POMONA, Calif. (Jan. 14, 2004) - NHRA Founder Wally Parks and his wife Barbara are dipping into their personal collection of rare racing memorabilia...and that's a good thing for motorsports collectors! Several select items from the Parks collection, as well as other unusual, unique and historical pieces will be available at a special racing-themed memorabilia auction, Thurs., Feb. 19, at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum in Pomona.
"All proceeds from the auction will go to support the ongoing programs at the Museum," said Sam Jackson, executive director of the Parks Museum. "Thanks to Wally and Barbara, and a host of others who have generously donated memorabilia, this auction will allow the Museum to continue to preserve Motorsports' legacy."
According to Jackson, 120 unique items will be auctioned off, including an original Fremont Race Track jacket, a tire from Art Arfons' "Green Monster" land speed record car, an autographed Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum metal street sign, plus rare Hot Wheels toys, vintage racing programs, posters and banners, photos and more.
"There's going to be some truly historic items on the auction block," Jackson said. "If you're a collector, you don't want to miss this event." The fundraising event, which runs from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. (a preview is set from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.), is open to the public and free, but for those who wish to bid on items, there is a $5 nonrefundable bidder's fee. For more information, visit www.nhra.com/musuem.To guarantee your bidding number, please register in advance by calling 909/622-8562.
Named for the founder of the National Hot Rod Association, the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum 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 Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., PST. 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 Museum is also available for private parties, meetings, corporate events, weddings and special group tours. The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum is located at Fairplex Gate 1, 1101 W. McKinley Ave. in Pomona. For further information on special exhibits, museum events or directions, call 909/622-2133 or visit www.nhra.com/museum.