RPM Barona Drags, an offshoot of the ever-so-popular RPM Nationals Flathead Drags, the annual event was held at the Barona Drag Strip in San Diego County. RPM "You Asked For It" Drags, the event's official name, is open to cars 1940 and earlier with parts that are 1963 and earlier. Similar to RPM Nationals Flathead Drags with three new race classes.

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Barona Drag Strip's picturesque scenery and rich racing history make it an ideal location for vintage drag races. Racers from all over California and neighboring states participate in the event.

This year, Mike Scaplo and his son Dustin made the trip from Colorado to join in the festivities. It's heartening to see fathers and sons and mothers and daughters bonding over their passion for racing.

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It’s all about friends, family and hotrods

Races like RPM Nationals and RPM Barona Drags are not only family-friendly events. They also bring like-minded people together, fostering friendships that last a lifetime. Bob Baier and his long-time friend, who were both out at the drags with their garage built Model A hotrods.

They built the two Model A coupes in Bob's garage "shop" that they call Oak Flat Speed Shop. Bob has a 1931 Ford Coupe with a 291 Desoto Hemi; the other hotrod was a 1930 Ford Coupe with a 330 Desoto Hemi. Along with the two hotrods, Bob and a group of long-time club friends have built four vehicles and are now on their fifth car.

Weeks up to the event, RPM Nationals was posting the entries. One of the many cars that caught my attention was Brandon Vega's roadster. This car has lots of history; initially built by Jim Colbert, this car sat for over 50 years. Joe Buffardi brought the historic roadster back to life.

Brandon, the new caretaker of this historic car, was able to get the car together just in time for RPM Barona Drags. Brandon said he wanted to get the car on the strip to work out some of the bugs. Brandon will be taking the Roaster to RPM Nationals in September.

Despite having seen the 1931 Hemi Powered Ford Coupe owned by Tracy Ledford at various car shows and events in the past, it was a pleasant surprise to finally hear and see it in action at RPM Barona Drags.

Tracy finished building the car in 2002, just in time to take it to the Grand National Roadster Show. One of the car's unique features is its push-button automatic shifter tower, located in place of where a standard stick shift would be. I was glad to have the opportunity to see this car in action at RPM Barona Drags..

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RPM Barona Drags brought out some of our favorite racers from RPM Nationals, including Jay Dean from Nostalgia Ranch Hot Rod Shop and his Flathead T roadster. Nostalgia Ranch Hot Rod Shop had a strong showing, with three of their builds out on the track, two of which were class winners.

Jay's T Roadster took the top spot in the flathead class, and The Rum Runner, owned by Stefan Immke, was a first-time racer but took the win in the flathead full-race class. The Rum Runner looked great and was a blast to watch on the track and take a win.

Before the RPM Barona Drags on Saturday, Friday Night Street Legal Drags at the Barona Drag Strip provided an opportunity to watch both street legal drags and test and tune runs. Among the participants were a father and son team, Rob Plumb and his 16-year-old son Rob Plumb Jr. Despite his young age, Rob Jr. looked like he had been racing for many years. It was great to see the two working together on the track.

RPM Barona Drags a must-attend event for any car enthusiast. In addition to the drag races, the event offers a swap meet, car show, and various food options such as snack-bar and food trucks. And with the event being only a 20-30 min drive from San Diego, it's easily accessible for everyone. 

Don't miss RPM Barona Drags and the RPM Nationals in Atascadero; whether you're a spectator or a participant, you're guaranteed a great time.

Barona Drag Strip, 1750 Wildcat Canyon Rd, Lakeside, CA

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Check out some similar events

RPM Nationals - Antique Nationals - Eagle Field Drags