Community: Road Kings create hot-rod heaven

The sea of vehicles was a breathtaking sight as one looked out over the grass at Johnny Carson Park. More than 600 cars, trucks and motorcycles gleamed in the sunshine during the 25th annual Road Kings Car Show and Picnic in the Park on June 8.

The icing on the cake for true hot-rod fans was the Nitrofest, where owners let their engines roar.

There were five nitro cars and one boat, said publicity chairman Don Baldaseroni, and they mean business. When these cars raced back in the day, they clocked 200 mph in 7.5 seconds over a quarter-mile stretch, he said.

Today’s modern versions reach 330 mph in 3.72 seconds, but only go 1,000 feet on the tracks in Pomona and Bakersfield.

The day kicked off with Gino Gaudio singing “The Star Spangled Banner.” Then Mayor David Gordon presented a proclamation to “Fast Eddie” Salvatore, president of the Road Kings.

Sunday’s event brought people from as far away as New Zealand and England, Baldaseroni said.

“Our shows receive national and international attention from the hot-rod magazines,” he said.

In fact, Clark Bones drove his 1954 Chevy — joined by four of his friends and their cars — all the way from Alabama. The Chevy won the Road Kings President’s Award.

Other awards were the Mayor’s Choice, chosen by Mayor Gordon, and presented to Larry Pearson of Calabasas and his 1934 Ford; the Burbank High Auto Shop Students Award went to Steve Gray of Santa Clarita for his 1967 Chevy Camaro; the Burbank Fire Award was given to Kyle Roberts of the Burbank Cruising Assn., and his 1964 Chevy; and the Burbank Police Award went to Rowland Hall of Burbank for his 1965 GTO.
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JOYCE RUDOLPH can be contacted at rudolphjoyce10@gmail.com.