Thu, 15 Dec 2005, 12:33 PM John Force Holiday Car Show Donates 10,000 Toys to CHP Program

Courtesy of Dave Densmore

YORBA LINDA, Calif. -- Played out in near perfect weather conditions, a contrast to the two previous years, the 2006 John Force Holiday Car Show benefiting the California Highway Patrol's "ChiP's for Kids" toy drive was the most successful in history.

Featuring more than 780 show cars, trucks, boats and motorcycles, the one-day event attracted more than 18,000 participants and fans who, according to event coordinator Craig Hoelzel, donated 10,709 toys to "ChiP's for Kids."

A measure of the success of the event was the fact that a two-hour autograph session featuring 13-time NHRA POWERade champion John Force stretched to four hours to accommodate all of those in attendance.

In addition to Force, driver of the national record-holding Castrol GTX Start Up Ford Mustang, the autograph session included Eric Medlen, driver of the Castrol SYNTEC Ford; Ashley Force, driver of the Castrol/Hot Wheels Top Alcohol dragster; Robert Hight, driver of the Team Castrol/Automobile Club of Southern California Ford; Brandon Bernstein, driver of the Budweiser Top Fuel dragster; as well as Force's youngest daughters, Brittany and Courtney, who this year will drive Super Comp dragsters sponsored by Brand Source.

Among the other celebrity guests were legendary racer and designer Carroll Shelby, automotive designer Chip Foose from the OVERHAULIN' television show and personalities from the nationally-syndicated Speed Freaks radio and television show.

"I want to thank all the car owners and all the fans who turned out for our show," Force said. "It was great. I couldn't believe the pile of toys. It's such a great cause, working with the CHP, and I'm just glad we finally got some good weather.

"To have Carroll Shelby stop by, even for a minute, was special. He really is a legend and since he's so closely tied to the Ford Mustang GT, we get to talk a little shop. I can't wait for next year's show."

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