Event Coverage LIONS DRAGSTRIP MUSEUM GRAND OPENING

Its more of a private collection than it is a museum. Its open for special events and corporate meetings and an occasional tour on Wednsdays (I think) you must call first as there are no walk-ins

 

Hello,

Since all of the hoopla has somewhat died down from the successful re-grand opening of the Lions Dragstrip Museum, some of the people in the background need to be given giant KUDOS for their hard work and end result. We have all read about the fabulous art work by the hot rod artists on the murals and re-creation of the Dragstrip. Some of the people that worked with in the visual art section need more recognition that was somehow overlooked in the publicity.

The photographs were all gathered and recreated by my friend, “Tom The Photo Guy”, http://www.tomthephotoguy.com/ Tom Loeser did some very creative work in getting all of the photographs scanned, organized and enlarged up to larger sizes without blurring any of them. Dave Mandella, of the old Mandella Drag/Ski Boat Family organized the displays, cars, and general set up of the museum. They did the wonderful coordination of photos/racers/drag racing eras and the race cars that went along with the time line.

We all knew about the historic Memorial Wall on display and the creative work of CINDY GIBBS, it goes without explanation. When one photo was not enough to finish the Mickey Brown drawing, people jumped in to help with photos for her to get the artwork done exactly as possible. The final display of all of the racers from the various Lions era accidents was silently memorialized as everyone walked by and admired the display. The great art work made the racers stand out in the display. Great art and to use an old Bob Hope lyric: “Thanks for the memory…”

Jnaki
Also, thanks to all of the guys in the background from reconstruction staff, hot rod prep, visual arts and general construction people... great job! Thanks...Rob Marchese.
If you happen to miss this event, there are ways to see the displays, race cars and photographs. But, wait…There will be other additions to the museum to commemorate other aspects of drag racing. Drag boats, perhaps? Let’s wait and see…

 

Hello,
Did anyone in Cable land or Streaming land, see a presentation about the Lions Dragstrip Museum on the CARS TV channel? Where we are, our CABLE provider (AND STREAMING SERVICE) does not show CARS TV. Did anyone see the program? It was an interview with Rick Lorenzen about how the Lions Dragstrip Museum was created and what it does for hot rods and drag racing history.

It was about 19 minutes long.

Thank you,

Jnaki

If you did happen to record it, perhaps a copy would be available? I was told it was on Verizon FIOS service programming. (CHANNEL 599)

 

looks like Hulu streaming service offers Cars. TV

 

Hey JJ,
Yes, it is listed, but a new promotion is for $44 a month including Live TV. It is not in our programming continuum. So, I will look for other alternatives.

Thanks,
Jnaki

Anyone have VERIZON FIOS Programming?

 

I bet it would be a highlight day to talk to you about the racing history and your personal stories.

 

Hey 41,
Thank you for your nice comments. Lions was a big part of growing up in the Westside of Long Beach.
"It is like Deja Vu all over again..." One thing someone told me a long time ago was enlightening. After witnessing so many people with the Big A interrupting their friends' lives, it was important to keep those memories fresh by writing them down, searching for answers, and continued reading for life.

That was a way to keep the Big A away. So far, the information must be working. My memory sparks with family photos, looking for details in our own old photos/films, as it sharpens the eyesight and brain. It does help that others that I grew up with are still around creating more memories. Sadly, a lot of them left too soon and that is nothing we can do to stop that effect of nature.

So, in this timeline portion, we read as much as we can, write down various stories for family and about friends. Hopefully, that keeps the Big A away. (No, that is not going to the Anaheim Stadium to not see the Big A)

Also, thank you for your nice comments, they made my day. Our hot rod/drag racing history is thorough, but lasted for a short time. Over the years, it sparks time and time again. You can't get away from history and roots. (But we coped with what we had and lived through them, over the years.)

Jnaki
Our everyday lives were/are simple and not too complicated. If they become somewhat complicated, we work it out and relax with a great saying: "What else are we doing?" In this stage of the BIG GAME, we are still enjoying life and what it has to offer. Family and friends are what holds us all together.

Our history will live on through these stories as told to our son and granddaughter. It makes a big smile when asked to explain a small portion of our teenage history, including or not, hot rods, education, and the surf culture.

They will one day, look on my desktop computer, laptop, and the backup external hard drives. Then, they will find all of the history of our family lives in digital format. It will be for them to read and understand what it was like living our lives. Similar to others, but a little different, it is just a jumble information of being around all of these years.

 

jnaki, if you are in the la area check out kcal channel 9 sunday at 12:30 am. I set my dvr to record it

 

HEY T,
Wow, that is a HUGE find. I was not aware that CARS TV was listed on the local TV stations from Cox Cable. I searched and did not get that listing. You saved the day... YES... !!!

PM me your email address for thanks on the big tip of the Lions Dragstrip Museum showing. My brother's family will also be happy to view that show.

Thank you,

Jnaki

COX CABLE CHANNEL 9 OR 1009 HD FOR DIGITAL SUBSCRIBERS 12:30 AM SUNDAY SEPT 21, 2019.

 

Hello,
This was recently posted by the curators of the Lions Dragstrip Museum. The sad thing is that it will be closed now. But, those that travel during the summer of 2020 may be in for a big surprise. The first time it opened in 2017, it was a huge undertaking and lots of fans were clamoring for public access after the grand opening for the drag racers. Now, that it was re-opened for the second time, the changes were pretty fabulous.

"What a great year 2019 has been for the Lion's Drag Strip Museum. Our June event was a great success thanks to our many contributors and volunteers, and Wednesday Tours have brought many fans to enjoy the history and share stories about Lions."

"In order to prepare for 2020, the museum will be closed for Wednesday tours from now to the end of this year.(Possible early 2020) . We will be adding to the exhibits, shuffling cars and completing construction. Follow us on our social media for future event dates including our Big Summer Event."

So, those that got to see it in person, you were treated to a pretty amazing showcase... For those that did not, if rumors are true, several areas of the whole museum complex will be filled with "new stuff" from the world of drag racing. It will be worth the wait.

Jnaki
We might have to take another random 100 mile road trip to see what is going on at the whole complex, before the rainy season... Rainy season in So Cal...what a concept...

 

Just watched a YouTube video about the grand reopening in June. Looks like a neat display. I especially liked the murals.

Phil

 

Hey P,
There are many videos of the opening of the Lions Dragstrip Museum on You Tube. Hopefully, it was this blurb on the how and why of the big event that took place in June 2019.
Lions Dragstrip Museum 2019

Your roadster photo would fit right into the whole aura of the museum complex. But, the museum just does not stand on its laurels. They are forever changing and creating a new experience for all hot rodders and drag racers. It was explained to me that the new addition will be part of the whole drag race scene and is a fitting example of how ingenious drag racers and hot rodders can be, while expanding their horizons. Can't wait for drab winter months to get finished and the bright spring/summer will showcase something new. Yippee!

Thanks,
Jnaki

 

Hello,
The Lions Dragstrip Museum is closed again for more additions and some changes. It should be open some time in the Spring/Summer 2020. But, in the mean time... Here is something that is getting a notice on a major Golden Globes Nomination for just about the whole starring movie crew. It is a fictional account of Los Angeles in 1966-69.

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is a recent movie that is gathering momentum for a possible sweep in the awards presentation coming up soon. (Jan. 5, 2020)

But, the neat thing about the movie, besides the big name movie actors, is the scene where Brad Pitt is talking, while wearing a yellow Lions Dragstrip T-Shirt from that 1968-69 era.

What a better way to advertise the Lions Dragstrip Museum than to have one of the most popular movie actors walking around and talking, with the yellow, Lions T-Shirt? If and when you go to the museum, there are enough 1950s-60s pristine coupes and sedans in the aisles of the Price Transfer Automobilia (next door to the Lions Museum) to fullfill all of your cl***ic hot rod memorabilia wish lists.

Jnaki

If that wasn’t enough for the Lions Dragstrip/hot rod fans, then for the rest of the movie, Brad Pitt is seen wearing a Champion Spark Plug T-Shirt under a bright silk, patterned open shirt.

Premise: “A faded television actor and his stunt double strive to achieve fame and success in the film industry during the final years of Hollywood's Golden Age in 1969 Los Angeles.”

https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum...iod-correct-cars.1172139/page-3#post-13384758

 

Hello,

The latest news just sent out to the public:

The Lions Automobilia Foundation
The Home of the Lions Dragstrip Museum and Price Automobilia Collection.

The Lions Automobilia Foundation and Museum will be closed to public and private tours during this challenging time as our great nation stands strong to block the spread of COVID-19. Our staff wishes everyone the very best and to stay healthy as you are all in our thoughts. We look forward to opening our doors soon and continue to share cherished memories and explorer the evolution of California's Car Culture and the Legacy of Motorsports.

After all of the CV19 "stay in place/social distancing" gets back on track, there will be other notices for all of the supporters of the Lions Dragstrip Museum and Foundation.

Jnaki
For now, stay in touch through these sites:
https://www.facebook.com/TheLionsDragStripMuseum/

https://lionsautomobilia.org/?fbclid=IwAR11ZGru6viKuWtNb69nPmbogHw6IPKOdPa9htcQ7Q05GctTgccslvBRTtE

 

2021 Recent announcement from the Lion's Dragstrip Museum







Announcement- Rancho Dominguez, CA
Lions Automobilia Foundation & Museum
Opens to the Public


The Lions Automobilia Foundation & Museum announces its schedule for 2021. Opening to the public for the first time since January 2020, Lions will be opened initially on Saturday's with pre-purchased tickets only. Lions Automobilia is located in Los Angeles County and will be adhering to required Covid-19 protocols at time of reservation. Mask and Temperature Checks maybe required.

Lions Automobilia Foundation is the Home of the Spirit of Lions Drag Strip, as well as several other galleries' providing guests with a glimpse of a simpler time living in Southern California. The Spirit of Lions Drag Strip Gallery includes over 30 showcases of Lions Racing Legends and several original race cars, including the Stone, Woods, and Cook Swindler II Willys, Jack Chrisman’s 1929 Model A and many more.



PRE-PURCHASED TICKETS REQUIRED FOR ADMISSION
Visit www.LionsAutomobilia.org to purchase tickets and 2021 Schedule


Hello,

This announcement was just sent our to those who follow the Lion's Dragstrip Museum and the Foundation. It is located in Rancho Dominguez, just a short distance away from Bixby Knolls to the East. It is freeway close, although it is in an industrial park.

Sadly, it is not just a "drop in anytime", kind of place. Check out the website and follow the instructions. There have been some improvements and will fill the needs of the automobile enthusiasts from all over.

Jnaki

The drag racing set up is pretty outstanding and can be seen on the web. Call ahead or reserve your arrival date for the entrance. But, the pandemic is still going on with the covid 19 and now, variants. Masks will be required. Los Angeles County is going back to masks required for all indoor applications, regardless of vaccines or not.

If you don't feel safe, then just wait. "Good things come to those who wait..."