I work at Former Marine Corps. Air Station El Toro in Irvine, Ca. The city voted that after the base closed it would become a park Well, They're slow on doing things and while some of the construction is going on There are still runways and there is a company that sets up automotive events/racing/testing/filming. There is also several World War 2 hangars My Idea: Armory style car show with invites in the hangar and general entry on the flightline. Music /pinup show. We have two stages so you do the math on that one. And (most importantly) ROAD and DRAG Racing on the Runways............ The dilema: Though I know who to talk to I don't know jack about hosting a show, I do know how to have a *****in party. I think it would be great to form an Organization. that would help us legitimize racing on the runways as a club.. Something like the "Orange County Roadster Club" we could raise money for the Air Museum that is being built or a veterans/old folks center or something......Maybe we could even host HAMB Drags there...........any thoughts or criticisms? Keep in Mind Racing happens there already and quite frequently so organization is the key to getting out there and setting up an event that traditional cars could run.
You should PM Axle here on the HAMB! He and the Shifters know how to pull something like this off! Fonzi
Way to go, Ironfly! I was stationed there in the early 70's and had heard it had closed. We used to be able to see Orange County Dragstrip from the 3rd floor of our barracks. I know that track has been gone for years. Totally kool to hear they are dragging on the base. Best of luck with your plan. Eddy in Dallas
Thanks, man! I work in 243 (the double row hangars) at the runway intersection restoring a pv-1 and maintaining a flying SNJ-5 and N3N, I also work on a helium filed balloon they planted at the threshold of rnway 7L . The park Board is full of politicians that don't realize what they have my goal: enjoy it while we have it, raise money to save the air museum and preserve El Toros history.
That is so kool. I was there a year but can't remember much...but I am still in contact with guys that were there alot longer than me and might someday be useful with their knowledge of the base. Just PM me and I will give you my phone # if I can ever be of any help. I mostly remember A-4 fighters being there but my buddies were way more up on that stuff than me.
thanks for that link. i was stationed there from sept 55 to mar 57. mag 37 some of those pics sure bring back a lot of memories. bob
Neat idea. I would participate. Sorry, but don't have the resources to help with the planning. GM use to do a test drive event there. I went a couple of times and got to flog a new Corvette around a cone course. I hope something can be put together. Good luck. .
Thanks for doin' your part. I'm in hangars 243 and 10 since those pics alot of buildings have been demolished but 2 of the original 3 have been restored and that's where I thought the roadster show should be held. any pics and stories would be greatly appreciated for the museum too. Everyone, thank you for the encouragement....I thought it would be great to get the cars out doing something besides making backgrounds for ol skool rodz attention girls.
Good luck on this. I have gone by on a couple of train rides I took to San Juan Cap. Always thought it was a great space for a show like you described. I put on a few big events in the past, would be happy to let you pick my brain here and there. Not looking for anything but to be supportive. PM me anytime. I think the biggest obstacle will be liabilty, but insurance is out there to cover anything. With the backing of the property owners and local goverment this goes a big way and makes things easier. All the best. I'll come down to support!
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