The 3rd annual Winter Rod and Speed Show will take place from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23, at the Linn County Expo Center in Albany, Ore.
 
Proceeds from the event will benefit 14-year-old Cherokee Pizano, a Salem, Ore., resident who suffers from osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer. Pizano is undergoing treatment at Doernbecher Children's Hospital in Portland while her mother, Stacy, struggles to make ends meet. The two are without transportation or a home of their own.
 
The show is expected to be the biggest and best yet, featuring original cars from the classic film American Graffiti, the rare and coveted Judge GTO, and the ultra-cool Veney's Vega Funny Car. Other highlights will include the debut of the Ashwell Racing Mustang Funny Car and a variety of muscle cars, street rods, custom trucks, and classic vehicles on display.
 
Celebrity autograph sessions with Laura Morrett of the CBS television program Survivor and legendary nitro racer "240 Gordie" Bonin also are scheduled, and the first 100 children to arrive will receive a free Hot Wheels diecast courtesy of Mr. Models. Model-car exhibitors will receive half-off admission and are invited to enter a contest on the day of the event. Well-known collector and expert of the craft Ed January will be accessible during the day.
 
Cars and vendors are still needed for the show, and donations of racing memorabilia and other items for the raffle and silent auction are requested. To donate items and potentially make a major impact in the life of Pizano and her mother, contact Rich Bailey, 971-388-5998. Those wishing to display a vehicle may download an application at www.capracing.com.
 
Spectator admission is $7, and children 10 and under will be admitted free. Discount coupons will be available at local area merchants beginning Dec. 1. Additional information and updates regarding the Winter Rod and Speed Show can be found at www.capracing.com or via e-mail by contacting Jim Rockstad, Rockstad@aol.com.