Peter Koning in USA Peter is a long time hot rodder and supporter of Let's Go Cruisin. He's left his business, Hoppers Stoppers in the capable hands of his staff to travel the US for 12 months. Sure makes some interesting reading!

Follow Peter's Trip

NHRA Museum

The Los Angeles Fairplex complex is a hot rodders heaven. As well as holding the annual Grand National Roadster Show, the WinterNats Drags and the huge Pomona Swap Meet all right here on the grounds, its the home of the NHRA museum. This museum was built by the NHRA founder Wally Parks (1913-2007) and they have assembled an eclectic array of American Hot Rod and Drag racing history.

Those of you who follow the history of the 40's and 50's early drag and dry lakes scene, right here you will find many of the icon cars, All faithfully restored, and usuall better than they were back when they originally driven. The Pierson Bros 34 Coupe, many of the Crisman families early dry lakes and drag cars, Mickey Thompsons many streamliners,Vic Edelbrocks original roadster from the 40's, I could go on forever. Luckily guys like Bruce Myer have the foresight and where with all to have these cars saved and made available for us to see.

The Billy Gibbons ZZ top Cadzilla still looks amazing, reportedly he knocked back a 3.5 million offer, I suppose its not about money when you have more than enough to start with. Also see I got to meet TV Tommy Ivo, still smiling and looking young after all these years. He was here for the weekend honours and I happened there just as he was doing some photos with the car. You guys with Tee Buckets should know of him, he did that little nailhead powered bucket right back in the mid 50's and we are still copying it 55 years later.

In one wing they have an "Axles and Axes" tribute, tying in the long standing association between hot rods and rock and roll. All centred around Fender Guitars, which are made in Corona near here.
In this room we have cars again from Billy Gibbons, Michael Anthony, Jimmy Vaughan,and Jeff Beck. Eric Clapton had just taken his 48 Chev Woody away as he was in town and wanted to drive it. So Cal speed shop have a strong tie to Fender Guitars as you can see, those So Cal/Fender Pearl Dash inserts are beautiful so I got one for the 37 when I was there last week.

If you are a blue blood hot rodder and are in LA you must not miss this collection. I could die happy right now.

Talk again soon.

Peter