Hot Rodders Rev Up for Twilight Cruise

Hundreds of Hot Classics Expected to Fill NHRA Museum Lot in Pomona from 4-8 p.m. Dec. 7.The final Twilight Cruise Night of 2005 on Wed., Dec. 7 is shaping up to be the premier event of the season at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, Fairplex Gate 1, 1101 W. McKinley Ave., in Pomona.

Those attending can help fill a truck with donated toys for the needy kids of Pomona, and one very special toy will be reserved for Wally Parks as Cal Rods car club presents the NHRA founder with a perfect recreation of his 1929 Ford Roadster.

In addition, Alex Xydias, SO-CAL Speed Shop founder and Museum board member, will be on hand with SO-CAL owner, Pete Chapouris to autograph a new book documenting the rich history of the famous Burbank shop, which celebrates its 60th anniversary next year. The book, entitled SO-CAL Speed Shop, will be available for purchase at the event.

“Cal Rods car club always does a fantastic job putting on the annual toy drive,” said Sam Jackson, executive director of the Museum. “But this year is special as participants and fans have the opportunity to share this holiday Cruise Night with Wally Parks and Alex Xydias -- two of the racing world’s greatest pioneers. For a hot rod fan, it’s one of the best Christmas presents you could get!”

Parks will be on hand to receive his replicated roadster which was built by the San Gabriel-based Cal Rods car club. The historical car will have a permanent home among the other legendary vehicles at the Parks Museum. The roadster presentation starts at 6 p.m.

The Museum’s front and back parking lots will fill with hundreds of 1970 and earlier classics. Celebrity judges will scour the ranks to find five of the best vintage vehicles worthy of a special prize -- a victory lap at Pomona Raceway during the NHRA finals held Nov. 3-6, 2006.

This is the sixth year for the museum’s Twilight Cruise Night program. The event, which runs from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and is hosted by the Cal Rods car club, attracts nearly 1,000 people and includes raffles, prizes and a huge 50/50 drawing.

For more information, call 909-622-2133 or visit https://museum.nhra.com.

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.

The Parks Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., PST, 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 Parks Museum is also available for private parties, meetings, corporate events, weddings and special group tours.