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The 1st Annual Chet Herbert Memorial Car Show
Sometimes it takes a loss to truly remember what we had.
Hosted by Chet’s son, Doug, the show was a combination car show and memorial for a man who changed the face of drag and automobile racing. It was Herbert, who passed away in April of this year, who designed the first roller cam, and was among the first to add nitromethane to fuel. During the heyday of the 1950s drag racing scene in Southern California, Herbert built a Harley drag bike nicknamed “The Beast,” which ran 121 mph at one of the first races, held in Santa Ana, Calif. Herbert quickly turned his attention to cars, and built everything from dragsters to land speed-record cars. He was also one of the first to establish a successful speed shop when he opened its doors in 1950.
This year’s event was a grand reopening of Chet Herbert 175 Racing Cams & Performance Parts. Doug, who owns Herbert Performance in Lincolnton, NC, took over the operations of Chet's business after his death, and acted as master of ceremonies for the day’s event.
Eventful it was, as hot rods, vintage drag cars, a DeLorean — or three — and Cacklefest Top Fuel cars from the 1960s firing up on nitromethane for the crowd crammed the parking lot of the Herbert shop. Hundreds of people showed up for chances to win prizes, and attendees were able to bid on the opportunity to sit in the 2,500hp dragster while it was running. The Shubert/Herbert Dragster was there to fire for the crowd. Zane and Chet were partners on this car, and it was "The World's Fastest Chevy" Top Fuel dragster in 1965. The timeless Linda Vaughan, Miss Hurst Golden Shifter, was on hand to greet guests and sign autographs.
The proceeds went to B.R.A.K.E.S (Be Responsible And Keep Everyone Safe), a foundation that promotes safe teenage driving programs. B.RA.K.E.S was founded in 2008 after Jon and James Herbert — Doug’s sons and Chet’s grandsons — were killed in a car accident. For more information, go to the www.putonthebrakes.com.
Though this was the first annual show, it was a success in many ways. It was a great way to spend the day; a good cause was infused with a little cash; and it gave all a chance to remember a founding member of our pastime. We’ll definitely be back next year.
Winners List:
Best of Show: Jim Bartlebaugh - ’41 Ford Convertible
Best Drag Car: Bob Hirsett
Best Hot Rod: Gary Kyes - ’32 Ford Roadster
Best Truck: Wes Ballerdick – ’55 Chevy
Rarest Car: Bob Garner
