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MOONEYES X-MAS SHOW AND DRAGS

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

Chevy, “Mooneyes” Ford Model “A”
This blown Chevy, “Mooneyes” Ford Model “A” pickup was a big hit
MOONEYES X-MAS SHOW AND DRAGS
These very cool “Bombs” belong to the “Old Memories” car club of Pasadena, CA

MOONEYES X-MAS SHOW AND DRAGS

Dale Snoke
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.

MOONEYES X-MAS SHOW AND DRAGS

’50 Plymouth Suburban
Nicely done ’50 Plymouth Suburban

Engine of ’50 Plymouth Suburban ’50 Plymouth Suburban ’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
‘71 Chevy Chevelle had it all, big block, perfect paint and Cowl Induction!!

Engine of ‘71 Chevy Chevelle MOONEYES X-MAS SHOW AND DRAGS

Top Fuel dragster “Check Mate”
Recently completed and being shown for the first time, the “Bivens  & Fisher” nostalgia Top Fuel dragster “Check Mate”.
AFX Ford Fairlane
An AFX Ford Fairlane impresses the crowd with a wheel stand
 318ci powered ’67 Dodge window van
“Sweet Dreams” is a delicious looking,  318ci powered ’67 Dodge window van
model “A” Ford could
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.

Mooneyes X-Mas Party

MOONEYES X-MAS SHOW

AFX champ Ken Moreland
AFX champ Ken Moreland
Long and low with flat paint and a very sick grille
Long and low with flat paint and a very sick grille

Drag bikes
Drag bikes were also on-hand

MOONEYES X-MAS SHOW AND DRAGS

MOONEYES X-MAS SHOW AND DRAGS
A small but unique collection of VW Transporters

MOONEYES X-MAS SHOW AND DRAGS


Editor’s Note: A version of this article first appeared in the November 2017 print issue of the Drive Magazine.