The anticipation on social media grew as the RPM Barona Drags event prepared for another exciting Drag Race.

Justin Baas and Russ Hare, the founders of RPM Nationals, are the guiding influence behind RPM Barona Drags. Held at the historic Barona Drag Strip, this yearly event is becoming a mainstay in vintage drag racing.

Transforming the drag strip into a time capsule of automotive history. Bringing back the golden era of drag racing in California.

The racing experience at RPM Barona Drags is a blast for both participants and spectators. It echoes the spirit of RPM Nationals but with an added rush of three new race classes for the faster cars on the NHRA drag strip.

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The Barona Drag Strip becomes a stage where stories unfold, stories of passion, camaraderie, and a shared love for hotrods. While the machines are the focus, it's the people who make the event come alive.

The driving force behind RPM Barona Drags is the spirit of friendship, family and community. Just as enthusiasts meticulously built their engines, they also build strong relationships, as Mike Scaplo and his son Dustin. Last year at RPM Barona Drags, Mike and Dustin raced the Roadster they had built together. This year, they returned with Dustin building, racing and winning in his own roadster.

Brian and Samantha made the long haul from Arizona to California in their hotrods to race at RPM Barona Drags. Brian in his trusty Model A Roadster, Samantha in her Chevy Coupe. Their track rivalry was a highlight of RPM Barona Drags, and watching them go head-to-head was a blast.

The living legend of the custom car culture, Gene Winfield, graced the drag strip with his presence. With a career spanning decades, his iconic creations have pushed the boundaries of design and innovation. Winfield’s appearance at RPM Barona Drags is a testament to the event’s status. In an extraordinary moment, Winfield, a true pioneer, sped down the drag strip, reminding us all that his passion for speed and style is as vibrant as ever. His visit was a nod to the past and an inspiration for the future of the custom car culture. Check out Gene Winfield’s get together.

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The view of the drag strip is phenomenal, reminiscent of the early days of drag racing in California. Southern California has a rich drag racing history, with its organized roots tracing back to dry lake bed racing like the El Mirage Dry Lake Bed. Evolving to organized drags at Santa Ana Drags in the early 50s.

Events such as the RPM Barona Drags and RPM Nationals play a crucial role in preserving and promoting this drag racing heritage.

Attending RPM Barona Drags not only provides an exciting experience of drag racing, but also access to the pits. This allows you to get up close to the cars, providing an opportunity to engage with the owners and builders.

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Besides RPM Barona Drags, the 1/8th mile drag strip hosts a variety of other drag racing events. One such highlight is the Friday Night Street Legal Drags. Which was an exciting bonus while attending RPM Barona Drags that was happening on Saturday.

We got to see a variety of cars, trucks, motorcycles, and even a V8-powered VW Bus during the Friday Night Drags. Adding to fun as of some RPM racers out on the track, making it a dynamic weekend at the drag strip.

But the excitement doesn’t end there. Be sure to explore the swap meet and car show to discover some of the best classic cars in SOCAL and hidden gems at the swap meet. And head the snack bar for a bite to eat and an ice-cold beverage when hunger strikes.

RPM Barona Drags, held at the historic Barona Drag Strip, just a short distance from San Diego, is an event you won’t want to miss.

For RPM Barona event prints click here

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