"FAST 5" WITH STEVE GIBBS - Former NHRA VP, one of the originators of the California Hot Rod Reunion, discusses its 14-year history
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Sam Jackson, NHRA Motorsports Museum
Bill Groak, Pacific Communications Group
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - (Aug. 17, 2005) - If the California Hot Rod Reunion had a face, it would be Steve Gibbs'. Gibbs worked for the NHRA nearly 35 years. His dedication to the organization, and the sport of drag racing, helped Gibbs climb the ranks of the NHRA to vice president. Currently he's a board member of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, where he served as its original director. Gibbs is the guy - or one of them - that started the enormously popular NHRA California Hot Rod Reunion, presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California (now in its 14th year), something thousands of vintage drag race fans, hot rodders and most importantly, old-time drag racers, can be thankful for. In this interview, Gibbs talks about how the Reunion (set for Sept. 30-Oct. 2, Bakersfield, Calif.) started and what it means to those who lived it.
1. How/why did you come up with the idea for the Reunion?
Steve Gibbs: While attending Joe Pisano's funeral, I ran into several people than I had not seen in years. I got to talk briefly with a few of them, but it really wasn't the time or place to get loosened up. I mentioned it later to Bernie Partridge, and he had the same thing happen. Not long after that, together, with some other NHRA folks, we started talking about the need for a major drag racing reunion event, using all the communications tools available to us, and try to get a bunch of old friends together and have some fun. We all had other areas of NHRA responsibility at the time, so this was strictly an "after hours" effort. We had no idea what to expect, and approached the project as a one-time deal. Reunions are certainly not a new idea, and in fact others had produced a couple of prior events focused on particular tracks. We wanted to take the next step and create something that was basically aimed at the entire sport, and CHRR was born. Our original budget was based on a thousand people attending*.which was off by a mile. We apparently did a good job of getting the word out, and the people responded. The inaugural CHRR was a tremendous success, and it was immediately clear that we had an annual event on our hands. It's hard to believe that we are about to gather for the 14th time!
2. How/why did Cacklefest come about?
Gibbs: I'm not sure there is a simple answer. When we staged the first CHRR, we included a feature called "Memory Lane" and asked for people who had old or restored racecars to display them. A good number of cars showed up, and that in turn prompted some other folks to try and locate their old cars, or to re-create them. Bill Pitts, who owns and restored the Magicar fuel dragster was very instrumental in getting this ball rolling, as was Art Chrisman whose Hustler 1, winner on the first "March Meet," remained alive and kicking. Think about it, here's the guy who made the first run at the very first NHRA Nationals, still out there putting on a show. Incredible!The opening of the NHRA Museum also seemed to motivate some resurrection of the old iron. As it turned out, several of these cars were capable of being push started, a procedure that had disappeared some 30 years earlier.
In early 2000, an idea came to the surface, of push-starting as many cars as possible at CHRR in rapid-fire fashion, just like the old days. Museum Curator Greg Sharp said something like, 'it'll be a regular cacklefest'*and the name stuck. We were able to line up nine cars for that first event: Art Chrisman's Hustler 1; Bill Pitts' Magicar with Jeep Hampshire driving; Dave West's recreated Beebe and Mulligan machine; Kenny Safford in the Safford; Gaide and Ratican dragster; Steinegger and Eshenbaugh; Kuhl and Olson; The Vagabond; Larry Dixon Sr., in The Howard Cam Rattler; and Bruce Meyers' Greer, Black and Prudhomme beauty, restored and driven by Steve Davis. We really didn't promote or advertise the first Cacklefest, since we were not sure what to expect. All I can say is the outcome was unbelievable. As the cars were pushed down the famed Famoso fire-up road there was a rush of emotion that was totally unexpected. Grown men*hardened racers, were openly crying. We had touched on something that took many of us back decades, to a time so many of us treasured. It also gave the younger crowd a real taste of how things used to be. We had stumbled upon something that was pure magic.
3. How has the Reunion impacted vintage drag racing?
Gibbs: I believe the CHRR has had a unifying and motivating effect on the whole nostalgia movement. It's hard to imagine the number of racers and fans who simply drifted away from the sport over the years - for a variety of reasons, and have now returned. It's amazing how many younger racers are intrigued by the older-style cars, and are also showing up with some terrific machinery. I don't want to take anything away from today's cars and racers, but there is just something about the '50s and '60s racing equipment that still captures the imagination.It's kinda like The Reno Air Races. No matter how many modern jets do their fantastic demonstrations, the crowd really comes to life when the old warbirds take to the air. Planes that were built 60 years ago are still the kings.
4. Why did you choose Famoso as the site for the Reunion?
Gibbs: When we produced the first Reunion in 1992, NHRA was operating the Famoso track, so it was a matter of convenience that we use our own facility. That, combined with the incredible history of the track, made it an easy choice. Over the years there had been thousands and thousands of fans and racers who shared great memories from past Bakersfield/Smokers events, so it helped to create a true "homecoming" atmosphere. I attended my first Famoso race in 1957 and always get a warm feeling when I return.
I'm convinced that nostalgia/reunion events work best at the historic, old-style facilities. We have experienced the same thing at Beech Bend Park in Bowling Green.
5. You've said the Reunion is your favorite event. Can you share some of your favorite Reunion memories?
Gibbs: There's so many that it's hard to be specific. It really has to do with people more than anything. It's a rare chance to revisit our past, and to spend time with old friends, personal heroes, and see the classic machines they once drove coming back to life. Hot rodding has been around for several generations now, and a sad fact is that we are losing many of comrades due to age. The Reunions have allowed us to say some goodbyes that otherwise would have been impossible.
A very personal highlight came a few years back when my daughter Cindy gave a very emotional tribute to her old man at the Reunion reception, and I'll never forget it. I think her words reflected what many of the younger drag racers feel about their parents. The next day, one of my P-51 warbird buddies, who had been at the reception, made an unannounced low-level pass down the Famoso track at well over 400 mph. He called in a few minutes later to say, "that one was just for your daughter."
That's the sentimental stuff, but for the most part we have a helluva lot of fun reliving old memories and making lots of new ones.
The creation of Cacklefest is obviously one of the highlights. It's hard to believe that nearly 100 such cars are now in existence, or are in progress. It's going to be a real challenge, trying to figure out ways to display them properly.
During my 36 year run with NHRA I have been fortunate enough to have been involved in many of the sport's major developments, but I have to say that my role in the creation of The California Hot Rod Reunion is probably the thing I am most proud of.
Tickets for the NHRA California Hot Rod Reunion, presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California, are available by calling 800/884-6472. A full event credential is $55 for adults and only $10 for those under 16. Full event credentials include a "goody bag" that features the highly collectible Reunion Annual and a dash plaque. AAA members receive a $5 discount on a full event credential or $2 off on Saturday or Sunday daily tickets when they show their membership card. Camping passes are available with credential purchase at $50 and swap meet spaces are just $40 for a 20' x 20' space. Daily tickets may be purchased at the gate of Auto Club Famoso Raceway, north of Bakersfield on Highway 99. For additional Reunion information, call 909/622-8562 or visit http://museum.nhra.com.
For the eleventh consecutive year, the Automobile Club of Southern California, the largest affiliate of the AAA, is the presenting sponsor of the NHRA California Hot Rod Reunion. The Automobile Club of Southern California has been serving members since 1900. Today, the Auto Club's members benefit by the organization's emergency road service, financial products, travel agency and trip planning services, highway and transportation safety programs, insurance products and services, automotive pricing, buying and financing programs, automotive testing and analysis and legislative advocacy. Information about these products and services is available on the Auto Club's web site at www.aaa-calif.com.
Proceeds of the NHRA California Hot Rod Reunion, presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California, will benefit the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum. Named for the founder of the National Hot Rod Association, the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California houses the very roots of hot rodding. Scores of famous vehicles spanning American motorsports history are on display, including winning cars representing 50 years of drag racing, dry lakes and salt-flat racers, oval track challengers and exhibits describing their colorful backgrounds.
One of the best entertainment values in Southern California, the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California, is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Pacific Time, with extended hours during NHRA national events. Current NHRA members are admitted free. Admission for non-members is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors 60 and older, $3 for juniors six through 15, and free for children under the age of five. The Museum is also available for private parties, meetings, corporate events, weddings and special group tours. The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum is located at Fairplex Gate 1, 1101 W. McKinley Ave. in Pomona. For further information on special exhibits, museum events or directions, call 909/622-2133 or visit http://museum.nhra.com.
Contact: Sam Jackson, NHRA Motorsports Museum
Bill Groak, Pacific Communications Group
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - (Aug. 17, 2005) - If the California Hot Rod Reunion had a face, it would be Steve Gibbs'. Gibbs worked for the NHRA nearly 35 years. His dedication to the organization, and the sport of drag racing, helped Gibbs climb the ranks of the NHRA to vice president. Currently he's a board member of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, where he served as its original director. Gibbs is the guy - or one of them - that started the enormously popular NHRA California Hot Rod Reunion, presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California (now in its 14th year), something thousands of vintage drag race fans, hot rodders and most importantly, old-time drag racers, can be thankful for. In this interview, Gibbs talks about how the Reunion (set for Sept. 30-Oct. 2, Bakersfield, Calif.) started and what it means to those who lived it.
1. How/why did you come up with the idea for the Reunion?
Steve Gibbs: While attending Joe Pisano's funeral, I ran into several people than I had not seen in years. I got to talk briefly with a few of them, but it really wasn't the time or place to get loosened up. I mentioned it later to Bernie Partridge, and he had the same thing happen. Not long after that, together, with some other NHRA folks, we started talking about the need for a major drag racing reunion event, using all the communications tools available to us, and try to get a bunch of old friends together and have some fun. We all had other areas of NHRA responsibility at the time, so this was strictly an "after hours" effort. We had no idea what to expect, and approached the project as a one-time deal. Reunions are certainly not a new idea, and in fact others had produced a couple of prior events focused on particular tracks. We wanted to take the next step and create something that was basically aimed at the entire sport, and CHRR was born. Our original budget was based on a thousand people attending*.which was off by a mile. We apparently did a good job of getting the word out, and the people responded. The inaugural CHRR was a tremendous success, and it was immediately clear that we had an annual event on our hands. It's hard to believe that we are about to gather for the 14th time!
2. How/why did Cacklefest come about?
Gibbs: I'm not sure there is a simple answer. When we staged the first CHRR, we included a feature called "Memory Lane" and asked for people who had old or restored racecars to display them. A good number of cars showed up, and that in turn prompted some other folks to try and locate their old cars, or to re-create them. Bill Pitts, who owns and restored the Magicar fuel dragster was very instrumental in getting this ball rolling, as was Art Chrisman whose Hustler 1, winner on the first "March Meet," remained alive and kicking. Think about it, here's the guy who made the first run at the very first NHRA Nationals, still out there putting on a show. Incredible!The opening of the NHRA Museum also seemed to motivate some resurrection of the old iron. As it turned out, several of these cars were capable of being push started, a procedure that had disappeared some 30 years earlier.
In early 2000, an idea came to the surface, of push-starting as many cars as possible at CHRR in rapid-fire fashion, just like the old days. Museum Curator Greg Sharp said something like, 'it'll be a regular cacklefest'*and the name stuck. We were able to line up nine cars for that first event: Art Chrisman's Hustler 1; Bill Pitts' Magicar with Jeep Hampshire driving; Dave West's recreated Beebe and Mulligan machine; Kenny Safford in the Safford; Gaide and Ratican dragster; Steinegger and Eshenbaugh; Kuhl and Olson; The Vagabond; Larry Dixon Sr., in The Howard Cam Rattler; and Bruce Meyers' Greer, Black and Prudhomme beauty, restored and driven by Steve Davis. We really didn't promote or advertise the first Cacklefest, since we were not sure what to expect. All I can say is the outcome was unbelievable. As the cars were pushed down the famed Famoso fire-up road there was a rush of emotion that was totally unexpected. Grown men*hardened racers, were openly crying. We had touched on something that took many of us back decades, to a time so many of us treasured. It also gave the younger crowd a real taste of how things used to be. We had stumbled upon something that was pure magic.
3. How has the Reunion impacted vintage drag racing?
Gibbs: I believe the CHRR has had a unifying and motivating effect on the whole nostalgia movement. It's hard to imagine the number of racers and fans who simply drifted away from the sport over the years - for a variety of reasons, and have now returned. It's amazing how many younger racers are intrigued by the older-style cars, and are also showing up with some terrific machinery. I don't want to take anything away from today's cars and racers, but there is just something about the '50s and '60s racing equipment that still captures the imagination.It's kinda like The Reno Air Races. No matter how many modern jets do their fantastic demonstrations, the crowd really comes to life when the old warbirds take to the air. Planes that were built 60 years ago are still the kings.
4. Why did you choose Famoso as the site for the Reunion?
Gibbs: When we produced the first Reunion in 1992, NHRA was operating the Famoso track, so it was a matter of convenience that we use our own facility. That, combined with the incredible history of the track, made it an easy choice. Over the years there had been thousands and thousands of fans and racers who shared great memories from past Bakersfield/Smokers events, so it helped to create a true "homecoming" atmosphere. I attended my first Famoso race in 1957 and always get a warm feeling when I return.
I'm convinced that nostalgia/reunion events work best at the historic, old-style facilities. We have experienced the same thing at Beech Bend Park in Bowling Green.
5. You've said the Reunion is your favorite event. Can you share some of your favorite Reunion memories?
Gibbs: There's so many that it's hard to be specific. It really has to do with people more than anything. It's a rare chance to revisit our past, and to spend time with old friends, personal heroes, and see the classic machines they once drove coming back to life. Hot rodding has been around for several generations now, and a sad fact is that we are losing many of comrades due to age. The Reunions have allowed us to say some goodbyes that otherwise would have been impossible.
A very personal highlight came a few years back when my daughter Cindy gave a very emotional tribute to her old man at the Reunion reception, and I'll never forget it. I think her words reflected what many of the younger drag racers feel about their parents. The next day, one of my P-51 warbird buddies, who had been at the reception, made an unannounced low-level pass down the Famoso track at well over 400 mph. He called in a few minutes later to say, "that one was just for your daughter."
That's the sentimental stuff, but for the most part we have a helluva lot of fun reliving old memories and making lots of new ones.
The creation of Cacklefest is obviously one of the highlights. It's hard to believe that nearly 100 such cars are now in existence, or are in progress. It's going to be a real challenge, trying to figure out ways to display them properly.
During my 36 year run with NHRA I have been fortunate enough to have been involved in many of the sport's major developments, but I have to say that my role in the creation of The California Hot Rod Reunion is probably the thing I am most proud of.
Tickets for the NHRA California Hot Rod Reunion, presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California, are available by calling 800/884-6472. A full event credential is $55 for adults and only $10 for those under 16. Full event credentials include a "goody bag" that features the highly collectible Reunion Annual and a dash plaque. AAA members receive a $5 discount on a full event credential or $2 off on Saturday or Sunday daily tickets when they show their membership card. Camping passes are available with credential purchase at $50 and swap meet spaces are just $40 for a 20' x 20' space. Daily tickets may be purchased at the gate of Auto Club Famoso Raceway, north of Bakersfield on Highway 99. For additional Reunion information, call 909/622-8562 or visit http://museum.nhra.com.
For the eleventh consecutive year, the Automobile Club of Southern California, the largest affiliate of the AAA, is the presenting sponsor of the NHRA California Hot Rod Reunion. The Automobile Club of Southern California has been serving members since 1900. Today, the Auto Club's members benefit by the organization's emergency road service, financial products, travel agency and trip planning services, highway and transportation safety programs, insurance products and services, automotive pricing, buying and financing programs, automotive testing and analysis and legislative advocacy. Information about these products and services is available on the Auto Club's web site at www.aaa-calif.com.
Proceeds of the NHRA California Hot Rod Reunion, presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California, will benefit the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum. Named for the founder of the National Hot Rod Association, the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California houses the very roots of hot rodding. Scores of famous vehicles spanning American motorsports history are on display, including winning cars representing 50 years of drag racing, dry lakes and salt-flat racers, oval track challengers and exhibits describing their colorful backgrounds.
One of the best entertainment values in Southern California, the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California, is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Pacific Time, with extended hours during NHRA national events. Current NHRA members are admitted free. Admission for non-members is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors 60 and older, $3 for juniors six through 15, and free for children under the age of five. The Museum is also available for private parties, meetings, corporate events, weddings and special group tours. The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum is located at Fairplex Gate 1, 1101 W. McKinley Ave. in Pomona. For further information on special exhibits, museum events or directions, call 909/622-2133 or visit http://museum.nhra.com.
posted by David @ 2:16 PM
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