Street Rodder Freelancer Michael Dobrin Gains Recognition

Michael Dobrin, a motorsports media fixture for half a century, is among three new members of an elite hall of fame honoring builders of hot rods, customs and motorcycles.

From the February, 2009 issue of Street Rodder

Dobrin's induction into the San Francisco Rod, Custom And Motorcycle Hall Of Fame is the icing on a career that began with columns about hot rods in his high-school newspaper (which he also edited) and continues with occasional historical articles in Street Rodder and The Rodder's Journal. Stops along the way included the editor's chair at both SCCA and NHRA (where Dobrin's suggested title for National Dragster's news section, Bits from the Pits, is still in use, 45 years later). He spent 1966-67 on the road as advance man for Dick Landy's nationwide Dodge Performance Clinics.

Since helping Harold Bagdasarian promote the 1986 Oakland Roadster Show, Michael Dobrin Public Relations has handled publicity for every major rod-and-custom show in northern California. He operates the PR agency with his wife and cofounder, Catherine, out of offices in Alameda, California, and Seattle, Wash. Their clients include Toyota Motor Corporation.

Joining Dobrin in the class of 2009 are Jimmie Vaughan, an award-winning customizer (who also happens to play guitar), and Steve Coonan, founder, publisher and editor of The Rodder's Journal. They bring to just 62 the number of inductees - many of whom return for the induction luncheon that annually accompanies the San Francisco Rod, Custom and Motorcycle Show at the Cow Palace in Daly City, Calif.

Additional information about the show and the Hall Of Fame can be found at www.sfcustomshow.com and from promoter Rick Perry of RP Productions: (209) 744-8090; www.rpprodinc.com.