Yorba Linda – Twelve SCC Members attended the John Force Car Show at the John Force Race Station in Yorba Linda, California on December 6th, 2009. The show partnered with the CHiPS for Kids charity which provides toys for children during the  Christmas holidays. A total of 950 car entries were lined up in and around the surrounding streets of John Force’s Race Station. A donation of fifteen children’s bicycles was given by SCC Members to the CHiPS for Kids charity.

As 6:30 a.m. shown on the car’s clock, I pulled into the parking lot at Allied Signal Corporation to find Kevin waiting there already. It’s been something that has made me smirk all year; having someone be earlier than I when we have met for a car event. Usually I’m earlier than anyone by a long shot. Kevin drives in from really far away as well. He is the Challenger driver that never sleeps, the owl of SCC. Soon after I arrived other members began pulling into the lot and lining up in adjacent spaces. As these members began pulling in I kept watching the time as I was anxious to get our members into the show. I was also freezing my butt off so that gave me extra vigilance. It was cold, damn cold. The forecast was that a storm was coming in later that day. At that moment it was fairly clear and cold, but the wind was picking up and clouds were way off in the horizon. Go time was 7:30 a.m. We were still missing a few people, but it was time to go. We had an appearance to make! I promptly drove my car over the edge of a concrete island on my way out of the parking lot. I guess it just wasn’t too early for me to make an ass out of myself. Was I channeling Mickey Thompson? Luckily there was no damage done and I had gotten the “making an ass of myself” part of the day over with.

As I turned the group into the Kaiser Permanente parking lot where we were to be pre-staged, A volunteer got on his walkie-talkie and stated, ”Ron, we just had a whole lot of Challengers pull in” ”A whole lot of ‘em”. Pulling into car shows in formation makes such an impact on people. It’s a very powerful visual. It’s why we do it. It makes a definite impression. The gal at the check-in line thanked me for having our group already have their placards taped to their windshields. She said it made her job a lot easier and we got waved in much faster. We were able to park very close to the Race Station where it ended up being a great spot for people to see our cars. We were right at the intersection of the two busiest streets. Once we were parked, we shined ‘em up and got ready for showtime. The best part was yet to come.

Richard had been at this show in year’s past and had given children’s bicycles to the CHiPS for Kids charity. It’s something the charity has a real need for, but gets very few of. Of course they are grateful for all the toys they receive, but they have a high demand for bicycles. Richard had proposed that we all try to bring a children’s bicycle to the event to donate. Of course we all brought one. Some of us brought two for good measure. He also proposed that we make a group presentation to the charity. Great idea. About 10:15 or so, we all lined up with our bikes, took a few photos, and headed up to the booth. I had Richard lead us up there. This was his baby. It was only right that he would lead us up there. As we started walking up there people starting making comments. “Look at all the bikes!”, “How cool of you guys to do that!” People started clapping. That feeling, I tell you, was better than any pile of trophies we’ve ever gotten or will get. Richard had the speech down, ”On behalf of SOCAL Challengers we’ve brought fifteen bikes for you today”. They were floored. They had no bikes donated whatsoever until we got there. They didn’t have any more bikes donated after us either. John Force thanked us in his speech at the awards ceremony. His wife also thanked us at the end of the show. It was an amazing moment I will never forget. Although we received no material awards that day, we all took a gift home from that show…All of us.

People clamored over our cars throughout the day. It was probably the largest crowds we’d ever seen at a show, even more than Cruisin’ for a Cure. Just a sea of people….All day long. It took our minds off the bitter cold and wind. The rain missed us that day. Try again Mr. rain man, try again.

I want to thank John Force Racing for putting on by far the most well-run show we’ve been at this year. This is an invitation-only show and we’re glad you invited us. I also wanted to thank Richard for the bike and group presentation idea. That was an incredible experience. Next year, more cars……and more bikes!!!