Mooneyes X-Mas Party at the Irwindale Event Center
Just as in years past, it happened at Irwindale Raceway on Saturday 12-10-16. Hours before sunrise, in front of the gates, over 1,500 hot rods, rat rods, customs, lowriders, vans and motorcycles began lining up along Live Oak Ave.
Participants and spectators sat in their idling rides with their heaters on trying to stay warm from morning’s winter cold. The gates opened at 6:00 AM for the event. More than 115 vendors were busy inside the venue making final assembly of their booths in preparation of displaying their cool car culture swag and hardware.
As the participant gates were opened the Mooneyes X-Mas Party staff did a great job directing the cars into the massive Irwindale Raceway parking lot where they were guided to their parking spaces. More than 15,000 spectators visited the event.
It’s become a Southern California December tradition
This blown Chevy, “Mooneyes” Ford Model “A” pickup was a big hit
These very cool “Bombs” belong to the “Old Memories” car club of Pasadena, CA
Dale Snoke does a burnout in “The Rocket” Mercury Cyclone
The Irwindale 1/8th-mile drag strip was open for two sessions to allow all the 120 contestants to have side-by-side drag racing, including six Cacklefest dragsters. The trailered dragsters were quickly unloaded in the pits then directed to the tech inspection area.
Soon the cold December morning gave way to warm sun and blue skies greeting show goers, many dressed in their Christmas and lifestyle swag.
The smell of, fresh carne asada and tri-tip on the BBQ’s filled the morning air. The stage was set for another Mooneyes X-mas Party to begin with its Von Dutch/Big Daddy Roth renaissance flare.
Nicely done ’50 Plymouth Suburban
Five bands played live music throughout day: The Go Getters, Colony Boys, Gamblers Mark, Hot Rod Trio, and the Dynotones!
At 3 o’clock, after the Pin Up contest and trophies were presented, the event ended.
The exceptional people in attendance made this show unique. They came with all their imagination, creativity, ingenuity, attitude, and style for all to enjoy.
Thanks to Shige Suganuma and Chico Kodama of Mooneyes for hosting this special event and carrying on the Moon legacy.
5 bands played live music throughout the day
‘71 Chevy Chevelle had it all, big block, perfect paint and Cowl Induction!!
Recently completed and being shown for the first time, the “Bivens & Fisher” nostalgia Top Fuel dragster “Check Mate”.
An AFX Ford Fairlane impresses the crowd with a wheel stand
“Sweet Dreams” is a delicious looking, 318ci powered ’67 Dodge window van
This masterfully recreated model “A” Ford could use a little Bab-o on those side walls
The exceptional people in attendance made this show unique.
AFX champ Ken Moreland
Long and low with flat paint and a very sick grille
Drag bikes were also on-hand
A small but unique collection of VW Transporters
Editor’s Note: A version of this article first appeared in the November 2017 print issue of the Drive Magazine.
