POMONA, CA – The longest-running indoor car show in the world, The Grand National Roadster Show, is back for it's fifth year at Southern California’s home of hot rodding – the Fairplex in Pomona (1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona, CA). Between last year’s grand celebration of Ford’s 75th Anniversary of the Deuce, and preparing for next year’s 60th Anniversary of the Grand National Roadster Show, one would wonder what could possibly be left to feature this year, but promoter John Buck of John Buck Enterprises promises to do it again
Fans of all ages will get a close-up look at some of the most esteemed custom cars, trucks, classics, motorcycles and hot rods in the world, as builders spend big dollars to compete for the show’s coveted “America’s Most Beautiful Roadster” title – a distinction honored with a perpetual 9 ½ -foot tall trophy.
Previous recipients include Boyd Coddington of Discovery Channel’s “American Hot Rod” series and The Learning Channel’s “Overhaulin” star Chip Foose. In addition, a “Builder of the Year” award is also given, which this year will be presented to young and talented Troy Trepanier of ‘Rad Rides’ in Manteno, Illinois.
Says promoter John Buck, ”This event is dedicated to those who spend, quite literally, thousands of hours and considerable resources to bring their dreams to life and unveil them in front of us for the very first time.” He continued, “These craftsmen and women fashion objects of automotive art that we all hear about and read about and wait anxiously to see all year long here at the Grand National Roadster Show – and we’re proud to have them.”
The 2008 Grand National Roadster Show promises to entertain with sought-after awards, special exhibits and notable personalities. Featured exhibits/personalities will include:
• 50th Anniversary Tribute to legendary George Barris’ “Ala Kart” – a two-time AMBR (America’s Most Beautiful Roadster) winner, built for Richard Peters of Fresno, CA. *The first car in history to ever win the AMBR Award TWICE! George himself will be on hand signing autographs.
• ‘The Munster Coach,’ built by the infamous George Barris will be at the show, along with Butch Patrick, aka Eddie Munster, signing autographs.
• Another of Barris’ famous cars, ‘The Aztek,’ will be on display, all the way from Florida.
• Rock ‘n Roll Hall-of-Famer and fellow hot rodder Billy F Gibbons of ZZ Top will be there signing autographs with a few select rides of his own
• Cindy Williams, Paul LeMat, Candy Clarke, and Bo Hopkins of the blockbuster hit “American Graffiti” and Milner’s ’32 coupe will all be at the show.
• Famous airbrush artist Simon Evans will be on-hand demonstrating the art of airbrushing. He will also be donating a decorated hood on-site to the featured charity, The Progeria Research Foundation.
• Uncle Joe Benson of KLOS 95.5 FM fame will be on-site hosting the event on Saturday.
• The 40th Anniversary of Hot Wheels will be honored on-site with two life-sized, Hot Wheels called “Twin Mill” and “Deora II” – two notable Hot Wheels of the past. ALL CHILDREN WILL RECEIVE ONE FREE HOTWHEEL, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!
• Exile Cycles’ Russell Mitchell will be at the show, signing autographs
• The San Antonio Spurs ’69 Camaro will be on hand with a collection of the team’s rings for fans to take photos with and/or try on.
• HOT ROD Television will be roaming the crowds filming all weekend, so be camera-ready!
• Special ‘Cacklefest’ and dragster display, along with John Ewald doing fire-ups in the courtyard. In addition, legendary drag racer ‘TV Tommy Ivo’ will be on-hand with his famed dragster ‘Barnstormer.’ Signing autographs for his fans.
• A ‘Tribute to the Bonneville Salt Flats,’ complete with several of the most winning land speed record race cars
• The Suede Palace – back by popular demand. Including 50’s style rockabilly bands and an inaugural retro pin-up girl contest
• The 3rd annual GNRS Pinstripers Reunion in Building 4. Come get your items striped by the best! (Proceeds also to go to the Progeria Foundation)
• ‘The Drive-In,’ on Sat and Sun, where show goers and 700 of their closest friends can show off their rides and enjoy outdoor entertainment.
Featured awards will include:
• The coveted “America’s Most Beautiful Roadster” and “America’s Most Beautiful Motorcycle” Awards
• The Al Slonaker Memorial Award (The founder of the GNRS)
• The George Barris Kustom d’Elegance Award
• The Chip Foose Design Excellence Award
• The Bruce Meyer Hot Rod Preservation Award
• The Brizio Family Award
• The Von Dutch Pin Striping Award.
Tickets are priced at $20/day, and are available daily at the gate. For more information on the Grand National Roadster Show, call 1-877-RODSHOWS (1-877-763-7469) or visit
www.rodshows.com .
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