Motorsport's Great Eight Honored Here in Los Angeles
An LA motorsports milestone
This evening of honor will be one that recognizes eight of the sport’s greatest and their indelible contributions to it.
By Doug Stokes
Mon, Apr 22, 2024 06:56 AM PST
When the Lions Automobilia Foundation and Museum (in LA-adjacent Rancho Dominguez) recently decided to add some worthy names to its Hall of Fame they did it with a flair and a flight of eight indelible names that speak in ALL CAPS about motorsports.
This evening of honor will be one that honors eight of the sport’s greatest and their indelible contributions to it.
They are (listed alphabetically): JC Agajanian, Jack Chrisman, Steve Gibbs, Dan Gurney, Parnelli Jones, Wally Parks, Carroll Shelby, andBill Stroppe. For me, thinking about motorsports without even just one of these men doesn't make any sense and together they represent an utterly amazing look at the history of the sport.
This will be a great gathering, sure to be a sellout. The full event release and ordering information follows below … get your tickets now (but save one for me).
The Official Press Release
Please plan to join the Lions Automobilia Foundation Board of Directors and founder Rick Lorenzen as they introduce the third annual class of Lions Automobilia Foundation Hall of Fame inductees on Thursday, November 14, 2024. The Hall of Fame awards dinner and silent auction fundraiser at the Lions Automobilia Foundation in Rancho Dominguez, California will honor the following eight individuals who have made a major impact on motorsports: JC Agajanian, Jack Chrisman, Steve Gibbs, Dan Gurney, Parnelli Jones, Wally Parks, Carroll Shelby, and Bill Stroppe..
The evening will include a delicious sit-down dinner along with a presentation to each of the recipients by the emcee, NHRA Funny Car driver, Jack Beckman. The silent auction will include a variety of unique and highly desirable items with proceeds benefiting the Lions Automobilia Foundation Youth Engagement and Career Path programs.
These programs are designed to engage students and young adults by showcasing the history of motorsports and Southern California car culture along with hands-on workshops held at Lions Automobilia Foundation.
Guests will be able to enjoy the Lions Automobilia Foundation Museum, from the eclectic collection of vintage race cars, muscle cars and hot rods to the city streets within the museum walls and the re-creation of the Lions Drag Strip. The evening begins with a cocktail mixer in the Long Beach Grand Prix Paddock Club followed by dinner and presentation of the Legends of Lions Award Ceremony.
Go to the Lions Automobilia Foundation website or click here to buy your tickets.
About The Author
Doug has a long and wide-ranging history in the motoring business. He served five years as the Executive Director of the International Kart Federation, and was the PR guy for the Mickey Thompson's Off-Road Championship Gran Prix. He worked racing PR for both Honda and Suzuki and was a senior PR person on the first Los Angeles (Vintage) Grand Prix. He was also the first PR Manager for Perris Auto Speedway, and spent over 20 years as the VP of Communications at Irwindale Speedway. Stokes is the recipient of the American Autowriters and Broadcaster’s 2005 Chapman Award for Excellence in Public Relations and was honored in 2015 by the Motor Press Guild with their Dean Batchelor Lifetime Achievement Award. “… I’ve also been reviewing automobiles and books for over 20 years, and really enjoy my LA Car assignments.” he added.
