THE GRAND NATIONAL ROADSTER SHOW, Pomona, CA
AMERICA’S MOST BEAUTIFUL ROADSTER 2020
A 1932 Ford Roadster owned by Monte Belsham!
There were 10 contenders for the title of America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR). All of the contenders can be seen on Friday’s post (below).
THE SLONAKER AWARD 2020
As we explained below, this year, the Slonaker Award became a competition judged by a panel for best overall engineering, craftmanship and originality. Ten cars vied to take home the Slonaker Award along with a check for $12,500. All of the contenders for the Slonaker Award can be seen on Friday’s post (below).
A 1936 Willys Model 77 owned Ron and Vicki Ernsberger!
The 71st Grand National Roadster Show, January 24-26 at the Fairplex in Pomona was full of cars, trucks, dragsters, vendors and spectators.
The Model T above is known as the Kookie Car. It was originally built by Norm Grabowski and driven by Ed Burns in the early 1960’s TV show 77 Sunset Strip.
The feature building contained over 100 vintage drag racing vehicles, from the 50’s era to current cars. This included short wheelbase “bare bones” rails to current 200 mph, nitro-burning funny cars and included many historic and iconic cars.
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Drag racing protective gear has come a long way as evidenced by the difference between the 60’s era aluminized coat and pants and the modern fire suit. Note the modern full-face helmet.
Drag Racing Then and Now was the theme for this year’s feature building. The photos above show Rich Guasco’s AA/FA Pure Hell sitting next to Ron Hope’s AA/FA Rat Trap. Seeing these two Fuel Altereds side-by-side again brings back memories of the days these two altereds sat together at the start line.
Fireups of nostalgia nitro dragsters occurred during the three days of the show. The fireups were in memory of long time drag racer John Ewald.
Big Red, the world’s fastest 1969 Camaro was on display. The car owned by Dan Gottlieb and driven by RJ Gottlieb has been setting records and winning races ever since it won the La Carrera road race in 1988. The legendary Camaro has recorded a top speed of over 266 mph on a 1 1/2 mile course…incredible. Big Red will continue to scorch the asphalt at a meet in New Mexico this February and continue competing in Vintage Road Races.
The 15th Annual Grand Daddy Drive –in was held on Saturday and Sunday. More than 700 cars were seen between the buildings and around the show. Drive-in cars are shown below.
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There were a lot of interesting and unique cars in the various buildings. Below are just a few.
This Model T, known as Uncertain T, traveled to the show from New Zealand.
The LAPD Racing Team A/Gas Camaro, Tony Foti driver.
This 1958 Chevrolet Impala was brought to the show by Mackey’s Hot Rods of Huntington Beach, CA.
Hemi Under glass, now owned and driven by Mike Mantel.
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“The Suede Palace” was filled with traditional Rods and Customs. The cars varied from rusty patina to shiny new paint. This building also featured some 50’s and 60’s race cars. Rockabilly bands played all weekend.
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Over 30 artists came together for the Pinstriper’s Gathering. Their creations were auctioned during the three-day course of the show to benefit Teen Challenge. They set a goal of $100,000 to help those struggling with problems of addiction and self—destructive behaviors.
Plans for future Grand National Roadster Shows are underway. Next year the feature building will invite VWs and other air-cooled cars. For the 2022 show the featured cars will be 1932 Fords. The year 2024 will be the 75th anniversary of the Grand National Roadster Show and will feature a building filled with past Americas Most Beautiful Roadster award winners.
Friday 1/24/20 Grand National Roadster Show
AMERICA’S MOST BEAUTIFUL ROADSTER CONTENDERS 2020
This is the 71st year of the Grand National Roadster Show. The winner of the coveted title of America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) not only takes home a trophy but also a check for $12,500. The 10 contenders to be the 2020 AMBR are shown below.
Tom Fifth’s 1932 Roadster
Gary DeVine’s 1932 Ford Roadster Pick Up
Ken Katashino’s 1932 Ford Roadster
Walter Sigsby’s 1915 Ford Roadster
Brandi Laird’s 1934 Ford Roadster
Gary Mower’s 1932 Ford Roadster
Dustin Smith’s 1927 Ford Roadster
Monte Belsham’s 1932 Ford Roadster
Mike Dwight’s 1932 Ford Roadster
John Ivy’s 1927 Ford Roadster
AL SLONAKER MEMORIAL AWARD 2020 CONTENDERS
Al Slonaker founded the Grand National Roadster Show. In past years one car or truck was selected to receive the Slonaker Award. The criteria for the winning car or truck, was that it not be an AMBR contender. This year, the Slonaker Award will become a competition judged by a panel for best overall engineering, craftmanship and originality. Ten cars are vying to take home the Slonaker Award along with a check for $12,500. The Slonaker Award is one of the most coveted trophies for non-roadsters. The 10 contenders are pictured below.
Will Sanders’ 1968 Camaro
Lane Folliott’s 1956 Chevrolet 210
Wes Dokter’s 1956 Chevrolet Pick Up
Bill Strunk’s 1950 Jaguar Mark V
Richard Hammer’s 1965 Pontiac Acadian
Joe Scheck’s 1957 Lincoln Mark II
Bob Cummings’ 1955 Ford 2 Door Wagon
Kent Matranga’s 1971 Plymouth Baracuda
Ron Ernsberger’s 1936 Willys Pick Up
Ralph Holguin’s 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air
Check back here throughout the week-end to see some of the other fine cars at the show. Sunday evening we’ll post the winner of the AMBR 2020 and the Slonaker Award 2020 winner. Monday evening we’ll post a complete article with photos of the show.
Below is the 2019 AMBR winner.
