Central Valley Motorsports

September 23rd 2014
By Paul Hinkle
Hot August Daze
 
   On Friday August 15th, for the eleventh consecutive year, hot rodders from all over the central valley converged onto the Clovis Elks Lodge for a cruise followed by a steak dinner and a Karaoke 50’s dance dinner. Early on Saturday morning they returned to get their favorite parking spot for the Hot August Daze Charity Car and Bike Show. By 8:00 am Woodworth Ave. and the parking lot beside the Elks Lodge were filled with a wide variety of rods.  The Elks Lodge also prepared a great breakfast and lunch for those that chose to eat at the event. Several local merchants donated prizes for the raffle that continued throughout the day. At the end of the day everyone gathered for the awards presentation hoping that they would be announced as one of the winners.

Event Winners:


1929 and under – Michael Claiborne 1923 Ford T-Bucket, 1930 to 1949 – Gary Graham 1949 Chevy Convertible, 1950 to 1963 (Classic) – Pam & Joe Delgado 1956 Chevy Nomad, 1964 to 1979 (Muscle Car) – David Valla 1966 Pontiac GTO, 1980 and Above – Bob Vaughau 2008 Ford Mustang, Motorcycle – James Bodine 1998 Bumble Bee, Kids Choice – James Bodine 1972 Chevy Chevelle, Peoples Choice – Jerry & Patty Privett 1955 Chevy Bel Air, Best of Show – Bob Ulsh 1937 Ford Roadster.

     After the awards presentation several of the hot rodders finished off their day at the Clovis Park in the Park gathering at Treasure Ingmire Park. They were joined by hot rodders from other events that wanted to keep the fun rolling into the evening. The park started filling with cars around 4:00 pm.

To everyone’s surprise Blackie Gejeian showed up in his unbelievable Corvette, a beautiful custom. It has been a few years since Blackie had this Corvette out for public viewing, what a remarkable car. It was great to see car clubs participating in this event; the San Joaquin Mopar Club, Central Valley Mustang Club and VW club were there in full force. One of the most unique cars to be displayed was the 1954 Ute brought by Glenn and Tammi Walton. Hot dogs and hamburgers were provided and many of the rodders brought their favorite potluck dish to share with everyone. The cool evening air and great atmosphere was so enjoyable that many people stayed late into the evening. This event was made possible by donations from the Clovis and Fresno O’Reilly Auto Parts, Goodguys Tires &Auto Repairs and OpenMortgage. The last Clovis Park in the Park for the year will be held September 20th. Please visit clovisparkinthepark.com to view photos from the event and many others from around the valley.

   If your club or organization is putting on a car show or motorsports event, please send your information to [email protected] or call me at (559) 970-2274. I’m always looking for interesting cars, people and events to share.