Not Just Another Car Show 

By Nancy Rodrigue

Lompoc, California.  Coastal mountains.  Flower fields.  Wine tasting.  Nitro methane fumes.  Wall murals.  Ocean breezes. 

Wait a minute.  Something doesn’t fit… Mountains – check.  Flowers – check.  Ahh. Nitro methane fumes and the screaming whine of a top fuel dragster revving out.  Not something normally heard in Lompoc, a quiet community of about 42,000.

But, October 21, 2006 wasn’t a normal day for Lompoc.  It was the day over 2000 local residents and visitors came for the Josh Heilbron Benefit Car and Cycle Show.   Ryon Park was filled with 125 classic cars, hot rods and motorcycles, a top fuel dragster, an alcohol dragster, and nostalgia funny cars - all in support of local resident, mechanic, car and bike enthusiast Josh Heilbron.  Josh, age 28, has been battling an aggressive cancer that spread throughout his body.  His friends, and most of the business community, came out to give support and raise money to help him in his battle.  The show sold over 1800 raffle tickets, 480 chicken dinners, and raised over $11,700 on Josh’s behalf. 

Ryon Park visitors got to examine up close and personal Choppers, Model A’s, T- Buckets, GTOs, T-Birds, Chevys, Woodies, Vickies, and Drag Boats.  Some entrants drove 175 miles from Los Alamitos in Southern California.  Others drove even further from Bakersfield in the Central Valley to be here. 

Ron Anzalone brought his 1923 T-Bucket Dragster, the “Tea Pot”, a straight 6 cylinder that does the quarter mile in 9.28 seconds.  Besides handing out pictures and autographs, Ron played a video of his latest runs at the 15^th Annual Hot Rod Reunion at Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield, California.  The Tea Pot was gleaming and ready for another show the very next day in Las Vegas.  As soon as the Lompoc event ended, Ron had to start out on this 400 mile trip.  Everyone was thrilled Ron could still come out and support Josh. 

Sean Bellemeur came with the Las Vegas Plaza Hotel & High Speed Motorsports AA/FD Top Fuel Dragster, meeting and greeting the public with his crew.  The highlight of the day came when the winner of the Hot Seat Raffle got to sit behind the wheel and then fire up the dragster – something just about unheard of in a small, local car show.  But it wasn’t ‘unheard’ for long.  After the smiling winner suited up in protective gear, the engine lit up.  As the decibel level rose, ears were plugged and eyes started streaming as the nitro fumes drifted over the crowd.  But not one person backed away.  The envious spectators cheered and clapped when he climbed out. 

Ron and Sean were asked why they would come to a little town like Lompoc with their nationally known cars.  Both men – and members of their teams – have had family or friends touched by cancer.  They didn’t even hesitate when they were invited.  They both said, “We’ll be there.  What do you need?”

There were 24 trophies awarded at the end of the show.  One of the trophy winners was Dale Adams of Santa Maria with his military-green 1923 Indian Scout motorcycle whose top speed is a screaming 43 mph.  Dale is seen at many of the local car shows dressed out in an old flight jacket and green half helmet.  When not riding around the show area, the one-cylinder Scout is propped up on its stand, drawing a lot of attention and praise.  

Another trophy winner, in the Custom/Handcrafted Cars category, was a viper blue 1967 427 S.C. Cobra owned by Harold Gumm of Lompoc.  That was probably the first of many awards the beautiful car will be winning in the years to come. 

In the days leading up to the show, there was worry that Josh might not be well enough to attend.  He had been admitted to the hospital to undergo more chemotherapy and radiation, and was just released the day before the show.  It was hoped that he would pick the winning raffle tickets, hand out the trophies, and be the first to sit behind the wheel of the dragster.  However, that didn’t happen.  He was a little too tired to do all of that, so Josh chose his step-mother to take his place in the Plaza Car.   While she was sorry Josh wasn’t up to it, she was delighted for the opportunity.  His 6-year old daughter Brianna helped with the raffle tickets.  

As he was being pushed around the park in his wheelchair, Josh was overwhelmed by the number of people who had come out in his support.  There weren’t many dry eyes when he tried to thank everyone around him for all they had done. 

The next day when Josh was speaking to one of the organizers of the event, he said, “Next year when we do the show for somebody else with cancer, I want to work with you guys.”

Yes, the money raised was wonderful, but the love, support and hope it gave Josh are the things that are important.   No one can make the hurt go away, but each of us can give support and encouragement.  Everyone was glad to be there.  That’s what it was all about.

25 - Trophy Awards
1 - Rocking Tiger ($70 value)
1 - Pet Carrier / Backpack ($70 value)
1 - Harley Davidson Bandanna ($10 value)
1 - Harley Davidson Can Cooler and Wrist Band ($20 value)
2 - Mainline Auto Body T-Shirts and 1- Baseball Cap ($50 value)
1- Hulk Skateboard ($10 value)
300 - Surprise Gifts for the Goodie Bags
 Donated by :

50's and 60's Music all day, and PA System
 Donated by :

1 - "Overhaulin" T-Shirt, autographed by Chip Foose  (value ???)
1 - "Overhaulin" Hat, autographed by Chip Foose  (value ???)
1 - die cast "Overhaulin" 1932 Ford Deuce, autographed by Chip Foose  (value ???)
Donated by Chip Foose at :

$300 Cash Donation
300 - Surprise Gifts for the Goodie Bags
Donated by :  

$300 Cash Donation
300 - Surprise Gifts for the Goodie Bags
Donated by :  

$300 Cash Donation
300 - Surprise Gifts for the Goodie Bags
Donated by :

$200 Cash Donation
Donated by :

$50 Cash Donation
Earl has a 1969 Nostalgia Dragster with a '55 Mercury Flathead
(unfortunately Earl cannot attend our event)
 Donated by :

1- Custom Paint Job Gift Certificate ($1,000 value)
Donated by :

300 - Mr. Horsepower Decals ($1.50 each)
300 - Surprise Gifts for the Goodie Bags
Donated by :

1 - Ladies ESQ Watch (by Movado) ($375 value)
 Donated by :  

1 - Custom  Route 66 Footstool & Pillow  ($250 value)
 Donated by :  

8 - Saletti's Restaurant Meal Certificates  ($30 each)
300 - Discount Certificates ($5 each)
 Donated by :

1 - Gift Basket containing 1-Long sleeve T-Shirt, 1-T-Shirt, Bandana, 1-Bungee net, 2-Shot Glasses, Candy, Moto Loco Decals and Tattoos, and a 1-Day Harley Rental Gift Certificate ($250 value)
300 - Surprise Gifts for the Goodie Bags
Donated by :

1 - Clarion DB165 CD Player and
pair of Rockford Fosgate P152 Speakers ($240 value)
 Donated by :

1 - set of 90's Music CD's ($125 value)
1 - Harley Davidson Hawaii Bandana ($15 value)
  1 - pair of Motorcycle Rain/Wind Chaps ($80 value)
  1 - set of 2 Harley Davidson Playing Cards ($25 value)
1 - Wood Jewelry Box ($25 each)
  1 - Photo Album for 200 4"x6" photos ($15 value)
 Donated by :

1 - Photo Sitting and 8x10 print  ($215 value)
 Donated by :

1 - Carpet Cleaning Gift Certificate ($200 value)
 Donated by :

1 - HD Flames Sweatshirt ($40 value)
  1 - Harley Care Starter Kit ($10 value)
  1 - HD Playing Cards ($10 value)
2 - HD of SM Baseball Caps ($15 each)
  2 - Camouflage Baseball Caps ($15 each)
 2 - Pink w/Rose Baseball Caps ($15 each)
 Donated by :

4 - 1 year Gift Subscriptions to The Rodder's Journal  ($40 each)
 Donated by :

1 - Model T Pedal Car  ($150 value)
 Donated by :

the Lompoc Police Department Car Show for Special Olympics
also generously donated use of 6 EZ-up Awnings and their Car Class Signs

1 - Custom Top Fuel Racing Piston Paper Towel Racks  ($150 value)
 Donated by :

1 - 70pc set of Ratchets, Sockets, and Wrenches  ($54 value)
1 - 7pc set of Reversible Ratcheting Combination Wrenches (65 value)
 Donated by :

6 - Toms Burger Gift Certificates  ($25 each)
 Donated by :

1 - Auto/SUV Window Tinting ($140 value)
 Donated by :

1 - Child's 16" Bicycle ($135 value)
300 - Surprise Gifts for the Goodie Bags
 Donated by :

5 - Wind Vest Gift Certificates  ($25 each)
300 - Surprise Gifts for the Goodie Bags
Donated by :

5 - Sushi Teri Restaurant Meal Gift Certificates ($25 each)
 Donated by :

5 - Signature series Edelbrock Baseball Caps ($20 each)
2 - Edelbrock T-Shirt Certificates ($20 each)
300 - Goodie Bags and Surprise Gifts for the Goodie Bags
Donated by :

8 - Meal Vouchers ($10 each)
2 - In-N-Out T-shirts ($15 each)
1 - In-N-Out License Plate Frame ($10 value)
 Donated by :

6 - Gasser Madness T-Shirts ($20 each)
Donated by :

1 - Sissy's Uptown Cafe Meal Certificate  ($100 value)
 Donated by :

1 - Sky Dive Santa Barbara 1/2 off Gift Certificate  ($100 value)
 Donated by :

1 - Leather Office Managers Chair ($70 value)
1 - roll of Raffle Tickets ($7 value)
100 - Spiral Binders and School Supplies ($400 value)
Donated by :

2 - Wheel Alignment Certificates  ($70 each)
 Donated by :

1-RockAuto.com T-Shirt ($15 value)
2- RockAuto Gift Certificates  ($25 each)
300 - Surprise Gifts for the Goodie Bags
Donated by :  

1 - Meguiar's Gold Class Car Cleaning Detailing Kit ($50 value)
Donated by :

1 - Flower Basket Certificate ($50 value)
 Donated by :

2 - Gift Certificates ($25 value)
300 - Surprise Gifts for the Goodie Bags
Donated by :

1 - Nostalgia Drag Video  ($24 value)
1 - Flowmaster T-shirt  ($15 value)
2 - Flowmaster License Plate Frames ($10 each)
Donated by :

1 - Lube/Oil/Filter Certificate ($45 value)
 Donated by :

1 - Flowmaster T-shirt  ($15 value)
2 - Flowmaster License Plate Frames ($10 each)
4 - Flowmaster Key Chains ($5 each)
300 - Surprise Gifts for the Goodie Bags
Donated by :

1 - Surf Connection Gift Certificate  ($40 value)
Donated by :

2 - Food Gift Certificates ($20 each)
 Donated by :

2 - Bucky Austin Racing T-Shirts ($20 each)
Donated by :

2 - S & S Racing Team T-Shirts ($20 each)
Donated by :

2 - Bad Manners Racing T-Shirts ($20 each)
Donated by :

1 - die cast Coker Tire / Michelin Tire vintage 1953 White Truck  ($35 value)
300 - Surprise Gifts for the Goodie Bags
Donated by :

1 - die cast Matchbox 1932 Ford CocaCola Truck  ($30 value)
1 - die cast Matchbox 1929 Harley-Davidson Truck  ($30 value)
1 - die cast Matchbox Budweiser Peterbuilt Truck  ($30 value)
Donated by :

1 - 70pc set of Crescent  ratchets, sockets, and wrenches ($54 value)
1 - 7pc set of Crescent ratcheting wrenches ($65 value)
Donated by :

1 - Snap-On blue point Paint Gun ($150 value)
1 - 3pc set of Snap-On Ratchets ($100 value)
1 - set of Snap-On Screwdrivers ($97 value)
1 - Snap-On 3.6v cordless screwdriver ($65 value)
1 - mini gravity feed Spray Gun ($45 value)
1 - Snap-On Cobra Clock ($65 value)
1 - Snap-On diecast Toolbox Bank ($75 value)
1 - Snap-On "Monopoly" Game ($50 value)
1 - Snap-On Checkers Game ($25 value)
1 - Snap-On Mug & Thermos ($35 value)
1 - Snap-On Pool Cue ($35 value)
1 - Snap-On Trucks novelty lights ($20 value)
1 - Snap-On Truck Lunch Box ($15 value)
10 - Snap-On Baseball Hats ($20 each)
1 - Snap-On Sandals ($25 value)
Donated by :

1 - ContiComfortKit - a spare tire replacement ($75 value)
Donated by :

1 - Dry Cleaning Gift Certificate ($30 value)
Donated by :

1 - Wardlow Kustom Masks  Tool Bag  ($30 value)
Donated by :

1 - Gift Certificate for 2 Large Pizzas  ($30 value)
 Donated by :

1 - "LIONS The Greatest Drag Strip" DVD  ($30 value)
Donated by :

1 - Whistle Stop Food or Drink Gift Certificate ($25 value)
 Donated by :

1- JoAnn's Candy & Cakes Gift Certificate (1/2 lb. Chocolates)
2- Ceramic Figurines ($15 value)
300 - Surprise Gifts for the Goodie Bags
Donated by :

1 - Jaspers or DJ's Drink Gift Certificate ($20 value)
 Donated by :

1 - Barb Hamilton-Advey Racing T-Shirt ($20 value)
Donated by :

1 - Sugar Magnolia's Cafe and Juice Bar Food Voucher  ($20 value)
 Donated by :

1 - PetCo Gift Card ($20 value)
Donated by :

4 - October 2006 issues of "Full Throttle News" Magazine featuring the "Tea Pot" Dragster ($5 each)
Donated by :

2 - Gift Certificates ($10 each)
Donated by :

1 - MSD Ignition T-Shirt ($15 value)
300 - Surprise Gifts for the Goodie Bags
Donated by :

300 - Surprise Gifts for the Goodie Bags
Donated by :

1-set of 4-15" Moon Wheel Disks ($135 value)
300 - Surprise Gifts for the Goodie Bags
Donated by :

3 - T-Shirts ($15 each)
Donated by :  

2- Live Tiger Plants ($15 each)
Donated by :

1 - Gift Certificate ($250 value)
 Donated by :

1 - Fiddlehead Fiddlesticks 2003 ($38 value)
 Donated by :

2 - Gift Baskets of Wine, Chocolate, Crackers, Cheese ($60 value)
 Donated by :