Mooneyes X-mas Show & Drags
Irwindale, CASaturday, December 10, 2016
It’s become a Southern California December tradition, the Mooneyes X-mas Show & Drags. 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, low-riders, 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 in 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 to display 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. A total of 15,000+ spectators visited the event.
The Irwindale 1/8-mile drag strip was open for 2 sessions to allow all the 120 contestants to have side-by-side drag racing, including 6 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 and warm sun and blue skies greeted show goers, many dressed in their Christmas and lifestyle swag. The smell of fresh carne asada and tri-tip being cooked 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. 5 live bands played all day: The Go Getters, Colony Boys, Gamblers Mark, Hot Rod Trio, and the Dynotones! At 3:00, after the Pin Up contest and trophy presentation, the event ended.
The people made this show, and they came out 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.