SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (August 2003) - The 14th Annual Stater Bros. Route 66 Rendezvous, presented by Firestone, a four-day, three-night cruisin' car show in downtown San Bernardino, is scheduled for Sept. 18-21, 2003 and is free to the public.
One of the largest celebrations of the historic Route 66 "Mother Road," the event attracts nearly 2,500 classic cars, trucks and street rods, and more than 580,000 spectators. From burnout and flame-throwing contests to racing and roddin' celebrities and '50s era music, the Rendezvous transforms downtown San Bernardino into a festival for automotive enthusiasts worldwide.
Andrew Firestone, great-grandson of company founder and entrepreneur Harvey Firestone, will make a special appearance at the Firestone Burnout and Flame Throwing Contest on Friday and at the Cruisin' Hall of Fame induction ceremonies and parade on Saturday. Also, four current Indy Racing League race car drivers, Scott Dixon, Tomas Scheckter, Helio Castroneves and Gil de Ferran, will be on hand prior to the Firestone Burnout Flame Throwing Contest to sign autographs. Meet and greet "American Graffiti" stars Candy Clark, MacKenzie Phillips and Bo Hopkins along with Carroll Shelby and NHRA Drivers/Gasser Legends Big John Mazmanian and Jr. Thompson.
On Thursday, Sept. 18, Route 66 Rendezvous, attendees can get a sneak peek at the future home of the Cruisin' Hall of Fame Museum, an 8,000 square-foot building located on Court Street in the heart of San Bernardino's downtown area. When completed, it will feature classic cars, artifacts, memorabilia, and will host traveling exhibits from automotive museums around the country. It will also honor former Cruisin' Hall of Fame inductees such as renowned car builder Boyd Coddington and customizer to the stars George Barris. The museum will pay tribute to historic Route 66 with exhibits from stops along the famed road such as Victorville, Barstow and Goffs School. The Petersen Automotive Museum will provide a traveling exhibit including an Eisenhower era presidential limousine to kick off the museum opening.
This year, the Cruisin' Hall of Fame, will honor the following: Sum Parnelli Jones, former Indy 500 winner who also won the first two USAC National Sprint Car Championships in 1961 and 1962 and was the first driver to crack the 150 mph barrier at the Indy Speedway. He will be honored as the personification of the competitive racing spirit.
Sum Firestone, for its contributions as the first company to mass-produce tires for the automobile industry.
Sum Route 66 Magazine, for promoting the attractions that can be found along the "Mother Road" in all eight states it crosses.
Sum Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), the world's largest automotive aftermarket association, which continually works for the benefit of manufacturers, enthusiasts and hobbyists.
In addition, a Firestone Indy Racing Challenge will include a one-of-a-kind, hands-on mobile racing simulator that will give fans the opportunity to experience the vibrations, sounds and thrills of racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The challenge will test their skills working in the pit lane changing tires and refueling Indy Cars while racing against the clock. The Firestone Indy Racing Challenge will be held at the Orange Show Speedway in San Bernardino on Thursday, Sept. 18 from 4-8 p.m. and Friday, Sept. 19 from 2-4 p.m. and again from 5-9 p.m.
As part of a national tour, the famed Big Foot Monster Truck will make a special appearance at the Rendezvous during the Firestone Burnout Contest on Friday evening from 6-10 p.m. at the Orange Show Speedway. Big Foot also will be on display at the Firestone booth during the Rendezvous weekend. The legendary Big Foot Monster Truck has won the monster truck racing series championship 12 times, more than all of the victories of its competitors combined.
The Stater Bros. Route 66 Rendezvous, presented by Firestone, is a four-day, three-night cruisin' car show in downtown San Bernardino that offers the finest and fondest memories of the uniquely American phenomenon of cruisin' and attracts nearly 2,500 classic cars, hot rods, and street machines. For a daily schedule of Route 66 Rendezvous, events, contact the San Bernardino Convention & Visitors Bureau at (909) 889-3980 or visit www.route-66.org.