The 2022 Grand National Roadster show, once known as the Oakland Roadster Show celebrated its 72nd year which is now the longest-running indoor car show in the world. Wow!

Well folks, we here at DRIVE! Magazine have definitely seen an increase in car shows and large crowds, and boy, have we been ready for the show! It was refreshing to get out and mingle with car enthusiasts again after we’ve all been hibernating.

Since  November 2021, we have attended the SEMA show in Las Vegas, the Ventura Nationals in Ventura ,California. Then on to the Mooneyes show at the Irwindale Speedway and now the Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona, California, and many others.

This is the show’s 16th consecutive year Fairplex in Pomona, with over 500 show vehicles competing for the various awards inside the Fairplex buildings and another 400-800 vehicles outside on Saturday and Sunday for the 15th Annual Grand Daddy Drive-In.

With all the world’s problems that are happening right now, it seems that all of that doesn’t exist at the aforementioned car shows. We noticed that car owners and fans alike are excited to be there, and everyone’s super friendly. Each show we have attended, car owners were eager to tell us about their custom cars and fans were wanting their picture taken for the magazine.

As we strolled the Fairplex grounds we met old friends and made new ones. The vibe was mellow and the crowds were cordial. As we made our way into building #4 we saw our old friends Pete 4 and Rob from SoCal Speed Shops. They told us that they just opened a new store in Upland California, so go check them out and buy some cool apparel.

In building #4 We saw the compound of automotive Pinstripers. Wow, the talent that these men and women have is impressive. We had a chance to talk to a few as they were doing live pinstriping on everything from motorcycle helmets to skateboards. It was awesome!

This show has it all in the form of some of the best custom cars and trucks on the planet all vying for the top honors. The quality of cars at the show was at their best. We wouldn’t want to be a judge at this show because the competition was tough.

Billy said, “You’re coming too!”  He didn’t have to ask us twice.

Just when we thought the show couldn’t get any better, we get a phone call from famed custom car builder, Jimmy Shine from Shine Speed Shop in Orange California.

Jimmy tells us we are invited to the Hall of Fame Dinner where our other good friend, Billy F. Gibbons of ZZ TOP and BFG was being inducted into the GNRS Hall of Fame and we have seats at his table. Jimmy advised us to wear something black.

So in our best black Dickies shirt, black Dickies pants, black Dickies jacket with black socks and black VANS shoes, we fulfilled that request.

The dinner was excellent and the multitude of custom car builders from around the country were in the house. It was epic!

Along with Billy Gibbons, Eric Peratt and Roger O’Dell were also inducted that night.

After the dinner, John Buck, head honcho of GNRS, and his wonderful staff treated Billy to a late-night stroll to see the rows of tricked out cars as Billy’s schedule was limited and he wanted to check out some custom cars before he had to catch a flight.  Billy said, “You’re coming too!”  He didn’t have to ask us twice.

After tooling around in a golf cart we said our good-byes and went our separate ways.  Another great show with great friends old and new and it gave us the feeling that things are going to be all right.

We want to give a special shout-out to John Buck and his staff for putting on another great event and for his hospitality. Thanks, John!

As you read this article we are probably at another car show or getting ready to go to one. If you see us, please say hi.

It’s times like these that we learn to love again.
– Foo Fighters

Another great show with great friends…

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