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Vic Edelbrock has recently lent an exhibit of racing and personal cars, along with racing memorabilia, to the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, in Pomona, California. Vic�s father began making parts for cars back in the 1930�s, and dabbled in racing as well. Named after his father, the junior Vic went to work in the family business and went with his father to the races. Today, the Edelbrock Corporation is listed on NASDAQ as a public corporation and is based in Torrance, California. Two large buildings house the manufacturing and shipping operations of this well known and respected company, while a third building in Riverside County contains the foundry. Vic could have shipped much of the operation overseas to save money, but the family tradition has been to maintain quality auto racing parts and engines, and that cannot be guaranteed unless the plants are local. I�ve watched Vic tour his facilities with guests, and he takes a concerned and hands on approach to everything that is produced in his buildings. Vic Sr began racing cars on the dry lakes of Southern California in the 1930�s, and like many young men of that era, he built parts for his cars, selling some to other racers to be able to afford to go racing. World War II demanded an end to auto racing but a huge need for war parts and the Edelbrocks produced parts needed in the war effort. After the War they went back to racing and many of the cars in the exhibit are the actual cars that they ran in those days. Of special interest is the #27 Midget raced by the likes of Eddie Haddad, Perry Grimm and Rodger Ward. Edelbrock is a great story teller. Memories of the past when he and his father went racing just flow from him. He doesn�t mince words and his honesty and sincerity shine forth. Human failings only bring out the zest for life to him. Successes are legendary with this family. Alex Xydias and Wally Parks were on hand to lend support to this fabulous collection of famous cars, including the Belly Tank car that Alex and his team, with Edelbrock support, raced to many records at the Bonneville Salt Flats. Vic showed the restored Woody Wagon that towed the #27 Midget. Wherever the Midget went, there was the Woody. Two engines were on display. One engine went into a boat that set several records at Marine Stadium in Long Beach, California, during the final days of his father�s life. The senior Edelbrock was too weak to get out of the back of his truck bed, but he watched as his engine produced an unheard of 435hp for the times. Edelbrock�s famous dry lakes roadster, and all around street car, is also on display. Famous for its performance on the dry lakes setting many records, this car was sold to a man who redesigned it and won the Grand National Roadster Show�s top award. Repurchased, the roadster was torn apart and rebuilt to look exactly like it did when Vic Sr drove it back in the 30�s. Also on display was the drag racing car which was used to test many of the innovative designs and performance enhancing equipment designed and built by Edelbrock and the company engineers. The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum is located at 1101 W. McKinley Avenue, Pomona, California, on the grounds of the Los Angeles County Fairplex. The exhibit runs through February. For more details see www.nhra.com/museum or call 909-622-2133.
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