14
Jan
2025 MOONEYES Christmas Party “Show & Drag” at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip
For about 20 years until last year, we held the MOONEYES Christmas Party Show & Drag at Irwindale Raceway. With Irwindale Raceway closing at the end of 2024, the question for 2025 was: Bakersfield? Barona? Or Pomona?
For about 20 years until last year, we held the MOONEYES Christmas Party Show & Drag at Irwindale Raceway. With Irwindale Raceway closing at the end of 2024, the question for 2025 was: Bakersfield? Barona? Or Pomona? In Southern California, there are only these three dragstrips remaining. Both Bakersfield and Barona are about a 2 hour drive from the LA area, which made them somewhat difficult choices. That left Pomona — a place where we could host both a drag race and a car show, close to the city. However, the scale of the venue was much larger than what we usually handle, and with the drag race being run under NHRA management, whats the $$$$ that was a significant hurdle. Everyone knew it would be a challenge, but in reality, Pomona was the only option. So, we made the risky decision to hold the event there. Even when we said, “Let’s do it!” we knew we were on the edge, with various concerns swirling in our minds. After Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show 2025 on December 7 was safely finished, we turned our attention to December 20 in Pomona, California!
At this time of year, mornings in SoCal are often foggy, and we were worried about the visibility on show day. Sure enough, at 4 am, “FOG”! When the staff gathered, there was thick fog covering the entire venue. Even when the gates opened at 5 am, the fog wasn’t cleared, and it wasn’t until around 9 am that the sky finally cleared. Once the fog disappeared, the sun came out and it turned into a perfect Southern California blue sky day, with temperatures steadily rising—it was a perfect Show day.
Under these circumstances, the delayed drag races finally began. My 1969 Camaro and emi’s 1972 Sprightly Fairy Vega ran side by side as the Opening 1st pair, kicking off the event. Starting in the same style as I do in Japan, I suddenly saw the sky and surprised how grippy the track surface was—it even gave me a sore neck.
With around 200 race car entries, the races were run efficiently by NHRA, keeping the event moving quickly. There was no Lunch Break, and cars kept running for about 6 straight hours! It was impressive to see so many racers smiling and enjoying the race, even after running multiple times.
Meanwhile, the car show gathered approximately 1,400 cars, each participant enjoying the day in their own way—this is the style of the MOONEYES Christmas Party. It’s such a relaxed event, where people naturally start to leave when the time comes. But a day under the blue skies and palm trees of Southern California like this offers a unique, friendly experience you can’t find anywhere else.
And what about 2026?
At this point, we honestly have no idea.
But if we can make it happen… that would be GQQD!
It actually suits it better here.