April 21-December 30, 2012
New Exhibit: 50th Anniversary of the iconic Shelby Cobra
Speed Merchants of Venice 50th Anniversary of the Cobra, exhibition paying tribute to the late Carroll Shelby's iconic American sports car, the Cobra, personal photographs by Racing Division Inc. and 10 unique Cobras including the first production Cobra and El Cid, one of only five original factory Cobras built for drag racing, Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum presented by Automobile Club of Southern California, Pomona, CA; 909-622-2133 or www.museum.nhra.com
With Carroll Shelby's passing earlier this month, the new exhibit at the NHRA Museum is a befitting tribute to the automotive titan. Even his John Hancock alone was sought after by countless admirers. The exhibit opened on April 21, 2012 in conjunction with the Museum's inaugural Ford-Cobra-Shelby Reunion. Thousands were on hand for the unveiling including some former Shelby racers Parnelli Jones, Bob Bondurant, Jerry Grant and Daytona Cobra Coupe designer Peter Brock, as well as hundreds of former Cobra employees and fans.
"We're extremely honored to be a part of this important exhibit,? said Michael Holmes, managing director of Racing Division. ?Using images from the Shelby Foundation archives we will attempt to briefly tell the Cobra story."
"The new Cobra exhibit is a celebration of Carroll Shelby's most legendary American race cars and the Museum is especially honored to have hosted such a successful event in honor of Carroll," said Museum Curator Greg Sharp. "The exhibit will remain on display for fans to witness his innovations and the lasting impression he branded on the automotive world."
Following his passing on May 11, the NHRA released this statement: "The automotive industry has lost a pioneer and the motorsports world a legend with the passing of Carroll Shelby," said NHRA President Tom Compton. "He and our founder Wally Parks were very good friends, and Carroll frequently attended events at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California. On behalf of everyone at NHRA, our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends."
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, after years of planning and months of hard work cataloging and arranging the exhibit. 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. We collect, preserve, exhibit and interpret the vehicles, stories, and artifacts that represent our affection for, and the influence of, automotive speed and style in all its forms. We are the place to view and learn about hot rods, customs, racecars and speed records, and the West Coast's role as the historic center for their past and present development.
The Museum features an impressive array of vintage and historical racing vehicles –- nearly 50 at the Grand Opening -- along with photographs, trophies, helmets and driving uniforms, artifacts, paintings, and other memorabilia chronicling more than 50 years of American motorsports. A gift shop offers a wide variety of souvenir items. The Museum is open during the annual Los Angeles County Fair. Please check the Fairplex website for hours of operation and admission prices (www.fairplex.com). Museum admission is just $1 with regular paid Fair admission ticket.
HOURS: Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Extended hours during the NHRA Winternationals and NHRA Finals. Also, hours change during the annual Los Angeles County Fair.
HOLIDAYS WE ARE CLOSED: Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
ADMISSION PRICES: Current NHRA members are admitted free. Admission for non-members is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors 60 and older, $6 for juniors 6 through 15, and free for children under the age of 5. AAA discount available.
HOW TO GET HERE: From the 10 fwy east, exit White Avenue, proceed North, turn left on McKinley Avenue, enter Fairplex Gate 1. From the 210 fwy, exit Fruit Avenue, proceed South, turn right on McKinley Avenue. The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum is located at Fairplex Gate 1, 1101 W. McKinley Avenue in Pomona. Call us at (909) 622-2133.
Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum
1101 W. McKinley Ave.
Building 3A
Pomona CA, 91768
Museum Main Number: 909-622-2133
Museum Fax Number: 909-622-1206
Reunion Hotline: 909-622-8562
[email protected]