BILLETPROOF FLORIDA

A Sunny Event in the South Hosted by “e American Father of Drag Racing”

A Sunny Event in the South Hosted by “The American Father of Drag Racing”

MORE THAN LIKELY, you’re familiar with Billetproof hot rod and classic street rod truck shows. If not, let us introduce you to these fun, rockabilly-style family events. They have been around for a while—so if you haven’t been to one, plan to, because they’re something that’ll make you fall in love with the unique culture they bring.

Billetproof events are held all over the country, which makes it possible to potentially find one in your area. Lucky for us, this most recent show just happened to be right in our backyard at the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, Florida—and he himself was there. Yes, that’s right. The world famous “Big Daddy” Don Garlits. As if I need to even tell you about his legacy, but for those who don’t know, Big Daddy is known worldwide for his accomplishments in drag racing, bringing with him numerous records and hall of fame inductions. (See Sidebar for more info on this great racing legend.)

The Don Garlits Museum was originally opened in 1976

to chronicle the history of the sport of drag racing. Some 90-plus race cars can be seen in the drag race building and an additional 50 are in the antique car building. Many of the Garlits “Swamp Rat” cars are here as well, but as it turns out, he’s a bit of a pack rat with an accumulation of cars and memorabilia from other top names in the sport. The iconic cars of Dean Moon, the Mooneyes gas dragster and the Moonbeam sports car are on display, which is exciting for any true racing fan. The museum is also home to the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame with inductees that include Art Arfons, Sydney Allard, Zora Arkus-duntov, Ray Godman, Raymond Beadle, Shirley Muldowney, Kenny Bernstein and Don Schumacher.

Now let’s get back to the show. In 1997, Billetproof put on its first ever event in Albany, California, with around 27 vehicles and about 100 guests. Over the years, this event has clearly grown its attendees and supporters in a big way. The huge turnout in custom rides along with a solid number of spectators make it obvious that they’re on the right path to success.

We spent the day admiring the creativity of these custom vehicles, watching live bands perform on stage and the keeping an eye on all the decked out pinup girls walking around the event. From ’60s hair styles, red lips and even sun umbrellas, these ladies go all out on dressing up and definitely pull off the look. While the men have their own trophies to strive for, the ladies get a very own pinup category of their own—with the winner named Miss Billetproof.

While most shows don’t have many restrictions on the type of vehicle that enters, this event is a little different. The rules allow only 1964 and earlier traditional-style rods and customs to register and show. There seems to be a few that slip in under the radar, but there’s always a few rebels anywhere you go, right?

We have to admit, this was one of the most laid-back and enjoyable events we’ve been through in a long time. Sometimes you just need a different vibe to your event atmosphere, and these guys definitely bring something unique. Check them out online, and we hope to see you at the next event.