Motorsports Family Gathering

By Paul Hinkle | Contributed
@clovisparknpark

Racing families and hot rod/classic car families from the Central Valley and as far away as Northern California came together at the Clovis Park in the Park gathering for the Annual Clovis Legends of Motorsports Hall of Fame inductions on July 15. Legends are chosen by their history and contributions to racing and their ties to the Central Valley. The presentation takes place each year in July to honor them.

This Clovis Park in the Park event drew a large number of spectators that not only were there to see the array of cars on display, but also to be on hand for the inductions into the Hall of Fame. They started their afternoon looking at  hot rods and classic cars, then ventured to the Grove and admired the old vintage Kearney Bowl Race Cars. The inductions of the legends took place in the middle of the park in front of the four race cars owned and driven by those being honored. After every enjoyed the barbeque dinner, the ceremonies for Art Shanoian, his brother Johnny Shanoian and Everett Edlund began.

Art Shanoian’s son Doug, from Davenport, spoke for his dad and accepted his award. Doug drives the No. 17 Offy Midget that his dad owned and has won many races. Chad Nichols from San Jose, Art’s grandson, also had stories to share about his grandfather. Chad drives his own Shanoian Spl. Chevy II Midget. He is one of the top midget drivers in California.

Johnny Shanoian’s son John Paul spoke for his Dad and accepted the award. John owns Johnny’s Muffler Service in Fresno. JP is a top Vintage Midget and Modified Driver.

Everett Edlund was joined by his family and friends from Caruthers. Everett was very excited about receiving his award and was very honored to be accepted into the Clovis Legends of Motorsports.  He expressed that it is a highlight to his racing career. You could hear the emotion in his voice as spoke. Jim Perry from Caruthers, a longtime friend of the Edlund’s, had  great stories to share with everyone about Everett. Jim is the host of the Annual Jim Perry Vintage Racers Reunion and is the owner of six Vintage Race Cars.

If you missed the Clovis Legends of Motorsports Hall of Fame inductions this year, put July 21, 2018 on your calendar for next year’s event date.

On July 14, car enthusiast from around the valley gathered at the Dickey’s BBQ Pit at Herndon and Fowler in Clovis for the 8th Annual National Collector Car Appreciation Day event. On display was the Resolution (S. RES. 215) issued in the Senate of the United States designating July 14, 2017, as National Collector Car Appreciation Day. Everyone displayed the National Logo on their car and were proud to be a part of this national event.

Upcoming Events:

August 11: Dickey’s Hot Rod & Classic Car Gathering

August 19: Clovis Park in the Park

August 19-20: Feed the Bug Madera

August 20: Turlock Swap

August 25-27: Goodguys 31st West Coast Nationals Pleasanton

August 26: Wheels ‘N Windmills Car Show, Solvang

September 1-2: Golden State Classic Car Show, Paso Robles

September 3: Pinedorado Car Show, Cambria

If your club or organization is putting on a car show or motorsports event we are always looking for interesting cars, people and events to share. You can reach Paul Hinkle at clovisparkinthepark@gmail.com or call (559) 970-2274 or Eric Hinkle at ehinkle11@gmail.com.

Be sure to follow us on Twitter @clovisparknpark and on Instagram @clovisparkinthepark.

For more information on upcoming events, past events and articles, go to www.clovisparkinthepark.com.