Fast Five with Steve “Big Hook” Gibbs
Longtime NHRA Official Steve Gibbs Named Grand Marshal of 20th NHRA California Hot Rod Reunion presented by Automobile Club of Southern California
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BAKERSFIELD, CA - Steve Gibbs has a busy next few weeks ahead of him. Along with planning one of largest nostalgia drag racing’s events on the West Coast and just returning from Bonneville and Indy, Gibbs will be honored as Grand Marshal at the 20th Annual NHRA California Hot Rod Reunion presented by Automobile Club of Southern California, Oct. 21-23, at Auto Club Famoso Raceway in McFarland, CA near Bakersfield. This year, the Reunion celebrates 20 amazing years, and who better to act as Grand Marshal than the man who played a major role in the creation of the first California Hot Rod Reunion back in 1992.
Steve took a moment in his busy schedule to talk with us about the past 19 Reunions and reminisce of his 30-plus NHRA career:
1. The California Hot Rod Reunion is celebrating 20 years, now, did you think it would come this far?
When we initiated the CHRR, we had no conception of where it was headed….but we’re still here after 20 years – so I guess it was a pretty good idea. Drag racing and hot rodding was such a big part of so many of us especially those of us who grew up in the 50’s and 60’s, and we were all reaching an age when we started looking back on shared times - the best times of our lives.
It has been a very rewarding event that has brought many friends back together, and continues to do so after 20 years. The event has grown, and changed, but I hope we always keep our focus on the original intent.
2. When did you get hooked into drag racing?
One of the first places I went to, when I got my first car in 1956, was to the original San Gabriel Drag Strip. I was intrigued by the cars, and the challenge. The sport was young, the rules were wide open, and so many new things were being tried. You didn’t know from one week to the next what might show up.
I didn’t have the money or skills to race, so I started working my way into the organizational part of drag racing and I have been fortunate enough to carve out a long career. Being a kid of the 50’s, I shared the love affair with cars that so many of us experienced. I’m not overjoyed with the fact that I’m now a 71 year old senior citizen, but I’m glad that I grew up when I did, and was able to experience this sport through so many exciting phases.
3. How has drag racing changed since you’ve started?
It has evolved tremendously, and is now a highly sophisticated professional motorsport. When I first got into the sport, everyone basically did their own creating and development and it led to some really unconventional cars. The development continues today, but it is much more refined and less visible. Also the sheer expense of competitive racing has taken the sport to a level that is beyond the reach of the general public. Also, in the past, there was a sense of unpredictability which has faded due to the domination of the elite teams. It’s just evolution and refinement, and not something unique to drag racing. We need to continue to find ways to attract the younger folks into drag racing, and perpetuate all that we collectively created.
4. What are some of your other memorable moments at the California Hot Rod Reunion? Tell Us about the Ring of Fire?
The “Ring of Fire” was a fun deal, and I would like see it done again someday. We definitely maximized the sounds, smell, and feel of power by having 50 cars…mostly nitro burners line up a huge circle, and fire their engines simultaneously. All of the cars had their drivelines disconnected for obvious safety reasons. To raise money for the museum, we sold 1320 tickets, at $13.20 each, to stand in the middle of the circle, and the fans are still talking about the “sensory overload”. Anyway, it was definitely something that was never done before…or since…and it generated some well needed funds for museum projects. There are many great memories from the past 19 reunions, including the introduction of Cacklefest…which has done so much to get legendary cars and racers re-involved. In the end however, I appreciate, and take pride, in what the reunions have done to pull old friends back together. It’s easy to get a little sentimental, as I recall so many old friends that have passed on, but I’m thankful for the chance we had to cross paths once again at the CHRR events. I certainly miss Wally Parks, and the never ending support he gave us.
5. What are your thoughts on the future of the Museum, the Reunions and nostalgic drag racing in general?
I am very encouraged on the future of the Museum. We have a great Board of Directors, and a dedicated staff, with a rich history to share. I cannot begin to tell you how much I appreciate the continued support of individual donors, the backing of NHRA, and Fairplex, and the concentrated efforts of Mr. Tom McKernan, and
The Automobile Club of Southern California, in supporting the goals of the museum. I think Wally would be proud of the progress that is being made.
As for the reunion, I am hopeful that enough of the younger folks share the same feelings about the sport, and continue to keep things going after we old timers fade away. There is a great deal of current interest in the more traditional…or nostalgic style of drag racing, and it is encouraging to see a lot of younger guys and gals getting involved. We have a great heritage to preserve.
Along with Gibbs, this year’s Honorees to be recognized for their contribution to drag racing’s history are Harry Hibler, Wayne King, John Peters, Dwight Salisbury, and George Santos.
The 20th annual California Hot Rod Reunion, presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California, Oct. 21-23, 2011 at Auto Club Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield, Calif., is a 3-day festival of speed, hot rods and American automotive enthusiasm.
