The Automobile Club of Southern California has signed an agreement to be the presenting sponsor of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum in Pomona, Calif., according to museum officials.
The Auto Club sponsorship includes a specially designated Automobile Club of Southern California area inside the Museum that will feature a permanent display of historic racing memorabilia. As part of the deal, the Auto Club will also remain presenting sponsor of the annual NHRA California Hot Rod Reunion in Bakersfield.
"The sponsorship with the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum continues the Auto Club's longtime involvement in NHRA and drag racing," said Tom Compton, president, NHRA. "We are excited about extending our partnership with the Auto Club which includes the Museum, the Automobile Club of Southern California Finals in November and its major sponsorship of John Force Racing."
"Southern California motorists and the Auto Club have grown up together," said Thomas V. McKernan Jr., President and CEO of the Auto Club. "This region's development has been influenced significantly by the automobile. From drive-in restaurants to auto racing, America's car culture has flourished here. The Auto Club is proud of its involvement in the history of motorsports in Southern California and looks forward to sharing that history with museum goers."
"For years my dream has been to preserve and interpret the wonderful racing history of Southern California and its impact on American motorsports," said Wally Parks, founder of the NHRA and chairman of the NHRA Museum. "This museum and its programs are a culmination of that dream. I am grateful to the Automobile Club of Southern California for its generous support and feel the two organizations make perfect partners."
Added McKernan: "The Auto Club has had connections to motorsports since 1903 when we sanctioned and sponsored local races. By supporting the exhibits and programs of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum we have an opportunity to tell an exciting and interesting story about racing and vehicle development that has had such an important influence on American culture."
Named for the founder of the National Hot Rod Association, the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California, houses the very roots of hot rodding. Scores of famous vehicles spanning American motorsports history are on display, including winning cars representing 50 years of drag racing, dry lakes and salt-flat racers, oval track challengers and exhibits describing their colorful backgrounds.
The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California, is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., PST. Current NHRA members are admitted free.
Discounted admission for Auto Club members will be $3 for adults, $2 for seniors (age 60 and older) and $2 for juniors (age six through 15). An Auto Club member and up to four guests per membership card are eligible for this special rate.
Museum admission for the general public is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors (age 60 and older), $3 for juniors (age six through 15) and free for children under the age of five.
The Museum is also available for private parties, meetings, corporate events, weddings and special group tours.
The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California, is located at Fairplex Gate 1, 1101 W. McKinley Ave. in Pomona. For further information on special exhibits, museum events or directions, call 909/622-2133 or visit http://museum.nhra.com.