Lions Dragstrip Museum…Long Beach Marine Stadium Update!

[Clank123]

So along with the Shockwave, we delivered the “Little Beaver” to the Museum today

 

[sirbob]

 

[Wheeler]

View attachment 1289656 View attachment 1289657 View attachment 1289658 View attachment 1289659 View attachment 1289660 View attachment 1289661

Great job on the progress report!

 

[Wheeler]

So along with the Shockwave, we delivered the “Little Beaver” to the Museum today View attachment 1289653 View attachment 1289654 View attachment 1289655

Don Berger must have stuck them Autolite stickers on any thing that wasn't moving.

 

[73mandella]

As I am detailing in the Shockwave Blown Fuel Hydro Thread, I am restoring the boat for the new Long Beach Marine Stadium exhibit at the Museum.
The Exhibit itself will feature boats and memorabilia from the glory years of drag and circle boat racing beginning in 1960 through the late 70’s.
I had a meeting there last Thursday and got a chance to go check out the progress on the exhibit.
As you will see it is coming along great!
It is unbelievable that they have the premier Motorsports Artist probably in the world…the one and only Kenny Youngblood!
If you have never seen his work, here is a link to his website.

Kenny Youngblood - Official Website

This is the website of Kenny Youngblood. Shop for canvas prints, framed prints, posters, greeting cards, and more. It was 1960; Kenny Youngblood was fifteen years old, sitting at the kitchen table and drawing his favorite subject: slingshot fuel dragsters. His mom walked by and said, Someday yo...

kenny-youngblood.pixels.com

Here’s a few shots of the progress.

This is the exhibit area.
Obviously it is being painted to replicate the look of the Stadium from the Toteboard to the starting line to the homes on the pit side.
They plan will be to mount a monitor in the middle with Drag and Circle racing video running on a loop(I hope to get Sharpshooter to put his extensive collection of videos from the stadium together to make the presentation).

View attachment 1238144
Toteboard and Houses.

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The Legend Mr. Youngblood, Yvonne…who is helping on the artwork and has lettered boats for Billy B and others and me on the end.
View attachment 1238146
Exhibit is gonna be really cool.

If you have any memorabilia from the Stadium(programs, pictures, helmets, tshirts or anything related and would like to donate please reach out to me as I am helping them design the displays.

There will be a grand opening party where we will do a hot boat show in the parking lot to kick it off.
I’ll keep you all updated on the progress.

This reminds me of the early 70’s at Long Beach Marine Stadium where BFH Mr. Ed made a pass at 202 mph but could not back it up for the record.

 

[Meaney77]

Damn cool thread, not sure how I missed it!!!!

Sounds like there is still alot in the works for this museum? When will everything from boats to drags, circle track, and off road be on display? Or is it like the Perterson Museum where it constatly changes?

Would definetly like to come check this place out!

 

[Clank123]

This reminds me of the early 70’s at Long Beach Marine Stadium where BFH Mr. Ed made a pass at 202 mph but could not back it up for the record.

Here ya Go!
Good Memory!

 

[Clank123]

Damn cool thread, not sure how I missed it!!!!

Sounds like there is still alot in the works for this museum? When will everything from boats to drags, circle track, and off road be on display? Or is it like the Perterson Museum where it constatly changes?

Would definetly like to come check this place out!

The new area will be open early next year.
Still pretty cool already.
Took a handful of guys with me yesterday as we had the place to ourselves and they were blown away.
They are open every Saturday and Wednesday, with events going on a couple weekends a month.
You can go to their website and get a monthly email with what’s going on.
Lionsautomobilia.org

 

[Clank123]

The plan is to unveil the Shockwave at their Hall of Fame Dinner on November 9th.
They will be inducting the driver Gary Gabelich.
His wife Rae will be there to accept, so it will be pretty cool.
I’m going to go and hopefully Billy can make it as well.

 

[73mandella]

Here ya Go!
Good Memory!
View attachment 1289933 View attachment 1289931 View attachment 1289934

I'm going to save those photos...Thanks

 

[Clank123]

Transferred the 225 Hydro and Shockwave over to the carts we built today.
Always fun to have a boat hanging on a strap in the air
A good eye will pick out about the last remaining all fiberglass enclosed Mr. Ed dragster trailers left in existence behind Uncle Gummy.

 

[Sharp Shooter]

So Bitchin Dave!!!!!!!!!

 

[monkeyswrench]

Your work is in good company...a real sign of talent and skill is the company your work keeps

 

[rrrr]

Man...the restored Shockwave is beyond beautiful. I can easily imagine it being backed down the ramp into the water, pushed off, and the hull heeling over from the torque of the hemi as the engine catches and the throttle is whacked.

Congratulations, Dave.

 

[ltbaney1]

Transferred the 225 Hydro and Shockwave over to the carts we built today.
Always fun to have a boat hanging on a strap in the air
A good eye will pick out about the last remaining all fiberglass enclosed Mr. Ed dragster trailers left in existence behind Uncle Gummy.


Mike Kuhls Trailer if im not mistaken?

 

[cofooter]

Transferred the 225 Hydro and Shockwave over to the carts we built today.
Always fun to have a boat hanging on a strap in the air
A good eye will pick out about the last remaining all fiberglass enclosed Mr. Ed dragster trailers left in existence behind Uncle Gummy.
View attachment 1294204 View attachment 1294200 View attachment 1294201 View attachment 1294202 View attachment 1294203

What happens next, Will they rotate the boats out eventually? Ever gonna run them? Would sure like to see them in person some day! Awesome work!

 

[Clank123]

Mike Kuhls Trailer if im not mistaken?

Yes it is!!

 

[Clank123]

What happens next, Will they rotate the boats out eventually? Ever gonna run them? Would sure like to see them in person some day! Awesome work!

They will rotate some other boats in.
In fact, Vic Edelbrock’s Schiada Ski Race boat will be on display when it opens as well.
Will they run any of them?
If they do I have first dibs being in the seat!

 

[Clank123]

So as I eluded to in the Shockwave Thread , Billy and I were invited to the Hall Of Fame induction dinner at the Lions Dragstrip Museum.
We met for beers and apps at Curlys Cafe before the event, along with Bobby B and Bob Adams. DeanGang from here on the board also showed up for a few pints.
Great way to start the evening!
They started the event off with a couple cackle cars out front(which we missed).
As the place filled up, it was obvious that there was a lot of Drag Racing Royalty around over and above the inductees.
Tons of old school guys but also more recent names like Jack Beckman(who was the MC and did a great job), John Force, Darrell Gwynn, Don Prudhomme and even Ed Iskendarian at 102 years old got up and told a couple stories! Incredible!
So we had a great time.
Got to introduce Billy to the owner of the Museum, Rick Lorenzen, who told us how happy he was with the way the boat came out. We also got some great compliments for a bunch of other folks as well so, it was pretty cool.
Here’s a few pictures…

All the speakers were great.
Prudhomme spoke for Tom McEwen, family for the ones that had passed, Ed Pink was still super sharp at 93, Dunn told a couple great stories, and Linda, who was last, was really funny.

Boat was placed right next to the stage which was cool.

I dig this one with the Stadium Toteboard behind it.

I’m not that guy that needs to get a picture with a celebrity. Been around so many, I just act like I’ve been there before.
But when we ran into Linda Vaughn, who was getting a private tour at the back of the museum, I couldn’t resist.
I talked to her for 4 or 5 minutes.
She could not have been nicer and was a real sweetheart.
She loved going to the drag boat races!

So that’s it.
The Shockwave journey is done!

Moving forward I’ll keep you guys informed about the grand opening of the Marine Stadium display.
We will have a boat show there when it happens so it’ll be a fun day for sure!
As of now they are open Wednesdays and Saturdays so if you’re close to Long Beach go check it out.
You won’t be disappointed!
Dave

 

[Clank123]

Here’s three pictures of me and Billy with the boat. Not that you need to see three pictures of us, but it’s the only ones that were taken of the boat up close.
Last one is kinda cool.

 

[Sharp Shooter]

Dave, maybe Ms Hurst solicited the picture with you...?

Looked like fun, too bad the photo quality isn't awesome but tons better than nothing.


I caught a lot of the same celebs last weekend at Irwindale. Ed pink with a cammer he built.

Hot Rod Holly and Linda. Holly asked me to take this photo of them.

Force with my buddy Joel.

Darrell Gwynn

And our good buddy Phil.

 

[got wood]

Dave, maybe Ms Hurst solicited the picture with you...?

Looked like fun, too bad the photo quality isn't awesome but tons better than nothing.


I caught a lot of the same celebs last weekend at Irwindale. Ed pink with a cammer he built.

View attachment 1301109

View attachment 1301111


View attachment 1301112


Hot Rod Holly and Linda. Holly asked me to take this photo of them.

View attachment 1301113


Force with my buddy Joel.

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Darrell Gwynn
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And our good buddy Phil.

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Nice!

 

[got wood]

Great memories raced moto cross Friday nights Saturday nights where unreal landy stone woods and cook fuelers of course actually won D gasser one Saturday when nobody fast was there 55 Chevy c/o hydro 327 6/2 s

 

[Willie B]

Great memories raced moto cross Friday nights Saturday nights where unreal landy stone woods and cook fuelers of course actually won D gasser one Saturday when nobody fast was there 55 Chevy c/o hydro 327 6/2 s

…Damn…A C&O hydro… now there is a name I have not heard in a very long time???…

 

[got wood]

The building is owned by my friend he still is in touch with him

 

[got wood]

South Bay Autohaus there now the best for German cars tell them I sent you

 

[rrrr]

There certainly was racing royalty at the event. It's nice to see Darrell is looking good. I haven't talked to him in years.

 

[Wheeler]

Here’s three pictures of me and Billy with the boat. Not that you need to see three pictures of us, but it’s the only ones that were taken of the boat up close.
Last one is kinda cool.
View attachment 1301102 View attachment 1301101 View attachment 1301103

Nice job Dave! Thanks for taking us along on your journey through time.

 

[monkeyswrench]

There certainly was racing royalty at the event. It's nice to see Darrell is looking good. I haven't talked to him in years.

I was just thinking that, Darrell looks good! I didn't realize he'd partnered up with Bass Pro Shops, and still working with Bouniconti.

 

[LB247XS]

As I am detailing in the Shockwave Blown Fuel Hydro Thread, I am restoring the boat for the new Long Beach Marine Stadium exhibit at the Museum.
The Exhibit itself will feature boats and memorabilia from the glory years of drag and circle boat racing beginning in 1960 through the late 70’s.
I had a meeting there last Thursday and got a chance to go check out the progress on the exhibit.
As you will see it is coming along great!
It is unbelievable that they have the premier Motorsports Artist probably in the world…the one and only Kenny Youngblood!
If you have never seen his work, here is a link to his website.

Kenny Youngblood - Official Website

This is the website of Kenny Youngblood. Shop for canvas prints, framed prints, posters, greeting cards, and more. It was 1960; Kenny Youngblood was fifteen years old, sitting at the kitchen table and drawing his favorite subject: slingshot fuel dragsters. His mom walked by and said, Someday yo...

kenny-youngblood.pixels.com

Here’s a few shots of the progress.

This is the exhibit area.
Obviously it is being painted to replicate the look of the Stadium from the Toteboard to the starting line to the homes on the pit side.
They plan will be to mount a monitor in the middle with Drag and Circle racing video running on a loop(I hope to get Sharpshooter to put his extensive collection of videos from the stadium together to make the presentation).

View attachment 1238144
Toteboard and Houses.

View attachment 1238145

View attachment 1238147

The Legend Mr. Youngblood, Yvonne…who is helping on the artwork and has lettered boats for Billy B and others and me on the end.
View attachment 1238146
Exhibit is gonna be really cool.

If you have any memorabilia from the Stadium(programs, pictures, helmets, tshirts or anything related and would like to donate please reach out to me as I am helping them design the displays.

There will be a grand opening party where we will do a hot boat show in the parking lot to kick it off.
I’ll keep you all updated on the progress.

We went today for the toy drive at Lions Automobileia with my car club The SULTAN'S OF LONG BEACH. I've been so many times and still blows my mind how awesome this place is.

 

[LB247XS]

Here’s three pictures of me and Billy with the boat. Not that you need to see three pictures of us, but it’s the only ones that were taken of the boat up close.
Last one is kinda cool.
View attachment 1301102 View attachment 1301101 View attachment 1301103

HA! I got one up close too

 

[Clank123]

HA! I got one up close too View attachment 1311371

HaHa!
Glad you got to see the Museum.
So much cool stuff in there it’s hard to describe!

 

[LB247XS]

HaHa!
Glad you got to see the Museum.
So much cool stuff in there it’s hard to describe!

You're exactly right it's hard to describe that place. I've been going there for years before it was even open to the public two of my friends work there. Like every other week I go down there and have lunch with my buddy and I've seen that thing grow and watch the progress it's just mind-blowing

 

[SHOCKtheMONKEY]

I went today. I took my 75 year old neighbor/gearhead with me. He had a story about every thing...
That Shockwave boat was absolutely beautiful. Go Clank!!!
If you haven't gone, you need to go!
The murals on the wall are unreal!
What a great day.

 

[Orange Juice]

The Goodyear blimp is a nice touch!

At every popular sporting event back in the day.

 

[RitcheyRch]

Saw these photos of the Lions Museum

 

[RitcheyRch]

It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of our beloved founder, Rick Lorenzen.
Rick passed away peacefully Sunday evening surrounded by family.
Ricks vision was the guiding light in the creation of the Lions Automobilia Foundation. His leadership and steadfast commitment to preserving what he referred to as a simpler time and to share with others. Rick enjoyed telling stories about watching the races at Lions Drag Strip as a young man with his friends and later meeting so many legends as they visited his treasured museum.
“As we navigate this challenging period, please know that I am committed to continuing Rick’s vision and values. My dedication will ensure that we remain strong and united, honoring Rick’s legacy in every step we take.” Tami Lorenzen-Fanselow.
Rick’s passion, commitment, and hard work have left a mark on all of us, and his legacy will continue to inspire us.

 

[Vamodsquad]

RIP Sir.

 

[Clank123]

He was a great guy.
One time I was there he wanted to walk me down to the hall where Youngblood was working on a new mural that had Richard Petty’s car in it at Ontario.
As we walked through the Museum he couldn’t help but talk about some of his favorite cars(he did say that the Shockwave was one of the coolest things in there!).
When we took the Chubasco AA/FD up there he hung out with all the guys I invited up for an hour or so.
At the event Billy B and I went to it hilarious watching an overserved Linda Vaughn hitting on him from the stage.
He was a prince of a guy who left us an incredible place to relive history.
I was there last week helping them create the Dolly for the Little Beaver boat I took them.
Place was busy as they are getting ready for their biggest event of the year this weekend..,The Roar of Lions…featuring 20 or so Cackle Cars from the 60’s.
It on Saturday.
Be a great time to go if you’ve never been.
RIP Sir!

 

[got wood]

 

[monkeyswrench]

Very sad that he has passed, but very grateful for what he did when here.

The bench racing in heaven will be epic

RIP sir.

 

[lbhsbz]

I drove down Del Amo and past the PRICE building every day for 15 years....only thing I ever saw from the outside was the F150 with the chrome MOON style wheels on it.....I knew something had to be in there, but never knew what. I'll have to stop by one of these days

 

[Clank123]

 

[Clank123]

Here’s a shot of the whole crew when we delivered the AA/FD car I restored a few years back.
Rick is the big guy in the blue shirt.
Funny story about that day.
Naturally we smuggled in some alcohol to enhance the experience.
I was standing with Rick doing an interview about the car when one of the guys handed me a bottle of “water”.
They were all sitting on a set of bleachers watching.
What I didn’t know was they were taking bets what my reaction would be when I took my first drink.
The water bottle was straight Vodka!
I unscrewed the cap and took a gulp and as it hit me I thought, you bastards!
What could I do…no reaction, just kept going. Even took a few more swigs just to mess with them!
You can’t write this stuff!
Good times!

 

[boatpi]

R.I.P., many hot rod legends are leaving us now and in the next few years. Age is catching up on us.

 

[timstoy]

So sorry to hear this. I never met Rick but I have a few friends that did and said he was a great guy and dedicated to preserving Lions dragstrip history. My dad took me there often and we were there on the final night. RIP Rick. We are going to try to go this weekend.Do they sell tickets at the door?

 

[Clank123]

So sorry to hear this. I never met Rick but I have a few friends that did and said he was a great guy and dedicated to preserving Lions dragstrip history. My dad took me there often and we were there on the final night. RIP Rick. We are going to try to go this weekend.Do they sell tickets at the door?

Yes.
Have a great time.
Guarantee you won’t regret it!!

 

[Willie B]

Yes.
Have a great time.
Guarantee you won’t regret it!!

… RIP… To a real savior of history… Although San Fernando was my home track… Lions was certainly my favorite…
… Wish I could go, but the old thrashed body tells me no… And Neighbor Girl is too pregnant to drive me…