Los Angeles Racing Legends to be Honored on May 8th at Annual Benefit Los Angeles, CA (March 2008) - The Petersen Automotive Museum announced today that its annual "Cars & Stars" Gala on May 8th will be dedicated to "Racing Legends of Los Angeles," celebrating Phil Hill, Dan Gurney, Parnelli Jones and Carroll Shelby. As part of the special tribute to motorsports honorees, the well known "Voice of Automotive Racing" Dave McClelland will be Master of Ceremonies. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Museum's continuing educational programs and exhibits.
"The Petersen is honored to dedicate this year's Gala to four automotive legends from Los Angeles who have helped shape motorsport history through their own unique contributions," says Dick Messer, Executive Director of the Museum. "With a lifetime of achievement behind them, these men's names are instantly recognizable all over the world, and we are looking forward to honoring these American automotive icons."
As part of Los Angeles' influential automotive community, legends Phil Hill, Dan Gurney, Parnelli Jones and Carroll Shelby represent various factions of the racing community. While each has a unique history, they all have certain things in common. Each has raced diverse kinds of cars, won epic races and continued to be involved in the sport as team managers, owners, and/ or manufacturers throughout the years.
"Los Angeles is home to outstanding individuals in all facets of automobile racing, from the designers, to the mechanics and crew chiefs, to the drivers on the track today," says Steven E. Young, Chairman of the Petersen's Board of Directors. "We've selected these gentlemen as true leaders within these communities."
The "Cars & Stars" Gala is the Museum's biggest fundraiser of the year promising an exciting night for all, including VIPs from the automotive world, entertainment industry, politics, sports and business. In support of this year's racing legends theme, motorsport nostalgia will envelope the event's sophisticated and elegant production dcor, which will be provided by EventWorks and Classic Party Rentals. This year's signature event will include a cocktail reception, a silent and live auction, and an elegant catered dinner. Live entertainment will be provided by the "Jan and Dean Show," featuring Dean Torrence and the Surf City All-Stars. The Petersen Automotive Museum welcomes additional charity auction donations - from auto memorabilia and artwork to cars and collectibles.
Individual tickets and reserved tables for the 2008 "Racing Legends of Los Angeles" Gala are available in advance. For additional information on the Gala and charity auction, please call the Gala Hotline at (323) 964-6366.
About The Petersen Automotive MuseumThe Petersen Automotive Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, a pioneer in automotive education, and one of the nation's largest and preeminent automotive museums. The Museum is located at 6060 Wilshire Boulevard (at Fairfax) in Los Angeles. Admission prices are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and students with ID, and $3 for children ages 5 to 12. Museum members and children under five are admitted free. Covered parking is available for $8 per car. Museum hours are Tuesday through Sunday and holiday Mondays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For general Museum information, call (323) 930-CARS or visit the Museum's website at www.petersen.org.