Murrieta’s 52nd Father’s Day Car Show brings the best in classics, hot rods and customized vehicles to Cal Oaks Sports Park

Tony Ault Staff Writer

“There is no other place I would rather be,” one classic car driver on Father’s Day weekend said as he entered his tricked-out convertible into the 52nd Father’s Day Car Show at California Oaks Sports Park in Murrieta on June 17.

“We have preregistered about 300 pre-1980 cars and specialty vehicles with probably about another 50 not registered,” Laura D. Fasso, recreation supervisor for Murrieta’s Special Events, said. She said the city gives out 46 trophies for the best in a number of categories from best Dad’s Day cars to the Mayor’s Choice at the signature event.

“The top Best of Show trophy is in memory of the late Gil Losi, who started the car show with Radio Controlled cars. Next year the Best of Show tribute car will be pictured on T-shirts given out to the registered entrants,” Fasso said.

Hundreds of spectators walked through the field of cars oohing and ahhing at the many brightly colored, unique and powerful vehicles, especially one like Mark Goodacre’s Cummings high powered diesel truck and mounted rat mobile that boosted over a total of 1200 horsepower. In showing off his creations he could not help but talk about Murrieta’s and Temecula’s love for showing off cars and trucks rebuilt and modified for show and racing now and in the past.

Little Harper Berge, 2, speaks of her love of old and unusual cars by riding in her father’s T-bucket Rat Rod built from a Radio Flyer wagon at the event.

More that two dozen food, service club and merchandise vendors backed up the lines of cars while Candy-O, a Cars tribute band from Los Angeles, played Rock & Roll music echoing over the park.

Murrieta’s own police and fire and rescue vehicles flashed their red and blue lights for spectators to visit and know they were provided the best in public service in the community.

The event was one of the first Murrieta Recreation signature events with its spectacular Birthday Bash and Fourth of July Fireworks show.

Tony Ault can be reached at tault@reedermedia.com.