This is a signed Junior Thompson (drag racing legend) trophy from Vaca Valley Drag strip... Not sure what year. I got this at a yard sale in Long Beach (turns out it was Juniors daughter's house) I was coming back from a morning surf and was not expecting to hit yard sales, but the glint of some trophies caught my eye and I checked them out. They were cool, so I figured I'd buy one. I asked about the woman selling me the trophy about the history and she told me they were her Dad's and that he used to drag race. This piqued my interest and I asked who her Dad was. She said "Junior Thompson" That sealed the deal. I couldn't reach in my pocket for cash, quick enough, ready to buy all 7. Unfortunately I only had a 20 dollar bill, a used gum wrapper and some lint... Oh well, I figured, at least I had enough for one, with a cool story. I proceeded to hand over the cash, and then as I was paying her, two old guys in a pickup truck pull up. The woman says "hey Dad" so I turn to the old timer and say "Are you Junior Thompson?" He was kind of an ornery looking old dude and he replies "yeah, last time I checked" Then without thinking I ask him if he wouldn't mind signing this trophy I just bought. I figure OK, so I can't buy them all but at least maybe I can get the legends signature... He looks at me kinda funny, almost like he's about to punch me in the face actually, and reluctantly says "yeah, sure-whatever" I ask his daughter for a marker, she finds one, gives it to her Dad and he signs it. So I'm stoked! The signing seems to have warmed him up a little and we talk for about 5 minutes or so... I ask about the trophy and Vaca Valley, but he cant remember what year it was from or what he ran time-wise or what car... but he does touch on his 200 MPH crash in the Corvette funny car in Ohio... I guess it makes sense that that would stick with him. So I haven't been able to find out what the date or what race this was. I know Vaca Valley ceased to have races in 1972. I'm sure there may be some experts on here that could shed more light on the history. At any rate... Trophy is in good shape. Signature on back is in blue (all we had!) sharpie. The front plaque that reads "Vac Valley Dragstrip" is patina'd and some of the lettering ink is washed away. Cool piece! * PRICE IN OBO * Pick up in SoCal is prefered but I will ship for extra $$
The Jalopy Journal
