It’s Father’s Day weekend and that means the annual L.A. Roadsters Show is here. A 48-year tradition, the Roadsters Show offers two days full of fun for the car-loving dad in your house (or mom!). Check out our web page for tickets and hours, www.fairplex.com, and don’t miss the Dad’s Backyard BBQ at the Longboard Bar on Sunday. To whet your appetite, here is some eye candy from the show:
Pomona Swap Meet & Classic Car Show is this Sunday. We have a guest blog about Dr. Detail written by Tony Barthel from the Curbside Auto Column and Car Show Calendar, who writes for Pomona Swap Meet’s Blog.
This issue of the Swap Meet newsletter has a thread that weaves through the stories, where people get their start because life has thrown them a curve ball and they step up to the plate and knock that curve ball right out of the park. Such is also the case with Dr. Detail, who started his business for his mom 40 years ago, after she got put out to pasture at just 70 years young.
In those days he was already coming to Pomona with the 240Z club and, as a research chemist, he set mom Margaret (Peggy) Loomis up with the detail business. Oh, that’s right, you all know her as Swap Meet Mom. “She was a bookkeeper, but she could sell as well as I can,” said son Wayne Loomis of the lady who inspired Dr. Detail. So what we’re saying here, is that a research chemist sets up a detailing supply company for his mom, who finds customers at the Pomona Swap Meet. Yeah, that’s about right. But what makes Dr. Detail different is that Wayne knows about the ingredients in the products he sells, so he can spot the winners. Wait, maybe it’s the winners that don’t spot, after all, it is the detail biz. Anyhow, Dr. Detail researches his products and also loves the Pomona Swap Meet because he can listen to what customers are asking for. From there, he visits with the manufacturers and develops a line of products that help detailers all over the world to do a fantastic job. “I not only set them up, but spend time with them on choosing products and how to use them – how to start, how to price. I’ll help them to whatever degree it takes to get into the business,” states Wayne. These products include cleaning products, pinstriping supplies, pressure washers and much, much more.
One of the more interesting things is that Wayne, er, Dr. Detail, is seeing more and more people stop by his booth at Pomona and ask about getting into the detailing business. Unlike so many opportunities nowadays, you can step into the detailing business with almost no money and get started. “All you need is a bucket and a hose,” joked Wayne. Well, actually, that’s not far from the truth. But you can step up and get a very professional rig that can be towed behind most vehicles for well under $5000 and that will mean you’ve got a very high-quality detailing machine. So here’s a business with small starting capital, where you can really clean up. Insert rim shot here.
In all seriousness, it is a good business and having someone who has your back is certainly a very good thing. In fact, Dr. Detail is holding a class sponsored by the County of Orange next month to help detailers deal with runoff. Presently, a lot of governmental bodies are clamping down on what runs into our storm drains and these workshops help detailers mitigate runoff, which helps both in compliance with local regulations, but also means they’re greener. Hey, that’s a good thing!
While Swap Meet Mom has since passed away, Dr. Detail continues with his stakehold at the Pomona Swap Meet. “It’s the best – I’d never miss a Pomona Swap Meet. People come from all over the world,” Wayne says fondly. That’s not a stretch, either. Dr. Detail has met people from countries like Australia, New Zealand and Japan and, in some cases, sold them entire container loads of detailing supplies. “It ends up being cheaper to buy and ship from here, than to buy on their home turf. Plus they get a trip to America as well.”
Dr. Detail is also available at his store in Fullerton, CA.,which is located at 1115 W. Orangethorpe. You can also reach him by phone at (714) 870-8555 or on the Internet at http://drdetailforless.com/. Of course you can find him at the Pomona Swap Meet, on Road 23, Spaces 12, 14, 16 and 18 at each and every event, where he listens to his many repeat and new customers and helps them with their own success.
If you don’t find Dr. Detail behind his booth, you’ll likely have the pleasure of meeting one of the kids he meets at church, who generally have their first jobs working Dr. Detail’s booth. “I like to give back to the community and help people get their start,” asserts Dr. Detail.
It’s nice to meet someone who likes to give back – that puts a positive spin on the story for sure.
So you have an extra car sitting around or you want to sell your existing car to ramp up your down payment for a new one. But the thought of having buyers come to your house doesn’t sound so appealing. SoCal Auto Showcase has the perfect solution. SCAS is at Fairplex on weekends with what they call a community display lot for used “for-sale-by-owner” cars. Sellers can bring their car here in a safe, mutual location.
Wallace Hagstrom, owner of SCAS, said selling personally owned cars at community lots is a new trend, one that he sees as a benefit to the seller and the buyer. Buyers can come and peruse a variety of cars in one location. Buyers inspect the vehicles and if interested they call the owner directly, arrange for a “test drive” (owner must be present) and make the deal! Sellers bring cars, trucks, vans, motorcycles, motor homes, boats, trailers and more (no cars older than 1975 accepted).
There are no commission fees, no middleman. Sellers deal directly with buyers. Sellers pay a fee for having their vehicle on the lot. Check out the website for pricing. The lot is located at Fairplex Gate 23 on Arrow Highway.
Whether you are a buyer or a seller, sounds like a good deal – convenient and safe. Looks like I’ll be heading here in a few years for a certain teenager.
This week guest blogger Tim L. gives us his take on our drag races.
What do you think about when you hear the phrase “drag races”? Does it take you back to your first car and seeing if you were faster than your buddies? If you’re a baby-boomer, then drag races means burnouts, nostalgic cars, American muscle and real engines…..NOT those furiously fast import tuner cars. This weekend, Fairplex will once again play host to the NHRA drag race season opener.
The 52nd O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals and names like Larry Dixon, John Force, Tony Schumacher,”fast Jack” Beckman and Brandon Bernstein come roaring into town February 9-12. Everything from the smell of beer and hot dogs to burning rubber and alcohol funny-car exhaust will permeate the air in a way that makes everyone ages 1 to 100 grin from one finger-plugged ear to the other.
I can remember as a kid coming with my dad to the drags when he worked in the automotive industry, and thinking that if his job consisted of being around cars and racing, then he had an awesome job. You see, I grew up watching my dad work at a few very well-respected companies within the auto industry, and at age 4 I could tell you what kind of car my parents were driving next to…it’s in my blood and car shows and drag racing are my heaven.
The drags don’t symbolize just a fun environment with noise and fast cars, it is the epitome of my inner addiction to the sound of an engine revving high into the bone-rattling upper limits of the RPM spectrum while waiting for the tree to glow green, so two cars could go flying down the strip. The heavenly smell of a big block Chevy idling in a 1940 Willy’s or a beautiful 1972 Plymouth Duster in perfect condition puts a smile on my face. It takes me to a place that not much else can.
I want to leave you with one last thought….are you ready to feel your chest rumble like never before while seeing a car speed past you at over 300 miles per hour? I am!
To get more information on the drag races please visit www.fairplex.com, www.nhratix.com or call Fairplex at (909) 623-3111.
Welcome to the new layout of the Fairplex Insider blog. We plan to bring you all the latest on what’s happening at Fairplex and info on the latest trends and issues as it relates to Fairplex, and on things we like. To kick us off this week, guest blogger Kristy D. is talking shoes and hot rods.
The roar of the engines, the flash of the lights, cruising down the…runway? This Spring expect to see some interesting fashions showing up from the illustrious house of Prada. Inspired by the sleek stylings of mid-century American automobiles, the Spring/Summer shoe line is a blast from the past for many people. The shoes feature spoilers, flames and even lights. Bringing a vintage feel into the modern era, the new shoes from Prada are beautiful, intriguing and whimsical. Who would have ever thought to turn those 1950s Caddy tailfins into a heel? While many in the fashion world are applauding the shoes, how will the public react to them?
I admit, they are not as hideous as some designer shoes I’ve seen (Madonna shoes, ugh!) but I’m still not sure if I would walk around in a pair, even if I had a place to wear them to.
This isn’t the first time a name brand has turned to cars for inspiration (Air Jordan 14’s anyone?) but this may be the first time I’ve ever seen a pair of shoes with taillights. One thing that could make these better is if you could signal.
Now, I know not everyone can afford Prada, but if you still want to get a look at that smooth styling, come on down to Fairplex this weekend and check out the Grand National Roadster Show running this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Get ticket information here.
I totally love the Nickelodeon show iCarly. So when I found out Nathan Kress, aka Freddie Benson, is going to be at the Kragen O’Reilly Grand National Roadster Show this Saturday at Fairplex, well, I let out a little scream. OK, it was huge scream. And I scared my co-workers. And so what if I like iCarly and I’m not 13. I was – once. Sheesh. It’s not like they don’t watch SpongeBob. Anyway, Freddie will be here, so bring the family!
Nathan plays the technical producer for the iCarly web show, which stars Miranda Cosgrove as Carly and Jennette McCurdy as Sam. In real life, Nathan loves cars and comes from a long-line of car enthusiasts. Both his dad and grandfather were mechanics. Nathan just purchased his dream car – a 2010 Chevy Camaro. How appropriate that he would be stopping by the Grand Daddy car show of them all – the Grand National Roadster Show.
Nathan will be signing autographs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday in Building 4. Donations will be accepted for GNR’s two charities, the Progeria Research Foundation and the Gwendolyn Strong Founation, which helps families with children who suffer with spinal muscular atrophy.
The Grand National Roadster Show is a great event for families. Besides meeting Nathan, there is a ton of entertainment and beautiful cars. The show runs Friday through Sunday. Check the website for ticket prices and details.
Pin-up girls have been a fascination with men and women alike since Betty Grable’s famous portrait made its way around camps throughout World War II. While the Pin-up genre began in the late 19th Century (the Gibson Girl! Who knew?), it really hit its stride in the 1940s and ‘50s. Along with Grable, Bettie Page, Veronica Lake and Marilyn Monroe garnered attention with their sexy yet demure styles. The image of the Pin-up Girl changed throughout the decades (Raquel Welch in the ‘60s) but the retro look of the ‘40s and ’50s has made a huge comeback the past few years. Think Dita Von Teese, even Katy Perry. The look – the dark brunette hair in large Victory Rolls, the red, red lips, the accentuated brows and lashes – is popular among rockabilly girls, Hot Rod chicks and greasers. It all goes hand in hand, according to Mitzi Valenzuela of Mitzi and Co.
Mitzi has specialized in Pin-up photography for eight years. She is organizing the Trophy Queen Pin-up girl contest Saturday night at the Kragen O’Reilly Grand National Roadster Show here at Fairplex.
“It’s a traditional show, a classy contest. It’s not a bear-it-all-to-win contest; it’s about what it was like in the past,” said Mitzi. The only difference may be a tattoo here or there.
Mitzi fell in love with the Pin-up look while studying photography. She 
started specializing in Pin-up photography and found that women were more comfortable with another woman shooting behind the camera. She loves the Hot Rod style that goes along with it and enjoys the cross-over of generations shared with the genre.
“A lot of people have parents and grandparents who grew up in the ‘40s and ‘50s and they’ve passed down dresses and jewelry and shoes. Plus, there is a definite sex appeal to the look. Sometimes, with our busy schedules, working, raising kids, women forget what it’s like to be a woman. The whole Pin-up look is so classy. Women always get complimented on it.”
Plus, Mitzi said, the comeback of the look has been a boon for women entrepreneurs who’ve started their own businesses selling Pin-up era shoes and dresses and specializing in the hairstyles.
The Trophy Queen contest will be at 7 p.m. in the Suede Palace (building 10) at the Grand National Roadster Show. The Suede Palace features retro cars, War-time era rods and will be ringing with rockabilly music. Come out and holler for your favorite Pin-up girl. Grand National Roadster runs Friday through Sunday. There will be lots of cars, lots of celebs – don’t miss the Grand Daddy of them all. Check the website for full details.
A new car show comes to Fairplex this Saturday and it’s sure to be a hit. The Association of Handcrafted Automobiles’ 31st annual Fun Under the Sun Car Show will be held in the parking lot of the NHRA Museum. AHA is a group of car enthusiasts who enjoy creating, driving and displaying their own automobiles.
The show spent the last 30 years at Knott’s Berry Farm. AHA is hoping to take advantage of the car-centric culture of Fairplex along with the world famous Pomona Auto Swap Meet on Sunday.
AHA members are dedicated to promoting technical assistance and family recreational activities for owners, prospective owners and builders of any sort of handcrafted automobile such as: Replica, Kit Car, Pro Retro Kit Car, Street Rod Reproduction, Cobra Reproduction, Neoclassic, and One-of-a-kind. Come out and see what they have.
The show is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and admission is free!
Are you in the market for a car, truck or specialty vehicle? Don’t miss the US Auction at Fairplex this Saturday, March 27 in the White Ave. lot.
Admission is FREE.
Parking at Gate 9 on White Ave.
Preview: Fri. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Auction: Sat. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Information: (909) 982-6688
usauctions.net
The hottest bodies around can be found this weekend at Fairplex – that’s right, hot rods, customs, muscle cars, classic trucks and motorcycles (what did you think I meant?). The 61st annual Grand National Roadster Show starts tomorrow. Wheels rolled in today and I had to sneak out to the grounds to take a look. You will not be disappointed! Whether you’re a car enthusiast or not, there are some amazing works of art at the show. Take a look:
James Hetfield’s (of Metallica) 1936 Auburn Boat-tail Speedster
1968 Mustange Fastback
My photos can’t compare to the real thing. See great customs by designers Chip Foose and Boyd Coddington. America’s Most Beautiful Roadster will be awarded. There’s a great exhibit on Cars that Made a Difference: Famous Magazine Car Covers and vendors galore. Plus you can meet Lorenzo Lamas and John Schneider and Catherine Bach from the original TV show “The Dukes of Hazzard.”
Show hours are:
Friday noon to 9 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Admission is $20 for ages 13 and up; $10 for children ages 6-12 and free for ages 5 and younger.
Check out the show Web site at rodshows.com.