 5 spokes and Lakes pipes on that Star Chief was a nice touch too. Blew a soft green Lincoln Continental Convertible looked awesome.

 

 

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Four Door Galaxy was super clean and all original trim too, this has been cherished for many years that’s for sure and I loved it.

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Below, this Yellow T Bucket had more tickets than cheap Angels deals and was Blown with open headers!

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I would of loved the Dodge Lancer as the Body work was all original and loved the paint patina, not sure where the Hood went though.

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Small Block Powered 1930 A Bone was sitting pretty on steelies and lakester headers.

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I loved this49 Woody, awesome Super deluxe Model and Flathead powered with a three speed.

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56 Wagon was clean and I have seen a few of these out here, loved to own one myself as I had a 55 4 Door in the UK in the 90’s.

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Another Green ride, this time a Bowtie on stock rims and cleaner than many cat’s Arses.

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Super smooth and clean 56 Belair that had custom 60’s tube grill, just lose the dice and this would be fab!

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I know, but as I said, there is something for everyone at this weekly meet and this was really clean too.

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Mopar at its very best here, plenty of people looked at this Plymouth, love the big intake scoop.

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How can you not just stop and stare, such a menacing front end.

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Little Canary yellow and Red 40 ford is so cool, an early owner so a Hot Rod for many years, flattys gone so now a street rod but loved it.

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I loved this 53 it sat right, looked right and would of loved to own it and painted it a candy Root Beer brown with lake pipes.

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This tidy 55 is a nice model and other than the Dice, I would of taken it for sure.

 

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This show is Every Friday in the Summer and people are so friendly, if you get a chance, come over as I know you will enjoy yourself as much as we did and we continue to do so.

Many thanks to you all for coming out, we really enjoyed your company and the ride on this Hot Summer Night and look forward to our next meet, check out Carpy’s Cafe Racers on meet.com for more rides that we will be doing, come along, we are fun to be with.

IRWINDALE DRAGS LAST NIGHT

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Thursday run what ya brung was a fun evening to be had that’s for certain, I was amazed at how many people turned up for the event, we drove in at about 7pm and there were cars all over the place getting into the staging lanes.

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Once we parked, it is an easy walk to the track and to be honest- for spectators, this is a great vantage point to see racing from the whole length of the 1/8th mile.

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 There was so may entrants is was great to see so many different rides out there and the temperature was near on perfect for Racing.
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We walked the staging lanes and it was more packed than Superman in a kids costume.

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It was funny to hear people brown nosing their competitors, or hearing another bloke telling everyone how great his ride was and what it can do etc.

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I personally love the 50’s and 60’s era of the drags the Gasser wars are the best as these are just Bricks in shape but haul so much arse!!!

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The track was actually prepped for a change and only one issue all night , that’s quite rare.

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As they track now has advertising banners, the roar of the motors sound even louder as the sounds bounce off the walls.

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Plenty to see at the race and am glad that we went as it was fast and quite furious at times.

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This 55 was tough and is a regular at the track and is a dialed in machine. Reminds me of my old one I had back in the UK in 1996.

 

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Many different models are in the staging lanes and it was great to be able to stroll up and have a look at what they were running etc.

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This ride blew everyone’s mind, it is a 4 second 1/8th miler so he had to Slow down to 5’s here as the track runs out real quick, but boy was it FAST !!!

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Constant 6 seconds this machine and the old fella that drove it was grinning all the way.

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This was a tight ride and the thing just dug in and rode hard all the way down the track.

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Yep- running the devils time up here is a wee bit daunting for me.

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This fella ran his quad, high 8’s and low 9’s but he was having fun that’s for sure.

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Everyone’s delight was watching the local ice cream van roar up the strip, whilst playing his music and the crowd hollered hard, he took the race easily too.

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And the winner gets an Ice Cream !!!!

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Bikes ran too and at night I would find it a little bit unnerving but I love Motorcycles so much the fear for them goes away, this takes a lot of heart and determination for motorcycles as there is a bad bump on the right side of the track and if you get that lane, you will be sure to bang your chin on the tank Hard when you hit that point.

My little camera is not good at night but I thought I would add some videos for you to watch that I took.

It is always good to come and attend a local track as they need your support to keep people drag racing off the street.

We had a super night and am glad that I took my camera with me to try and share some of the nights events.

If you are ever in Southern California, try and check out Irwindale as it has a Dragstrip and Speedway circuit.

Have a Great weekend everyone.