The last time I attended the “Grand National Roadster Show” it was in Oakland and called the “Oakland Roadster Show”. That was long before I could drive and my dad took me and my older brother. We were blown away wandering through row after row of roadsters, customs and drag cars. Now in its 62nd year, the show is being held at the Fairplex in Pomona, CA for the 8th consecutive year. It’s still a great car show with over 500 cars inside and another 400-800 spread around the grounds. Lots to look at, listen to and eat, with live bands, food stands, a pinstripers reunion/art auction, and autograph sessions with legendary custom car builders. The GNRS is now the longest running indoor car show in the world! The attached pictures don’t do the cars or the show justice, but do offer a splendid illustration of lame photographic technique and poor lighting management! -bt

Monster Jam is always a fine evening of family fun. The 2011 edition at Qualcomm was no exception, however the layout didn’t seem to lend itself to great freestyle runs. Everyone still loves Grave Digger who won both the race portion of the event and the freestyle. The families that bailed out early did their kids a disservice…missing the best runs in freestyle. It’s surprising just how high the trucks get off the ground. They look like toys out on the dirt, but you can clearly hear the 1,500 hp big blocks working. -bt

A killer collection of cars rolled through JBA Performance Center this morning for Coffee and Cars. For the dawn patrol, J cranked up the fire pit and offered spiced cider in addition to the coffee and donuts. Special guests included Mark Maynard (Union-Tribune) and Dave Stall (radio/TV personality) who naturally rolled up in a 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 Hemi (6.4L).  Cool!  GM was strong with several C2 and C3 Corvettes, a beautiful factory-supercharged ZR1, and a beastly big-block powered Nova that sounded like a Pro Mod when it hit it out on the street!  Of course, there are always lots of fast Fords lurking around JBA! Check out the pictures for more of the story, and we’ll see you February 13th (bring your Valentine!). -bt

The “Biggest, Little Car Show in San Diego County” took place today at the Pepper Tree Frosty in Vista, CA. No doubt, the Burger Run is one of the very best car shows in Southern California and beyond. The event overflows the Frosty parking lot and extends up and down nearby streets. It features pre-1972 vehicles and today there were 575 registered vehicles and a bunch more just parked in the area. Organized by Joe Free and Bruce Kent, this was the 24th annual show. The trophy presentation kicks off promptly at 1pm which is appreciated by attendees who aren’t forced to hang out until 2:30 or 3:00 like some shows. Another fun feature…the “Best Trophies in all the Land!” Very, very creative! And they’re presented with tongue firmly in cheek by Joe. Live music cranked in the parking lot all day and though the line for food was long at the Pepper Tree Frosty, it was definitely worth the wait! The attached images may give you a better feel for the show. Don’t miss the 25th anniversary Burger Run in 2012! -bt