Winternationals Weekend of Fun at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, Feb. 5-8

Fun, festive and free events surrounding the upcoming Kragen O’Reilly NHRA Winternationals are taking place at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, Feb. 5 through 8.

First up is Wally Day on Thurs., Feb. 5, celebrating NHRA founder Wally Parks. In honor of Wally Parks, Museum admission is free throughout the entire race weekend as well as extended hours.

Fans are also invited to purchase tickets for the annual fundraising dinner featuring a special preview of a new Shelby Mustang, a “Bench Racing with Legends” panel discussion with moderator Mike Dunn, panelists John Force, Don Prudhomme, Ed McCulloch and Jerry Ruth, and a live racing memorabilia auction. The fundraising dinner runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets for the dinner can be reserved by calling Kat Lotz, 909/622-8562.

The second event on Fri., Feb. 6, the Museum will hold its semi-annual Night of Champions – Auto Club Q&A with NHRA professional racers. The Night of Champions brings together racing fans with some of the drivers competing at the drag strip in the Kragen O’Reilly NHRA Winternationals (Feb. 5-8) and past champions of the event. Friday night’s racers include Matt Hagan, Tim Wilkerson, Ron Capps, Mike Neff, and Jim Yates.

“During these difficult economic times, families are looking for savings and the Museum is pleased to offer a fun and free time for all,” said Museum Executive Director Tony Thacker.

The third event on Sat., Feb. 7 from noon to 10 p.m. is the Pomona Racing Collectible Show. Admission to the show is only $5; children 12 and under are free. Browse through yesteryear’s and today’s racing collectibles, hat pins, post cards, die cast and racing apparel.

“All proceeds from these weekend events will go to support the ongoing programs at the Museum,” said Tony Thacker, “Thanks to those who have generously donated to the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum.”

Free Museum admission and extended weekend hours during the Kragen O’Reilly NHRA Winternationals, Feb. 5-8. Free Tram Service from drag strip to Museum. Tram pick-up is located on Gate J at the track and will run all day during the weekend. Museum hours during the Winternationals are as follow: Feb. 4, Wednesday – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; no tram service; Feb. 5, Thursday – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; tram runs from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Feb. 6, Friday – 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; tram runs from 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Feb. 7, Saturday – 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; tram runs from 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; and Feb. 8, Sunday – 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; tram runs from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

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Celebrating its 10th anniversary and named for the founder of the National Hot Rod Association, the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California houses the very roots of hot rodding. Scores of famous vehicles spanning American motorsports history are on display, including winning cars representing 50 years of drag racing, dry lakes and salt-flat racers, oval track challengers and exhibits describing their colorful backgrounds.

The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., PST. Current NHRA members are admitted free and Auto Club members enjoy a $2 discount. Admission for nonmembers is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors 60 and older, $5 for juniors six through 15, and free for children under the age of five. The Museum is also available for special group tours. The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum is located at Fairplex Gate 1, 1101 W. McKinley Ave. in Pomona. For further information on special exhibits, museum events or directions, call 909/622-2133 or visit http://museum.nhra.com.

The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California, long a dream of NHRA founder Wally Parks, opened to the public April 4, 1998, Housed in a 28,500-square-foot building on the edge of the historic Los Angeles County Fairplex, the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum's mission is to celebrate the impact of motorsports on our culture, and the West Coast's role as the historic center for their past and present development. Visit us at www.museum.nhra.com.

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