The Hall Of Fame Ceremony
Started in 1960, the Grand National Roadster Show's Hall of Fame honors those who have made a mark with the show or, at the very least, in the car-show world. The Hall of Fame had induction ceremonies from 1960 to 1966, but was stopped until the function was revived in 1988. Since then, every year sees between two and seven persons inducted, and three honorees were named this year.
Hot rod businessman and car builder Pete Chapouris (first of Pete & Jake's, and later PC3g and SO-CAL Speed Shop), car show promoter Gary Meadors (head of the Goodguys Association), and Marcel DeLey (who, with his sons Marc and Luc, has created more AMBR and Ridler winners than any other person or company) were all inducted this year. Each had a chance to come to the podium and thank those who were responsible for getting them to this spot in their illustrious lives.
Looking around the room, many of the '60s-era Hall of Famers were in attendance, from Andy Brizio, Wally Parks, and Blackie Gejeian (who has attended every day of every Grand National Roadster Show since it began in 1949), to customizer Dean Jeffries. George Barris, a charter member from the class of 1960, was on hand to receive a bit of a roasting from his friends, all of whom held back from telling the "real" stories that probably would have gotten George in some sort of trouble, even now.
Inductees, invited guests, and folks who bought tickets to attend had the chance to get up close and personal with many of the hot rod heroes who have made the hobby what it is today. -Eric Geisert
The man in black is Pete Chapouris, receiving his Hall of Fame induction plaque from show promoter John Buck. |
John and Boyd Coddington (in his trademark Hawaiian shirt) flank recipient Marcel DeLey |
Rich Guasco helps John induct Gary "Goodguy" Meadors. |
Hundreds of folks filled every nook in the ballroom for their chance to spend some time with dozens and dozens of the heroes of hot rodding. |
The 94-year-old founder of the NHRA, Wally Parks (seated), chats it up with 88-year-old Hot Rod photographer Eric "Rick" Rickman. History was overflowing at the Hall of Fame luncheon held in a ballroom at the hotel adjacent to the Grand National Roadster Show. |
Here's a great photo op: legendary painters all, (from left) that's Hershel "Junior" Conway, Art Himsl, and Larry Watson. |
For a surprise, organizers of the Hall of Fame decided to do a mini roast of the King of Kustomizers, George Barris (seen seated on a specially pinstriped toilet with a faux crown and a lawn chair covered in aluminum foil). Though most of the stories bordered on the scandalous, everyone got through the fun without fainting! |