Racing Memorabilia Auction Feb. 19

National Dragster, Jan 30, 2004

NHRA founder Wally Parks and his wife Barbara are dipping into their personal collection of rare racing memorabilia to benefit a special racing-themed memorabilia auction to be held at The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum in Pomona on Thursday, Feb. 19, the first day of competition in the 2004 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series at adjacent Pomona Raceway. Several select items from the Parks collection will complement many other unusual, unique, and historic auction pieces.

"All proceeds from the auction will go to support the ongoing programs at the museum," said Sam Jackson, executive director of the Parks NHRA Museum. "Thanks to WaRy 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, including an original Fremont Drag Strip jacket, a tire from Art Arfons' Green Monster land speed record car, an autographed Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum metal street sign, rare hot Wheels toys, vintage racing programs, posters and banners, photos, and more.

"There will 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 to 9 p.m. (a preview is set from 4 to 6:30 p.m.), is open to the public with free admission; those who wish to bid on items must pay a $5 nonrefundable bidder's fee. For information, log on to www.nhra.com/musuem. To guarantee a bidding number, register in advance by calling (909) 622-8562.